Random Madness

For those who read this blog regularly, when I post, you know about Random Madness.  For those who just stumbled on the blog, this is where I just randomly comment on an assortment of topics that just don’t fit under one post.

Last Thought On McGwire

He only took steroids for heath?  They didn’t help him set homerun records nor hit homeruns?

Ok, that is one of the most ridiculous statements ever made.  Even if he didn’t gain any power from the steroids, which is bull to begin with, and it only kept him on the field, that cements the fact he isn’t a Hall Of Famer.

Think about it.  If he was hitting a homerun every 15 at bats or so and the roids got him in another 21 games a season.  That works out to roughly 7 homeruns a season over an 11 year span.  In other words, he owes at least 77 homeruns to steroids just based on “health” reasons. 

All the sudden he barely hits 500 homeruns, one of the key marks to make to have a prayer of making an induction speech.  Add in less than a dozen that can be attributed to extra strength, barely 1 a season over the span, and he never reaches 500 for his career.

Considering he wasn’t great with the glove and only average with the bat.  He would have only been a good power hitter and not even considered a Hall candidate.  If anyone who used deserves not to get in to the Hall, McGwire is the poster boy.

 

New York Bay

Talk about a career killing contract.  The deal Jason Bay signed with the Mets will be the downfall of his career.  While Bay is a good player, especially in the right ballpark, he will flounder with the homerun numbers in spacious Citi Field.  If that park can suck the power out of David Wright, how badly will it drain Jason Bay?

 

Pirates Pen

Finally Pirates related…

I have to say, I like the way the bullpen is working out, especially if/when Dotel is signed.  The additions of Bass, Donnelly and Carrasco to Hanrahan and Meek round out a bullpen that will be much improved over last season.  With the loser of the 5th spot in the rotation likely headed to the pen, we finally have an idea what this team will look like coming out of Bradenton.

I know Carrasco and Bass are not on the 40 man roster yet, but they should be when the season starts.  Needless to say, there will be some major changes to the 40 man roster between now and opening day.

Random Spring Madness

Beating the rush to March Madness, I am going to run with some Random Madness...

Starting Rotation:

Right now, the starting rotation looks to have 4 members in Maholm, Snell, Ohlendorf and Duke.  The 5th starter is a pretty ugly battle, but one that Dan McCutchen may be winning.  He has been far from dominant, but he has limited the hits and performed at an adequate rate for a 5th starter.  While his 5.40 ERA is nothing to be proud of, he is showing more than Karstens or Gorzelanny.  Barthmaier has all but sealed a trip to Indianapolis.

The telltale of the whole 5th starter battle should clear up in the coming weeks, whoever gets the bulk of the innings among McCutchen, Gorzelanny and Karstens in the coming weeks will be the winner of the battle. 

Regardless of the winner, when Dumatrait is deemed healthy and his arm strength is back, look for him to step into the rotation immediately unless one of the three start to show something near adequate value.  I'd expect at least one game in the next two weeks to showcase all three pitching.

Then there is always Pedro, Martinez not Alvarez.

Houston, We Have A Problem:

Houston is 1-11 in spring ball.  The question here is simple.  How bad will they be in 2009?  From all reports across the land, they are looking to shed salary and have a farm system that would make Dave Littlefield proud.

If they simply do salary dumps, they could be headed towards breaking the Pirate soon to be record for losing seasons.  There is not much help on the way either.  If they can rebuild the farm with trades of their current talent, the Pirates record will be safe.  I am interested in seeing if they pull a Aramis Ramirez style trade for Lee, or if they hold out for talent in return.

It should make for an interesting start to the season if the Astros dump players.

BTW March Madness:

The time is coming for March Madness.  As in past years, I will be running a March Madness Pool.  If there is a prize, it is yet to be determined, I will have the info up when the link is posted.  I will have the link up in a couple days, or sooner if I find time tonight.  Plan on joining other BTW readers, The Buccos Forum regulars and random bloggers from around the interweb in an intense battle for March Madness Supremacy!!!

 

Here is the Link:

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joinprivategroup_assign_team?GID=59773&P=pirates

 

IF it requests a password: pirates

 

More info coming.

Pirates 2009 Slogan

With the Steelers having a new catch phrase of “Stairway to Seven”, I ask:

What should the Pirates 2009 slogan be?

Stairway to Seven-teen?

Leave your ideas in the comment section below or using this link:

https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=37739229&postID=1469448443619945081

 

Another Random Thought:

The Pirates should embrace their tradition and honor Willie Stargell by renaming the restaurant in leftfield (remember Willie was once a leftfielder) as “Chicken on the Hill” with a Stargell Star as the restaurant sign.

