If you were to read the comments on SmizBlog today, here are some impressions you may walk away with:
1.) Opie is God
2.) The Pirates are a World Series Contender right now
3.) Troy Polamalu Sucks
4.) The Steelers have carte blanche in Pittsburgh (this is 50% true, some people are all overly critical. some worship them)
5.) The Pirates have not had 18 straight losing seasons.
6.) The Pirates are 47-32 and 5.0 games up in the central.
I will attempt to explain and justify these claims as well as rebut:
#1.) Apparently, Huntington's trades, drafts, and free agent pickups have totally resurrected the franchise. First of all, when he got here this team had no place to go but up. So any type of improvement would be great, but also attainable. But the team's 2 best position players WERE DRAFTED BY LITTLEFIELD. Opie didn't even want to bring Walker up and did so rather reluctantly last season. Morton looked good for 2 months this year, but he's 2-2 with an 8.50 ERA in June. One poster passed that off as bad luck, balls finding holes, and defense. If he was 2-2 with a 1.50 ERA and gave up 10 unearned runs, that would be bad defense. Spotting a team a run an inning isn't merely bad luck and neither is a WHIP of 2.11. It's called regressing. The team is also totally bereft of power hitters and there is no help in sight.
#2.) The Bucs are 40-39 and 3 games out of first place, currently sitting in 4th in the Central. They are 5.5 games out in the Wild Card race. They are the 2nd worst offensive team in the NL, ahead of only the pathetic Astros. We are not quite at the halfway point of a season where the pitching has overachieved and luck has smiled down upon the Bucs. Yet, every Pro Nutter is having their Ted Leonsis-like "One Shining Moment".
#3.) SmizBlog dared challenged the fundamentals of the holier than thou Buccos today. He pointed out the MANY glaring flaws and left out a few more. However, one person pointed out that Troy Polamalu doesn't wrap up on every tackle and therefore Bob's criticism is baseless. I don't know where to strart critiquing that shit sandwich of a comment, but for the last 2 decades, the Bucs don't deserve to breath the same air as the Steelers ( and Pens for that matter). When anybody on this current Bucs squad has the status of Polamalu, then you can throw stones. Even then, he'd probably miss the cutoff man.
#4.) That same poster wanted to know why Bob is looking for a reason to rip the Bucs and then later another said the Steelers cut guys and are never accused of a salary dump. Well, let's see: We cut Jason Gildon to replace with Joey Porter, and that worked out. We cut Porter and replaced him with Harrison, that worked out. We got rid of Foote and slotted Timmons in; Foote begged to come back and sit on the bench rather than start and make more money in his hometown. We dumped Haggans to start Woodley, I think that turned out okay. So yeah, the Steelers are known to get rid of past their prime free agents looking for a huge pay day. The Pirates are known for picking those types of guys up and realizing why they were let go in the first place.
#5.) For some reason, people still can't fathom the source of the negativity and skeptical attitudes of the Anti crowd. It's not as if the Bucs were a perennial playoff team or defending World champs and we are picking just for the sake of picking. This team lost 299 games from 2008-2010. They lost 105 games last year and did nothing to improve the major league team outside of the managerial position. Yes, the record has improved, but it's absolutely positively 100% the Lightning in a Bottle theory we tout so often. This franchise still has lost more than they won for 18 straight seasons.
#6.) Once again: It is June 30th and the Bucs are in 4th place and whopping 1 game above .500 while playing out of their asses. I say it won't last, not beacuse I want them to lose, but because I know what I am seeing. They have been dangerously close to using up their 9th life for a month now. Sunday looked like the real Bucs returned, there were glimpses Tuesday and Wednesday as well. It's not like they are way ahead in the division or having great team numbers. Team ERA is outstanding but the hitting is as bad as the pitching is good. Actually, probably worse.
I can totally relate to people wanting to see this team win. We deserve a winner here. But to be in your face, telling people to believe, telling us we are wrong to not buy everything the FO sells to us, that is ridiculous. It's divisive, as well. And a fan base at each other's throats is not a good thing for unity. Or, maybe it is. Maybe we need an insurrection. Because right now, here is how I see it:
The Bucs are magicians and the Anti's are calling out their tricks. "I saw you use that trap door", "I can see the string on that floating dollar", etc. The Pro's are the little kids sitting in the crowd, totally in awe, believing that somebody really disappeared into thin air, only to return seconds later in another part of the show.
<END RANT>
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Snoozefest
I spent a majority of last night on Jargwatch and did not pay a whole lot of attention to the Bucs. They were facing a Blue Jays pitcher who came into the contest 0-4 with an 8.99 ERA at home. They got 1 run off of him. Paul Maholm's record fell to 4-9 despite pitching 7 innings and giving up only 2 runs. The Pirates have not been a very good offensive club all season. They rely far too much on the home run as their major source of offense and in the month of June, while playing good baseball, they have hit 11 home runs. That is good for 15/16 teams in the NL, one ahead of the dreadful Astros. Their 99 runs scored is 12th, team average is a surprising 7th, but the Bucs are dead last in XBH for the month. Remember 7 games into June when this was the best offense going for the month? Well, on the season they are 15th in the NL in XBH, 13th in runs, 13th in average, 12th in HR, 15th in OPS, tied for 5th in strikeouts, 15th in slugging %.
Those numbers are not good enough. Period. The Bucs have the 5th best team ERA in the NL for the season, yet we are still sitting 1 game above .500. I am tired of people asking me if I believe yet. I am tired of people telling me what the Brewers, Reds, and Cards are doing right now. It is June 30th, not even the All-Star Break, and we are 1 game over .500 and in 3rd place. People need to get their heads out of the clouds, tuck their boners back into their waistbands, and get freaking real.
Look, I fully understand that the Bucs have been down for so long that any glimmer of hope is cause for mild excitement. But let's get real, let's get with the program. The Yankees play like the Yankees because they are the Yankees. I know that sounds like a Mike Tomlin quote, but the truth is that the Bucs don't have the horses. In order to be in 3rd place at the end of June, all it has taken is EVERY PITCHER ON THE TEAM HAVING A CAREER BEST SEASON. If that is not the exception versus the rule, I can't think of a better example. Yes, this team is improved from last year. Frankly, it would be hard not to improve from a 105 loss season.
It's not like the 2010 had key players injured. It's not like we greatly improved the team in the offseason, it was mostly the same guys. Correia has certainly been a surprise, but Overpaid and Diaz are certainly not improvements over anything we previously had in place and for them to help the team, they too would have needed to have career years. The fact that the Bucs are 40-39 is an absolute freaking miracle. This team is a far cry from the '08 Rays and the 2010 Giants, which I have heard comparisons to. A far cry to say the absolute least. Yes, the '08 Rays had about the same payroll, BUT they also had better young players. Longoria, for example, was a rookie that year and hit 27 HR and 85 RBI in 122 games, that's 36 HR and 113 RBI over 162. Upton was on a rookie contract then and hit .273 with a .383 OBP, 9 HR, 67 RBI, and stole 44 bases. Carlos Pena was their highest paid player at $6M, he had a .247 average but hit 31 HR and 102 RBI. They also had James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA), Matt Garza (11-9 3.70 ERA) and Edwin Jackson (14-11, 4.42 ERA) on rookie contracts as well, combining for 39 wins. After that, the Rays drastically increased payroll to a level that we have repeatedly heard the Nuttings cannot afford.
So perhaps 40-39 on June 30th is as good as it gets.
Those numbers are not good enough. Period. The Bucs have the 5th best team ERA in the NL for the season, yet we are still sitting 1 game above .500. I am tired of people asking me if I believe yet. I am tired of people telling me what the Brewers, Reds, and Cards are doing right now. It is June 30th, not even the All-Star Break, and we are 1 game over .500 and in 3rd place. People need to get their heads out of the clouds, tuck their boners back into their waistbands, and get freaking real.
Look, I fully understand that the Bucs have been down for so long that any glimmer of hope is cause for mild excitement. But let's get real, let's get with the program. The Yankees play like the Yankees because they are the Yankees. I know that sounds like a Mike Tomlin quote, but the truth is that the Bucs don't have the horses. In order to be in 3rd place at the end of June, all it has taken is EVERY PITCHER ON THE TEAM HAVING A CAREER BEST SEASON. If that is not the exception versus the rule, I can't think of a better example. Yes, this team is improved from last year. Frankly, it would be hard not to improve from a 105 loss season.
It's not like the 2010 had key players injured. It's not like we greatly improved the team in the offseason, it was mostly the same guys. Correia has certainly been a surprise, but Overpaid and Diaz are certainly not improvements over anything we previously had in place and for them to help the team, they too would have needed to have career years. The fact that the Bucs are 40-39 is an absolute freaking miracle. This team is a far cry from the '08 Rays and the 2010 Giants, which I have heard comparisons to. A far cry to say the absolute least. Yes, the '08 Rays had about the same payroll, BUT they also had better young players. Longoria, for example, was a rookie that year and hit 27 HR and 85 RBI in 122 games, that's 36 HR and 113 RBI over 162. Upton was on a rookie contract then and hit .273 with a .383 OBP, 9 HR, 67 RBI, and stole 44 bases. Carlos Pena was their highest paid player at $6M, he had a .247 average but hit 31 HR and 102 RBI. They also had James Shields (14-8, 3.56 ERA), Matt Garza (11-9 3.70 ERA) and Edwin Jackson (14-11, 4.42 ERA) on rookie contracts as well, combining for 39 wins. After that, the Rays drastically increased payroll to a level that we have repeatedly heard the Nuttings cannot afford.
So perhaps 40-39 on June 30th is as good as it gets.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Pirates hold off Blue Jays, 7-6
I almost thought the Pirates were going to blow it Tuesday night in Toronto, but they held on for a 7-6 victory against the Blue Jays.
Pittsburgh snapped a 13-game road losing streak against AL opponents.
Kevin Correia picked up his 10th win and Joel Hanrahan his 23rd save in as many opportunities.
I believe the Pirates have a real opportunity to gain some ground in the division race before the All-Star break. They are two games above .500 with two left in Toronto, three against Washington, three against Houston and three with the Chicago Cubs.
If they can take 2 of 3 in the 4 remaining series they will be five games above .500 at the break. I really believe that's possible. A sweep in there would hurt, either.
The pitching has been strong, especially from the starters, but they need to get the bats going. They did do against the Jays, but that was in a hitters' ballpark against a sub-pitcher.
The division-race could be decided when the Bucs, Cardinals, Brewers and Reds meet each other. Chicago and Houston aren't in the race, but right now, it's anyone's ballgame, no pun intended.
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, it can't beat Milwaukee and St. Louis usually finishes strong. I believe Cincinnati had it's run last year and will fizzle out.
That leaves the Bucs in a finish for third place. I say they will win 78 games this year.
That being said, they've proven me wrong alot this year. I said there was no way in hell they'd beat the Phillies, and they took 2 out of 3. The same can be said against the Red Sox. They also have a good record against the division and are playing much better on the road.
Pittsburgh snapped a 13-game road losing streak against AL opponents.
Kevin Correia picked up his 10th win and Joel Hanrahan his 23rd save in as many opportunities.
I believe the Pirates have a real opportunity to gain some ground in the division race before the All-Star break. They are two games above .500 with two left in Toronto, three against Washington, three against Houston and three with the Chicago Cubs.
If they can take 2 of 3 in the 4 remaining series they will be five games above .500 at the break. I really believe that's possible. A sweep in there would hurt, either.
The pitching has been strong, especially from the starters, but they need to get the bats going. They did do against the Jays, but that was in a hitters' ballpark against a sub-pitcher.
The division-race could be decided when the Bucs, Cardinals, Brewers and Reds meet each other. Chicago and Houston aren't in the race, but right now, it's anyone's ballgame, no pun intended.
Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, it can't beat Milwaukee and St. Louis usually finishes strong. I believe Cincinnati had it's run last year and will fizzle out.
That leaves the Bucs in a finish for third place. I say they will win 78 games this year.
That being said, they've proven me wrong alot this year. I said there was no way in hell they'd beat the Phillies, and they took 2 out of 3. The same can be said against the Red Sox. They also have a good record against the division and are playing much better on the road.
Aloha From Toronto
Did anybody here expect me to NOT make an Elvis reference in the title of this post? You have seen me stretch to find many a ways to use a song title as a post title, so it should come as no surprise that this morning's recap would feature a title playing on Alex Presley/ Elvis Presley. From here on out, Alex Presley will obviously be referred to as "The King". Last night's performance certainly warrants that as in his 2nd major league at-bat he recorded his first major league hit: a 2-run home run. That hit's already gone platinum ( sorry I couldn't help myself). Oh yeah, the Bucs also managed to end their 13 game road interleague losing streak amidst The King's Rock Star like performance.
The Bucs came into this contest at sort of a crossroads. Despite being the worst team in the history of Interleague play, they managed to take 4 out of 6 from AL East teams at PNC Park last week, including 2/3 from AL best Boston. However, the one loss against Boston was one of the most embarrassing of the season, a very winnable game that we more or less handed to the Sox by making 4 errors and leaving a plethora of runners on base. On top of that, the Bucs were going to a place that makes Miller Park look like a picnic: an AL Road Series. The Bucs had dropped 13 straight road games against AL teams, including 3 a weekend ago in Cleveland. Facing the Blue Jays, a team with a similar record, the Bucs would have a chance to break the curse and keep right on trucking.
KC was on the hill for the Bucs last night looking for his 10th win of the season. 10 wins for a Bucs starter is a miracle by itself; 10 wins for a Bucs pitcher before the All-Star Break is reminiscent of the Glory Days. KC would get some help in the top of the 3rd when The King broke a scoreless tie with his first ML hit, the aforementioned 2-run HR to put the Bucs out in front 2-0. The Jays got one back in the bottom of the third, but the Bucs brought out the bats in the 4th. Overpaid led off with a single, followed by a Matt Diaz RBI triple and a GI Jones RBI single, making it 4-1. GI Jones swiped second on a strange Suckdeno ill-advised bunt #46 of the season play and moved to 3rd when Ronny singled. Fort McKenry struck out next, bringing up the King. Once again, he came up big, knocking in GI Jones with an RBI single. d'Arnaud then flew out but the Pride of PR got himself another RBI, bringing in Suckdeno with a 2-out RBI single. Bucs 6, Jays 1.
The big lead would be short lived, however, as Eric Thames single up the middle to lead off the bottom of the 4th, bringing up Jose Bautista. True Bucs fans can guess what happened next: a 2-run blast to cut the lead to 6-3.My overzealous Bucs fan friend told me he thinks Bautista is on the juice and looks noticeably bigger than when he played here. I disagree with both of those assertions, wholeheartedly. He looks the same physically to me, just with a wider stance and different swing. Bautista would net another RBI in the 6th to cut the Bucs lead to 6-4, giving the appearance that the Interleague Road curse was creeping like death. After a walk to put 2 on and 0 out, KC got a popout and a double play to end the threat. Cutch would get us the run back in the 7th with a solo shot, making it 7-4.
Tony Watson came on in the bottom of the 7th to relieve Correia and as good as he has been all year, he struggled for the first time. He was bound to have a bad night and last night was just htat. Watson gave up back to back home runs to the Blue Jays 7&8 hitters to cut the margin to a razor thing 7-6. Future All-Star Chris Resop was summoned to clean up the mess, only to load the bases after surrendering 2 hits and intentionally walking Bautista. Jose Veras came on with the bases loaded and 1 out in a 1 run ball game, but since it wasn't the 9th inning or a save opportunity, he totally kicked ass. Veras got Adam Lind to line into an inning ending double play. Whew!
Veras also pitched a perfect 8th to setup the Hammer to work the 9th over a 1-run game. The Hammer was looking to hurt 'em and got the first 2 outs on 3 pitches. Escobar managed to reach on an infield single to short, putting the speedy Escobar on representing the tying run and the equally speedy Eric Thames at the plate. Thames had triple earlier and in the on-deck circles behind him was Jose freaking Bautista. The Hammer knew he had to get this out and wasted no time getting after him, hitting 98 twice before fanning Thames for the final out on a 97 MPH bullet. Final Score Bucs 7, Jays 6. Hammer Time is 23 for 23
Player of the Game: The King- 2 for 5 with 3 RBI in his MLB debut. Not bad at all. Diaz was 3 for 4 as DH and Cutch hit his 11th HR of hte night.
Head Scratcher of the Night: I should have a default Ronny Cedeno incomprehensible bunt attempt template. That kid has the lowest baseball IQ I have ever seen.
Face Palm of the Night- Besides the presence of the Rock in the broadcast booth all night, proving that his actual IQ and Suckdeno's baseball IQ are on par with each other, I'd go with the Jose Bautista trade. Look, I never though he'd hit 54 bombs in a season, but I did think he could hit in the mid 20's. We would take that, right? Plus, we got nothing for him and gave his job to Andy LaRoche who did zip to earn it.
Also of note, KC got his 10th W of the season! Only Roy Halladay and Jair Jurrjens have as many in the NL, so props to KC, moving to 8-2 on the road this year. The Bucs are back to 2 games above .500 and now would be a GREAT time to get to 3. Note: unlimited spelling errors in this post.
The Bucs came into this contest at sort of a crossroads. Despite being the worst team in the history of Interleague play, they managed to take 4 out of 6 from AL East teams at PNC Park last week, including 2/3 from AL best Boston. However, the one loss against Boston was one of the most embarrassing of the season, a very winnable game that we more or less handed to the Sox by making 4 errors and leaving a plethora of runners on base. On top of that, the Bucs were going to a place that makes Miller Park look like a picnic: an AL Road Series. The Bucs had dropped 13 straight road games against AL teams, including 3 a weekend ago in Cleveland. Facing the Blue Jays, a team with a similar record, the Bucs would have a chance to break the curse and keep right on trucking.
KC was on the hill for the Bucs last night looking for his 10th win of the season. 10 wins for a Bucs starter is a miracle by itself; 10 wins for a Bucs pitcher before the All-Star Break is reminiscent of the Glory Days. KC would get some help in the top of the 3rd when The King broke a scoreless tie with his first ML hit, the aforementioned 2-run HR to put the Bucs out in front 2-0. The Jays got one back in the bottom of the third, but the Bucs brought out the bats in the 4th. Overpaid led off with a single, followed by a Matt Diaz RBI triple and a GI Jones RBI single, making it 4-1. GI Jones swiped second on a strange Suckdeno ill-advised bunt #46 of the season play and moved to 3rd when Ronny singled. Fort McKenry struck out next, bringing up the King. Once again, he came up big, knocking in GI Jones with an RBI single. d'Arnaud then flew out but the Pride of PR got himself another RBI, bringing in Suckdeno with a 2-out RBI single. Bucs 6, Jays 1.
