Showing posts with label pre-game notes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pre-game notes. Show all posts

April 7, 2009

Game 2: PITTSBURGH PIRATES at ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(1-0)
RHP Ian Snell
(7-12, 5.42 ERA in 2008)
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
(1-0)
RHP Kyle Lohse
(15-6, 3.78 ERA in 2008)
Game Time 7:15 CDT 
XM XM 186
TV NO TV

Last Game:

April 6, 2009

Pittsburgh 6, St. Louis 4 at Busch Stadium
Pittsburgh Record: (1-0)
St. Louis Record: (0-1)

Winning pitcher - John Grabow (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Jason Motte (0-1)
SV - Matt Capps (1)

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E
PIT 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4   6 11 3
STL 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0   4 10 1

 

Upcoming Games: 

Tuesday at St. Louis vs.  Wednesday at St. Louis 7:15 CDT LHP Zach Duke (5-14, 4.82 ERA in 2008) vs. RHP RHP Todd Wellemeyer (13-9, 3.71 ERA in ‘08) FSNP (HD)
Thursday at St. Louis 12:40 CDT RHP Ross Ohlendorf (1-4, 6.40 ERA in 2008) vs. RHP Chris Carpenter (0-1, 1.76 ERA in 2008) NO TV
Friday at Cincinnati 7:10 EDT RHP Jeff Karstens (2-6, 4.03 ERA in 2008) vs. RHP Johnny Cueto (9-14, 4.81 ERA in 2008) FSNP (HD)
Saturday at Cincinnati 1:10 EDT LHP Paul Maholm vs. RHP Aaron Harang FSNP (HD)
Sunday at Cincinnati 1:10 EDT RHP Ian Snell vs. RHP Bronson Arroyo FSNP (HD)

September 8, 2008

Game 143-146, One Quick Thought

DLed:

Unfortunately I have been placed on the DL with pneumonia.  I'm not sure how long I will be out so here are the next 4 games vitals.

Monday at Houston 7:05 CDT RHP Ian Snell (6-10, 5.59 ERA) vs. RHP Brandon Backe (9-12, 5.44 ERA) FSNP (HD)
Tuesday at Houston 7:05 CDT RHP Ross Ohlendorf (0-0, 4.50 ERA) vs. LHP Randy Wolf (9-11, 4.47 ERA) FSNP
Wednesday at Houston 7:05 CDT LHP Tom Gorzelanny (6-9, 6.64 ERA) vs. RHP Brian Moehler (10-6, 4.22 ERA) FSNP
Thursday at Houston 7:05 CDT LHP Zach Duke (5-13, 4.87 ERA) vs. RHP Roy Oswalt (14-9, 3.72 ERA) NO TV

Pirates XM Broadcast schedule can be found below.

 

One Quick Thought:

How fitting was it the Pirates lose their 82nd game on opening day for the Steelers?

September 6, 2008

Game 141 and 142, Where's the Blame?

Vitals Game 141:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(60-80)
LHP Paul Maholm
(8-8, 3.81 ERA)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
(60-80)
RHP Matt Cain
(8-11, 3.69 ERA)
Game Time 9:05 EDT
XM XM 186
TV None

Vitals Game 142:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(60-80)
RHP Jeff Karstens
(2-4, 3.62 ERA)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
(60-80)
LHP Jonathan Sanchez
(8-10, 4.50 ERA)
Game Time 4:05 EDT
XM XM 186
TV None

Where's the Blame?:

So far nearly every party has been blamed in the Alvarez fiasco.  Except one.

For someone who received so much praise for making the Alvarez signing happen, Bob Nutting has been totally invisible since the grievance was filed. 

If he really had so much to do with the original agreement with Alvarez.  Why is he so quiet now?

Nutting saw how McClatchy was hailed as the Pirates savior for keeping baseball in Pittsburgh, landing the cash cow of PNC Park, scoring two All-Star Games.  Nutting saw signing Alvarez, with Boras as his agent advisor, as his ticket to PR gold.  The one thing he could get credit for that would keep him in the good graces of his customers for at least a few years until he could find another good PR stunt to keep them coming back.

Needless to say, I am still not sold that Nutting is a changed man.  Good businessmen do not change unless it means a profit for his business, even then they only feign change for the sake of a dollar.

BTW Note:

Not that I have posted in a couple days, but it will be at least Monday before I have a chance to do a real post again.  I just wanted to get a quick thought down and the Game Vitals for the weekend.