 

Link:

Sully Baseball has their all time Pirates teams up:

http://sullybaseball.blogspot.com/2009/02/pittsburgh-pirates-all-time-home-grown.html

Random Madness

Finally I have a few minutes to take a dump and for Random Thoughts. Regular readers will know these are out of left field.

Bullington
Losing him to the Indians for absolutely nothing is equivalent to what the Pirates would have received in trade.
Don't take me wrong, I wish Bryan all the luck and health in the world, but his value to the team was negligible at best. When a guy with a 10+ ERA gets a call to the rotation before you, a change of scenery can only help.

JVB
I will reemphasize my take on AAAA JVB. He does not have the "stuff" to make it above AAA. The movement on any of his pitches is too flat. He does not change speeds and falls in love with his 93mph fastball.
Simply put, a 93mph flat fastball is not enough to be a successful MLB pitcher.
JVB's only hope to make it long term in MLB is to develop an above average change or to switch to an everyday position...provided he can still hit.

Goodbye Again Thor
Craig Wilson was one of a few minor leaguers moved in the last couple days. Good luck in Seattle Craig.
To clarify the trade, after cutting Sexon, the Mariners needed a low cost AAA 1b who can bat above .218.

Sweep of the Yankees?

If you win a one game series, is it still a sweep?

Random Madness

Chicago Blows
I hate Chicago. Actually it is a great city, but the Pirates are 1-8 there this season. So pardon me if I don't feel bad about Soriano or Zambrano doing stints on the DL. Fortunately for Zambrano, there is no structural damage in his sore shoulder.

Excuse me for having no sympathy for a team that has a goat curse that has seen them go a century without a World Series trophy. The Pirates have not seen a +.500 season in a decade and a half. At least the Cubs have had winning seasons and playoff appearances in their century of futility.

No DL?
It looks like Nady will avoid DL time with his shoulder. Salas was sent packing again to make room for Morgan.

I find this move odd considering the poor week the pen has had. I fear Russell is burning out the big 4 in the pen. Not that he should worry about over working them, half will likely be traded by the deadline anyhow.

Jonah And The Whale
Jonah Bayliss was sent to Toronto for the popular PTBNL. Don't expect much back in the deal, I am guessing a lower level loosely considered fringe prospect. Maybe a top 50 player in the Blue Jays farm system or a case of Molsen.

Zach and Paul

Zach Duke had another nice outing last night going pitch for pitch with Roy Halladay.  Zach and Paul Maholm have become two of the more consistent starters on the staff.  Who would have thought Dumatrait, Duke and Maholm would be the 3 best starters on the team?  If Gorzy and Snell can iron out their issues, we should look forward to being potential buyers at the trade deadline.  Maybe we can do better than Matt Morris this year? 

Why do I think the Pirates could be buyers?  The Wild Card is not out of realistic chance right now.  Next week, after the Rays and Yanks are done with the team, the tune may change.  Right now, it is not out of the question.  No team between Pittsburgh and St. Louis in the standings are so much better they could run away with things.  The Pirates are 7.5 back of St. Louis in the race and 4.5 back of Milwaukee and Florida who are tied at 2nd in the WC standings.

St. Louis has been doing it with mirrors so far, but the Pujols injury could be the one that sends them tumbling back to earth.  The Pirates are no more than a 3 game sweep away from being in the thick of the WC Standings.

 

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Random Madness

Indians Deal?

Once again in case anyone missed the post, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

In the Bay negotiations, it's believed Lee and catcher Kelly Shoppach were never involved in the deal. Pirates GM Neal Huntington was more interested in acquiring three to five of the Tribe's top prospects.

The funny thing about trades, no team completely fesses up to what might have happened.  Considering all the other moves Huntington has made so far, I would lean more towards what came from the Plain Dealer than the Post-Gazette.  Why?  Look at most of the acquisitions so far, they are mostly hard throwing minor league pitchers.  It looks as if Huntington is looking at building the farm with prospects and highly tradable commodities.  In other words, he is grabbing all the hard throwers he can find.  Overall, a smart move compared to DL's fascination with control pitchers.

 

San Diego Deal?

The latest from the San Diego front?  Well, it looks as if the Padres are still looking for some outfielders, especially depth considering the recent injury history of Edmonds.  In case you missed the news, the Padres traded for Jim Edmonds Friday night. 

The Barrett deal, as it stood, was a Pirates outfielder and Morris for Barrett with minor leaguers involved.  The random outfielder makes sense now.  Whether McLouth, Duffy or Morgan, they all fit nicely as a 4th outfielder in the event of injury.