The big lead would be short lived, however, as Eric Thames single up the middle to lead off the bottom of the 4th, bringing up Jose Bautista. True Bucs fans can guess what happened next: a 2-run blast to cut the lead to 6-3.My overzealous Bucs fan friend told me he thinks Bautista is on the juice and looks noticeably bigger than when he played here. I disagree with both of those assertions, wholeheartedly. He looks the same physically to me, just with a wider stance and different swing. Bautista would net another RBI in the 6th to cut the Bucs lead to 6-4, giving the appearance that the Interleague Road curse was creeping like death. After a walk to put 2 on and 0 out, KC got a popout and a double play to end the threat. Cutch would get us the run back in the 7th with a solo shot, making it 7-4.
Tony Watson came on in the bottom of the 7th to relieve Correia and as good as he has been all year, he struggled for the first time. He was bound to have a bad night and last night was just htat. Watson gave up back to back home runs to the Blue Jays 7&8 hitters to cut the margin to a razor thing 7-6. Future All-Star Chris Resop was summoned to clean up the mess, only to load the bases after surrendering 2 hits and intentionally walking Bautista. Jose Veras came on with the bases loaded and 1 out in a 1 run ball game, but since it wasn't the 9th inning or a save opportunity, he totally kicked ass. Veras got Adam Lind to line into an inning ending double play. Whew!
Veras also pitched a perfect 8th to setup the Hammer to work the 9th over a 1-run game. The Hammer was looking to hurt 'em and got the first 2 outs on 3 pitches. Escobar managed to reach on an infield single to short, putting the speedy Escobar on representing the tying run and the equally speedy Eric Thames at the plate. Thames had triple earlier and in the on-deck circles behind him was Jose freaking Bautista. The Hammer knew he had to get this out and wasted no time getting after him, hitting 98 twice before fanning Thames for the final out on a 97 MPH bullet. Final Score Bucs 7, Jays 6. Hammer Time is 23 for 23
Player of the Game: The King- 2 for 5 with 3 RBI in his MLB debut. Not bad at all. Diaz was 3 for 4 as DH and Cutch hit his 11th HR of hte night.
Head Scratcher of the Night: I should have a default Ronny Cedeno incomprehensible bunt attempt template. That kid has the lowest baseball IQ I have ever seen.
Face Palm of the Night- Besides the presence of the Rock in the broadcast booth all night, proving that his actual IQ and Suckdeno's baseball IQ are on par with each other, I'd go with the Jose Bautista trade. Look, I never though he'd hit 54 bombs in a season, but I did think he could hit in the mid 20's. We would take that, right? Plus, we got nothing for him and gave his job to Andy LaRoche who did zip to earn it.
Also of note, KC got his 10th W of the season! Only Roy Halladay and Jair Jurrjens have as many in the NL, so props to KC, moving to 8-2 on the road this year. The Bucs are back to 2 games above .500 and now would be a GREAT time to get to 3. Note: unlimited spelling errors in this post.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Beat 'Em Bucs
Just a not-so-quick wrap up of the weekend that was in Pirates baseball:
The Bucs took game 1 Friday night against the BoSox behind some stellar pitching performances. The offense left a bit to be desired, scrapping together 3 runs on 9 hits, but leaving 7 on base. I was told after the game that I am too hard on the team and need to enjoy the Bucs being for real; this was because I pointed out that we left a lot of runs on base that night. The Sox starting the scoring off in the top of the first, notching their only run of the night when Jacoby Ellsbury scored on a Kevin Youkilis groundout. The Bucs then loaded the bases in the 3rd with nobody out and manged to get a pair of runs to take a 2-1 lead. Tabata hit a ground ball that hit the bag and took a strange bounce on Youkilis, preventing a double play and allowing a run. Chase d'Arnaud was up next and grounded into a Walker-esque run scoring double play. The Bucs added another run after a Walker single followed by a Youkilis error and an Overpaid RBI base knock.
The Sox had 2 runners in scoring position in the 8th when Big Papi was called upon as a pinch hitter during a steady rain. Since the national media can't fathom the Pirates beating the Red Sox, the rain turned out to be the deciding factor in this at-bat and ultimately the game. Ortiz grounded out to end the inning and after a 1-2-3 bottom of the 8th the Hammer worked a perfect 9th for his 21st save in 21 attempts. RTJR! Bucs 3 Red Sox 1.
Interesting fact of the game: James McDonald's cousin Darnell batted 5th for the Red Sox in this game despite a .108 batting average. The Sox didn't have Carl Crawford available due to injury and David Ortiz didn't show up until the 8th because he is too fat and unathletic to play the field.
Saturday night, the Bucs looked to notch another W and take the series from the Sox. I was actually on hand for this one as I broke my boycott in order to attend my cousin's bachelor outing. It was well worth it as the Bucs managed to take the game and the series by dispatching the Red Sox in one hell of a baseball game.
The Sox started the scoring off in the first yet again, with a Pedroia walk that turned into a triple when Fort McKenry pegged him while stealing 2nd. The ball went into the OF and Pedey moved to 3rd base. Adrian Gonzalez, one of the big money free agents SmizBlog doesn't mention, grounded out to SS but got Pedey home. Gonzo would also account for the next Sox run, driving a Karstens offering into the LF bleachers for a 2-0 lead. However, that would quickly be erased on one swing when Overpaid smashed a 3-run homer into the RF bleachers for a 3-2 lead. The Bucs added to the lead when Karstens singled home Suckdeno and it was 4-2 after 4.
In their next at-bat, the Bucs looked to put the game out of reach. d'Arnaud beat out a grounder to SS and GI Jones doubled to put runners on 2nd and 3rd and 0 outs. This is where the "Nobody believes me when I say it but it happens all the time" portion of the game takes place. If you've followed this blog since inception, you'd know that I feel the Bucs have been as lucky as they have been good this year. You will also know that I like to point out their failures to drive in runs as proof that they are living on borrowed time this year. With 2nd and 3rd and no outs, holding a 4-2 lead, Cutch hit a ground ball to former AL MVP Dustin Pedroia. As in the Orioles game Wednesday afternoon, the ball went 5 hole and we had another run. We also still had 1st and 3rd and 0 outs. The Pride of PR was up next but couldn't capitalize, continuing to struggle at the plate. Overpaid drew an IBB and Suckdeno grounded into an inning ending DP. Bucs 5,Sox 2 after 5.
Josh Reddick led off the Sox 7th with a solo home run off of Karstens and after getting Scutaro out, Karstens was lifted for Daniel Moskos. I read unlimited comments on SmizBlog saying that it was no big deal to take Moskos over Wieters because Wieters isn't batting .580 with 46 HR and 218 RBI's through 70 some odd games. That made me laugh. Anyways, Moskos got Cousin of James McDonald to fly out but couldn't keep Jacoby Ellsbury from going yard and cutting the lead to 5-4. In the bottom of the 7th though, GI Jones blasted a solo shot to restore a 2-run cushion. I totally called that by the way and I have witnesses to prove it.
The Hammer came on in the 9th up 6-4 and faced Big Papi to start things off. After a lengthy battle, the Portly One grounded out to 1B for the first out. Ellsbury was next and he flew out to Tabata for the second out. Then, a hilarious adventure occurred to bring about the end of the game. With 2 outs, Pedroia drove a ball to right and Xavier Paul went up the wall to get it. He appeared to have it for a second before hitting the fence, popping the ball loose. As Pedey sprinted into 2nd, fireworks were shot off signifying the end of the game. I thought out this as a bad omen and even worse when Gonzo was up next. In another long at-bat, one that featured a "THANK GOD" foul ball that would have been a home run 20 feet left, Hammer got the K to end it. RTJR. Bucs 6, Sox 4.
Sunday's game was nothing write home about so I will say as little as possible. The Pirates made 4 errors in the game. We had the bases loaded and no outs and got one run out of it at one point. When the Bucs took a 2-1 lead during that inning, I got a text from my overly excited Bucs fan friend who asked me if I believed yet. When we lost 4-2 and made 4 errors, I didn't hear a peep. This guy texts me up a storm when the Bucs win, rubbing it in my face because I am hard on them and too often point out that errors gave them the game or where they failed in their victory. When the Bucs lose, I never hear a word. I mean, the Bucs are halfway through a decent season and on pace to go about 82-80, which would be THEIR FIRST WINNING SEASON IN 19 FREAKING YEARS! It's not like I am down on this franchise strictly for the sake of being down on this franchise. I have more than enough reason to feel the way I do and a 39-38 record in June isn't going to make me cream my pants.
But that's how it is right now, people are getting WAY too far ahead of themselves with back slapping ,glad handing, and $h!t-eating grinning about a team that is 1 game over .500 in June. The Bucs have certainly improved. No doubt about it, and I am excited about that too. But like my cousin said to me after Saturday's W, you don't start scoreboard watching until September. Don't get me wrong, we were elated with the win and the current record. But this team isn't 47-30. They're not 42-35. They're 39-38 and it's still June. They haven't been closer than 2.5 games out of first, and that was for about 30 minutes Friday night. It's been a 3 game margin all along and in order to win the division, we are going to have to beat St. Louis and Milwaukee more often than not. The harsh truth is that this team is certainly playing better baseball, but SO MANY out there are suffering from delusions of grandeur because EVERY PITCHER ON THE STAFF IS HAVING A CAREER SEASON.
It's nice to win, I love it. But I don't put too much stock into it just yet for 2 reasons: 1.) I have learned over 19 years to not get my hopes up and 2.) this team is playing beyond their potential. Maybe they'll be Villanova from 1985 or George Mason from 2006. Or maybe they'll be one of those low seeds who gets a first round knock out only to lose in the second round when they come crashing back to earth. I was asked my opinion on the best methods for sports betting and my suggestion was to get a time machine. There are so many variables that you can't possibly predict an outcome with enough confidence to put real money on it. And nobody, realistically, could have predicted the Pirates pitchers would have us above .500 late in June.
Hopefully, they'll have us there in July and August and September and October, too. The operative word there is hopefully.
The Bucs took game 1 Friday night against the BoSox behind some stellar pitching performances. The offense left a bit to be desired, scrapping together 3 runs on 9 hits, but leaving 7 on base. I was told after the game that I am too hard on the team and need to enjoy the Bucs being for real; this was because I pointed out that we left a lot of runs on base that night. The Sox starting the scoring off in the top of the first, notching their only run of the night when Jacoby Ellsbury scored on a Kevin Youkilis groundout. The Bucs then loaded the bases in the 3rd with nobody out and manged to get a pair of runs to take a 2-1 lead. Tabata hit a ground ball that hit the bag and took a strange bounce on Youkilis, preventing a double play and allowing a run. Chase d'Arnaud was up next and grounded into a Walker-esque run scoring double play. The Bucs added another run after a Walker single followed by a Youkilis error and an Overpaid RBI base knock.
The Sox had 2 runners in scoring position in the 8th when Big Papi was called upon as a pinch hitter during a steady rain. Since the national media can't fathom the Pirates beating the Red Sox, the rain turned out to be the deciding factor in this at-bat and ultimately the game. Ortiz grounded out to end the inning and after a 1-2-3 bottom of the 8th the Hammer worked a perfect 9th for his 21st save in 21 attempts. RTJR! Bucs 3 Red Sox 1.
Interesting fact of the game: James McDonald's cousin Darnell batted 5th for the Red Sox in this game despite a .108 batting average. The Sox didn't have Carl Crawford available due to injury and David Ortiz didn't show up until the 8th because he is too fat and unathletic to play the field.
Saturday night, the Bucs looked to notch another W and take the series from the Sox. I was actually on hand for this one as I broke my boycott in order to attend my cousin's bachelor outing. It was well worth it as the Bucs managed to take the game and the series by dispatching the Red Sox in one hell of a baseball game.
The Sox started the scoring off in the first yet again, with a Pedroia walk that turned into a triple when Fort McKenry pegged him while stealing 2nd. The ball went into the OF and Pedey moved to 3rd base. Adrian Gonzalez, one of the big money free agents SmizBlog doesn't mention, grounded out to SS but got Pedey home. Gonzo would also account for the next Sox run, driving a Karstens offering into the LF bleachers for a 2-0 lead. However, that would quickly be erased on one swing when Overpaid smashed a 3-run homer into the RF bleachers for a 3-2 lead. The Bucs added to the lead when Karstens singled home Suckdeno and it was 4-2 after 4.
In their next at-bat, the Bucs looked to put the game out of reach. d'Arnaud beat out a grounder to SS and GI Jones doubled to put runners on 2nd and 3rd and 0 outs. This is where the "Nobody believes me when I say it but it happens all the time" portion of the game takes place. If you've followed this blog since inception, you'd know that I feel the Bucs have been as lucky as they have been good this year. You will also know that I like to point out their failures to drive in runs as proof that they are living on borrowed time this year. With 2nd and 3rd and no outs, holding a 4-2 lead, Cutch hit a ground ball to former AL MVP Dustin Pedroia. As in the Orioles game Wednesday afternoon, the ball went 5 hole and we had another run. We also still had 1st and 3rd and 0 outs. The Pride of PR was up next but couldn't capitalize, continuing to struggle at the plate. Overpaid drew an IBB and Suckdeno grounded into an inning ending DP. Bucs 5,Sox 2 after 5.
Josh Reddick led off the Sox 7th with a solo home run off of Karstens and after getting Scutaro out, Karstens was lifted for Daniel Moskos. I read unlimited comments on SmizBlog saying that it was no big deal to take Moskos over Wieters because Wieters isn't batting .580 with 46 HR and 218 RBI's through 70 some odd games. That made me laugh. Anyways, Moskos got Cousin of James McDonald to fly out but couldn't keep Jacoby Ellsbury from going yard and cutting the lead to 5-4. In the bottom of the 7th though, GI Jones blasted a solo shot to restore a 2-run cushion. I totally called that by the way and I have witnesses to prove it.
The Hammer came on in the 9th up 6-4 and faced Big Papi to start things off. After a lengthy battle, the Portly One grounded out to 1B for the first out. Ellsbury was next and he flew out to Tabata for the second out. Then, a hilarious adventure occurred to bring about the end of the game. With 2 outs, Pedroia drove a ball to right and Xavier Paul went up the wall to get it. He appeared to have it for a second before hitting the fence, popping the ball loose. As Pedey sprinted into 2nd, fireworks were shot off signifying the end of the game. I thought out this as a bad omen and even worse when Gonzo was up next. In another long at-bat, one that featured a "THANK GOD" foul ball that would have been a home run 20 feet left, Hammer got the K to end it. RTJR. Bucs 6, Sox 4.
Sunday's game was nothing write home about so I will say as little as possible. The Pirates made 4 errors in the game. We had the bases loaded and no outs and got one run out of it at one point. When the Bucs took a 2-1 lead during that inning, I got a text from my overly excited Bucs fan friend who asked me if I believed yet. When we lost 4-2 and made 4 errors, I didn't hear a peep. This guy texts me up a storm when the Bucs win, rubbing it in my face because I am hard on them and too often point out that errors gave them the game or where they failed in their victory. When the Bucs lose, I never hear a word. I mean, the Bucs are halfway through a decent season and on pace to go about 82-80, which would be THEIR FIRST WINNING SEASON IN 19 FREAKING YEARS! It's not like I am down on this franchise strictly for the sake of being down on this franchise. I have more than enough reason to feel the way I do and a 39-38 record in June isn't going to make me cream my pants.
But that's how it is right now, people are getting WAY too far ahead of themselves with back slapping ,glad handing, and $h!t-eating grinning about a team that is 1 game over .500 in June. The Bucs have certainly improved. No doubt about it, and I am excited about that too. But like my cousin said to me after Saturday's W, you don't start scoreboard watching until September. Don't get me wrong, we were elated with the win and the current record. But this team isn't 47-30. They're not 42-35. They're 39-38 and it's still June. They haven't been closer than 2.5 games out of first, and that was for about 30 minutes Friday night. It's been a 3 game margin all along and in order to win the division, we are going to have to beat St. Louis and Milwaukee more often than not. The harsh truth is that this team is certainly playing better baseball, but SO MANY out there are suffering from delusions of grandeur because EVERY PITCHER ON THE STAFF IS HAVING A CAREER SEASON.
It's nice to win, I love it. But I don't put too much stock into it just yet for 2 reasons: 1.) I have learned over 19 years to not get my hopes up and 2.) this team is playing beyond their potential. Maybe they'll be Villanova from 1985 or George Mason from 2006. Or maybe they'll be one of those low seeds who gets a first round knock out only to lose in the second round when they come crashing back to earth. I was asked my opinion on the best methods for sports betting and my suggestion was to get a time machine. There are so many variables that you can't possibly predict an outcome with enough confidence to put real money on it. And nobody, realistically, could have predicted the Pirates pitchers would have us above .500 late in June.
Hopefully, they'll have us there in July and August and September and October, too. The operative word there is hopefully.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Pittsburgh takes Game 1 from Bo-Sox
It was a wonderful night for a ball game.
The Boston Red Sox were in town, the house was full and the Pirates took the first game of the series with a 3-1 victory Friday night at PNC Park.
The game was a sellout, even though 10,000 fans had on red, but who cares. It was a needed win for the Bucs. They move to one game over .500.
But let's not pop the champagne just yet. The Red Sox will be back. They left a ton of guys on base, and had some mistakes in the field.
Paul Maholm pitched well to get the win, but once again was let down in run support. Pittsburgh had so hits, however it failed to drive in the runs. That is what hurts the most.
Joel Hanrahan got another save. He is doing a great job closing the door with a lead. Winning these types of games is the only way the Bucs can stay near the .500 mark. I doubt they would want to get into a slugfest with any team, let alone Boston.
Tim Wakefield is on the mound for the Red Sox tomorrow. How old is that guy, anyway? I'll give him credit, though. He still kicks you know what.
Raise the Jolly Roger!
The Boston Red Sox were in town, the house was full and the Pirates took the first game of the series with a 3-1 victory Friday night at PNC Park.
The game was a sellout, even though 10,000 fans had on red, but who cares. It was a needed win for the Bucs. They move to one game over .500.
But let's not pop the champagne just yet. The Red Sox will be back. They left a ton of guys on base, and had some mistakes in the field.