Also, I'll be in Pittsburgh Sept 16th-22nd for my sister's wedding.  Hopefully I will get to take my family to a game or two while in town.  If I do make it to a game, I'll post where we are sitting if anyone wants to come over and say hi.

 

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September 2, 2008

Game 137, Boras Costs Money

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(57-79)
RHP IAN SNELL
(5-10, 5.77 ERA)
CINCINNATI REDS
(61-76)
RHP AARON HARANG (4-14, 5.27 ERA)
Game Time 7:10 EDT
XM XM 189
TV FSN

 

Wednesday at Cincinnati 7:10 RHP Ross Ohlendorf (PIRATES DEBUT) vs. RHP Edinson Volquez (16-5, 3.04 ERA) FSNP
Thursday at Cincinnati 12:35 LHP Tom Gorzelanny (6-9, 6.61 ERA) vs. RHP Josh Fogg (2-7, 7.29 ERA) NO TV

Boras Costs Money:

Simple question here.  When will draftees quit using Boras as their advisor? 

Think about it.  In Pedro Alvarez's case, he conceivably could have been in Pittsburgh sometime in 2009 IF he signed after the draft.  Rather than getting into the minors and playing as quickly as possible, he spent the summer waiting for the deadline. 

Now, rather than being arbitration eligible as soon as 2012, now the earliest he will see arbitration is 2013. 

For what he has held out for it has cost him more in the future.  He could have been entering his free agent year in 2015, now he waits until 2016 or later.  This year it would cost him a $20M contract and who knows how much that will be by 2016.  Add in being another year older and taking a year away from his career, a million now means three or more times as much six years down the road. 

Boras is potentially costing his clients a year of time and millions of dollars just so he can squeeze out a few extra pennies now in guaranteed money.

An established player it makes all the sense in the world to have the guy who can get you the big money.  Someone new to pro ball needs to play and work his way up ASAP to get to the really big payday of free agency.

 

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August 29, 2008

Game 134, Sick, Alvarez

Vitals:

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
(77-56)
RHP DAVE BUSH (8-9, 4.24 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(57-76)
LHP TOM GORZELANNY (6-8, 6.82 ERA)
Game Time 7:05
XM XM 184 (All Weekend in case I can't post)
TV FSN (?)

Sick:

Six losses to 16 straight losing seasons.

No that is not why I am ill, but it fit under the topic. 

I have been under the weather for a few days, hopefully I'll feel up to doing a few comments on the Alvarez issue over the weekend.

No that isn't what's making me sick either.

 

Weekend Starters:

Just in case I don't feel better:

Saturday vs. Milwaukee 7:05 RHP Jeff Suppan (9-7, 4.58 ERA) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (8-7, 3.62 ERA) FSNP (HD)
Sunday vs. Milwaukee 1:35 LHP CC Sabathia (8-0, 1.59 ERA) vs. RHP Jeff Karstens (2-3, 3.48 ERA) FSNP (HD)

 

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August 26, 2008

Game 132, 8 To Go, Duke's New Slot, Bautista Trade, We're Number 10, Thursday Replay, Round Table

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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August 22, 2008

Game 128, 12 Games, Bad Blogger

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(57-70)
LHP ZACH DUKE
(4-11, 5.26 ERA)
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
(73-55)
RHP DAVE BUSH
(7-9, 4.26 ERA)
Game Time 8:05 ET
XM XM 187
TV FSN

 

12 Games and Counting:

Only 12 more losses to 16 straight losing seasons....

Bad Blogger:

Work is still taking way too much of my time, damn the need for a paycheck.  Hopefully I will be back to normal posting in the next day or so.  In the meantime, here is something I wrote up as a draft on Tuesday, sorry about the poor formatting and links:

Charlie at Bucs Dugout http://www.bucsdugout.com/2008/8/20/597676/john-sickels-reviews-pirat has a link to John Sickels recap on the Pirates 2008 Prospects.  The grades are from pre-season.  On Sickels Minor League Ball site, he has notes up on each of the prospects.