From the last I heard on Friday, the Padres are still interested in Bay.  The Barrett deal could get much larger.  The Padres feel less of a need of urgency now that they have Edmonds in the fold.  The bad news there, the Pirates have lost some leverage against Towers in the negotiations.

Towers has been hyping the Pirates interest in Headley, but this is a normal Towers tactic.  He usually hypes the player he wants to deal to artificially raise the players value.  Hopefully Huntington ignores the hype.  From what I have heard, the Pirates did inquire about Headley's availability, but nothing more than that.

Like I said, teams don't fess up on deals that don't work out.

The Padres are also looking at Geoff Jenkins as a possible fit in right field.  Scott Hairston is penciled in to be the left fielder.

 

Another Pirates Addition

The Pirates have signed minor league pitcher T.J. Beam.  Beam is a 6' 7" right handed pitcher who hit the high 90's on the radar gun.  He has control issues and no really dependable second pitch.  A moderate to good breaking ball or change-up could make this guy an interesting piece in the bullpen.  He does throw a less than spectacular slider.

As I said earlier, I can see a plan with the signings Huntington is making.  He has signed at least 3 hard throwing minor league pitchers, one of the missing parts throughout the organization.  These hard throwers are usually the best trade bait when adding a minor leaguer to a deal or getting position players in the minors. 

It is kind of odd to be able to look at a Pirates GM's moves and understand them.  Wow, this could take some getting use to.

 

Silence of the Lambs

One free agent the Pirates should take a look at is Mike Lamb, a left handed hitting 3B/1B with a decent bat.  He made $2.7M last season allowing.  This is only if the Pirates feel Bautista is not the answer at 3B or feel Lamb would be a good fit as a utility player off the bench at 1B/3B.  He is a career .281 hitter with 10-15 HR power playing for Texas teams, so take the power with a grain of salt.  He would likely be a better fit than the a return of Thor, we have enough 1B/OF spots filled.

 

We Will..no more

The Pittsburgh Pirates will finally have a new slogan saying, "We Will...bury this stupid slogan."  The new, original slogan?  "Let's Go Bucs!"  I have never heard that one before, still much better than "We Will..."

Random Madness - Mitchell Report

Grin and Barrett

The San Diego Union-Tribune is still touting the interest in Bay, Nady and McLouth.  I find it interesting Duffy's name has not been involved in the discussions.  I'll have to make a call and see if his name is one of the minor leaguers rumored in the possible Barrett deal.

 

Mitchell Report

My thought on the Mitchell Report?

The important thing to remember is the names in the report are the ones Mitchell discovered by primarily talking to two sources.  Yes, Mitchell spoke to many clubhouse people, but the names came from two "dealers".  Just because your favorite players were not included, don't for one second think this clears their names.  The 87 names mentioned is a far cry from the entire list, just the ones who were outted. 

The Mitchell investigation was far from a complete sweep of the league.  I would guarantee there are many more players who spent the last few nights waking in a cold sweat or having trouble sleeping all together.  For those not mentioned, feel fortunate. 

For the fans, don't believe for one second, if your team had no players named, that every player on your team has been clean.  There is a reason why this period has been called the steroid era, and that reason is not because of 87 players. 

Overall, I think this investigation was a waste of $40 million by MLB.  Jose Canseco named nearly as many people in his book and that didn't cost MLB one cent.  The money would have been better spent on education to the players in the majors and minors as well as outsourcing the testing to a non-biased party.

 

 

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Random Madness

For Buzzman77

Poor Joe

I feel bad for Joe Girardi, he is stepping into a bad situation.  Girardi is not inheriting Joe Torre's team, he will have a team minus Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Roger Clemens and Andy Petite, those players alone made roughly $108M in 2007.  He will still inherit the expectation of winning championships, with half the payroll.

Girardi will still be expected to deliver a World Series winning team with a team in flux.  Believe it or not, the Yankees payroll will be closer to $100M than the current $200+M.  Although they do still have plenty of time inflate that number.

Girardi would have been better off taking a job with Pittsburgh, or any other team outside of the Yankees, just to avoid the expectations.  At least in Pittsburgh there is no expectation of winning more than 75 games, all ownership wants is cash in the pockets.

 

Poor Dodgers

The Dodgers are about to make a huge mistake by potentially hiring Joe Torre.  Torre was a horrible manager until he had the best team money could buy.
Torre was horrible with any team prior to the Yankees, take a look at his previous records as manager:

Seasons	Team	Games	Wins	Loses	PCT
3	Atlanta	486	257	229	0.529
6	NewYorkMets	709	286	420	0.405
6	St.Louis	706	351	354	0.498
12	NewYorkYankees	1942	1173	767	0.605
27	Career	3843	2067	1770	0.538
15	Career minus Yanks	1901	894	1003	0.470
7	Jim Tracy (career)	1134	562	572	0.496

Take away the $200M payroll, and Jim Tracy has a better career winning percentage. 

