Over more than a week, five members of the Curve roster made their way from Altoona to Triple-A Indianapolis. Most notably the Pirates top prospect, pitcher Tyler Glasnow, and future first baseman Josh Bell (No. 4) headlined the Curve's recent roster moves.
INF Dan Gamache, utility man Andy Vasquez, and pitcher Jeremy Bleich rounded out the transactions which sent players from Altoona to Indy.
The Pirates had no choice with Bell and Glasnow but to promote them at some point this season.
Pedro Alvarez is entering the final year of his contract in 2016, and may be on his way out depending on money, and whether the Pirates see him as part of their future. That means that Bell is probably going to take that spot at some point next June after the Super 2 deadline.
Pitchers Nick Kingham and Jameson Taillon will miss or will most likely miss the remainder of the season. Kingham underwent Tommy John surgery, while Taillon who was recovering from that operation, suffered a hernia which is expected to last two months.
With A.J. Burnett most likely gone because of his retirement at the end of the year, that means at least one starting spot in the rotation will be open next year. Glasnow should be in one of those spots after Super 2.
It may take away a lot of playoff experience for Altoona, but at the end of the day this is what the minors are for: teaching, development, and promoting the future to the big leagues.
While they lose key pieces, some of the players who remain on the roster also have playoff experience. They even played in the postseason under current manager Tom Prince.
Last season, several players on this year's roster, were part of a playoff push with high-A Bradenton. Even some of those who didn't play with the Marauders have already played a key role with the Curve.
Starting pitcher Steven Brault has gone 5-3 with a 3.21 ERA in his first nine starts. He was promoted in June after going 4-1 in 13 starts with a 3.02 ERA with the Marauders.
Brault was acquired by Pittsburgh in the deal which sent Travis Snider to the Baltimore Orioles, which the Pirates also received pitcher Stephen Tarpley (who has gone 8-2 with a 2.32 ERA at low-A West Virginia).
Shortstop Adam Frazier has torn the cover off the ball since joining the Curve in May. He's now swinging an amazing .348, and has floated around that mark since June.
Second baseman Max Moroff -- who is currently third in batting average -- is hitting .311 and leads the Eastern League in hits with 127.
Other names who have seen postseason action include outfielder Barrett Barnes along with pitchers Jason Creasy, and Chad Kuhl.
None of them are Josh Bell or Tyler Glasnow. There is no indicator that No. 3 prospect OF Austin Meadows or C Reese McGuire (No. 5) are on the way, but the Curve roster is still full of players who could get the team to its first postseason berth since 2010.
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