Walking the Plank: Gillen4's poll results

Saturday, 05 January 2013 02:52

Written by Michael Sanserino

This past week, PBC Blogger Gillen4 created a SurveyMonkey poll on the "State of the Pirates" that he shared with many of you. He was kind enough to pass along the results to Bill and I. These were the results as of Wednesday, which contained 81 responses (he was aiming for 20, you overachievers). 

Below is the raw data, along with some of Gillen4's observations. Enjoy, and thanks, Gillen4!

No huge shockers in the responses, in general a majority of respondents believe the offseason has been generally decent – not outstanding, not terrible. Voters are looking to Pedro Alvarez as the key to 2013 success with him garnering more than double the votes of the next closest respondent, Starling Marte. AJ Burnett squeaked out a slim lead over Wandy Rodriguez as the expected Ace of the staff, with James MacDonald also getting a surprising 15% of the vote after a terrible second half last season. 

Much consternation was spent on the front office moves at the trade deadline last year, yet only 17% blamed the front office on the downfall – nearly as many who voted that they didn’t consider the downfall a failure at all. Most voters blamed player performance. Though going into 2013, 75% of voters indicated a failure to reach .500 should result in the firings of one or more of the Pirates leadership.

And finally, nearly 70% of voters would support a Garrett Jones trade given an acceptable return.

With that, here’s the raw data:

Q1: What grade would you give this offseason to date?
A: 4.94%
B: 43.21%
C: 44.44%
D: 6.17
F: 2.47

Q2: Rate the return on the Hanrahan Trade?
Excellent: 6.17%
Fair: 75.31%
Below Average: 16.05%
Poor: 2.47%

Q3: Catching was a problem in 2012, do you?
Agree, and Martin was the best option: 61.73%
Agree, but we overpaid for Martin: 25.93%
Agree, but liked other free agents/trade targets: 9.88%
Don’t agree, would have used internal options: 2.46%

Q4: The downfall of 2012 can most be blamed on?
Players Performance: 66.67%
Coaches Performance: 7.41%
Front Office Performance: 17.28%
Injuries: 4.94%
Were over their head in 1st half, not a downfall: 14.81%

Q5: Which player will have the most impact on team success in 2013?
Grilli: 2.47%
Pedro: 46.91%
Martin: 6.17%
Marte: 22.22%
Any 1B/OF: 8.64%
Liriano: 6.17%
JMAC: 14.81%
Other: 8.64%

Q6: The much reported “basic training” skills drills were?
Important to know about, and embarrassing: 37.50%
Important to know about, and a good tool: 3.75%
Not important and overblown: 58.75%

Q7: The best starting pitcher for the Pirates in 2013 will be?
AJ: 43.75%
Wandy: 36.25%
Liriano: 3.75%
JMAC: 13.75%
Locke: 2.50%
McPherson: 0.00%

Q8: If the Pirates do not finish over .500 in 2013, you will support?
Firing FC, NH, and CH: 24.69%
Firing one or more of the above: 50.62%
Have to wait see based on performance: 28.40%

Q9: Who do you look forward to seeing most of the Red Sox return?
Melancon: 44.44%
Stolmy: 9.88%
Sands: 45.68%
DeJesus: 4.94%

Q10: Should Garrett Jones be traded?
Yes, value will never be higher, get best deal: 21.25%
Yes, but only for major leaguer(s): 27.50%
Yes, but only for high level prospect: 20.00%
No, not under any circumstance: 33.75%