Comments on: The Pirates set their sights on Justin Duchscherer

By: JBerardi

JBerardi — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:08:50 +0000

It’s probably also worth mentioning that this is exactly the type of player that Pittsburgh should be targeting. He’ll come cheap and, if he gets back on track, could net a decent prospect or two at the deadline. I haven’t been blown away by the moves that Huntington has made there, but at the very least, he’s got the right gameplan, and he’s sticking to it. That’s more than you can say for anyone else that’s been running that team for at least the last decade.

Best of luck to Duchscherer, wherever he ends up. The world needs more junkballers.

By: APBA Guy

APBA Guy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:43:25 +0000

JL is right from a professional therapeutic perspective. However, a pro athlete can be influenced positively by a change of venue away from one with past negative associations.
That being said, Oakland has a very supportive atmosphere surrounding the pitchers. Not sure what Pitt has.
Finally, it’s always sunny in Oakland. SAD can be a contributor to depressive symptoms, and Pittsburgh is very gray in the Spring.
We all wish the best for Duke. If he goes out and really tries, the fans in any town but the major markets will love him. In the major markets, trying isn’t enough. You have to win from Day 1.

By: JL

JL — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:15:49 +0000

My guess is that internal mental factors will play a much greater role in his repair than external factors like what town or team he’ll play for. I speak from experience on that, unfortunately.