Good luck with that Dodgers.

 

Poor Reds

I am glad the Pirates never had the opportunity to hire Dusty Baker, we have enough arm troubles in the organization the Pirates don't need a manager who destroys young arms by overextending them every start.  Good luck with that Cincy.

 

Poor Jack

Well, good news bad news here.  Detroit traded for a shortstop, not for JW.  Overall, IF Wilson can perform the way he did in 2007 again in 2008, his value will be higher at the deadlines.  Luckily for Carlos Guillen, he won't have to be reminded of how good Jack could be on a daily basis, unless JW gets a Gold Glove for 2007.  Don't hold your breath on that one happening, look for the GG to land in Colorado.  Just my opinion.

 

Shame, Shame, Shame

Scott BorAss should have his license revoked for pulling the stunt he did during the World Series by announcing that A-Rod would opt out of his contract.

A-Rod should be ashamed of having BorAss as his agent.  If nothing else, he could have requested BorAss hold off until after the series to make the call.

The Yankees should be the target of more scorn.  There have been more stories about the Yankees, Torre, A-Rod, etc since they were ousted from the playoffs than stories were run about the other teams combined.  Show some class Yankees and show some respect for the game that lines your pockets.

 

A-Rod Sweepstakes

Now that I lambasted A-Rod, maybe he will feel guilty and sign with Pittsburgh.  HAHAHA I crack me up. 

In all seriousness, the Pirates should pursue A-Rod full bore.  He is the type of player that can turn around the franchise and rejuvenate a floundering Minor League system.

Here is what Texas got in return for A-Rod:

February 16, 2004: Traded by the Texas Rangers with cash to the New York Yankees for a player to be named later and Alfonso Soriano. The New York Yankees sent Joaquin Arias (April 23, 2004) to the Texas Rangers to complete the trade.

Which in Return, they flipped Soriano for:

December 8, 2005: Traded by the Texas Rangers to the Washington Nationals for Brad Wilkerson, Armando Galarraga, and Terrmel Sledge.

Beyond anything else, he will fill the stands and get the Pirates back in the limelight for something other than 16 straight losing seasons.  Oh sorry, jumped the gun, 15 straight losing seasons.

Don't hold you breath on this happening, but it would be a smart thing to do.

 

Bill Belichick is an @$$

To run the score up on a Joe Gibbs coached team is classless.  To run the score up on any team isn't exactly classy either.  Belichick needs to show some respect to other teams in the league.  On second thought, it could be the fact he has no choice, New England doesn't necessarily have a stellar ground game right now.  Regardless, he is still a weenie in a hoodie. 

 

Site News

BTW is still alive, I have not given up on the site.  Personal life and work have once again sidetracked me from my hobby.  I appreciate everyone who is still checking the site out and the emails I have received.  Expect more frequent updates to the site to start around November 15th, when work will calm down a bit.  That is unless I find that billionaire willing to gift me a few measly millions.  Paging Mr. Cuban?  Mr. Gates?  Can anyone spare a few million?

Back from the DL - Random Madness and Links

Well, my knee is feeling somewhat better, I can at least walk on it with minimal pain.

Congrats

Let's start off with a congratulatory pat on the back for Bucco Blog.  They have announced that they have been added to the BlogBurst syndication network.  BlogBurst has a slew of blogs that appear on nearly 100 news and media sites. 

Welcome aboard. 

For clarification purposes, BTW has been a member of BlogBurst since May of this year.  Even though I don't have the readership of Bucco Blog, hopefully they will correct their statement of being "the only Pittsburgh Pirates fan blog to be available for social media syndication via BlogBurst to over 100 top-tier news and media sites like Reuters, USA Today, Gannett Newspapers, Fox News, and many others".

 

No Mo Monroe

In case the news has not made it to you, the Cubs have acquired Craig Monroe from the Tigers for cash and the ever popular PTBNL.  Obviously the cash is what kept the Pirates from acquiring Monroe, they have plenty of PTBNL on the roster.

 

New CEO?

The Post-Gazette is reporting the new CEO will be a baseball man from a small market type of background.  Rumor has it there have already been some interviews.  I am still waiting for the call to set up my interview.

 

Shake and Bake?

The Trib is reporting no plans are in place for a front office shakeup.  The good news is the new CEO will have the power to shake whatever he wants.

 

Cut on Another Pitcher?