Players acquired via trade:

2008 John Sickels rankings.
From LA Dodgers: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2008/7/22/576581/los-angeles-dodgers-top-20
2) Andy LaRoche, 3B, Grade A-
NR) Avery Brian Morris, P, NG*

From Boston: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2008/8/15/594345/boston-red-sox-top-20-pros
13) Brandon Moss, OF, Grade C+
14) Craig Hansen, RHP, Grade C+

From Yankees: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2008/8/12/591653/new-york-yankees-top-20-pr
10) Dan McCutchen, RHP, Grade C+
NR) Jeff Karstens, RHP, NG**
NR) Ross Ohlendorf, RHP, NG***
2) Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+

*Brian Morris was ranked 16 on the Dodgers in 2007 with a C grade, would have been higher if not for Tommy John surgery.
**Karstens did not make the Yankees top 20 in 2007.  http://www.minorleagueball.com/2006/11/21/18409/026
***Ohlendorf was ranked 20 in Arizona's system in 2007 with a C grade.  http://www.minorleagueball.com/2006/12/6/12650/2877
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2006/12/26/161637/88

I joined the new acquisitions with the most recent top 20, here is what it looks like.  New players are placed at the top of their grade group.

Current Top 25 Based On Most Recent Sickels Rating (Excluding 2008 Draft Choices):
1) Andrew McCutchen, OF, Grade A-
2)* Andy LaRoche, 3B, Grade A-
3)* Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+
4) Steven Pearce, OF-1B, Grade B+
5) Neil Walker, 3B, Grade B
6) Daniel Moskos, LHP, Grade B
7)* Brandon Moss, OF, Grade C+
8)* Craig Hansen, RHP, Grade C+
9)* Dan McCutchen, RHP, Grade C+
10) Brad Lincoln, RHP, Grade C+
11) Brian Bixler, SS, Grade C+
12) Shelby Ford, 2B, Grade C+
13) Duke Welker, RHP, Grade C+
14) Brian Friday, SS, Grade C+
15) Andrew Walker, C, Grade C+
16)* Avery Brian Morris, P, Grade C (2007)
17)* Ross Ohlendorf, RHP, Grade C (2007)
18) Jamie Romak, OF, Grade C
19) Nyjer Morgan, OF, Grade C
20) Brad Corley, OF, Grade C
21) Romulo Sanchez, RHP, Grade C
22) Quincy Latimore, OF, Grade C
23) Marcus Davis, OF, Grade C
24) Tony Watson, LHP, Grade C
25) Jeff Karstens, RHP, NG**

 

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August 19, 2008

Challis, Mientkiewicz and Game 126

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(56-69)
RHP IAN SNELL
(4-10, 5.91 ERA)
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
(70-57)
RHP BRADEN LOOPER
(11-9, 4.07 ERA)
Game Time 8:15 EDT
XM XM 187
TV FSN

 

Work:

Work is still hectic.  Things could be much worse, so I will not complain.

Mrs. M:

Best wishes to the Mientkiewicz family and a speedy recover to Jodi after the insertion of a pacemaker.

Sympathy:

John Challis, the Freedom youngster who was manager for the day on June 25th, passed after a bout with cancer.  He affected everyone in the Pirates organization, especially John Russell and Adam LaRoche.  My deepest sympathy goes out to the Challis family for their tragic loss.

 

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August 18, 2008

Warning 12:35 Game Today

Work has me tied up in knots the last two days, still waiting on a billionaire to gift me a few million so I can write full time.  Sorry about no post yesterday and only a warning today.

 

12:35 game - Maine vs. Maholm

XM 183

August 14, 2008

Game 121, New Pirate, Links

Vitals:

CINCINNATI REDS
(53-68)
RHP JOHNNY CUETO
(7-11, 5.01 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(55-65)
RHP IAN SNELL
(4-9, 6.06 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 183
TV NA

 

New Signing:

An official announcement is scheduled for this afternoon on the most recent draftee signing. 

Update:  Sixth round pick outfielder Robbie Grossman was announced.

Links:

DK follows the latest Pirate signing here.

Baseball America has a draft blog entry that outlines the signing of Aaron Crow, the Nationals first overall selection, signing with Fort Worth of the Independent American Association.

BA also has a list of all unsigned draft picks from the first 10 rounds.

An interesting article on Frank Coonelly found at Yahoo Sports.  It highlights his dilemma on signing Alvarez over slot.

Instant Replay could be coming soon according to MLB.com.

And a weird story about a moon and two professors.