Paul Maholm pitched well to get the win, but once again was let down in run support. Pittsburgh had so hits, however it failed to drive in the runs. That is what hurts the most.
Joel Hanrahan got another save. He is doing a great job closing the door with a lead. Winning these types of games is the only way the Bucs can stay near the .500 mark. I doubt they would want to get into a slugfest with any team, let alone Boston.
Tim Wakefield is on the mound for the Red Sox tomorrow. How old is that guy, anyway? I'll give him credit, though. He still kicks you know what.
Raise the Jolly Roger!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Don't Call It a Comeback
The Bucs started off their series with the O's looking like the ship was starting to take on some serious water. But like many of us have observed the past couple of weeks, you should never count these Bucs out. Notice how I always say "these Bucs" and not THE Bucs? That's because this 2011 team and 2011 season has been an anomaly, the exception more than the rule. The Lightning In A Bottle we all speak of rather frequently.
As JMG pointed out in his recap yesterday, the Bucs were able to pull out another W thanks to some major help from the O's. After falling behind, the Bucs final 2 runs were of the unearned variety, handing over a 5-4 W and improving the record to 37-37 on the season. Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 5th, Brandon Wood and Fort McKenry both singled to start off the inning. KC bunted to put runners on 2nd and 3rd and Tabata struck out for the second out. Ole Harrison came up next and hit a very routine ground ball to 2nd, however Blake Davis was making his first MLB start and pulled a Buckner, yielding the tying and go ahead runs. KC gave up 4 ER over 6IP to earn him his team leading 9th win of the season. Cutch had another great day at the plate, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and the Pride of PR knocked in his 50th RBI of the season, 7th in the NL.The Hammer worked a perfect 9th, moving to 20 for 20 in Saves this season. Final Score Bucs 5, O's 4.
Player of the Game: Cutch, 2 for 4 with an RBI
Head Scratcher of the Game: I was at work and didn't see it, so that is a tough one.
Face Palm of the Game: For Oriole's fans, it had to be the 2-run error that gave the Bucs the game. How many games this season have the Bucs won on the other team's mishaps?
Overall, a win is a win is a win. No matter how you get it, it counts the same in the W/L column. But you have to wonder if/when the karmic tables are going to turn. The Bucs have been playing above their potential for about a month now and have created an illusion of a competitive team by getting a TON of breaks. The BoSox come to town next and the way they've swung the bats all season, it will be a true gauge of where this Bucs team really stands. At least one person has told me on multiple occasions to "Give this team a chance", and "they are playing great" and such after wins. When I point out that "we got that win because the other team made errors" he says "Oh, I didn't see the game, just the score" . I think that a lot of people who watch this 2011 team know that they certainly play harder and for the most part smarter than in the past, but that their 9 lives always look like they're about to run out. Maybe I am wrong and if so I will be the first to admit it.
Jake Taylor also gets a major thumbs up in my book for benching Suckdeno after the bases loaded bunt. Hurdle even said "I have never seen a bases loaded but in my entire career". Stick with managing the Bucs a little while longer and you will see A LOT of similar things you've never seen in your entire career.
As JMG pointed out in his recap yesterday, the Bucs were able to pull out another W thanks to some major help from the O's. After falling behind, the Bucs final 2 runs were of the unearned variety, handing over a 5-4 W and improving the record to 37-37 on the season. Trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 5th, Brandon Wood and Fort McKenry both singled to start off the inning. KC bunted to put runners on 2nd and 3rd and Tabata struck out for the second out. Ole Harrison came up next and hit a very routine ground ball to 2nd, however Blake Davis was making his first MLB start and pulled a Buckner, yielding the tying and go ahead runs. KC gave up 4 ER over 6IP to earn him his team leading 9th win of the season. Cutch had another great day at the plate, going 2 for 4 with an RBI and the Pride of PR knocked in his 50th RBI of the season, 7th in the NL.The Hammer worked a perfect 9th, moving to 20 for 20 in Saves this season. Final Score Bucs 5, O's 4.
Player of the Game: Cutch, 2 for 4 with an RBI
Head Scratcher of the Game: I was at work and didn't see it, so that is a tough one.
Face Palm of the Game: For Oriole's fans, it had to be the 2-run error that gave the Bucs the game. How many games this season have the Bucs won on the other team's mishaps?
Overall, a win is a win is a win. No matter how you get it, it counts the same in the W/L column. But you have to wonder if/when the karmic tables are going to turn. The Bucs have been playing above their potential for about a month now and have created an illusion of a competitive team by getting a TON of breaks. The BoSox come to town next and the way they've swung the bats all season, it will be a true gauge of where this Bucs team really stands. At least one person has told me on multiple occasions to "Give this team a chance", and "they are playing great" and such after wins. When I point out that "we got that win because the other team made errors" he says "Oh, I didn't see the game, just the score" . I think that a lot of people who watch this 2011 team know that they certainly play harder and for the most part smarter than in the past, but that their 9 lives always look like they're about to run out. Maybe I am wrong and if so I will be the first to admit it.
Jake Taylor also gets a major thumbs up in my book for benching Suckdeno after the bases loaded bunt. Hurdle even said "I have never seen a bases loaded but in my entire career". Stick with managing the Bucs a little while longer and you will see A LOT of similar things you've never seen in your entire career.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Pirates take advantage of Orioles' error
For once, the Pirates were able to take advantage of another team's error en route to a 5-4 victory over Baltimore Wednesday afternoon at PNC Park.
The victory puts Pittsburgh back at .500 with a 37-37 record. The Bucs are off tomorrow before Boston comes to town Friday.
Down 4-3 in the fifth, Brandon Wood and Michael McHenry led off the inning with consecutive singles. A sacrifice bunt by pitcher Kevin Correia put runners on second and third with one out.
After Orioles pitcher Zach Britton (6-5) got Jose Tabata to strike out, Josh Harrison hit a line drive hard up the middle that should have been an easy play for Blake Davis.
Fortunately for the Bucs, the Baltimore second baseman had the ball roll through his legs and two runs scored for a 5-4 lead. Daivs was making his major league debut.
Correia held on to become the fourth NL pitcher to reach nine wins. Although, he has just two wins at home, and both have game against the American League.
Joel Hanrahan picked up his 20th save in as many opportunities.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first, only to see it vanish after Baltimore picked up two each in the third and fourth innings.
The Pirates responded with one runin the fourth.
Neil Walker picked up his 50th RBI in Pittsburgh's 74th game on a groundout.
I have been impressed with Correia this season. Nothing flashy. He just gets the job done and has a pretty level head on his shoulders. I don't know why he's struggled at home, but I think it will all level out. He has the potential to be the Bucs first 15-game winner in a long time. I'm thinking Todd Richie in 1999 was the last.
Another strong performance by Hanrahan. I don't know if the closer role is overrated or not, but he has done a great job so far this season.
I will give it to the Bucs. Everytime I bash them, they find ways to win. Obviously, if they get swept by the Red Sox, we'll tear them a new a-hole.
As long as you're winning, nobody cares how you do it. If the bats can wake up, who knows.
The victory puts Pittsburgh back at .500 with a 37-37 record. The Bucs are off tomorrow before Boston comes to town Friday.
Down 4-3 in the fifth, Brandon Wood and Michael McHenry led off the inning with consecutive singles. A sacrifice bunt by pitcher Kevin Correia put runners on second and third with one out.
After Orioles pitcher Zach Britton (6-5) got Jose Tabata to strike out, Josh Harrison hit a line drive hard up the middle that should have been an easy play for Blake Davis.
Fortunately for the Bucs, the Baltimore second baseman had the ball roll through his legs and two runs scored for a 5-4 lead. Daivs was making his major league debut.
Correia held on to become the fourth NL pitcher to reach nine wins. Although, he has just two wins at home, and both have game against the American League.
Joel Hanrahan picked up his 20th save in as many opportunities.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first, only to see it vanish after Baltimore picked up two each in the third and fourth innings.
The Pirates responded with one runin the fourth.
Neil Walker picked up his 50th RBI in Pittsburgh's 74th game on a groundout.
I have been impressed with Correia this season. Nothing flashy. He just gets the job done and has a pretty level head on his shoulders. I don't know why he's struggled at home, but I think it will all level out. He has the potential to be the Bucs first 15-game winner in a long time. I'm thinking Todd Richie in 1999 was the last.
Another strong performance by Hanrahan. I don't know if the closer role is overrated or not, but he has done a great job so far this season.
I will give it to the Bucs. Everytime I bash them, they find ways to win. Obviously, if they get swept by the Red Sox, we'll tear them a new a-hole.
As long as you're winning, nobody cares how you do it. If the bats can wake up, who knows.
Nine Tonight
Well, Nine Last Night, technically. But nine more tonight wouldn't hurt, either. Plus, anytime I get the chance to name a blog post after that amazing Bob Seger album, I'll gladly take that opportunity. The Bucs offense woke up last night, J-Mac pitched well enough despite one bad inning, and Monday's 8-3 loss was avenged by a 9-3 W, also stopping the 4 game skid.
After a slight delay due to more ceremonies honoring the 1971 World Series Champions, the game was under way and J-Mac wasted no time mowing down the first three Orioles batters he faced. The bats followed McDonald's arm and got an early jump when Tabata and Josh "Ole" Harrison smacked back to back singles to put 2 on and 0 out for the Birthday Boy GI Jones. The big fellow didn't wait long to celebrate his 30th human year, whacking a 2 run double to the RCF gap. Cutch, in the cleanup spot, sac bunted Jones to third and the Pride of PR did what he does best, this time with a sac fly. Buc 3, O's 0 after 1. The Orioles had 2 on with 2 out in the 2nd but J-Mac slammed the door and ended the inning unscathed. The Bucs drew more blood in their part of the 2nd when Cedeno was driven in by Tabata after a nice bunt from J-Mac moved Ronny to second.
McDonald once again faced 2 on and 2 out in the 3rd but Derek Lee couldn't get the run home and the Bucs came up in the 3rd with a 4-0 lead. After a GI Jones groundout, Cutch walked and the Pride of PR singled, with Cutch zipping into third. Xavier Paul hit a sac fly to make it 5-0 Bucs after 3. J-Mac made it out of the 4th with no damage and the Bucs went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning. In the 5th, the O's finally got to McDonald, when J.J. Hardy led off with a solo shot followed by a Nick Markakis single and an Adam Jones HR to cut the lead to 5-3. After getting Derek Lee, J-Mac gave up a single to Wieters but got Luke Scott to ground out to put Wieters on 2nd with 2 outs. Jake Taylor had seen enough and pulled J-Mac in favor of Future All-Star Chris Resop, leaving McDonald 1 out shy of being the pitcher of record. Resop got the last out and went on to work a scoreless 6th before giving way to Tony Watson in the 7th. Watson, who I can't say enough about, got the O's in order, bringing up the Bucs after the 7th inning stretch.
With Ole Harrison on 2nd base after leading off with a single and Cutch on first after a 1 out walk, the Pride of PR drove a one hop laser to 3rd. Mark Reynolds had trouble handling it, appearing to me that he turned his glove the wrong way and failed to use proper fundamentals in getting over top of the ball, and the Bucs had the bases loaded. Reynold's error was his league leading 16th of the season, which Mr. Sunshine pridefully boasted is " BY FAR the most in the Majors!!!!". Actually, while Reynolds does lead the league in errors, he is 1 ahead of Starling Castro and 2 ahead of Elvis Andrus. I wouldn't consider that a wide margin, considering Andrus's 14 Errors is the same amount Kdro was on pace for when he went to the DL. For some reason, this broadcast team HATES Mark Reynolds. Monday night they made fun of him for striking out so much and Tuesday featured a Brown-gasm over the number of errors he has made. With his numbers, he would lead the Bucs in HR and be 2nd in RBI's right now.
Moving on.
Xavier Paul slashed a floating single to left to bring in Ole Harrison but it wasn't deep enough to score Cutch, but the Bucs still opened up the lead to 6-3. Up next was good old Ronny Cedeno and this at-bat was one for the ages. I don't know if he did this on his own or if the dugout signals didn't translate from English to Spanish. Hell, maybe Jake Taylor told him to do it, or maybe Ronny Cedeno just has a painfully low baseball IQ. However, with the bases loaded and 1 out in a 6-3 game and the ML leader in fielding % among catchers behind the plate, Ronny freaking Cedeno freaking bunted the freaking ball into the freaking ground in front of home freaking plate. Maybe I am overreacting, maybe this wasn't nearly as dumb as it looked. Maybe I am the idiot or was taught wrong. But I just don't see how it was a good idea to bunt the ball WITH A FORCE AT EVERY FREAKING BASE, including the one 2 feet from where it landed.
Anyhow, Wieters neatly collected the ball, stepped on the plate and fired to first in plenty of time to nab Cedeno for the 2-3 inning ending double play. Not so fast, Hoss. The homeplate umpire ruled the ball was foul, and Cedeno had another try. Replay showed the ball was fair and the Bucs caught a break but Karma had her way with Ronny when he hit into a 4-6-3 DP to end the inning.We ended up in the same place, just took a different route to get there.
Jose Veras worked a wonderfully uneventful top of the 8th and the Bucs came up in the home half looking to add to their lead. Fort McKenry (thanks, Walkie) led off with his first career extra base hit and Matt Diaz trotted out to PH, looping a single to right. Jose Tabata was now at the plate with 1st and 3rd and no outs and smacked a line drive looking like a sure single up the middle. This was not the case, though, as the line drive struck the pitcher in his lower back and ricocheted to Hardy at SS, who nearly caught it out of the air. Hardy was able to pick up the ball and get the force of Diaz at second, but McKenry scored and we were inches away from one of the most bizarre triple plays in MLB history. Had Hardy caught the ball instead of knocking it down, Fort McKenry and Diaz were both well off their base and a triple play would have been on. Luckily, he couldn't snag it and the Bucs were still in business in the 8th.
Brandon Wood followed Tabata with a single and GI Jones sat on a pitch but couldn't get under it enough and flew out to deep RCF. Cutch walked for the 3rd time on the night, bringing up Walker with the bases loaded and 2 outs. I like to say there are 2 things Neil Walker does best: 1.) Drives in runs and 2.) grounds into double plays. Coming into this bases loaded at-bat, he had already driven a run home and hit into a GIDP on the night, so with 2 outs he only had one choice. Neil Walker lashed a double to left and drove in 2 more runs. Bucs 9, O's 3. That is how it would end, with the Bucs moving to within one game of .500 heading into today's game.
Player of the Game: Neil Walker, 2 for 5 with 3 RBI, 49 on the season, 1st among 2B. Cutch also deserves mention for going 1 for 1 with a 2B and 3BB as well as a sacrifice. Birthday Boy Jones had 2 RBI as did Xavier Paul.
Head Scratcher of the Game: I guess J-Mac was struggling, but I am not a huge fan of Jake Taylor pulling him when he did. However, I am an accountant and a blogger and Clint Hurdle has managed in the World Series. Plus the Bucs got the W, so once again, how can I really question him?
Face Palm of the Night: Hands down the Cedeno bases loaded bunt. Man alive. What the hell happened? I haven't read a post game write-up so I don't know who had that bright idea, but that was the WTF Moment of The Year thus far. Feel free to disagree with me, but that was downright ridiculous.
The Bucs face the O's this afternoon, at 12:35 with KC taking the hill. Let's see if he can get over this home woes.
After a slight delay due to more ceremonies honoring the 1971 World Series Champions, the game was under way and J-Mac wasted no time mowing down the first three Orioles batters he faced. The bats followed McDonald's arm and got an early jump when Tabata and Josh "Ole" Harrison smacked back to back singles to put 2 on and 0 out for the Birthday Boy GI Jones. The big fellow didn't wait long to celebrate his 30th human year, whacking a 2 run double to the RCF gap. Cutch, in the cleanup spot, sac bunted Jones to third and the Pride of PR did what he does best, this time with a sac fly. Buc 3, O's 0 after 1. The Orioles had 2 on with 2 out in the 2nd but J-Mac slammed the door and ended the inning unscathed. The Bucs drew more blood in their part of the 2nd when Cedeno was driven in by Tabata after a nice bunt from J-Mac moved Ronny to second.
McDonald once again faced 2 on and 2 out in the 3rd but Derek Lee couldn't get the run home and the Bucs came up in the 3rd with a 4-0 lead. After a GI Jones groundout, Cutch walked and the Pride of PR singled, with Cutch zipping into third. Xavier Paul hit a sac fly to make it 5-0 Bucs after 3. J-Mac made it out of the 4th with no damage and the Bucs went down 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning. In the 5th, the O's finally got to McDonald, when J.J. Hardy led off with a solo shot followed by a Nick Markakis single and an Adam Jones HR to cut the lead to 5-3. After getting Derek Lee, J-Mac gave up a single to Wieters but got Luke Scott to ground out to put Wieters on 2nd with 2 outs. Jake Taylor had seen enough and pulled J-Mac in favor of Future All-Star Chris Resop, leaving McDonald 1 out shy of being the pitcher of record. Resop got the last out and went on to work a scoreless 6th before giving way to Tony Watson in the 7th. Watson, who I can't say enough about, got the O's in order, bringing up the Bucs after the 7th inning stretch.
With Ole Harrison on 2nd base after leading off with a single and Cutch on first after a 1 out walk, the Pride of PR drove a one hop laser to 3rd. Mark Reynolds had trouble handling it, appearing to me that he turned his glove the wrong way and failed to use proper fundamentals in getting over top of the ball, and the Bucs had the bases loaded. Reynold's error was his league leading 16th of the season, which Mr. Sunshine pridefully boasted is " BY FAR the most in the Majors!!!!". Actually, while Reynolds does lead the league in errors, he is 1 ahead of Starling Castro and 2 ahead of Elvis Andrus. I wouldn't consider that a wide margin, considering Andrus's 14 Errors is the same amount Kdro was on pace for when he went to the DL. For some reason, this broadcast team HATES Mark Reynolds. Monday night they made fun of him for striking out so much and Tuesday featured a Brown-gasm over the number of errors he has made. With his numbers, he would lead the Bucs in HR and be 2nd in RBI's right now.
Moving on.