Yet another Pirates pitcher will be having surgery.  John Grabow is scheduled to have surgery this off season.  The surgery will remove a bone chip from his shoulder.

 

A bunch in one article.

Duffy may be done as a Pirate, he is injured again while being on rehab.  The Bucs are loving the Play of McLouth over the last month, something I have been preaching on since last hot stove.  Mclouth gives more power and better base skills than Duffy.  Duffy has more speead and better D, but McLouth is the more durable of the two.

The Pirates are happy they landed Phelps.  So are the fans.  The bench has looked much better since the acquisition.

Luis Mantos was traded to the Mets for future considerations (a.k.a. Nuttings favorite...cash).  Ho-hum.

And Duke was scheduled to pitch 35-40 pitches for Bradenton.

 

Coming Soon

More coming soon.  As promised, I am working on the 2007 and beyond series.

Random Madness

Neifi Perez

The news is out.  Neifi Perez failed another drug test and has been suspended for 80 game.  The Tigers and Pirates are almost certainly discussing terms as I write to complete the deal for Jack Wilson.  As close as the trade was rumored in the Post Gazette and the Detroit News, the talks will have to be revived now.  Wilson was looked at to supply some depth to the Tigers infield.  Now he may be required to fill a valuable spot, especially with Sheffield being injured, it would allow Detroit to move Guillen to 1B or DH to fill the void Sheffield is leaving in the lineup and strengthen their defense up the middle if they acquire Wilson.

 

Bonds Fails Again

I am so tired of seeing that headline on every site I read for baseball info.  Couldn't the editors be a little more accurate and creative?  Bonds has not failed at anything.  He has 754 homers in his career, hardly a failure since only one other player has ever hit that many or more.  I hope Bonds breaks the record soon, so we don't have to hear about it anymore.  I am tired of the chase, just hit two Barry and put it to rest.

 

My Opinion on Bonds and the Asterisk

I have never hated Bonds the player.  I have never been a big fan of the person, he has always come off as rude and pompous.  However, I can't find any issue with what he has accomplished over his career. 

The talk of keeping him from the Hall of Fame is ridiculous.

The talk of an asterisk next to the record is stupid.

There is a reason I have not posted a comment on the topic, I find it to be a moot point.  He was a Hall of Famer before the allegations arose.  He has been one of the best in the history of the game over his career, even before his melon started growing. 

Bonds, even if he used steroids, never broke a baseball rule, so why should he be punished by baseball?  Did he break a law?  Possibly, but that is for the courts and judicial system to determine not the Baseball Writers nor Major League Baseball. 

Tell me, have you ever broke a law?  Don't lie, I know you have.  I am not defending Bonds, nor anyone else who may have used a performance enhancing drug, I am simply stating fact. 

The argument is always given that he broke a law.  Murder is against the law too, but the baseball rules have no "rules" around killing another player or opposing team.  If MLB had such a rule Littlefield and the Nuttings would be long gone for killing the Pirates franchise.

All I am saying is Bonds has never been proved to have broken a baseball rule.  So honor the record and enjoy seeing history.  The judicial system can take care of the rest. 

 

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Random Madness and Links

The Pirates have acquired Josh Phelps off waivers from the Yankees. Recently promoted Brad Eldred will likely be demoted when Phelps joins the team.

BTW Take:

Phelps is a DH on a National League team? He can play 1B and C, but is better known as a bat. He has mostly been used as a DH in his career, 299 games as a DH and 69 playing a position. This move is nothing more than adding a pinch hitter to the bench, undoubtedly something this team needs. Overall, I would say it is a good move for no other reason than adding power to the bench.

According to Pirates.com, Jim Colborn is a favorite of Ichiro. Apparently Ichiro hold Colborn in high regard and is in regular contact with him.

Don Kelly cleared waivers and will report to Indianapolis.

BTW Take:

Maybe the Pirates could add Ichiro in the off-season? He obviously isn't interested in money, he has turned down advertising contracts so he could focus on baseball. Maybe his closeness to Colborn could entice him to Pittsburgh, if ownership could be in the ballpark on an offer. Signing Kuwata couldn't hurt either. The more amazing thing from the story is Colborn can speak Japanese.

Think of the possibilities, Ichiro leading off with Sanchez batting second. Bay, LaRoche and Nady would almost always have someone on ahead of them. Two batting champs at the top of the order could make this offense actually start to shine, or at least resemble a MLB lineup.

Just a thought, more like a dream.

The Oakland A's are in the process of parting ways with Milton Bradley. They have 10 days to trade, waive or release the troubled Bradley. Beane acknowledged Bradley's trade value will be down due to the teams intention to cut ties with him.. According to the Beaver County Times, the Pirates and Padres are interested in Bradley. Bradley would likely replace Duffy in center if acquired.