 

 

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August 13, 2008

Game 120, Adam LaRoche, Alvarez Talk, Scheppers Throws, J-Bay

Vitals:

CINCINNATI REDS
(53-67)
RHP JOSH FOGG
(2-4, 7.98 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(54-65)
LHP PAUL MAHOLM
(7-7, 3.76 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 183
TV FSN

 

Adam LaRoche:

Adam (Biggie L) LaRoche will not be joining his brother Andy (Lil L) LaRoche tonight in the Pirates lineup.  Adam will be playing one more game in Hickory.

 

Alvarez Talk:

A couple links on whether Alvarez will sign or not.  At the Trib they discuss Pirates-Alvarez near deadline while Sportsnet Canada snags a Beaver County Times article Sideshow aside, Alvarez will sign

BTW Take:

It is hard to disagree with Alvarez really has no leverage if he goes back to school.  I figure the Pirates will sign 3 "Targeted" players before Alvarez signs his deal.  Each player that signs, lowers what the Pirates will offer.  Even though a MLB Contract is not currently on the table, it will definitely be shelved if Alvarez waits too long to sign.  Boras is playing his usual game, nothing shocking there.  BTW Official Prediction:11:32 PM signing on Friday.

 

Scheppers Throws:

MLB.com and The Fresno Bee both report on Scheppers throwing session yesterday.

BTW Take:

Sheppers will be one of the three players to sign before Alvarez.  Huntington and Coonelly will start playing hardball at that time threatening to take the MLB contract out of the equation for Alvarez.

 

J-Bay:

Over at the Bleacher Report they have an interesting piece on the Bay-Manny-Many Prospects deal just before the trade deadline.  I love the ending...

 

Scary Stat:

The Bucs have gone 30-24 in games decided by two runs or less this season, which includes a 19-15 record in one-run games (12-5 at home).  They went 16-22 in one-run games in 2007 and 24-31 in 2006.

BTW Take:

Imagine how bad the record would be if they continued to performed at 2007 and prior levels?  Interesting side note, only 17 1-run games in 2008 to date, 48 in 2007 and 55 in 2006.  Is that due to better offense or horrible pitching?  I guess more blowouts help lessen the 1-run game sting.  See it could be worse.

 

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August 12, 2008

Game 119, Links, Alvarez, Scheppers

Vitals:

CINCINNATI REDS
(52-67)
RHP EDINSON VOLQUEZ
(13-5, 2.93 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(54-64)
RHP JEFF KARSTENS
(2-0, 0.00 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 183
TV FSN

 

Pedro Alvarez:

While many fans fret the signing of Alvarez, there are a few things to consider. 

Boras is notorious for waiting until the last minute to get the most for his clients. 

Alvarez's family has stated Pedro will sign with the Pirates and Boras works for Pedro, not Pedro for Scott.

Why would Alvarez go back to College?  He can only move up one position in the draft and he would likely get more this year than next.  Returning to college can only hurt his draft status and risk injury. 

There are 11 other 1st round selections yet to sign.  The Pirates are not the only team in this predicament.

Tanner Scheppers:

Sheppers threw in the Bullpen about 30 pitches in front of all decision makers.  Word from local sources, the Pirates brass were very happy with what they saw.  I'd expect contract negotiations to continue through Friday and a signing likely before that time.

Links:

From Eric Saninocenio (Host of Baseball Digest Daily Live):

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily/2008/08/09/BDD-Live

The link is to a podcast with Jim Callis of Baseball America.  About 20 minutes into the podcast, the interview starts.  One of the prime discussions is of Pedro Alvarez.  Callis believes the Pirates will sign him prior to the midnight deadline Friday, but he believes it will be right down to the wire.

There are quite a few other shows worth listening to, especially the trade deadline recap.

Thanks to Eric for forwarding the link to me. 

 

From frequent contributor Eric:

A pretty good article outlining Huntington's moves and what the future may hold.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=3525035&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

 

Over at MVN they do a good rundown on the unsigned top 10 picks of the Pirates:

http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/12/remaining-unsigned-draft-picks/

Also check out the latest Pittsburgh Pirates Round Table

http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/roundtable/

 

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August 1, 2008

Game 109, Lame Post

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(50-58)
RHP JEFF KARSTENS
(2008 DEBUT)
CHICAGO CUBS
(65-44)
RHP JASON MARQUIS
(6-6, 4.69 ERA)
Game Time 2:20 EDT
XM XM 188
TV FSNP

 

I'll have some commentary up later this afternoon. Since it is a day game, I at least wanted to get the Vitals out.