Xavier Paul slashed a floating single to left to bring in Ole Harrison but it wasn't deep enough to score Cutch, but the Bucs still opened up the lead to 6-3. Up next was good old Ronny Cedeno and this at-bat was one for the ages. I don't know if he did this on his own or if the dugout signals didn't translate from English to Spanish. Hell, maybe Jake Taylor told him to do it, or maybe Ronny Cedeno just has a painfully low baseball IQ. However, with the bases loaded and 1 out in a 6-3 game and the ML leader in fielding % among catchers behind the plate, Ronny freaking Cedeno freaking bunted the freaking ball into the freaking ground in front of home freaking plate. Maybe I am overreacting, maybe this wasn't nearly as dumb as it looked. Maybe I am the idiot or was taught wrong. But I just don't see how it was a good idea to bunt the ball WITH A FORCE AT EVERY FREAKING BASE, including the one 2 feet from where it landed.
Anyhow, Wieters neatly collected the ball, stepped on the plate and fired to first in plenty of time to nab Cedeno for the 2-3 inning ending double play. Not so fast, Hoss. The homeplate umpire ruled the ball was foul, and Cedeno had another try. Replay showed the ball was fair and the Bucs caught a break but Karma had her way with Ronny when he hit into a 4-6-3 DP to end the inning.We ended up in the same place, just took a different route to get there.
Jose Veras worked a wonderfully uneventful top of the 8th and the Bucs came up in the home half looking to add to their lead. Fort McKenry (thanks, Walkie) led off with his first career extra base hit and Matt Diaz trotted out to PH, looping a single to right. Jose Tabata was now at the plate with 1st and 3rd and no outs and smacked a line drive looking like a sure single up the middle. This was not the case, though, as the line drive struck the pitcher in his lower back and ricocheted to Hardy at SS, who nearly caught it out of the air. Hardy was able to pick up the ball and get the force of Diaz at second, but McKenry scored and we were inches away from one of the most bizarre triple plays in MLB history. Had Hardy caught the ball instead of knocking it down, Fort McKenry and Diaz were both well off their base and a triple play would have been on. Luckily, he couldn't snag it and the Bucs were still in business in the 8th.
Brandon Wood followed Tabata with a single and GI Jones sat on a pitch but couldn't get under it enough and flew out to deep RCF. Cutch walked for the 3rd time on the night, bringing up Walker with the bases loaded and 2 outs. I like to say there are 2 things Neil Walker does best: 1.) Drives in runs and 2.) grounds into double plays. Coming into this bases loaded at-bat, he had already driven a run home and hit into a GIDP on the night, so with 2 outs he only had one choice. Neil Walker lashed a double to left and drove in 2 more runs. Bucs 9, O's 3. That is how it would end, with the Bucs moving to within one game of .500 heading into today's game.
Player of the Game: Neil Walker, 2 for 5 with 3 RBI, 49 on the season, 1st among 2B. Cutch also deserves mention for going 1 for 1 with a 2B and 3BB as well as a sacrifice. Birthday Boy Jones had 2 RBI as did Xavier Paul.
Head Scratcher of the Game: I guess J-Mac was struggling, but I am not a huge fan of Jake Taylor pulling him when he did. However, I am an accountant and a blogger and Clint Hurdle has managed in the World Series. Plus the Bucs got the W, so once again, how can I really question him?
Face Palm of the Night: Hands down the Cedeno bases loaded bunt. Man alive. What the hell happened? I haven't read a post game write-up so I don't know who had that bright idea, but that was the WTF Moment of The Year thus far. Feel free to disagree with me, but that was downright ridiculous.
The Bucs face the O's this afternoon, at 12:35 with KC taking the hill. Let's see if he can get over this home woes.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
How the Tides Have Turned
Going into the game June 17th in Cleveland, hopes soared high in the hearts of Pirate fans. Coming off a sweep of the last place Astros, the Bucs were in that hallowed territory above the .500 mark. The team was finally getting consistent, quality starting pitching. The hitting was not producing power numbers, but some timely rallies and scrappy hardnosed tenacity had been enough to get more tallies in the victory column than the corresponding defeat one.
Expectations have been so drastically lowered for this ballclub, that the City of Pittsburgh was absolutely ecstatic about having a team that was not absolutely buried in the standings by the June Equinox. Optimism abounded among the fans and supposedly objective media. Talk around town was about this team being different, FEELING different, that they absolutely, positively would not collapse, crash, and burn like so many prior incarnations of the Pirates had done over the past two decades.
The conversation was not based on it being possible to see if this stellar, above everyone’s wildest expectations, starting pitching would and could last an entire season. No, instead the big talk was centered around what kind of power bats the team could trade for to help them actually compete for a wildcard or division title spot. Talk it turns out that was vastly immature.
Interleague play has been a bugbear for the Bucs. They have earned the worst record in baseball since the regular season games between the two leagues began, mostly by being the consistently worst team in baseball over that same time period. It seems however that even the usually inept Pirate teams manage to find an extra, extra level of bad play in these crossover series.
Charlie “Good Stuff” Morton seems to have reverted back to his 2010 self. Opposing hitters are starting to smash him around once again in the same manner that Belushi smashed this douchebag’s guitar in Animal House.
I’m sure Morton’s tormented artists soul will be able to compose a few more folk ballads to croon over his latest stretch of horrible pitching. So we have that to look forward to.
Morton was the symbolpiece of the surprisingly competent start of the Pirates early this season. Having him falling apart is surely an ominous sign of what’s ahead for this group. They still have time to salvage things with a few victories here, but they had better act quickly, with the Mighty Red Sox coming to town this weekend and games up in Toronto with the DH in play on the horizon. If the pitching is cracking, and the offense continues its horrific pace on games where they are not given gift runs, it could get very bleak, very quick.
The lesson here may be: whenever you get your hopes up about the Pirates, get ready for the boot to come stamping down on your face, once again.
Expectations have been so drastically lowered for this ballclub, that the City of Pittsburgh was absolutely ecstatic about having a team that was not absolutely buried in the standings by the June Equinox. Optimism abounded among the fans and supposedly objective media. Talk around town was about this team being different, FEELING different, that they absolutely, positively would not collapse, crash, and burn like so many prior incarnations of the Pirates had done over the past two decades.
The conversation was not based on it being possible to see if this stellar, above everyone’s wildest expectations, starting pitching would and could last an entire season. No, instead the big talk was centered around what kind of power bats the team could trade for to help them actually compete for a wildcard or division title spot. Talk it turns out that was vastly immature.
Interleague play has been a bugbear for the Bucs. They have earned the worst record in baseball since the regular season games between the two leagues began, mostly by being the consistently worst team in baseball over that same time period. It seems however that even the usually inept Pirate teams manage to find an extra, extra level of bad play in these crossover series.
Charlie “Good Stuff” Morton seems to have reverted back to his 2010 self. Opposing hitters are starting to smash him around once again in the same manner that Belushi smashed this douchebag’s guitar in Animal House.
I’m sure Morton’s tormented artists soul will be able to compose a few more folk ballads to croon over his latest stretch of horrible pitching. So we have that to look forward to.
Morton was the symbolpiece of the surprisingly competent start of the Pirates early this season. Having him falling apart is surely an ominous sign of what’s ahead for this group. They still have time to salvage things with a few victories here, but they had better act quickly, with the Mighty Red Sox coming to town this weekend and games up in Toronto with the DH in play on the horizon. If the pitching is cracking, and the offense continues its horrific pace on games where they are not given gift runs, it could get very bleak, very quick.
The lesson here may be: whenever you get your hopes up about the Pirates, get ready for the boot to come stamping down on your face, once again.
O Boy
After going 0 for Cleveland, the Bucs came back home last night looking to get off on the right foot against an Orioles team with a losing record and coming off a series loss to the Nationals. The Bucs were also trotting out their Ace, Charlie "Great Stuff" Morton, who started off this season looking like a new man. His performance in April and May was leading to "Greatest Trade Ever" cries and Cy Young talk. But the trouble with pesky Post Season Awards is that they don't give them out after 2 months. In June, Great Stuff has looked frighteningly like his 2010 self: 4 starts, 18 IP, 19R, 17ER, 32 Hits, a WHIP of 2.11 and an 8.50 ERA.
Last night, the Bucs needed to start the game and the series off right. Neither of those 2 happened and we got the more often than not result of a Big old L. I missed the first 15-20 minutes of the game due to a How I Met Your Mother re-run on WPCW but by the time I flipped on Root at 7:28 it was already 3-0 Orioles. Tim Neverett remained optimistic, though, citing the Bucs own futility in scoring runs after the first inning in their previous contest with the Injuns; they scored 2 in the first and none in the next 10. But suddenly it was 4-0, and then 5-0. Blass and Neverett tried to keep the viewers' spirits up in the bottom of the first, pining for one run to wake the Bucs up. They went down 1-2-3.
The second inning was slightly better than the first, only surrendering 2 runs to the O's. Thankfully, the Honoring of the 1971 World Series Champions took place Monday night and Blass had plenty of stories to tell in lieu of hashing over every detail of this dreadful ballgame with Neverett. Despite trailing 6-0, Neverett didn't hesitate to mock Mark Reynolds for his high strike out total both this season and during his career, noting his 74 K's in 69 games in 2011. I guess he forgot about our 3B, currently on the DL, who has 42 K's in 36 games and his career averages aren't 34 HR and 98 RBI per 162 games played........ But that is the Bucs broadcast team for you, last year's debauchery during Strasburg's MLB debut should have been enough proof that they are little more than bush league. I will never forget Wehner cackling every time Strasburg threw a ball and his and Mr. Sunshine's reaction when Delwyn Young hit a 2-run shot off of him, screaming " HE IS HUMAN" but failing to mention how he was hitting 100 regularly and went on to strike out 14 Bucco batters in 7 IP, giving up only those 2 runs.......
Moving on.
After the Orioles took a 7-0 lead at the end of 2, you could close the book on Morton ( in a Harry Doyle Voice: "Thank God"). The Bucs managed a run in the bottom of the 2nd and the O's got it back in the 3rd, opening it up to 8-1. I totally gave up watching until the 9th but the Box Score indicates Paul and Cedeno knocked in Cutch and GI Jones in the 4th to make it 8-3. The next 4 innings definitely happened.Then, the Hammer worked a scoreless 9th, Cutch grabbed his 3rd hit of the game to start the bottom half, Jones flied out to Left center, and The Pride of PR honored the Orioles Cal Ripken Jr by hitting into a game ending Double Play. Final score: Orioles 8, Bucs 3.
Player of the Game: Matt Wieters. Why, you say, pick a guy was 1 for 5 with 1 RBI and 2 K's? Well, this is my blog and I will pick whomever I like for Player of the Game. And since I didn't have the opportunity to pick him in the draft, I figured I would do it here. Honestly, you can't even compare him to Moskos. Wieters is an everyday catcher who can hit around .260-.270, 15-18 HR, 75-85 RBIs, and also leads the league in throwing out runners, nabbing 18 of 46 attempted base thieves for an astounding 39%. I will take that talent over a middle reliever every single time. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Head Scratcher of the Game: Matt Wieters not being a Pirate. Like I said, he didn't have a breakout game last night, but the Bucs would be a MUCH better team with him.
Face Palm of the Night: Drafting Daniel Moskos instead of Matt Wieters. I am not beating a dead horse or anything. But I have to say it here because the PG will probably ignore it or say he was 1 for 5 in this 1 game, so he's not very good. We know they like to use a small sample size to jump to conclusions, if you recall SmizBlog declaring the Bucs the Offensive King of Baseball in June after 7 games.
This was not the start anybody here was looking for, not in the least. Morton was awful, going 2 IP, giving up 7 R, 6 of them earned and 8 hits. His June was been dreadful and the j*zzfest (that's not a PC form of Jazz Fest) over him may be starting to quell. On the other hand, Cutch had 3 of our 5 hits after going 0 for 13 in Cleveland. The Bucs are now 2 games below .500 and are playing their worst baseball since the Mutiny began. Tonight, J-Mac takes on a guy with a 2-8 record who will probably take a perfect game 2 outs into the 8th.
BTW, it was nice to see RoboRussell waving a guy home last night. I did not know his arms were wired in such a fashion.
Last night, the Bucs needed to start the game and the series off right. Neither of those 2 happened and we got the more often than not result of a Big old L. I missed the first 15-20 minutes of the game due to a How I Met Your Mother re-run on WPCW but by the time I flipped on Root at 7:28 it was already 3-0 Orioles. Tim Neverett remained optimistic, though, citing the Bucs own futility in scoring runs after the first inning in their previous contest with the Injuns; they scored 2 in the first and none in the next 10. But suddenly it was 4-0, and then 5-0. Blass and Neverett tried to keep the viewers' spirits up in the bottom of the first, pining for one run to wake the Bucs up. They went down 1-2-3.
The second inning was slightly better than the first, only surrendering 2 runs to the O's. Thankfully, the Honoring of the 1971 World Series Champions took place Monday night and Blass had plenty of stories to tell in lieu of hashing over every detail of this dreadful ballgame with Neverett. Despite trailing 6-0, Neverett didn't hesitate to mock Mark Reynolds for his high strike out total both this season and during his career, noting his 74 K's in 69 games in 2011. I guess he forgot about our 3B, currently on the DL, who has 42 K's in 36 games and his career averages aren't 34 HR and 98 RBI per 162 games played........ But that is the Bucs broadcast team for you, last year's debauchery during Strasburg's MLB debut should have been enough proof that they are little more than bush league. I will never forget Wehner cackling every time Strasburg threw a ball and his and Mr. Sunshine's reaction when Delwyn Young hit a 2-run shot off of him, screaming " HE IS HUMAN" but failing to mention how he was hitting 100 regularly and went on to strike out 14 Bucco batters in 7 IP, giving up only those 2 runs.......
Moving on.
After the Orioles took a 7-0 lead at the end of 2, you could close the book on Morton ( in a Harry Doyle Voice: "Thank God"). The Bucs managed a run in the bottom of the 2nd and the O's got it back in the 3rd, opening it up to 8-1. I totally gave up watching until the 9th but the Box Score indicates Paul and Cedeno knocked in Cutch and GI Jones in the 4th to make it 8-3. The next 4 innings definitely happened.Then, the Hammer worked a scoreless 9th, Cutch grabbed his 3rd hit of the game to start the bottom half, Jones flied out to Left center, and The Pride of PR honored the Orioles Cal Ripken Jr by hitting into a game ending Double Play. Final score: Orioles 8, Bucs 3.
Player of the Game: Matt Wieters. Why, you say, pick a guy was 1 for 5 with 1 RBI and 2 K's? Well, this is my blog and I will pick whomever I like for Player of the Game. And since I didn't have the opportunity to pick him in the draft, I figured I would do it here. Honestly, you can't even compare him to Moskos. Wieters is an everyday catcher who can hit around .260-.270, 15-18 HR, 75-85 RBIs, and also leads the league in throwing out runners, nabbing 18 of 46 attempted base thieves for an astounding 39%. I will take that talent over a middle reliever every single time. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Head Scratcher of the Game: Matt Wieters not being a Pirate. Like I said, he didn't have a breakout game last night, but the Bucs would be a MUCH better team with him.
Face Palm of the Night: Drafting Daniel Moskos instead of Matt Wieters. I am not beating a dead horse or anything. But I have to say it here because the PG will probably ignore it or say he was 1 for 5 in this 1 game, so he's not very good. We know they like to use a small sample size to jump to conclusions, if you recall SmizBlog declaring the Bucs the Offensive King of Baseball in June after 7 games.
This was not the start anybody here was looking for, not in the least. Morton was awful, going 2 IP, giving up 7 R, 6 of them earned and 8 hits. His June was been dreadful and the j*zzfest (that's not a PC form of Jazz Fest) over him may be starting to quell. On the other hand, Cutch had 3 of our 5 hits after going 0 for 13 in Cleveland. The Bucs are now 2 games below .500 and are playing their worst baseball since the Mutiny began. Tonight, J-Mac takes on a guy with a 2-8 record who will probably take a perfect game 2 outs into the 8th.
BTW, it was nice to see RoboRussell waving a guy home last night. I did not know his arms were wired in such a fashion.
Monday, June 20, 2011
That's four in a row
I didn't catch the first part of Monday's game, but it was 3-0 Orioles in the first inning when I turned it on. It wasn't much after 7:20 p.m. EST.
Baltimore went on to add two more runs and led 5-0 after the first. Getting in early holes is something Pittsburgh can't afford to do.
The Pirates went on to lose, 8-3, and run their record to 35-37.
Charlie "Good Stuff" Morton, I think that's a good nickname for him, was roughed up for seven runs in two innings. Morton gave up eight hits and walked one. Six of the seven runs were earned. His record falls to 7-4. Morton still has a respectable 3.77 ERA, but you need to do better than that when pitching for the Bucs.
Pittsburgh only had five hits and were never really in the game against a team that has a worse record (33-37) than them.
Just a poor effort in front of all those guys from the 1971 World Series Championship team. Maybe Steve Blass should go nuts on the air and tell it like it is.
They need to rebound and win the next two. Objectively speaking, I don't think it will happen. Even if it does, Boston will sweep them over the weekend. The Red Sox are hot, the Bucs aren't, and I see Boston doing some damage. Remember when the Sox started the season so poorly?
It's just a case of a team like that doesn't have to worry. They knew they would bounce back.
The Pirates also took a series from St. Louis earlier in the season. It's just so hard for this team to compete.
Obviously, the players need to be better, but this isn't public high school baseball, the owners are supposed to put a solid product on the field.
That means you, Mr. Nutting. I don't think it's a coincidence that the two times I've seen the boss, and I use that term loosely, on TV the Bucs have lost badly.
Not hating, just saying.
Baltimore went on to add two more runs and led 5-0 after the first. Getting in early holes is something Pittsburgh can't afford to do.
The Pirates went on to lose, 8-3, and run their record to 35-37.
Charlie "Good Stuff" Morton, I think that's a good nickname for him, was roughed up for seven runs in two innings. Morton gave up eight hits and walked one. Six of the seven runs were earned. His record falls to 7-4. Morton still has a respectable 3.77 ERA, but you need to do better than that when pitching for the Bucs.
Pittsburgh only had five hits and were never really in the game against a team that has a worse record (33-37) than them.
Just a poor effort in front of all those guys from the 1971 World Series Championship team. Maybe Steve Blass should go nuts on the air and tell it like it is.
They need to rebound and win the next two. Objectively speaking, I don't think it will happen. Even if it does, Boston will sweep them over the weekend. The Red Sox are hot, the Bucs aren't, and I see Boston doing some damage. Remember when the Sox started the season so poorly?
It's just a case of a team like that doesn't have to worry. They knew they would bounce back.
The Pirates also took a series from St. Louis earlier in the season. It's just so hard for this team to compete.
Obviously, the players need to be better, but this isn't public high school baseball, the owners are supposed to put a solid product on the field.