UPDATE: Bradley was traded to KC for Leo Nunez. Remember him?
UPDATE2: Bradley deal to KC voided due to oblique strain.

BTW Take:

Bradley has a history with Tracy. Bradley has a history with Littlefield. That history with Littlefield is the clincher. DL only acquires players he has targeted in the past due to previous experience with the player. Very narrow minded, a GM with blinders on. This team doesn't need a cancer in the clubhouse, but it could really use Bradley's talents. The only way this team gets better and soon is to acquire players like Bradley.

Another troubled player who is available is Elijah Dukes. Tampa may be designating Dukes for assignment in an attempt to get rid of the troubled rookie. Today Tampa placed Dukes on the temporary inactive list.

BTW Take:

DL, there is nothing to look at here, look away. Well maybe look a little bit. Dukes is a head case with tremendous talent. If he can be corralled, he is a franchise type player.

The Cardinals acquired Mike Maroth from Detroit for the ever popular PTBNL.

BTW Take:

The Cards get Maroth, the Pirates get Phelps. Wonder why the Cardinals have winning seasons?

As of this writing, Duke has gone 5 innings on 79 pitches. He is throwing strikes! This could be a very good sign for the rotation if he is starting a trend and this isn't a fluke.

UPDATE: Final line for Duke 5.1 innings allowing 1 run, 2 walks and 9 hits on 98 pitches. In the 6th he stopped throwing strikes.

Random Madness - Fathers Day Edition

Jack Wilson talked about retiring in 3 or 4 years. Why wait?

I got a ticket for my dad to the June 30th Pirates game against the Nationals, me and my oldest son are taking him. No, we really do love him. Happy Fathers Day Dad, lets go see two of the worst teams in the league. At least he will have a Bob Walk Bobble head to remember the game by.

JVB pitched a good game in his return to the rotation. Too bad the two runs allowed were earned, LaRoche could not earn an error on the "throw" since he recorded an out and no one advanced. The bullpen and the bats let him down. Story of 2007 for the Pirates, every starter has had that said on his behalf at least once. Hopefully this is the start of a string of good outings from JVB.

Duke had a good outing last time. Will he be able to duplicate the performance? Optimism might creep back into my vocabulary if he has a good day.

Random Madness

LaRoche Discovers Bat!

I did not have a chance to follow the games like I usually do over the weekend. The only thing I know is the Pirates lost 10-0, 6-3 and 6-4.

LaRoche made the proclamation he found something in his 70 minute video watching session with coaches. It looks like the ball is getting bigger to him.

I've been through droughts at the plate before where every pitch looked like a BB coming at you. I have also had hot streaks where the ball looked like a beach ball. Right about now, LaRoche is seeing a tennis ball. His average is climbing. Next will come the power. It seems as if he is getting out of his funk, finally.

Or was he ever in a funk?

From what little I heard over the weekend, mostly game recaps and a few pitches here and there, it sounded as if the Brewers were getting calls going their way. Players and Uekers were making comments like "when things are going good the calls go your way."

Bob Ueker more than once said the pitch just missed. Some of the calls, he even appeared to be puzzled on how the pitch was a ball. That really sounds odd coming from the opposing announcer.

Calls that could go either way were going against the Pirates.

This got me thinking. Is the cause of some of the players struggles caused by history? I know none of these players were on the team 14 years ago, but the umpires have been around a while and only know the Pirates as perennial losers.

Some of the called strikes LaRoche and others have seen may be caused by being Pirates. When with the Braves, LaRoche might get a few favorable calls due to his uniform. Remember, the Braves are suppose to win. Now that LaRoche is a Pirate, that ball just off the black has become a strike on the black.

Charlie from Bucco Blog suggested an Umpire calling a dirty game a few weeks back.

Maybe it wasn't a dirty game, just the Pirates getting the calls they have earned over the last 14+ seasons. Many of the teams shortcomings fall squarely on the ownership and management of the team. I think some of the struggles of the players should be pointed to the owners as well.

The current team, and all future teams, will need to overcome the stereotype ownership has laid down. The "Commitment to Excrement" could be in part causing some of the struggles of the current team.

Pittsburgh Pirates fans deserve better. The players deserve better. I guess we need a petition to have the team sold...really novel concept huh? I found three just randomly searching an online petition site. So I made one.

BTW Petition

The other two:
Oust KM - http://www.petitiononline.com/oustkm/petition.html

Sell Pitt - http://www.petitiononline.com/sellpitt/petition.html



Two More Reasons to Hate The Cardinals.