 

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July 30, 2008

Game 108, The Most Important Game

Vitals:

COLORADO ROCKIES
(48-60)
RHP Aaron Cook
(13-6, 3.46 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(50-57)
LHP Zach Duke
(4-8, 5.04 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 PM
XM XM 185
TV FSN

The Most Important Game:

Game 108 may be the most important game in the last 15 years for the Pirates.  This one game could determine the future of the Pirates franchise.

How could one game between two teams with losing records be the most important in recent memory for the Pirates? 

Simply put, this game will be the last one for either team before the trade deadline hits on Thursday.  With a win the Rockies may still consider themselves buyers.  Effectively two of the larger names on the radar for many teams will be removed in Fuentes and Holliday. 

With the trade of Texeira to the Angels, many teams will be looking for a big move to match the Angels acquisition.  No Holliday gives the Pirates the upper hand in listening to offers for Jason Bay.

No Fuentes means John Grabow could be considered the 3rd best reliever available.  More power to Huntington.

Suddenly Jack Wilson may have a little more worth for a team looking to solidify their team in preparation to make a run with the Angels for October glory.

Pirates players who want to keep the team together will need to win to keep the faces of the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

A Pirates win Wednesday will dilute the market and lower both Grabow's and Bay's worth.

Wednesdays game will determine what the Pirates will look like in 2009 and beyond.  Neal Huntington has to be on pins and needles and restless as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.  If his team loses, he has a ton of bargaining power.  If his team wins, he loses the upper hand at the deadline and likely keeps the team together with the exception of possibly Grabow.

This may be the first time a GM not named Littlefield rooted for his team to lose a game.

 

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July 29, 2008

Game 107, Great Nate Debate, Promotions, Links and DL.

Vitals:

COLORADO ROCKIES
(48-59)
LHP GLENDON RUSCH
(4-3, 5.74 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(49-57)
RHP YOSLAN HERRERA
(1-1, 9.75 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 185
TV FSN

Promotions: 

  • Brian Bixler recalled from Indy and will be available tonight.
  • Jason Delaney was promoted to AAA Indianapolis.
  • Jamie Romak and Jim Negrych were promoted to Altoona.
  • Matt Miller retired.

Great Nate Debate:

Some interesting notes on Nate McLouth:

  • he leads all National League center fielders with 22 home runs and 72 RBI
  • leads N.L. with 34 doubles, ranks fifth in total bases & second with 59 extra-base hits (Ryan Braun has 61).
  • he leads all N.L. center fielders in fielding percentage
  • he has yet to make an error in 254 total chances
  • is six home runs shy of the club record for most home runs hit by a center fielder held by Brian Giles (28 in 1999)
  • only two other Pirates have homered more times in one season while playing center field - Frank Thomas (25 in 1953) and Andy Van Slyke (25 in 1988)
  • ranks third among National League leaders with 80 runs scored
  • scored 20 runs in his last 19 games and is on pace to score 122 this season (Jason Bay led team with 78 runs in 2007).
  • is the only player to hit one in the river this season, having done so on Monday.

Any questions on wether he deserved a shot at being an everyday center fielder?

Disabled List:

  • Right-handed pitcher Matt Capps (bursitis in right shoulder) 15-day disabled list.
  • Left-handed pitcher Phil Dumatrait (bursitis in left shoulder) 15-day disabled list.
  • First baseman Adam LaRoche (right intercostal strain) 15-day disabled list.

Links:

The latest Pittsburgh Pirates Round Table is up on MVN.

 

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July 27, 2008

JVB, Game 105

Vitals:

SAN DIEGO PADRES
(40-65) 
RHP JAKE PEAVY
(7-6, 2.76 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(48-56)
LHP PAUL MAHOLM
(7-6, 3.92 ERA)
Game Time 1:35 EDT
XM XM 185
TV FSN

JVB:

Another disastrous outing.  Another in a long line of abysmal performances.  I have said this time and time again, John Van Benschoten does not translate to a MLB pitcher.  He has AAA movement and command.  His pitches are too flat to throw to experienced hitters.  With the potential need to add a player to the 40 man roster, do not be surprised to see JVB on waivers soon, maybe Huntington will sneak him through after the non-waiver trade deadline.

 

 

Sorry for the short post, busy being Dad this morning.