That means you, Mr. Nutting. I don't think it's a coincidence that the two times I've seen the boss, and I use that term loosely, on TV the Bucs have lost badly.
Not hating, just saying.
Stay away from the American League
The Pirates finish the month of June agains the American League, which could destroy all hopes of the Buccos breaking .500 this year.
Since interleague play began in 1997, the Pirates are 75-127 against the AL. Part of that can be attributed to Pittsburgh being awful all those years, but they just don't play well against AL teams.
The Pirates are one game below .500 with a three-game set against Baltimore on tap. Pittsburgh will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bucs defeating the Orioles in the 1971 World Series. If only those guys were still in their prime. The Pirates live for the past, what else have they got, however they always play poorly when something big is going on.
They will drop two out of three and will be two games under .500.
Boston comes in to town Friday, then its on to Toronto. Remember Jose Bautista? He will make the Pirates.
I don't know if this is the beginning of the end for the Pirates, although they should boycott interleague play.
Since interleague play began in 1997, the Pirates are 75-127 against the AL. Part of that can be attributed to Pittsburgh being awful all those years, but they just don't play well against AL teams.
The Pirates are one game below .500 with a three-game set against Baltimore on tap. Pittsburgh will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Bucs defeating the Orioles in the 1971 World Series. If only those guys were still in their prime. The Pirates live for the past, what else have they got, however they always play poorly when something big is going on.
They will drop two out of three and will be two games under .500.
Boston comes in to town Friday, then its on to Toronto. Remember Jose Bautista? He will make the Pirates.
I don't know if this is the beginning of the end for the Pirates, although they should boycott interleague play.
Cleveland Steamer
It's amazing what 3 games can do for a major league ball club. The Bucs made it out of Houston with a 3 game sweep, moving their record to 35-33, and people in the 'Burgh began talk about the playoffs. Who should we get at the trade deadline, who can we give up and for what? The Pro Nutters were dancing in the streets. I was told directly to "give the team a chance" after an elated friend notified me of the Bucs 35-33 record and I notified him that wins are easy when you're facing the worst team in baseball and they're handing you games. Now, the Bucs exit Cleveland after being swept, scoring 4 runs in 29 innings, and toting a losing record heading home to face the Orioles and Red Sox.
The Cleveland series was fairly typical for any series the Bucs played all season: solid starting pitching and little to no run support. The Bucs managed just 1 run in each of the first 2 games before exploding for 2 runs in yesterday's series finale loss. Of course, both of those runs came in the 1st inning and nothing in the next 10. One reason the Bucs struggled in Cleveland was the Indians excellent pitching. To hear Walkie and Mr. Sunshine tell it Saturday night, the Indians were tops in the league in terms of pitching. Actually, the Bucs broadcast team fawned all over the Injuns pitching staff all weekend long. So imagine my surprise when I looked at their ranking for the season.........
The invincible Indians pitching staff is now boasting a 3.90 ERA, putting up a 1.24 over the 3 game set with the Buccos. That team ERA is good for 15th among MLB teams, 7th in the 14 team AL. That doesn't exactly scream dominance. The Astros, by comparison, are 28th with a 4.48 ERA. The Bucs didn't exactly tear the cover off the ball with them, either. They won ugly and there is nothing wrong with that. But when I hear DK on the X talking to Double M ( Mark Madden's initials as well as his bra size), he suggested that while the Bucs are winning ugly, so did the SF Giants a year ago. Obviously, I was shocked by this revelation, I had obviously undervalued this 2011 team more than I originally thought.
They also lost their 13th straight interleague road game. Clint Hurdle didn't want to hear about that, though. He doesn't want to hear about anything, actually. He just wants to hear himself make smug comments in post game interviews. Moving on:
Another reason for being swept in Cleveland is the fact that the Indians also weren't interested in handing the Bucs runs in the same vein as the Astros. The Tribe made 1 error over 3 games compared to the 4 errors the Astros made over 3 the games prior.Those errors all lead to runs, and in 2 of the 3 games, the winning run. This is why Lightning in a Bottle is not the preferred method for winning in pro sports.
Overall, the weekend series in the Mistake by the Lake wasn't all terrible. Friday, the Bucs got a solid start from KC, despite his run yielding bases loaded balk, went 5.2IP, giving up 1 ER, 2R, and 4 H but fell to 8-6. Saturday's starter was Christian Husband Paul Maholm, he went 6.1IP, giving up 4 ER and 7 hits
and dropping to 3-8. Karstens earned a ND Sunday, going 7IP, giving up 1ER, 2R, and 5 hits, lowering his season ERA to 2.54. The bullpen wasn't too good Friday and Sunday's extra inning loss came when Tim Wood surrendered a 3-run jack to Cord Phelps, his 1st of the season no less, to end it.
The cumulative score of the series was Tribe 15, Bucs 4. The number of runs scored over 3 games tells the story of the series. Cutch was the worst, going 0 for 13 in the series, reaching base once and losing 14 points off of his average. Tabata was 1/10. Xavier Paul, a potentially huge trade piece according a SmizBlogger because he could lead off for most MLB clubs, was 1 for 13 and his season OBP is .300. The Pride of PR was 3/12 with 1 RBI, Cedeno was 3 for 10 and GI Jones was 4 for 13, being the lone "bright spots" for the lineup, although not exactly bright. Overpaid was 2 for 10 with an RBI, McKenry 1 for 6, Harrison was 1 for 6, Diaz was 1 for 5, and Wood went 2 for 5. For the series, the Bucs were 21 for 106, including 10 for 62 in the first 2 games. Their overall AVG for the series was .198.
The Orioles are heading into town next and are 32-37 after losing 2 out of 3 to the Nationals. This week also pays tribute to the Bucs 1971 World Series Champions team and much of the focus will be on honoring them as opposed to anything related to the current team on the field. I said late last week that the Bucs 2011 team is not much different on paper than the 105 loss team of a year ago and there is no doubt this team was overachieving. But that doesn't mean this is the beginning of the end for them, not by a long shot. But they need to right the ship against the O's and sweep them out of town before facing the Red Sox this weekend. That series could be a season killer if the Bucs don't manage to handle the Orioles.
The Cleveland series was fairly typical for any series the Bucs played all season: solid starting pitching and little to no run support. The Bucs managed just 1 run in each of the first 2 games before exploding for 2 runs in yesterday's series finale loss. Of course, both of those runs came in the 1st inning and nothing in the next 10. One reason the Bucs struggled in Cleveland was the Indians excellent pitching. To hear Walkie and Mr. Sunshine tell it Saturday night, the Indians were tops in the league in terms of pitching. Actually, the Bucs broadcast team fawned all over the Injuns pitching staff all weekend long. So imagine my surprise when I looked at their ranking for the season.........
The invincible Indians pitching staff is now boasting a 3.90 ERA, putting up a 1.24 over the 3 game set with the Buccos. That team ERA is good for 15th among MLB teams, 7th in the 14 team AL. That doesn't exactly scream dominance. The Astros, by comparison, are 28th with a 4.48 ERA. The Bucs didn't exactly tear the cover off the ball with them, either. They won ugly and there is nothing wrong with that. But when I hear DK on the X talking to Double M ( Mark Madden's initials as well as his bra size), he suggested that while the Bucs are winning ugly, so did the SF Giants a year ago. Obviously, I was shocked by this revelation, I had obviously undervalued this 2011 team more than I originally thought.
They also lost their 13th straight interleague road game. Clint Hurdle didn't want to hear about that, though. He doesn't want to hear about anything, actually. He just wants to hear himself make smug comments in post game interviews. Moving on:
Another reason for being swept in Cleveland is the fact that the Indians also weren't interested in handing the Bucs runs in the same vein as the Astros. The Tribe made 1 error over 3 games compared to the 4 errors the Astros made over 3 the games prior.Those errors all lead to runs, and in 2 of the 3 games, the winning run. This is why Lightning in a Bottle is not the preferred method for winning in pro sports.
Overall, the weekend series in the Mistake by the Lake wasn't all terrible. Friday, the Bucs got a solid start from KC, despite his run yielding bases loaded balk, went 5.2IP, giving up 1 ER, 2R, and 4 H but fell to 8-6. Saturday's starter was Christian Husband Paul Maholm, he went 6.1IP, giving up 4 ER and 7 hits
and dropping to 3-8. Karstens earned a ND Sunday, going 7IP, giving up 1ER, 2R, and 5 hits, lowering his season ERA to 2.54. The bullpen wasn't too good Friday and Sunday's extra inning loss came when Tim Wood surrendered a 3-run jack to Cord Phelps, his 1st of the season no less, to end it.
The cumulative score of the series was Tribe 15, Bucs 4. The number of runs scored over 3 games tells the story of the series. Cutch was the worst, going 0 for 13 in the series, reaching base once and losing 14 points off of his average. Tabata was 1/10. Xavier Paul, a potentially huge trade piece according a SmizBlogger because he could lead off for most MLB clubs, was 1 for 13 and his season OBP is .300. The Pride of PR was 3/12 with 1 RBI, Cedeno was 3 for 10 and GI Jones was 4 for 13, being the lone "bright spots" for the lineup, although not exactly bright. Overpaid was 2 for 10 with an RBI, McKenry 1 for 6, Harrison was 1 for 6, Diaz was 1 for 5, and Wood went 2 for 5. For the series, the Bucs were 21 for 106, including 10 for 62 in the first 2 games. Their overall AVG for the series was .198.
The Orioles are heading into town next and are 32-37 after losing 2 out of 3 to the Nationals. This week also pays tribute to the Bucs 1971 World Series Champions team and much of the focus will be on honoring them as opposed to anything related to the current team on the field. I said late last week that the Bucs 2011 team is not much different on paper than the 105 loss team of a year ago and there is no doubt this team was overachieving. But that doesn't mean this is the beginning of the end for them, not by a long shot. But they need to right the ship against the O's and sweep them out of town before facing the Red Sox this weekend. That series could be a season killer if the Bucs don't manage to handle the Orioles.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Lower the Jolly Roger
Bucs lose, Bucs lose.
Pittsburgh dropped three straight to Cleveland, with Sunday's 5-2 loss in extra innings putting the Pirates back below the magical .500 number.
I didn't see the game, but I would be willing to bet that Jeff Karstens didn't get much run support. I hate to keep beating a dead bush, but geez, when are these guys going to start hitting? Even the "experts" on baseball tonight said the Pirates' strongest asset would be their 1-6 hitters.
Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore in a three-game set that begins Monday at 7:05 p.m. EST at PNC Park. Maybe the Bucs can get back on track.
Pittsburgh dropped three straight to Cleveland, with Sunday's 5-2 loss in extra innings putting the Pirates back below the magical .500 number.
I didn't see the game, but I would be willing to bet that Jeff Karstens didn't get much run support. I hate to keep beating a dead bush, but geez, when are these guys going to start hitting? Even the "experts" on baseball tonight said the Pirates' strongest asset would be their 1-6 hitters.
Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore in a three-game set that begins Monday at 7:05 p.m. EST at PNC Park. Maybe the Bucs can get back on track.
Pirates can't find runs against Indians
The Pirates failed to score runs once again Saturday night, dropping a 5-1 decision to the Indians at Progressive Field in that stinkhole known as Cleveland.
I really can't stand to see the Bucs lose, let alone to Cleveland. I don't care how much the Indians have improved, you don't lose to that team whether it's baseball, football or arena football.
The offense is on life support, and that will be the reason Pittsburgh fails to break .500 once again. I will be the first to say that Clint Hurdle is doing a fine job, and it is amazing that they are at .500 as of this writing, but the bats need to come alive.
Pittsbugh has struggled mightly in the past against the American League. They took two out of three from Detroit, although have dropped the first two to the Tribe. They better come around because they play AL clubs the rest of the month, including Boston at PNC Park the last weekend of June. Should be a tough series, but you never know with the battling Buccos. I said that against Philadelphia and they won the series.
Enjoy your Father's Day.
I really can't stand to see the Bucs lose, let alone to Cleveland. I don't care how much the Indians have improved, you don't lose to that team whether it's baseball, football or arena football.
The offense is on life support, and that will be the reason Pittsburgh fails to break .500 once again. I will be the first to say that Clint Hurdle is doing a fine job, and it is amazing that they are at .500 as of this writing, but the bats need to come alive.
Pittsbugh has struggled mightly in the past against the American League. They took two out of three from Detroit, although have dropped the first two to the Tribe. They better come around because they play AL clubs the rest of the month, including Boston at PNC Park the last weekend of June. Should be a tough series, but you never know with the battling Buccos. I said that against Philadelphia and they won the series.
Enjoy your Father's Day.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Quit playing that stupid song
I don't know the name of that song they play at PNC Park after every Pirates victory, which is rare, but it really stinks.
They used to play it before all home games, but switched to only after wins at home. I was relieved of that because it wouldn't be played as much, but they are doing all right this season and we have to hear it.
They even play it on promotions. Maybe it's just my personality, but I want something with some passion. No little kids song. The Pirates are too obsessed with the kids thing.
That's it.
They used to play it before all home games, but switched to only after wins at home. I was relieved of that because it wouldn't be played as much, but they are doing all right this season and we have to hear it.
They even play it on promotions. Maybe it's just my personality, but I want something with some passion. No little kids song. The Pirates are too obsessed with the kids thing.
That's it.
Pirates look to even up series with Tribe
Pittsburgh will attempt to get the bats going tonight and defeat Cleveland in Game 2 of a three-game set.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field.
Carlos Carrasco (6-3) will be on the mound for the Indians (37-31). He has a 4.09 ERA in 12 starts. Carrasco has pitched 72.2 innings.
The Pirates (35-34) counter with Paul Maholm (3-7). Maholm brings a 3.12 ERA into tonight's contest. The story on Maholm all season has been the lack of runs when he pitches. Maholm has one complete-game shutout this season in 89.1 innings.
I like the Bucs to bounce back in this game. Maholm has been strong all season. With the exception of last night, Cleveland has been struggling lately, but it is still in first place.
The bats have to come around. Lyle Overbay needs to start driving in some runs. Twenty-five RBIs in 69 games isn't going to cut it. The guy only has five home runs.
Andrew McCutchen leads the team in almost all offensive categories, but he shouldn't be in home runs. McCutchen has ten and I project he will hit about 25 this season, but Overbay and Garrett Jones should be hitting about 30-35 out of the ballpark.
Neil Walker leads the team with 45 RBIs, however he needs to get that average up.
It's not the best offense, but they need some timely hits. I hate to see them leave runners on base, especially when guys are in scoring position with nobody out. That said, if the pitching remains strong, the Pirates will be in most games.
The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Progressive Field.
Carlos Carrasco (6-3) will be on the mound for the Indians (37-31). He has a 4.09 ERA in 12 starts. Carrasco has pitched 72.2 innings.
The Pirates (35-34) counter with Paul Maholm (3-7). Maholm brings a 3.12 ERA into tonight's contest. The story on Maholm all season has been the lack of runs when he pitches. Maholm has one complete-game shutout this season in 89.1 innings.
I like the Bucs to bounce back in this game. Maholm has been strong all season. With the exception of last night, Cleveland has been struggling lately, but it is still in first place.
The bats have to come around. Lyle Overbay needs to start driving in some runs. Twenty-five RBIs in 69 games isn't going to cut it. The guy only has five home runs.
Andrew McCutchen leads the team in almost all offensive categories, but he shouldn't be in home runs. McCutchen has ten and I project he will hit about 25 this season, but Overbay and Garrett Jones should be hitting about 30-35 out of the ballpark.
Neil Walker leads the team with 45 RBIs, however he needs to get that average up.
It's not the best offense, but they need some timely hits. I hate to see them leave runners on base, especially when guys are in scoring position with nobody out. That said, if the pitching remains strong, the Pirates will be in most games.
Friday, June 17, 2011
I'm ready to go
Okay guys, and gals: I believe my first post went on the hockey blog. I cleary don't know what I'm doing. Anyway, glad to be a part of this. I just had to get hockey season over with, but I'm ready to talk Bucco baseball.
I'm going to make this first one short and sweet.
I'm watching baseball more than at any time in my life and have really been following the Pirates. And yes, I will even watch if they start to stink.
Pittsburgh dropped a 5-1 decision to Cleveland Friday night in Cleveland. The bats must have stayed in Pittsburgh International because the offense was bad.
Kevin Correia didn't pitch bad, but he took the loss. The bullpen gave up three late runs and the Indians were able to shut down the Bucs without any trouble. No rallying tonight for Pittsburgh.
I will have more in the coming weeks and months.
Thanks again for allowing me to contribute. It should be fun.
I'm going to make this first one short and sweet.
I'm watching baseball more than at any time in my life and have really been following the Pirates. And yes, I will even watch if they start to stink.
Pittsburgh dropped a 5-1 decision to Cleveland Friday night in Cleveland. The bats must have stayed in Pittsburgh International because the offense was bad.
Kevin Correia didn't pitch bad, but he took the loss. The bullpen gave up three late runs and the Indians were able to shut down the Bucs without any trouble. No rallying tonight for Pittsburgh.
I will have more in the coming weeks and months.
Thanks again for allowing me to contribute. It should be fun.
The Buc and the Thrash: a Cautionary Tale
(Please note, I am posting this in conjunction with a Hockey (and politics) blog I run as well)
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. After years and years of a sports team posting losing records, trading away superstars for questionable returns, dwindling away their credibility in the community with incompetent roster management by a much ridiculed GM, and piss poor ownership support in terms of payroll authorizations, the team has started to, at least on the surface, turn the corner. A young nucleus of blossoming stars is shaping itself together. Fans who had abandoned their support of the team are starting to come back on board. A few savvy offseason acquisitions are performing well above expectations. It seems that everything is in place for the team, which had bottomed out the previous season, to start to make a legitimate run, at least for respectability, if not for Titles and Championships quite yet. Approaching the halfway point of the season, the team seems to be gelling and moving in the right direction. There is buzz about who, and how many total players, will be representing the franchise in the All-Star game.
This is obviously a situation that the Pittsburgh Pirates currently find themselves in, and that is fantastic for baseball, for the city, and most of all for the long suffering fans of the beleaguered franchise. Not to throw a wet-blanket upon unbridled optimism that is now surrounding this current squad and its possible future incarnations, but I’d like to pull some posts from one of my favorite sports blogs that was centered upon a team that found itself in a similar situation 6 months ago: The Atlanta Thrashers.