Those dirty birds couldn't let the Pirates bask in the glow of their worst shutout loss since 2002. OH NO! The Cardinals had to go out Saturday and get smoked by the Astros 13-0.

Then they go out and announce their ace Chris Carpenter is having surgery and will be out 3 months.

Don't the Cards know this is the Pirates MO? Don't infringe on our territory!!!

If you want to make it up to us, send us a stud prospect for Tony Armas.


The Rich Get Richer.

Roger Clemens to the Yankees. Enough said.

This move will help the Yankees only marginally, their real trouble lies in the bullpen. They need a real stud like Damaso Marte to solidify their bullpen. We will gladly take Melky Cabrera for him.


Of All The PUTRID Calls I Have EVER Heard...

I could not believe how putrid the call was of Clemens being in George's owners box by Suzyn Waldman. She sounded as if Jesus was standing there announcing he was becoming a Yankee while feeding the crowd in attendance with 1 fish and 1 loaf.

Clemens signs a "one-year contract for $28,000,022 - the last two digits matching his uniform number". Even the contract is putrid.

Good for you Roger, I am glad you are getting every cent you can out of the Yankees. Nothing personal, but I hope Roger gets bit by the injury bug early on so the Yankees get stuck with the contract. Not because I dislike Roger. I am just tired of the Yankees buying their way through nearly every season.

Random Madness

PAYBACK?
The Pirates head to St. Louis to start a two game set with warm weather today and tomorrow. Temperatures are expected to be in the 72 degree range.

For all the Pirate players who read my blog, obviously they all do (cough!), it is time to get payback for that three game sweep. The unfortunate thing for the Pirate pitching staff is Albert Pujols has found his swing again.

The pitching match ups look favorable for the Bucs:
Monday RHP IAN SNELL (0-1, 2.08 ERA) vs. RHP ANTHONY REYES (0-1, 5.40 ERA)
Tuesday LHP Tom Gorzelanny (1-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. RHP Adam Wainwright (1-0, 1.98 ERA)

The question is: Will the bats return from a winters hibernation?

LOOK INTO THE TWINKIE:
This story make me hungry just thinking about it. Nothing says love like sodium stearoyl lactylate.

DEAD MAN WALKING:
One more reason not to be Andre.

PENS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD?
The Penguins took home ice away from the Sens Saturday only to return the favor last night.

I was impressed at how the Pens stepped it up on Saturday, but was equally disappointed with Sundays play. This can be expected by a young team making their first appearance in the playoffs together. They now know the level they must play at to win the series.

Lets hope for more games like Saturday.

WEATHER NEWS:
It looks like the Pirates are set for the next two series against St. Louis and Milwaukee. Today and tomorrow look great for no rain in St Louis. Milwaukee has a dome. A trip to LA LA land follows before coming home for the next rain out against Houston.

The way things have gone for the Pirates, Milwaukee will spring a leak in its dome and cancel the series. Maybe they will move the series to Cleveland?

Started with the Pirates and weather, and ended there. Talk about going full circle.

Random Madness

Occasionally I step outside the baseball world to make some off the wall comments. With the off day for the Pirates, it is time to take another walk on the Random Side.

FINALLY!:

Finally a stadium deal has been struck between the Pens and so many politician it seemed like election time. I have avoided commenting on this, for fear of jinxing the situation, like it needed help. Bottom line, Pittsburgh will have hockey for the next 30 years.

NCAA BRACKET:

In case you have missed the post or link, I have a March Madness Bracket going with the winner receiving a new Pirates hat. Check out the post for information on registering for the contest and to see the choice of hats.

NCAA SELECTIONS:

Speaking of the NCAA Tournaments, congratulations to the Pitt Women on their selection to the Womans Tourney. Also congratulations to the Robert Morris Women on their selection. Should the college be called Roberta Morris for the duration of the tournament?

Is it just me, or does it look like another Sweet 16 exit for the Panthers?

Too bad WVU didn't get selected, I thought they were more deserving than Syracuse. Oops, Syracuse didn't make it either.

BUCS BANTER:

Am I the only one with these observations:

• The people performing this spring are all minor leaguers.
• Most of the regulars are struggling.
• Duffy looks as bad as he did the beginning of last season, just fewer K's.
  
• Gorzelanny and/or Maholm are pitching their way to AAA.
• Armas looks to be the good signing I was predicting.
• Chacon may find a way into the rotation.
• Youman and McLeary may both make the roster.
• Kelly may keep Kernandez off the roster.
• Doumit may be relegated to backup backstop the way Eldred has played.
• McCutchen, Walker and Bixler could already be ready, more seasoning will only help.

dePORTER:
Joey Porter a Dolphin...That is just plain wrong.

