Vitals:
| CHICAGO CUBS (81-50) | RHP CARLOS ZAMBRANO (13-5, 3.29 ERA) |
| PITTSBURGH PIRATES (57-74) | RHP IAN SNELL (5-10, 5.60 ERA) |
| Game Time | 7:05 EDT |
| XM | XM 184 |
| TV | FSN |
8 to Go:
Only 8 more losses until the sweet 16th losing season...
Duke's New Slot:
The PG had this to say about Duke:
felt encouraged by his performance Friday night, when he used a glove-over-his-head windup designed to loosen his delivery for the first time in a game.
BTW Take:
I am wondering if this change in his delivery is more to disguise the pitch and hide it longer from the batter. Considering Duke is by no means a power pitcher, being able to distract the hitters or hide the ball longer could only help him. Hey, a Hooters restaurant in the batters eye could help the pitchers too. Just need to close the door while the home team is batting, they are distracted enough as is.
Bautista Trade:
The Pirates received Robinson Diaz as the PTBNL in the Bautista deal.
I haven't had an opportunity to comment on the trade yet, so here I go...
BTW Take:
Toronto inherited the best power numbers on their active roster. Yes, Bautista's 12 HR's led the Blue Jays active roster as of the day of the trade. The Piartes land a catcher who has 7 years of service in the minors. He can make good contact (.300+ career minor league average) who rarely strikes out or walks with minimal power. John Sickels ranks him as a C grade, so he should show up in a few top 20 lists.
I like the trade, utility infielder for backup catcher. Catcher is a week spot in the Pirates system, considering their best catching prospect (Walker) was moved to third by Littlefield and crew.
Huntington got more in return than I was expecting for Bautista, especially after they demoted him.
We're number 10:
On the Forbes The Worst Cities To Be A Sports Fan the Pirates were able to bring Pittsburgh the distinction of landing in the 10 spot despite the best efforts of the Pens and Steelers. Let's Go Bucs!
BTW Take:
It is kind of a hokey ranking system. But the Pirates are noted for their rebuilding...
Thursday Replay?:
MLB.com has a press release from MLB stating Replay will begin Thursday August 28th in limited release. Friday will begin the full slate of games.
Instant replay will apply only to home run calls -- whether they are fair or foul, whether they have left the playing field, or whether they have been subject to fan interference. The decision to use instant replay will be made by the umpire crew chief, who also will make the determination as to whether or not a call should be reversed.
BTW Take:
MLB, welcome to the 20th Century.
Thursday Replay?:
MLB.com has a press release from MLB stating Replay will begin Thursday August 28th in limited release. Friday will begin the full slate of games.
Instant replay will apply only to home run calls -- whether they are fair or foul, whether they have left the playing field, or whether they have been subject to fan interference. The decision to use instant replay will be made by the umpire crew chief, who also will make the determination as to whether or not a call should be reversed.
BTW Take:
Get the joke?
Pittsburgh Pirates Round Table:
New Pirates Roundtable is up.
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