To say the “wheels fell off” for the Thrashers would not do their fans justice. The wheels fell off, the floor of the car rusted out, the driver (fans) fell through the floor, was dragged through a bramble bush on the roadside after falling out, and was left barely conscious on side of the road, when a roving rouge biker gang drove up, smashed in his car with baseball bats, set it on fire, took his wallet, and spit upon him and kicked him a few times in the gut just for good measure.
Now I’m not suggesting that the Pirates are going to be pulled up by the roots and relocated to the Central Canadian Prairie anytime soon. There is a better chance of the Pope resigning from his post as head of the Church to take up a lifelong secret desire to become a Hula Dancer.
But when reading over these posts take note of how a situation for a sports team that looked so promising in the not-so-distant past went horribly bad, horribly quickly. The posts are from the Bird Watcher’s Anonymous blog, a group of well informed, well written dedicated fans of the now suddenly defunct hockey team.
***
Proceed with caution though, as the landscape may shift at any time.
If you need me, I'll be over there. Being giddy.
***
As you can see, and as I'm sure you already know, sports teams go through wild and unpredictable swings all the time. 6 months after Atlanta Thrasher fans were wild and giddy with anticipation; their team was pulled right out from under their noses. There are many possible lessons here, but I will leave it up to your to draw your own conclusions.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. After years and years of a sports team posting losing records, trading away superstars for questionable returns, dwindling away their credibility in the community with incompetent roster management by a much ridiculed GM, and piss poor ownership support in terms of payroll authorizations, the team has started to, at least on the surface, turn the corner. A young nucleus of blossoming stars is shaping itself together. Fans who had abandoned their support of the team are starting to come back on board. A few savvy offseason acquisitions are performing well above expectations. It seems that everything is in place for the team, which had bottomed out the previous season, to start to make a legitimate run, at least for respectability, if not for Titles and Championships quite yet. Approaching the halfway point of the season, the team seems to be gelling and moving in the right direction. There is buzz about who, and how many total players, will be representing the franchise in the All-Star game.
This is obviously a situation that the Pittsburgh Pirates currently find themselves in, and that is fantastic for baseball, for the city, and most of all for the long suffering fans of the beleaguered franchise. Not to throw a wet-blanket upon unbridled optimism that is now surrounding this current squad and its possible future incarnations, but I’d like to pull some posts from one of my favorite sports blogs that was centered upon a team that found itself in a similar situation 6 months ago: The Atlanta Thrashers.
To say the “wheels fell off” for the Thrashers would not do their fans justice. The wheels fell off, the floor of the car rusted out, the driver (fans) fell through the floor, was dragged through a bramble bush on the roadside after falling out, and was left barely conscious on side of the road, when a roving rouge biker gang drove up, smashed in his car with baseball bats, set it on fire, took his wallet, and spit upon him and kicked him a few times in the gut just for good measure.
Now I’m not suggesting that the Pirates are going to be pulled up by the roots and relocated to the Central Canadian Prairie anytime soon. There is a better chance of the Pope resigning from his post as head of the Church to take up a lifelong secret desire to become a Hula Dancer.
But when reading over these posts take note of how a situation for a sports team that looked so promising in the not-so-distant past went horribly bad, horribly quickly. The posts are from the Bird Watcher’s Anonymous blog, a group of well informed, well written dedicated fans of the now suddenly defunct hockey team.
***
11/26/2010
I'm Thankful the Thrashers are Playing Smarter Hockey
The Atlanta Thrashers are playing the most intelligent brand of hockey in team history. Hallelujah!
When the team first arrived in 1999 I was extremely excited to have the NHL in the city I call home. I watched every game that was televised and attended nearly every home game in person after Season 2. I watched many defeats and many bad decisions over the last decade. Given that context, I keep pinching myself when I watch this version of the Atlanta Thrashers--because they're playing a smarter brand of hockey.
Many of the things that I'm seeing are subtle. About two weeks ago, I was at the home game and the Thrashers had a power play. The puck came over to the right side point men. That point man noticed that the opposing PK unit was sagging off him to protect the passing lanes. Inside of just burying his head and blasting a long shot, the Thrashers defenseman moved in towards the top of the circle which caused the defending PK man to move towards him opening up the middle of the ice more. It was a very small thing, but it was an adjustment that elite players or elite teams make and bad teams don't. It was an adjustment previous Thrashers teams rarely made.
On Wednesday, the Thrashers beat a very good Red Wings team. The Wings didn't bring their best effort after the 1st period and the Thrashers made them pay for that. In the past, the Thrashers probably would have found a way to let the Red Wings climb back into the game. What impressed me the most about the victory over the Wings was that the Thrashers forwards were consistently getting the step on the Wings defenders and creating 2 on 1 rushes. The Thrashers ability to get out wide on Detroit's defenders was obviously the result of a team strategy because more than one line was taking this approach. The coaching staff saw something they thought they could exploit on video and the team bought into the strategy and then they executed it.
The Thrashers probably have the best coaching staff in the history of the franchise--and it shows in many little details. The Thrashers players are making little clever plays in each game. Those small improvements will not always produce a victory but over the long run they could add a couple of wins to the team's total. Remember how competitive the Eastern Conference playoff race usually is--stealing a few extra points here and there over 82 games could prove to be enormous.
Credit also should go to GM Rick Dudley. Not only did he bring in this coaching staff, but he brought in many of the players who fill out the roster. Some of these guys are simply smarter hockey players than the guys they replaced. The players have embraced the team concept, they are listening to the coaching staff. The scoring by committee has been enough to keep the team in the hunt.
Also the Thrashers PP unit has not allowed a shorthanded goal against--something the PP defense should get credit for.
The on-ice direction of the team is very good right now. Certainly the players will make some boneheaded plays as we go along, but the ratio of stupid decisions to smart decisions has shifted in the correct direction--and I'm very thankful for that.
11/27/2010 Thrashers Blank Habs 3-0, That's Four & Counting
Yes, Thrashers fans, that's four wins in a row. Not just wins, but clear-cut, make-a-statement, we-can-hang-with-anybody kind of wins.
I almost don't want to jinx it by talking about it.
But I will. Hit the jump for more.
Some particulars of note:
- Atlanta put 47 shots on net to Montreal's 25. In the second, the Thrashers fired 23 shots to the Habs' 4.
- I think the Thrashers may have found a goalie. Ondrej Pavelec has allowed just 4 goals in his last 5 starts, with a save percentage of .974 over that span.
- Atlanta has now beaten three of the league's top five teams. They also have a plus-2 Goal Differential, which is a pretty good predictor of post-season eligibility.
12/05/2010 Five Game Report Card: Games Twenty-One through Twenty-Five
This Five Game Report Card covers the games beginning with the overtime win against the New York Islanders and ending with the overtime win against the Colorado Avalanche. The Thrashers won all five games in this series thanks to, in large part, the heroics of Dustin Byfuglien. Big Buff netted a team-leading 4 goals and team-leading 6 assists to go along with a team-leading +5 and team-leading 30 shots.
Yeah, he was pretty awesome.
Let's not forget the incredible play of Ondrej Pavelec. OP shut out the Montreal Canadians and gave up just one goal to the Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, and Boston Bruins.
During this series, the Thrashers finally started looking like the team that was promised: a hard-working team that gets scoring from all players. Perhaps most promising? Not a single Thrasher was a minus-player over this series.
Over This Five Game Period
· Record: 5-0-0 (1.000 P%)
· Goals Scored/Allowed: 17/4 (4.250)
· PP%/PK%: 23.8%/89.5%
· Goal Leaders: Byfuglien (4), Peverley (3), Stewart (2)
· Assist Leaders: Byfuglien (6), Ladd, Enstrom (5)
· Point Leaders: Byfuglien (10), Enstrom, Ladd (6)
· +/- Leaders/Trailers: Byfuglien (+5), Oduya, Enstrom (+4), Hainsey, Burmistrov (+1 as trailers)
· Team +/-: Plus-44
12/18/2010
Postgame: Thrashers/Devils - Wow. Just, wow.
Attention Thrashers' fans: I know your surroundings must be unfamiliar to you. Some of you have never been here before, thus leaving you confused and possibly frightened. Others of you have been here before, but it's been so long that you've forgotten. For your convenience, I have drawn up a map to help you better orientate yourselves:
Proceed with caution though, as the landscape may shift at any time.
If you need me, I'll be over there. Being giddy.
***
As you can see, and as I'm sure you already know, sports teams go through wild and unpredictable swings all the time. 6 months after Atlanta Thrasher fans were wild and giddy with anticipation; their team was pulled right out from under their noses. There are many possible lessons here, but I will leave it up to your to draw your own conclusions.
Taking Out the Trash
When you have had 18 straight losing seasons, you take wins any way you can get them. When the chance for a 3 game sweep presents itself, against a terrible team all too willing to give games away, you take it and run like hell. The 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates are playing like a viable MLB team. The Houston Astros are downright awful, playing at a pace that would duplicate the 105 loss season the Bucs had a year ago. They were ripe for the picking and the Bucs took as much as they could get. That is what good teams do, beat the bad teams.The Pirates are looking like a good team, maybe not the most talented team, but a good TEAM.
Yesterday's game started off with a bang when GI Jones blasted a 3-Run job for his 7th HR of the season and RBI's numbers 22,23, and 24. For those scoring at home, that is one more HR and 1 less RBI than Overpaid has in 71 more at-bats. Moving on, J-Mac found himself in trouble quite often, loading the bases with no harm in the bottom the first. The Bucs went down in order in the top of the 2nd and the Astros, ever the gracious host, followed suit in the bottom half. In the third, the Bucs went down in order again but the Astros threatened when Carlos Lee doubled to left with 2 outs and Hunter Pence already on first. Pence was waved home but Tabata's relay got him in time, prompting a Mr. Sunshine "Browngasm" per Pucks_And_Pols.
The top of the 4th was yet another 1-2-3 for the Bucs and the Astros made it interesting the bottom of the inning, scoring a pair to cut the Bucco lead to 3-2. The same Bucs trio that went down consecutively in the 2nd did the same in the 5th, giving the Bucs 3 runs on 2 hits through 5. The Astros tied it up in the bottom of the inning when Pence doubled in Michael Bourn, 3-3 after 5. However, as has been the case for the 2011 Bucs, they got the runs right back in the top of the 6th. As has also been the case for the 2011 Bucs, they got a considerable amount of help from the opposition in doing so.
After Tabata and Paul went down to start the inning, Cutch singled up the middle. The Pride or PR matched Cutch's single and then the fun started. GI Jones lined a 2-out shot to center and the speedy Bourn ran on, looking like he had a beat on the ball. However, he COMPLETELY MISSED with his glove the ball hit his wrist, allowing Cutch score and giving the Bucs a 4-3 lead. Josh Harrison then doubled the Pride of PR home and GI Jones was nabbed at the plate to end the inning, Bucs 5, Astros 3. If Bourn makes the fairly routine catch, it's the end of the inning and it's 3-3, but he makes the Astros 56th error in 70 games. A poor throw by Corporan in the 9th would make it Heinz 57, tying the Astros with the Cubs for first in MLB for errors. It's no wonder those 2 teams are in the NL Central basement..............
J-Mac again found himself with a RISP in the bottom of the 6th and with 1 on and 2 out was lifted for Tony Watson. The rookie continued his hot streak by getting a line out to end the inning and preserve the 2-run cushion. Can't say enough about Watson's performance this season, most of his appearances in high pressuers situations. Two of the same three guys who went down in order in the 2nd and 5th innings did the same in the 7th, only this time Brandon Wood made the 1-2-3 inning official, pinch hitting for J-Mac. The Astros also did nothing with their share of the 7th and the Bucs had 2 on and 1 out in the top of the 8th but the Pride of PR did what he does when he isn't driving in big runs: GIDP to end the inning. Watson retired the first 2 batters he faced in the bottom of the 8th before walking Angel Sanchez and giving way to Tim Wood, who got the final out of the inning.
The Bucs had lefty specialist Matt Diaz on base but Cedeno and Dusty Brown, the guys who went down in order in the 2nd, 5th, and 7th innings, failed to get him in. Jose Veras, not Hammer Hanrahan, came on to pitch the 9th for the Bucs and the adventure began. Maybe Hanrahan was tired from obliterating opposing batters or maybe he was too busy chasing Reg Dunlop around afrer he called his wife a lesbian. Anyways, Jose Veras was Jake Taylor's choice, looking for his first save with the Bucs. Veras has been a solid late reliever his entire career, but coming in to yesterday's save attempt, he had converted 3 saves in 10 chances over the span of his MLB career. He doesn't exactly have ice water in his veins like the Hammer.
Veras allowed the first batter, PH Jason Bourgeois, to single and promptly steal second. Bourn then hit a tweener towards the hole between 1st and 2nd, but Walker showed nice range in getting the ball quickly and threw on to Overpaid in time for the first out. Jeff Keppinger then singled in Bourgeois to cut the lead to 5-4, with 1 on and 1 out. Pence was next and he hit a chopper to 3rd, which Wood fielded and came up firing to first, ignoring the tying run moving to second when it seemed he had an easy play there. The next batter was Carlos Lee and he ran a 3-0 count on Veras before getting the green light and ripping a line drive foul down the 3rd base line. After fouling off a pitch to cut it to 3-2, Lee hit a hot shot to 3rd which Wood could not field cleanly, kicking the ball towards shortstop. Wood did not give up on the ball, fielded it and threw JUST in time to get Land Mass Lee, chugging up the line. Replayed showed Lee was clearly out by about a millimeter, but inch or a mile, it was the final out, Bucs 5, Astros 4. Bucs are 2 games above .500, 35-33!!!!!
Player of the Game: GI Jones- 1 for 4 with the 3-run HR and also hit the error ball that gave us the W.
Head Scratcher of the Game: Not really of the game, but cumulatively. GI Jones appears to be a better option at 1B than Overpaid for about 1/10 the price and in RF that Paul or Diaz for about 1/4 the price. Jones adds power to a power sick lineup; he hit 21 HR in his first half season in 2009 and last year hit 21 again and also had 86 RBI. His fielding % is .01 behind Overpaid and I've never seen him trip over a ball like Diaz did in RF against the Mets last Friday. People who say 2010 was a disappointment for Jones beacuse he hit as many HR in a full season as he did in half of 2009 are crazy if they expected him to hit 42 bombs.
Face Palm of the Game: Not so much the decision to not use the Hammer, because Hanrahan probably needed a break, but the performance of Veras was awful. Jake Taylor likes to play the odds, batting Ronny Cedeno and his .157 June average 2nd because he was 5 for 10 career against a guy. So why send a guy out for a save when he was 3 for 10 in save opportunities prior? Oh well, he got the save and the Bucs got the sweep. Can't question a winning manager, unless he's Mike Tomlin and just lost the SB after winning the division for the 3rd time four years, going 12 -4 playing 1/4 of a season with no QB, 30 different OL combos, and taking the team to a 2nd SB in 3 years, winning more home AFC title games in 4 years than Cowher did in 15.... Obviously sarcasm there; although I was ticked off at Tomlin after "unleash hell" was a failure but the way he got that team playing last season proved why he is coaching the best franchise in the NFL. Just taking a swipe at some of the SmizBlog posters who trash MT, Arians, LeBeau, Rooneys, Steelers Draft picks like Ziggy "AFC Divisional Playoff Clinching Sack" Hood, and like to point out the 4 years the Pens didn't make the playoffs out of the last 20......
Overall, a very nice series. The Astros are lousy, they helped us get some runs, etc. But the Bucs are also responsible for making their own luck. Jones put the bat on the ball, it's not our fault Bourn can't catch it. Wood boots a ball, but NEVER GAVE UP and got the final out at first. Good teams get lucky because they put themselves in a situation to benefit from luck. Awful teams are the Houston Astros. Ugly wins are wins none the less, especially since there is no such thing as a beautiful loss. After 18 years of losing baseball, ugly wins , pretty wins, downright disastrous wins, we'll take 'em all! Freak Show part II might be on it's way to make this a fun summer for Pittsburgh Baseball fans.
Yesterday's game started off with a bang when GI Jones blasted a 3-Run job for his 7th HR of the season and RBI's numbers 22,23, and 24. For those scoring at home, that is one more HR and 1 less RBI than Overpaid has in 71 more at-bats. Moving on, J-Mac found himself in trouble quite often, loading the bases with no harm in the bottom the first. The Bucs went down in order in the top of the 2nd and the Astros, ever the gracious host, followed suit in the bottom half. In the third, the Bucs went down in order again but the Astros threatened when Carlos Lee doubled to left with 2 outs and Hunter Pence already on first. Pence was waved home but Tabata's relay got him in time, prompting a Mr. Sunshine "Browngasm" per Pucks_And_Pols.
The top of the 4th was yet another 1-2-3 for the Bucs and the Astros made it interesting the bottom of the inning, scoring a pair to cut the Bucco lead to 3-2. The same Bucs trio that went down consecutively in the 2nd did the same in the 5th, giving the Bucs 3 runs on 2 hits through 5. The Astros tied it up in the bottom of the inning when Pence doubled in Michael Bourn, 3-3 after 5. However, as has been the case for the 2011 Bucs, they got the runs right back in the top of the 6th. As has also been the case for the 2011 Bucs, they got a considerable amount of help from the opposition in doing so.
After Tabata and Paul went down to start the inning, Cutch singled up the middle. The Pride or PR matched Cutch's single and then the fun started. GI Jones lined a 2-out shot to center and the speedy Bourn ran on, looking like he had a beat on the ball. However, he COMPLETELY MISSED with his glove the ball hit his wrist, allowing Cutch score and giving the Bucs a 4-3 lead. Josh Harrison then doubled the Pride of PR home and GI Jones was nabbed at the plate to end the inning, Bucs 5, Astros 3. If Bourn makes the fairly routine catch, it's the end of the inning and it's 3-3, but he makes the Astros 56th error in 70 games. A poor throw by Corporan in the 9th would make it Heinz 57, tying the Astros with the Cubs for first in MLB for errors. It's no wonder those 2 teams are in the NL Central basement..............
J-Mac again found himself with a RISP in the bottom of the 6th and with 1 on and 2 out was lifted for Tony Watson. The rookie continued his hot streak by getting a line out to end the inning and preserve the 2-run cushion. Can't say enough about Watson's performance this season, most of his appearances in high pressuers situations. Two of the same three guys who went down in order in the 2nd and 5th innings did the same in the 7th, only this time Brandon Wood made the 1-2-3 inning official, pinch hitting for J-Mac. The Astros also did nothing with their share of the 7th and the Bucs had 2 on and 1 out in the top of the 8th but the Pride of PR did what he does when he isn't driving in big runs: GIDP to end the inning. Watson retired the first 2 batters he faced in the bottom of the 8th before walking Angel Sanchez and giving way to Tim Wood, who got the final out of the inning.