MALL @ BTW:

I have a few new affiliates in the mall. Check it out if you are looking for any deals. I am trying to cover everything from Bar Tending Supplies to Yo-Yo's. I am still coming up short on A and Z though. I also have many links to sports equipment, clothing and gear. As I get the coupon or deal, I post them.

Random Madness

Thriller

Is it just me, or do you think of a Thriller video gone awry when looking at this picture?



Hate this time of year?
I really hate this time of year. Ice freezes the ground while thoughts of Spring Training fill the baseball fans mind. You open the sports page to a barrage of fluffy articles on:

• The friendship of pitchers.
• How a certain player loves his cars?
• The star Japanese player fits in so well.

Are you thinking I am speaking of the Pirates? Guess what? I am not. These articles are common fare for every MLB franchise at this point of spring training. Boston has had the same stories in their papers.

• No one gets along with Schilling, well maybe a few players do.
  
• Manny was at a car show when he should have been with his momma or at spring training.
• Dice K is fitting in nicely.

I can't wait to hear how the Pirates players perform against Manatee Community College. I need some game notes, some stats, a freaking box score. I have spent a good bit of my time looking at Lanny Frattare score cards waiting for an actual game. The anticipation is killing me.

Come on all ready! PLAY BALL!!!

X-man:
According to many reports, Nady has returned to Pittsburgh for tests at AGH. This does concern me. Why would they fly him back to Pittsburgh for tests that can be performed in Florida? Oh, never mind, I just answered my own question. It is Florida.

Have I mentioned?
I hate this time of year. Too much fluff, not enough substance.

Outside the Headlines

Odd Story 1:

Bud Selig is interested in "boosting" player "performance" by keeping moisture off their heads?

On the moisture-managing "performance" materials used in sports apparel:

"We started to think, 'How can those developments be applied to our headwear?'" said John DeWaal, vice president of brand communications at New Era Cap Co., the Buffalo-based manufacturer that holds the cap contract.

In another quote:

"We're proud to enact the commissioner's initiatives to bring performance to the field in a major way and really to make our players more comfortable," he said. "It's all about the performance initiative and this is the first major step in a lot of things that are going to be seen throughout the season which are really going to revolutionize our field."

I am anxious to see the next major step. Will it be an adjustible hat? I have been waiting for one of those for years now.

Are the little red waves on the side of the ST hats one of the breakthroughs?

Odd Story 2:

Yes Virginia, it is true. a goalie actually had enough time to drop trou, moon the crowd and do the "Happy Gilmore Dance" during a stop in play.

A few questions...

How many minutes did he get in the penalty box?

Wouldn't it be priceless to see the ref doing the hand signals for this penalty?

Phil's Prediction

Punxsutawney Phil has proclaimed an early spring!

The last time Phil saw his shadow was 1999.

The announcement has sent a shock wave throughout the meteorologist society. Every meteorologist saw his shadow this morning, causing confusion and panic.

Phil has left many a weatherman wondering when winter begins?

Bill Murray could not be reached for comment. Murray is the worlds foremost expert on groundhogs and pest control. His works include a documentary on the event called "Groundhog Day" based on the small community in Pennsylvania. He also is featured in a pest removal training video called "Caddy Shack".

Fun fact: The whole concept of Groundhog Day is built on German folklore.

Random Madness

Just some random thoughts:

Even if Bautista wins the starting infielder job, Castillo can not be traded. A backup infielder is still needed and Castillo can cover all the positions but 1B.

IF Gerut can make the roster and regain his form, some interesting lineups could follow.

What is the craziest lineup we might see this season? (My guess follows)

Would it be a terrible idea to have the following order?

Bautista, 3B
Sanchez, 2B
Bay, CF
LaRoche, 1B
Nady, LF
Gerut/Doumit, RF
Paulino, C
Wilson, SS

The above lineup might be the most powerful lineup the Pirates could field. It would be lacking on defense, but the offense may make up for the difference.

The starting rotation is as deep as it has been in recent memory.

It will be interesting to see which Armas and Chacon show up in Spring Training.

What happens if Herrera or Kuwata show they are ready for the Majors?

Is it just me or does this Super Bowl lack in pregame hype? No trash talk and no arrests. Come on teams, step it up a bit.

Will the Pens ever agree to a stadium deal that keeps them in Pittsburgh? The rumors on this are flying faster than the LaRoche rumors did.

This Penguins team could be something special for years to come, too bad there are no national broadcasts. Oh? What? Vs? What the @#$% is that?

When is the NHL All Star Game? Oh? What? Vs? What the @#$% is that?