 

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July 26, 2008

Nady and Marte Traded Part Duex, Pearce Recalled, Game 104

Vitals:

SAN DIEGO PADRES
(39-65)
RHP JOSH BANKS
(2-4, 3.51 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(48-55)
RHP JOHN VAN BENSCHOTEN
(1-2, 8.27 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 185
TV FSN

Nady And Marte to Yankees:

Well, the trade has been finalized, and it looks much better today than yesterday.  Names change and so does the outlook of the future. 

The new players involved are:

Jeff Karstens 25, R/R, RHP

Daniel McCutchen 25, R/R, RHP

Ross Ohlendorf 25, R/R, RHP

Jose Tabata 19, R/R OF

Thanks to Eric for this link to the NY Post article.

No wonder I was receiving so many conflicting reports yesterday, apparently the deal was not done until early today according to Dejan at the PG.

Scout.com has an article up outlining the new players in the Pirates system.

BTW Take:

This deal looks much better, I'll have some scouting reports up later.  McCutchen was considered untouchable over the offseason when teams discussed trades with the Yankees.  Where I was happy with the deal yesterday, I am even more so now.  There are now some power starting pitchers in the Pirates future.

Pearce:

Steve Pearce was recalled today to fill the roster spot left open by Nady.  No official word on who will fill Marte's slot, likely Ohlendorf.

 

 

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July 24, 2008

Game 102, Coonelly Frustrated, Seven To Go

Vitals:

SAN DIEGO PADRES
(38-64)
RHP CLAY HENSLEY
(1-0, 0.00 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(47-54)
RHP YOSLAN HERRERA
(0-1, 19.50 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 185
TV FSN

Coonelly Frustrated:

Don't read too much into the comments Coonelly made on the Alvarez signing.  There were rumors the deal was close prior to the All-Star break with a possible announcement prior to or during the break.  What happened?  I haven't spoke with my "friendly bartender" lately to see what the tripping point was.  He may have no idea any way.  My guess would be the Major League contract portion of the discussions. 

What you can take from the article is Coonelly is frustrated because the deal has not been finalized yet.  The Pirates were hoping to have a quick signing and have Pedro Alvarez as high as Indianapolis(AAA) but more than likely in Altoona(AA) within a couple weeks of the draft.  The front office sees a need to get him to Pittsburgh as quickly as possible.  By losing a month, they fear he will not make it to Pittsburgh before 2010.

Seven To Go:

I made a decree the Pirates could win 10 of the 14 games after the break.  After the 4 game sweep in Colorado, that looked to be a huge stretch.  With San Diego followed by a now hot Colorado team on this home stand the likelihood is not as optimistic.  I could see the Pirates taking it to Colorado as payback, but the Rockies are getting healthy again.  A 5-2 home stand would not be bad at all and would get the Pirates back to within 4 games of .500.

Oh, a 5-2 home stand would also kill off the history of a June/July swoon.  There is always August.

Upcoming Games:

Friday vs. San Diego 7:05 RHP Cha Seung Baek (2-4, 4.66 ERA) vs. LHP Zach Duke (4-7, 4.92 ERA) FSNP (HD)
Saturday vs. San Diego 7:05 RHP Josh Banks (2-4, 3.51 ERA) vs. RHP John Van Benschoten (1-2, 8.27 ERA) FSNP
Sunday vs. San Diego 1:35 RHP Jake Peavy (7-6, 2.76 ERA) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (7-6, 3.92 ERA) FSNP

Out of the Office:

I may be unavailable to post tomorrow, here are the vitals in advance for game 103:

SAN DIEGO PADRES
(38-64)
RHP Cha Seung Baek
(2-4, 4.66 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(47-54)
LHP Zach Duke
(4-7, 4.92 ERA)
Game Time 7:05 EDT
XM XM 185
TV FSN

 

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July 22, 2008

Game 100, Not So Fast Freddy, Parkersburg, Tigers, Mets and Yankees

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
(45-54)
LHP PAUL MAHOLM (6-6, 4.10 ERA) vs. RHP JACK CASSEL (1-0, 6.28 ERA)
HOUSTON ASTROS
(46-53)
LHP PAUL MAHOLM (6-6, 4.10 ERA) vs. RHP JACK CASSEL (1-0, 6.28 ERA)
Game Time 8:05 EDT
XM XM 188
TV FSN

Not So Fast Freddy:

Was it just me, or during Freddy Sanchez's inside the park home run, I flashed back to Andy Russell returning a turnover back for a 93 yard touchdown against Baltimore in the 75 playoffs where the entire defense was walking next to his run asking for a lateral. That play seemed to last 15 minutes, he could have been called for delay of game.