The Bucs had lefty specialist Matt Diaz on base but Cedeno and Dusty Brown, the guys who went down in order in the 2nd, 5th, and 7th innings, failed to get him in. Jose Veras, not Hammer Hanrahan, came on to pitch the 9th for the Bucs and the adventure began. Maybe Hanrahan was tired from obliterating opposing batters or maybe he was too busy chasing Reg Dunlop around afrer he called his wife a lesbian. Anyways, Jose Veras was Jake Taylor's choice, looking for his first save with the Bucs. Veras has been a solid late reliever his entire career, but coming in to yesterday's save attempt, he had converted 3 saves in 10 chances over the span of his MLB career. He doesn't exactly have ice water in his veins like the Hammer.
Veras allowed the first batter, PH Jason Bourgeois, to single and promptly steal second. Bourn then hit a tweener towards the hole between 1st and 2nd, but Walker showed nice range in getting the ball quickly and threw on to Overpaid in time for the first out. Jeff Keppinger then singled in Bourgeois to cut the lead to 5-4, with 1 on and 1 out. Pence was next and he hit a chopper to 3rd, which Wood fielded and came up firing to first, ignoring the tying run moving to second when it seemed he had an easy play there. The next batter was Carlos Lee and he ran a 3-0 count on Veras before getting the green light and ripping a line drive foul down the 3rd base line. After fouling off a pitch to cut it to 3-2, Lee hit a hot shot to 3rd which Wood could not field cleanly, kicking the ball towards shortstop. Wood did not give up on the ball, fielded it and threw JUST in time to get Land Mass Lee, chugging up the line. Replayed showed Lee was clearly out by about a millimeter, but inch or a mile, it was the final out, Bucs 5, Astros 4. Bucs are 2 games above .500, 35-33!!!!!
Player of the Game: GI Jones- 1 for 4 with the 3-run HR and also hit the error ball that gave us the W.
Head Scratcher of the Game: Not really of the game, but cumulatively. GI Jones appears to be a better option at 1B than Overpaid for about 1/10 the price and in RF that Paul or Diaz for about 1/4 the price. Jones adds power to a power sick lineup; he hit 21 HR in his first half season in 2009 and last year hit 21 again and also had 86 RBI. His fielding % is .01 behind Overpaid and I've never seen him trip over a ball like Diaz did in RF against the Mets last Friday. People who say 2010 was a disappointment for Jones beacuse he hit as many HR in a full season as he did in half of 2009 are crazy if they expected him to hit 42 bombs.
Face Palm of the Game: Not so much the decision to not use the Hammer, because Hanrahan probably needed a break, but the performance of Veras was awful. Jake Taylor likes to play the odds, batting Ronny Cedeno and his .157 June average 2nd because he was 5 for 10 career against a guy. So why send a guy out for a save when he was 3 for 10 in save opportunities prior? Oh well, he got the save and the Bucs got the sweep. Can't question a winning manager, unless he's Mike Tomlin and just lost the SB after winning the division for the 3rd time four years, going 12 -4 playing 1/4 of a season with no QB, 30 different OL combos, and taking the team to a 2nd SB in 3 years, winning more home AFC title games in 4 years than Cowher did in 15.... Obviously sarcasm there; although I was ticked off at Tomlin after "unleash hell" was a failure but the way he got that team playing last season proved why he is coaching the best franchise in the NFL. Just taking a swipe at some of the SmizBlog posters who trash MT, Arians, LeBeau, Rooneys, Steelers Draft picks like Ziggy "AFC Divisional Playoff Clinching Sack" Hood, and like to point out the 4 years the Pens didn't make the playoffs out of the last 20......
Overall, a very nice series. The Astros are lousy, they helped us get some runs, etc. But the Bucs are also responsible for making their own luck. Jones put the bat on the ball, it's not our fault Bourn can't catch it. Wood boots a ball, but NEVER GAVE UP and got the final out at first. Good teams get lucky because they put themselves in a situation to benefit from luck. Awful teams are the Houston Astros. Ugly wins are wins none the less, especially since there is no such thing as a beautiful loss. After 18 years of losing baseball, ugly wins , pretty wins, downright disastrous wins, we'll take 'em all! Freak Show part II might be on it's way to make this a fun summer for Pittsburgh Baseball fans.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Why Are These Bucs Winning?
Obviously, a large part of the answer is pitching. Not just starting pitching, but pitching overall. The Bucs starting pitching was horrible last year with a staff including Charlie Morton, Ross Ohlendorf, Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, Jeff Karstens, and Brian Burres accounting for 131 of 162 starts. This year's rotation features Paul Maholm, Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton, James McDonald, and Kevin Correia. Maholm started 32 games in 2010, going 9-15 with a 5.10 ERA. Duke was 8-15 with a 5.72, Karstens 3-10 with a 4.92, Morton was 2-12 with a 7.57, McDonald came over in a trade and was 4-5 with a 3.52, and KC was in SD, going 10-10 with a 5.40 ERA.
Those stats don't look too promising and the offensive additions to the team were Matt Diaz and Lyle Overpaid. Diaz was brought in to hit lefties as he is a .326 career batter against them. He also came cheap, at $2 million, but is hitting .220 vs lefties and is yet to homer . Overpaid was brought into lend a run driving left handed bat and solid defense to the 1B position. Overpaid is a career .272 hitter and his 162 averages are as follows: 17 HR, 74 RBI, 40 2B, and a .798 OPS. Obviously, Lyle has not performed to expectations, especially not for his $5M salary. He is hitting .229 with 5 HR and 25 RBI and a .666 OPS, translating to 12 HR and 60 RBI and his fielding is .990, .05 below his career average. He made 6 errors in 153 games in 2010 and his career high is 11 in 158 games in 2004. He currently has 6 errors, on pace for 14.5......
So one would think with a pitching staff coming in lugging an astronomical ERA and the offensive weapons brought in to offset it's ineffectiveness being fairly futile, the outlook would be something like another 100 loss season. But no sir, not these Bucs. I have said that a lot in the last month and that is because it is true, not these Bucs. They are never out of game, they play more fundamentally sound than teams of the recent past, they come back when they're down, and they're 34-33.
The pitching has been superb, to put it mildly. Ray Searage certainly deserves his share of the credit for that, but so do the pitchers. Morton has bounced back remarkably, going 7-3 with a 3.21 ERA. Maholm is 3-7 but with a 3.12, Karstens is 4-4 with a 2.66, Correia is 8-5 with a 3.73 , and McDonald is 4-4 with a 4.80. All of these guys are performing at career levels and the bullpen has been more than reliable. Resop and Moskos have been on fire and Joel "The Hammer" Hanrahan has 19 saves in 19 attempts with a ERA of 1.39. Outstanding.
The offense has struggled outside of the production of Cutch and Walker. Kdro has been a major disappointment and mercifully went to the DL. Overpaid and Diaz have been mediocre at best. Snyder and Doumit were producing well, but are both injured of course. Tabata's AVG is down but OBP is unreal by comparison. GI Jones has been average and Xavier Paul slightly above. Brandon Wood hasn't done much and outside of a 2 week stretch, Ronny Cedeno still flat out sucks.
This leads me to conclude that while the pitching is the main catalyst in this potential turnaround, the overall attitude of the ball club is different, as well. While the offense isn't pumping in runs, they are getting timely hits in close games.There is also a little bit of luck involved, but luck is only notable if you take advantage of it or put yourself in a situation to benefit from it. The Bucs have done both.
The Manager also deserves some praise. Clint Hurdle is a kind of a d*ck. He's short, sarcastic, and smarmy in a lot of interviews. But he has the respect of the players and plays to win. He might run the team out of an inning here or there or sometimes have a slow hook, but the good outweighs the bad. He knows for a team lacking power to win, they need to steal bases and play good defense. He knows that for a team that isn't going to score a ton of runs, you may need to use 3 relievers in one inning to keep your opponent off the board. He knows a ball in play that can be fielded is better than trying to paint the corners and walk a ton of guys. And the best part is, he employs it all in every game. A manager might not improve a team's W/L total by more than a few games, but his decisions have earned us more victories 67 games into his first season than RoboRussell's did during his 3 years at the helm.
Right now, Hurdle needs to keep the training rolling and keep the guys focused on the future and not the past. Past Pirates teams would fall in the tank, realizing that they are not much different than the 105 loss team of a year ago. Not this team, not these Bucs.
Those stats don't look too promising and the offensive additions to the team were Matt Diaz and Lyle Overpaid. Diaz was brought in to hit lefties as he is a .326 career batter against them. He also came cheap, at $2 million, but is hitting .220 vs lefties and is yet to homer . Overpaid was brought into lend a run driving left handed bat and solid defense to the 1B position. Overpaid is a career .272 hitter and his 162 averages are as follows: 17 HR, 74 RBI, 40 2B, and a .798 OPS. Obviously, Lyle has not performed to expectations, especially not for his $5M salary. He is hitting .229 with 5 HR and 25 RBI and a .666 OPS, translating to 12 HR and 60 RBI and his fielding is .990, .05 below his career average. He made 6 errors in 153 games in 2010 and his career high is 11 in 158 games in 2004. He currently has 6 errors, on pace for 14.5......
So one would think with a pitching staff coming in lugging an astronomical ERA and the offensive weapons brought in to offset it's ineffectiveness being fairly futile, the outlook would be something like another 100 loss season. But no sir, not these Bucs. I have said that a lot in the last month and that is because it is true, not these Bucs. They are never out of game, they play more fundamentally sound than teams of the recent past, they come back when they're down, and they're 34-33.
The pitching has been superb, to put it mildly. Ray Searage certainly deserves his share of the credit for that, but so do the pitchers. Morton has bounced back remarkably, going 7-3 with a 3.21 ERA. Maholm is 3-7 but with a 3.12, Karstens is 4-4 with a 2.66, Correia is 8-5 with a 3.73 , and McDonald is 4-4 with a 4.80. All of these guys are performing at career levels and the bullpen has been more than reliable. Resop and Moskos have been on fire and Joel "The Hammer" Hanrahan has 19 saves in 19 attempts with a ERA of 1.39. Outstanding.
The offense has struggled outside of the production of Cutch and Walker. Kdro has been a major disappointment and mercifully went to the DL. Overpaid and Diaz have been mediocre at best. Snyder and Doumit were producing well, but are both injured of course. Tabata's AVG is down but OBP is unreal by comparison. GI Jones has been average and Xavier Paul slightly above. Brandon Wood hasn't done much and outside of a 2 week stretch, Ronny Cedeno still flat out sucks.
This leads me to conclude that while the pitching is the main catalyst in this potential turnaround, the overall attitude of the ball club is different, as well. While the offense isn't pumping in runs, they are getting timely hits in close games.There is also a little bit of luck involved, but luck is only notable if you take advantage of it or put yourself in a situation to benefit from it. The Bucs have done both.
The Manager also deserves some praise. Clint Hurdle is a kind of a d*ck. He's short, sarcastic, and smarmy in a lot of interviews. But he has the respect of the players and plays to win. He might run the team out of an inning here or there or sometimes have a slow hook, but the good outweighs the bad. He knows for a team lacking power to win, they need to steal bases and play good defense. He knows that for a team that isn't going to score a ton of runs, you may need to use 3 relievers in one inning to keep your opponent off the board. He knows a ball in play that can be fielded is better than trying to paint the corners and walk a ton of guys. And the best part is, he employs it all in every game. A manager might not improve a team's W/L total by more than a few games, but his decisions have earned us more victories 67 games into his first season than RoboRussell's did during his 3 years at the helm.
Right now, Hurdle needs to keep the training rolling and keep the guys focused on the future and not the past. Past Pirates teams would fall in the tank, realizing that they are not much different than the 105 loss team of a year ago. Not this team, not these Bucs.
The Impossible Dream?
In order to finish the 2011 campaign with a .500 record, the Pittsburgh Pirates would have to improve their W/L record by 24 games from the 2010 season. That is not at all impossible; the Tigers did exactly that from 2005 to 2006, going from 71 to 95 wins..The Rays improved by 31 games from 2007 to 2008, going from 66-96 to 97-65, making a 24 game turnaround look extremely possible. The 2006 Tigers increased their payroll from about $69 Million to $82 Million, $13 million dollars or so. The Rays shift in salary was far more drastic, nearly doubling the $24M spent in 2007 to almost $44M in 2008. The Bucs increased their payroll from $35 Million in 2010 to $45 million in 2011. Fairly comparable numbers, more on that later.
In Houston last night, the Bucs took another step towards proving they are extremely interested in making a notable turnaround. While the offense came in struggling a bit and Charlie Morton didn't have his best stuff, the Bucs took their 3rd straight W to move to 34-33 on the season. They did what a team playing for a winning season should do, dispatching a hapless Houston bunch who appears to be doing little more than collecting their paychecks. But in a tight division such as the NL Central every win is huge and none should be taken for granted. As we sit here now, the Bucs are currently in 4th place in the Central, but only 4.0 games out of first. The Bucs are in 5th place in the Wild Card chase, only 3.0 games out there. The NL Central, oft referred to as the Comedy Central, has 4 teams currently posting winning records. While it is the only division in all of baseball housing 6 teams, only the AL East is having a better overall season so far.
The Bucs struck first last night after Cutch drew a 2 out walk in the first and the Pride of PR drove him home with an RBI triple. Even while slumping, Walker is clutch and drives in big runs for this team. Morton found himself in trouble early, loading the bases in the bottom of the first, but he was able to get out of it untouched. The top of the 2nd featured the first MLB hit for newly acquiredSherman Tank catcher Michael McKenry. The ball he lined firmly into left field then became an innings long discussion between Walkie and Mr. Sunshine, explaining MLB authentication processes, who you can and can't trust with an authentic ball, where Walkie's ball from his first W is located, and so on, and so on, and so on, and so on, and so on. Honestly, this went for what seemed like weeks.
Morton looked more like his 2011 self in the bottom of the 2nd, mowing down the Astros in order. The Bucs added to their lead when batting vs lefty specialist, but only hitting .220 against lefties Matt Diaz drove a 1 out double down the LF line. Cutch popped out on what looked like a blooper that was going to drop, bringing up the Pride of PR with a RISP and 2 outs. Anybody who has been following this team knows exactly what happens next: Walker gets Diaz in with a single and the Bucs have a 2-0 lead. The bottom of the 3rd was a little bit rocky, with Morton surrendering back to back singles to start the inning before striking out the next 2 batters. Just when he appeared to pull another Houdini, Brett Wallace singled to to score the 'Stros first run of the series. After a Brandon Wood error, Morton had the bases loaded for the second time in 3 innings. Again, he didn't flinch, getting Clint Barmes to ground into an inning ending FC.
The top of the 4th didn't feature much outside of a Cedeno single but in the bottom of the 4th, the Astros tied it at 2. After a leadoff walk to the 8 hitter J.R. Towles, pitcher JA Happ sacrificed him to second and Michael Bourn singled him home, advancing to second on the throw. Bourn, the MLB leader in steals, swiped third but was stranded there as Morton retired the next 2 batters. The Bucs threatened in the 5th, with Cutch smacking a 1 out double and the Pride of PR drawing an IBB. Overpaid grounded into an FC that put runners on 2nd adn 3rd and Wood walked to load the bases for McKenry. Unfortunately, he could not duplicate his earlier feat and left the bases loaded, contributing to the 13 runners LOB, 9 in scoring position. The Astros took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 5th when Barmes doubled in Chris Johnson.
The Bucs took the lead right back in the top of the 6th, though. Xavier Paul, pinch hitting for Morton, doubled to LCF and Tabata followed with a single but couldn't get the speedy Paul home. GI Jones then replaced Diaz and rewared Jake Taylor with an RBI single to tie it at 3-3. Cutch reached on an error, scoring Tabata and giving the lead back to the good guys, 4-3. Walker's sac fly scored Jones and the Bucs had a 5-3 lead and 2 extra runs courtesy of the Astros Free Runs Charity!
The Guy Who Cried came on to the pitch a scoreless bottom of the 6th and Paul hit a 2 run HR in the top of the 7th to open the lead to 7-3. That would do it for the scoring on the night, as the Guy Who Cried worked scoreless 7th and 8th innings as well. Future All Star Chris Resop started the 9th by fanning Carlos "Land Mass" Lee, but allowed the next 2 batters to reach, forcing Jake Taylor to lower the Hammer. As has been the case for all of this season, Hanrahan got it done and earned his 19th save in 19 attempts. Dude is FLAT OUT money. Final count, Bucs 7, 'Stros 3.
Player of the Game- Neil Walker ( pronounced Nill in proper Pixburghese). 2 for 3 with 3 RBI , 2 of them with 2 outs, He added a sac fly and walk, with four very productive at bats in 5 attempts. Xavier Paul was 3 for 3 off the bench with 2 RBI, 2 runs and a HR.
Head Scratcher of the Game- Did the Bucs equipment manager get McKenry the ball he actually hit or just pull a spare out of the bag? The world may never know, but Walkie and Mr. Sunshine were all over it.
Face Palm of the Night: More Astro's errors = more Pirates runs. That team is absolutely awful and this is coming from a guy who has been a Pirate fan since birth in 1983, even the last 19 years!
Overall, winning when you're not at your best is important. It's one thing to win a game when everybody is firing on all cylinders, because that is what should happen. The Bucs left a lot of guys on base last night and Morton struggled: 5 IP, 3 ER, 8H, 2 BB, 3K. His WHIP was 2.00, well above his season average of 1.44 (which is still high due to walks). The offense had Charlie's back and showed up when we needed it. Can't say enough about Cutch and Walker's contributions. Cutch is hitting .293 with 10 HR and 38 RBI, translating to 24 HR and 92 RBI, also on pace to score 94 runs. Walker's 45 RBI in 67 games are good for 8th in the NL and he is on pace for 21 HR and 109 RBI. That kind of production from those 2 guys is good enough by itself, let alone if there was a guy who could whack 30-35 HR in there somewhere.
At 34-33, the Bucs are playing solid baseball right now and if they can continue at this pace, I think we will all be able to rejoice. But HONESTLY, who can say they really expected this to be the year this team turned it around? The addition of $10 Million to payroll was mostly in the form of acquiring Snyder at the trade deadline last year and signing Overpaid. Snyder is alright, but is as injury prone as No-Mitt. Overpaid is streaky and lacks HR power, batting .229 with 5 HR and 25 RBIs. Obviously, the pitching is getting it done and the key addition there was a $4M journeyman, Correia, who looks like a bargain steal right now.
