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.
Monday, June 20, 2011
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.
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