Over the last few years, blogger access to the Pittsburgh Pirates was non-existent for the most part. They would answer a question here and there and even consider special projects, but rarely do interviews even though a few folks had promised they would get more involved.

Since the new regime took over in November, communication doors have sprung wide open. What is even more amazing about that is, this group has worked non-stop since November implementing a new system and yet they have still taken the time to answer questions or do interviews.

It’s refreshing, especially considering a majority of the franchise is owned by old-school newspaper men.

The winner is you - the fan. You get a little more information on their goals, principles, and philosophies, a little more peek inside the inner workings of the front office, and bit more of an opportunity to get to know the personalities of those in charge.

To that end, Pittsburgh Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark took the time to answer the following questions for Bucco Blog readers:

1.  Hard pitch count limits. What are the hard pitch count limits (per inning, per game, season vs career) being implemented this year, and how far up the ladder will they be enforced?

Hard pitch count limits are being implemented throughout the system from Rookie ball up through 3A.  We have limits by inning, by game, and will monitor pitch counts per season. 

Obviously, pitch counts are a proxy for health as the perfect scenario would involve biomechanical analysis to detect delivery differences and strength tests for weaknesses coupled with our pitching coaches’ evaluations.  However, we do feel like the use of pitch counts will help us better ensure the long-term health of our pitchers. 

That being said, we also want to challenge guys to pitch deeply into games (by pitching efficiently) and find out which pitchers can really handle a heavier workload rather than just guessing based on body types, size, and effort levels.  Workloads will be managed and monitored from innings to pitch counts to side sessions to throwing program to number of times getting hot in the pen to …

2.  ASMI’s role. What exactly will ASMI’s role be as consultants to the Pirates? And, have you sent anyone to the lab for biomechanical evaluation?  If not, is there any plan to utilize the lab in the future?

We have not sent anyone to ASMI yet.  I have been in contact with Dr. Fleisig at ASMI and would have interest in taking some pitchers there for analysis so that our staff can get comfortable with their process and perhaps start a baseline on some of these guys in terms of their mechanics. 

Biomechanical analysis is another tool and provides additional information as we try to make the best decisions possible. It is not an answer, but can give us additional information.

3.  Tandem rotations. What are your thoughts on the value of a tandem rotation scheme? If you feel it has potential value, will we see it put to use this year anywhere?

Tandem rotations allow organizations to possibly develop multiple pitchers as starters.  Our philosophy of starting our best arms at the lower levels is primarily for pitcher and pitch development (innings, consistent routine, consistent side work, etc.).  Therefore, the ability to do that with more than 5 guys is why the tandem rotations are appealing.  Also, it allows you to give significant work to someone who you might have durability concerns about starting. 

We will use a system that accomplishes those things, but it might not be a true tandem rotation.  Our priority bullpen system allows certain guys to pitch more innings (more innings usually leads to greater pitch development because you have to use more weapons), develop a routine, and get some consistent side work that doesn’t happen in a typical bullpen. 

The reality is that our bullpens in the minor leagues are still meant to develop pitchers, NOT maximize the ability of winning a game on a given night.

4.  Assigning roles. Moskos saw his plan change to a starter. Was this a future value or a tools shift?

See the above comments in relation to Moskos.  The move to the rotation is purely with the long-term development of the pitcher in mind, NOT a long-term role determination. 

5. Field staffs. Do you anticipate rotating field staff over the years in the system?

Who goes where in terms of field staffs can be an ever-changing dynamic. 

There are plusses and minuses on both sides … keep staff members with a group of players so that their success can be continued vs. changing things up to continue to challenge the players in their development.  We also have to balance the individual staff members’ strengths and weaknesses, as well as his long-term goals. 

The reality is that we are a better organization if everyone focuses on the player reaching his potential and developing as a professional first and foremost as the other things will take care of themselves.  If that is the case and we do our job in ensuring a consistent message regardless of who is delivering it, then there is more flexibility with what we can do with staffs.

6. Shelby Ford, Charles Benoit, Steven Lerud, and Todd Redmond. Will you break down these players and talk about their projectability (note: Redmond has since been traded).

I’m hesitant to break down players for you as honesty leads to credibility, but also potentially devalues players.  I can say that there are certainly things to get excited about on Ford, Benoit, and Lerud to where you can see them playing in the Big Leagues some day.

7. Process changes. Other than accountability and follow up, what is the single most important process change you have implemented in the Pirates system.

While I could talk to you for days on process and philosophy changes, I’m somewhat limited due to time and sensitivity of the information. 

I would say that the single most important process change revolves around our philosophy - To help players achieve their potential, while developing them as professionals, through a relentless, systematic, and cohesive approach.  That drives everything we do in development. 

The focus is on helping players reach their potential (all that we can do and completely within our control) and developing them as professionals.  How we do it is also a separator and that is where the relentless (not giving up on players, providing all the resources and teaching them how to use them, exhausting pursuit of getting them better), systematic (there is plan for everything we do - player, staff, and organization, how we teach, preparation before doing anything, process-oriented), and cohesive (everyone on the same page teaching the same thing, consistency of message, common teaching philosophies, player plans ensuring consistent message, developing the player totally - personally, mentally, physically, and fundamentally) comes into play.

The accountability and follow through are a close second because they ensure that the above ideas don’t just sound good, but actually have real impact.

8.  Buffalo. Any progress on the decision to change the AAA affiliate after 2008?

Progress is being made on where we will be in 2009 at 3A. Indianapolis is a ML city with a ML operation.

9. Assignments. If you have decided on initial assignments, here are the players most often asked about by the fans where they will begin the season: McCutchen, Marcus Davis, Redmond, Patrick Bresnahan, Ford, Jamie Romak, and Duke Welker.

Initial assignments will be coming shortly. 

We have taken significant steps to try to put players where they should be for their development rather than pushing guys to try to justify value or holding guys back to try to win.  Our job is to develop players so that we can win in Pittsburgh someday … and that drives our placement of players. We need to identify what they need to improve upon and what environment allows that to happen the best, whether it be in more of a controlled situation (where the player is not in survival mode and can work on specific things) or challenging guys to respond (because their talent is such that they don’t need to make the adjustment).

(Edit by Jake - rosters were announced the other day and can be seen following this link.)

10. North Carolina or Kansas?

Have not had a chance to breath in 5 months, let alone comment intelligently on the NCAA tourney!