You don't have to completely break the bank to compete, but you have to put the money in the right place. Having $12 million dedicated to 2 catchers who are fairly average, and both injury prone, is probably not wise. The team needs a power bat, and I understand that is supposed to be Alvarez, but while his annual hit is currently $2M, we can certainly afford to add another big stick in there to protect the other hitters. Oh, and our payroll is still 27th out of 30.
Tonight, the Bucs have a good chance to complete the sweep and head to the Mistake by the Lake 2 games above .500. J-Mac needs to pick up where he left off saturday and get over the hump of a 4-4 record.The offense needs to convert RISP into runs and after my complaining about lack of XBH, they notched 6 last night. Here's to hoping this is the beginning of a power surge that pushes the Bucs closer in the playoff chase.
In Houston last night, the Bucs took another step towards proving they are extremely interested in making a notable turnaround. While the offense came in struggling a bit and Charlie Morton didn't have his best stuff, the Bucs took their 3rd straight W to move to 34-33 on the season. They did what a team playing for a winning season should do, dispatching a hapless Houston bunch who appears to be doing little more than collecting their paychecks. But in a tight division such as the NL Central every win is huge and none should be taken for granted. As we sit here now, the Bucs are currently in 4th place in the Central, but only 4.0 games out of first. The Bucs are in 5th place in the Wild Card chase, only 3.0 games out there. The NL Central, oft referred to as the Comedy Central, has 4 teams currently posting winning records. While it is the only division in all of baseball housing 6 teams, only the AL East is having a better overall season so far.
The Bucs struck first last night after Cutch drew a 2 out walk in the first and the Pride of PR drove him home with an RBI triple. Even while slumping, Walker is clutch and drives in big runs for this team. Morton found himself in trouble early, loading the bases in the bottom of the first, but he was able to get out of it untouched. The top of the 2nd featured the first MLB hit for newly acquired
Morton looked more like his 2011 self in the bottom of the 2nd, mowing down the Astros in order. The Bucs added to their lead when batting vs lefty specialist, but only hitting .220 against lefties Matt Diaz drove a 1 out double down the LF line. Cutch popped out on what looked like a blooper that was going to drop, bringing up the Pride of PR with a RISP and 2 outs. Anybody who has been following this team knows exactly what happens next: Walker gets Diaz in with a single and the Bucs have a 2-0 lead. The bottom of the 3rd was a little bit rocky, with Morton surrendering back to back singles to start the inning before striking out the next 2 batters. Just when he appeared to pull another Houdini, Brett Wallace singled to to score the 'Stros first run of the series. After a Brandon Wood error, Morton had the bases loaded for the second time in 3 innings. Again, he didn't flinch, getting Clint Barmes to ground into an inning ending FC.
The top of the 4th didn't feature much outside of a Cedeno single but in the bottom of the 4th, the Astros tied it at 2. After a leadoff walk to the 8 hitter J.R. Towles, pitcher JA Happ sacrificed him to second and Michael Bourn singled him home, advancing to second on the throw. Bourn, the MLB leader in steals, swiped third but was stranded there as Morton retired the next 2 batters. The Bucs threatened in the 5th, with Cutch smacking a 1 out double and the Pride of PR drawing an IBB. Overpaid grounded into an FC that put runners on 2nd adn 3rd and Wood walked to load the bases for McKenry. Unfortunately, he could not duplicate his earlier feat and left the bases loaded, contributing to the 13 runners LOB, 9 in scoring position. The Astros took a 3-2 lead in the bottom of the 5th when Barmes doubled in Chris Johnson.
The Bucs took the lead right back in the top of the 6th, though. Xavier Paul, pinch hitting for Morton, doubled to LCF and Tabata followed with a single but couldn't get the speedy Paul home. GI Jones then replaced Diaz and rewared Jake Taylor with an RBI single to tie it at 3-3. Cutch reached on an error, scoring Tabata and giving the lead back to the good guys, 4-3. Walker's sac fly scored Jones and the Bucs had a 5-3 lead and 2 extra runs courtesy of the Astros Free Runs Charity!
The Guy Who Cried came on to the pitch a scoreless bottom of the 6th and Paul hit a 2 run HR in the top of the 7th to open the lead to 7-3. That would do it for the scoring on the night, as the Guy Who Cried worked scoreless 7th and 8th innings as well. Future All Star Chris Resop started the 9th by fanning Carlos "Land Mass" Lee, but allowed the next 2 batters to reach, forcing Jake Taylor to lower the Hammer. As has been the case for all of this season, Hanrahan got it done and earned his 19th save in 19 attempts. Dude is FLAT OUT money. Final count, Bucs 7, 'Stros 3.
Player of the Game- Neil Walker ( pronounced Nill in proper Pixburghese). 2 for 3 with 3 RBI , 2 of them with 2 outs, He added a sac fly and walk, with four very productive at bats in 5 attempts. Xavier Paul was 3 for 3 off the bench with 2 RBI, 2 runs and a HR.
Head Scratcher of the Game- Did the Bucs equipment manager get McKenry the ball he actually hit or just pull a spare out of the bag? The world may never know, but Walkie and Mr. Sunshine were all over it.
Face Palm of the Night: More Astro's errors = more Pirates runs. That team is absolutely awful and this is coming from a guy who has been a Pirate fan since birth in 1983, even the last 19 years!
Overall, winning when you're not at your best is important. It's one thing to win a game when everybody is firing on all cylinders, because that is what should happen. The Bucs left a lot of guys on base last night and Morton struggled: 5 IP, 3 ER, 8H, 2 BB, 3K. His WHIP was 2.00, well above his season average of 1.44 (which is still high due to walks). The offense had Charlie's back and showed up when we needed it. Can't say enough about Cutch and Walker's contributions. Cutch is hitting .293 with 10 HR and 38 RBI, translating to 24 HR and 92 RBI, also on pace to score 94 runs. Walker's 45 RBI in 67 games are good for 8th in the NL and he is on pace for 21 HR and 109 RBI. That kind of production from those 2 guys is good enough by itself, let alone if there was a guy who could whack 30-35 HR in there somewhere.
At 34-33, the Bucs are playing solid baseball right now and if they can continue at this pace, I think we will all be able to rejoice. But HONESTLY, who can say they really expected this to be the year this team turned it around? The addition of $10 Million to payroll was mostly in the form of acquiring Snyder at the trade deadline last year and signing Overpaid. Snyder is alright, but is as injury prone as No-Mitt. Overpaid is streaky and lacks HR power, batting .229 with 5 HR and 25 RBIs. Obviously, the pitching is getting it done and the key addition there was a $4M journeyman, Correia, who looks like a bargain steal right now.
You don't have to completely break the bank to compete, but you have to put the money in the right place. Having $12 million dedicated to 2 catchers who are fairly average, and both injury prone, is probably not wise. The team needs a power bat, and I understand that is supposed to be Alvarez, but while his annual hit is currently $2M, we can certainly afford to add another big stick in there to protect the other hitters. Oh, and our payroll is still 27th out of 30.
Tonight, the Bucs have a good chance to complete the sweep and head to the Mistake by the Lake 2 games above .500. J-Mac needs to pick up where he left off saturday and get over the hump of a 4-4 record.The offense needs to convert RISP into runs and after my complaining about lack of XBH, they notched 6 last night. Here's to hoping this is the beginning of a power surge that pushes the Bucs closer in the playoff chase.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Joey Bats
Ever since this blog started one of the projects I've been working on is a comprehesive overview of "the one that got away" Jose Bautista. Jeff Passan just beat me to the punch with a great piece you can find right here: Number Crusher: How Jose Bautista Went From Baseball Vagabond To The Game's Best Slugger
Imagine what the Pirates lineup could look like today if they had nurtured and developed this guys talent instead of casting him aside for a spare part of a spare part. I maintain that if they had the Jose Bautista we are seeing in Toronto, and had drafted Matt Wieters instead of Daniel Moskos, they could be contending not for .500 right now, but for 1st place in the division. With the pitching they are getting and a few more legit bats, its not hard to imagine.
Some highlights from the article include the Pirates not protecting him in the Rule-5 Draft and allowing him to wilt on the vine for a year of his development before reacuiring him as part of the Kris Benson salary dump. But my favorite is the section that explains his exit from Pittsburgh as another case of Pirate management thinking they know whats best for everyone and giving a very cold shoulder if you dare to defy their 'plan.'
"Bautista fell in and out of favor over the next four years with Pittsburgh, the prime of most players' careers. The Pirates batted him toward the bottom of the order and suggested he try to hit the ball to the opposite field. He chafed at the idea, and the sour relationship reached its nadir Aug. 13, 2008, when the team demoted Bautista to Triple-A. He went to Pirates GM Neal Huntington and suggested the team place him on waivers so it could shed the remainder of his $2.4 million salary and he could start over."
Here the Pirates had in their grasp one of the 5 best power hitters to emerge in the last decade, and they let him slip away. All it took was a swing adjustment and a new mental approach in Toronto, and he went from utility guy to Home Run King. How can we trust this Pirate management to build for the future at present when they have been so oblivious to such talent in the past? They had 8 years (from when they drafted him) to figure this guy out and they pissed it away. Toronto turned him into an All Star in less then 2. That math, not the salary cap disparity so often cited, is what damns us in this city to losing baseball for a unforeseeably long forsaken future.
Imagine what the Pirates lineup could look like today if they had nurtured and developed this guys talent instead of casting him aside for a spare part of a spare part. I maintain that if they had the Jose Bautista we are seeing in Toronto, and had drafted Matt Wieters instead of Daniel Moskos, they could be contending not for .500 right now, but for 1st place in the division. With the pitching they are getting and a few more legit bats, its not hard to imagine.
Some highlights from the article include the Pirates not protecting him in the Rule-5 Draft and allowing him to wilt on the vine for a year of his development before reacuiring him as part of the Kris Benson salary dump. But my favorite is the section that explains his exit from Pittsburgh as another case of Pirate management thinking they know whats best for everyone and giving a very cold shoulder if you dare to defy their 'plan.'
"Bautista fell in and out of favor over the next four years with Pittsburgh, the prime of most players' careers. The Pirates batted him toward the bottom of the order and suggested he try to hit the ball to the opposite field. He chafed at the idea, and the sour relationship reached its nadir Aug. 13, 2008, when the team demoted Bautista to Triple-A. He went to Pirates GM Neal Huntington and suggested the team place him on waivers so it could shed the remainder of his $2.4 million salary and he could start over."
Here the Pirates had in their grasp one of the 5 best power hitters to emerge in the last decade, and they let him slip away. All it took was a swing adjustment and a new mental approach in Toronto, and he went from utility guy to Home Run King. How can we trust this Pirate management to build for the future at present when they have been so oblivious to such talent in the past? They had 8 years (from when they drafted him) to figure this guy out and they pissed it away. Toronto turned him into an All Star in less then 2. That math, not the salary cap disparity so often cited, is what damns us in this city to losing baseball for a unforeseeably long forsaken future.
Back In the Saddle
I am back from a little bit of sick time and just in time for the Bucs to return to .500!
Last night, the Bucs took down the struggling 'Stros by a final count of 1-0. It was a typical 2011 Bucs W. Great pitching, little hitting, no XBH's, no manufacturing runs, a little bit of luck, and the other team helping the Bucs win.
Monday night, the Bucs caught a MAJOR break when Jose Tabata was thrown out at 3rd base but ruled safe after a ridiculous "runner interference" call on Jose Reyes allowed Tabata to take 3rd and eventually score the 1st run in a 3-1 victory. Last night, the Bucs got the only run of the evening when GI Jones singled in the Pride of Pine Richland after he had singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. All in all, the team left 9 men on base and 4 in scoring position, notching 6 hit, all of which were singles. GI Jones and the Pride of PR led the way with 2 hits each and Cutch extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Ronny Cedeno batted 2nd and went 0 for 4, lowering his season average to .221 and his June average to .143. I don't care if he was 5 for 10 life time against Bud Norris, he should never be batting second unless there is some drastic turnaround in his hitting skills and plate discipline.
Jeff Karstens was outstanding yet again. For a guy who is constantly pegged as the long relief specialist, he is 4-4 with a 2.66 ERA, good for 5th in the NL. Not bad for a guy who the braintrust couldn't find a spot in the rotation for. Karstens went 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and 0 walks again. For some reason, Karstens seems to be on a limited pitch count and was pulled with 1 on and 2 out in the 7th. All-Star Candidate Chris Resop came on the get the final out of the 7th and was replaced by Tim Wood to start the 8th. After getting the first out of the inning, Tony Watson replaced Wood but allowed a single and a walk to put 2 on and 1 out. Jose Veras was called upon the put out the fire and he was up to the task, retiring Jason Michaels and Michael Bourn. Hanrahan worked a perfect 9th to earn his 18th save in 18 tries and it was the time RTJR! Final score Bucs 1, Astros 0.
Player of the Game- Jeff Karstens, 6.2 IP, 0R, 3 H, 3K, 0 BB
Head Scratcher of the Night: GI Jones was successful in his first steal attempt but was nailed the second time, appearing to slide early and in slow motion. It looked like he had the base stolen but the slide took forever. Also, I think sending Jones to steal twice in a row was perhaps going to the well 1 too many times.
Face Palm of the Night: The Astro's are a very charitable bunch. The WP in the first setup our only run and throwing a ball into CF when Cutch stole second was also very helpful. 54 Errors on the season for the Stros.
All in all, the Bucs are .500 once again and that is a great thing. They should beat the Astros more often than not even if the Astros are a better offensive team. The Bucs continue to get great pitching while the offense continues to do very little on a consistent basis. That former #1 in June offense has now scored 19 runs in the last 8 games, 8 coming in one game against the Dbacks. They have not scored more than 3 since. The Bucs have a total of 46 runs in the month of June, but as I have previously stated, 17 came in the first 2 games. Thats 29 runs in the next 10 games. The team is 5th in the NL in batting avg. for June but tied for last in HR's and 11th in XBH. Not good enough. For the season, we are 14th in AVG, 14th in Runs, 11th in HR, 15h in SLG %, 12th in OBP, and 14th in XBH.
The pitching has been a completely different story: 5th in ERA and boasting 3 starters in the Top 12 in ERA for the entire NL. This trend needs to continue and the bats needs to awaken. Cutch is doing his part pushing his average to .292 and Walker may be sneaking out of his slump. Tabata's average may be down, but his OBP is .360. We need to drive in more runs, that is the bottom line.
The Bucs have a chance to move to 34-33 tonight, the first winning record this late in a season in what seems like eons. Facing the awful Astros, this is an attainable goal and the Bucs need to pounce on this weak Houston team.
Last night, the Bucs took down the struggling 'Stros by a final count of 1-0. It was a typical 2011 Bucs W. Great pitching, little hitting, no XBH's, no manufacturing runs, a little bit of luck, and the other team helping the Bucs win.
Monday night, the Bucs caught a MAJOR break when Jose Tabata was thrown out at 3rd base but ruled safe after a ridiculous "runner interference" call on Jose Reyes allowed Tabata to take 3rd and eventually score the 1st run in a 3-1 victory. Last night, the Bucs got the only run of the evening when GI Jones singled in the Pride of Pine Richland after he had singled and moved to second on a wild pitch. All in all, the team left 9 men on base and 4 in scoring position, notching 6 hit, all of which were singles. GI Jones and the Pride of PR led the way with 2 hits each and Cutch extended his hitting streak to 13 games. Ronny Cedeno batted 2nd and went 0 for 4, lowering his season average to .221 and his June average to .143. I don't care if he was 5 for 10 life time against Bud Norris, he should never be batting second unless there is some drastic turnaround in his hitting skills and plate discipline.
Jeff Karstens was outstanding yet again. For a guy who is constantly pegged as the long relief specialist, he is 4-4 with a 2.66 ERA, good for 5th in the NL. Not bad for a guy who the braintrust couldn't find a spot in the rotation for. Karstens went 6 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and 0 walks again. For some reason, Karstens seems to be on a limited pitch count and was pulled with 1 on and 2 out in the 7th. All-Star Candidate Chris Resop came on the get the final out of the 7th and was replaced by Tim Wood to start the 8th. After getting the first out of the inning, Tony Watson replaced Wood but allowed a single and a walk to put 2 on and 1 out. Jose Veras was called upon the put out the fire and he was up to the task, retiring Jason Michaels and Michael Bourn. Hanrahan worked a perfect 9th to earn his 18th save in 18 tries and it was the time RTJR! Final score Bucs 1, Astros 0.
Player of the Game- Jeff Karstens, 6.2 IP, 0R, 3 H, 3K, 0 BB
Head Scratcher of the Night: GI Jones was successful in his first steal attempt but was nailed the second time, appearing to slide early and in slow motion. It looked like he had the base stolen but the slide took forever. Also, I think sending Jones to steal twice in a row was perhaps going to the well 1 too many times.
Face Palm of the Night: The Astro's are a very charitable bunch. The WP in the first setup our only run and throwing a ball into CF when Cutch stole second was also very helpful. 54 Errors on the season for the Stros.
All in all, the Bucs are .500 once again and that is a great thing. They should beat the Astros more often than not even if the Astros are a better offensive team. The Bucs continue to get great pitching while the offense continues to do very little on a consistent basis. That former #1 in June offense has now scored 19 runs in the last 8 games, 8 coming in one game against the Dbacks. They have not scored more than 3 since. The Bucs have a total of 46 runs in the month of June, but as I have previously stated, 17 came in the first 2 games. Thats 29 runs in the next 10 games. The team is 5th in the NL in batting avg. for June but tied for last in HR's and 11th in XBH. Not good enough. For the season, we are 14th in AVG, 14th in Runs, 11th in HR, 15h in SLG %, 12th in OBP, and 14th in XBH.
The pitching has been a completely different story: 5th in ERA and boasting 3 starters in the Top 12 in ERA for the entire NL. This trend needs to continue and the bats needs to awaken. Cutch is doing his part pushing his average to .292 and Walker may be sneaking out of his slump. Tabata's average may be down, but his OBP is .360. We need to drive in more runs, that is the bottom line.
The Bucs have a chance to move to 34-33 tonight, the first winning record this late in a season in what seems like eons. Facing the awful Astros, this is an attainable goal and the Bucs need to pounce on this weak Houston team.
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