Parkersburg:

I use to live in Parkersburg, WV from 1995 until 2000. Tonight they are highlighted on ESPN Sports Center as a finalist for Title Town, USA. I am going to beg you all to vote for Parkersburg up to the point they meet Pittsburgh in the voting. Consider this a grass roots movement to help a small town in West Virginia. Voting begins in 2 days at ESPN.com.

Tigers:

Last year Carlos Guillen did not want Jack Wilson as their shortstop, wanting a Gold Glove caliber shortstop if he was to move to 1B/3B. Now, the Tigers are once again looking for a solution at short. Hey Carlos, how do you like him now? Expect the rumors to start again soon.

Mets:

More talk on the Mets front. NJ.com and Newsday are both running articles on the Mets needs and their targeted players. Newsday believes that Bay and Nady are out of the Mets reach. NJ.com thinks the Pirates are playing for a .500 record and doesn't think the Pirates will trade with the Mets because of that. Of course it has nothing to do with the fact the Mets have nothing to deal.

Yankees:

In the same NJ.com article, they mention the Yankees are looking at Marte and Grabow. The nice thing here is Grabow's stock went skyrocketing last night when he saved Burnett's butt after a single and 2 walks loaded the bases with one out in the 6th. Any good game by any player right now boosts their stock, so this is a great thing and great timing by Grabow. Hopefully no one tanks before the deadline.

New Forum (Test):

I am playing with a new forum software, please let me know what you think of the potential new forum. The link is here and a direct link to the Pirates portion is here.

http://bucstradewinds.lefora.com/forum/category/news/page1/

http://bucstradewinds.lefora.com/forum/

Old Forum:

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July 21, 2008

New Forum, Bautista, Mets Wish List and Game 99

Vitals:

Pittsburgh Pirates
(44-54)
RHP John Van Benschoten
(1-2, 9.77)
Houston Astros
(46-52)
RHP Runelvys Herndandez
(0-3, 10.29)
Game Time 8:05 EDT
XM XM 188
TV FSN

Bautista:

So many people have ragged on the Pirates third base situation and the play of Jose Bautista, not totally undeserved, however it may be better than many think.

I ran a few numbers together to see where Bautista ranks amongst other third basemen in the league with a minimum of 150 AB's this season.  I wasn't looking at normal stats along the lines of OBP or OPS, no I wanted to see what kind of run support he gave.  Roughly, I wanted to see how many at bats it took for an RBI or a Run scored.  Surprisingly, Bautista faired pretty well.

Of the 34 players who qualified, Jose ranked 15th in number of at bats per RBI with a 6.83.  This number was better than Bill Hall, Pedro Feliz, Ryan Zimmerman, Adrian Beltre, Mike Lamb, Alex Gordon Edwin Encarnacion, Ty Wiggington and Scott Rolen.

Looking at at bats to runs scored, Bautista did not fair as well, possibly batting in front of the pitcher could explain his standing here.  Jose ranked 22 of the 34 third basemen eligible with a 8.00 AB/R ratio.  Better than Bill Hall, Ryan Zimmerman, Ty Wiggington and Scott Rolen among others.  Bautista was not far off of the numbers of Joe Crede, Brandon Inge Adrian Beltre Alex Gordon nor Troy Glaus.

I also noticed he ranked 17th in AB/HR ratio with a 25.45. 

Bottom line is Jose has produced in limited playtime, maybe not at an elite level, but he has been an average offensive third baseman this year.  That puts him in the same league as Melvin Mora, Brandon Inge, Mike Lowell and Bill Hall who are the 4 players immediately ahead of Bautista.

While Bautista has not played at an elite level, he has been a league average third baseman offensively when it comes to the all important run. 

The Mets Wish List:

AM New York has a list of players the Mets are allegedly looking at due to injuries in the outfield and bullpen.  Both Marte and Nady are listed.  The Mets are not good trade partners for the Pirates, their farm is pretty much devoid of talent thanks to the Santana deal with Minnesota.  Don't get your hopes up Met fans.

New Forum:

I am playing with a new forum software, let me know what you think of the potential new forum, the link is here and a direct link to the Pirates portion is here.

http://bucstradewinds.lefora.com/forum/category/news/page1/

http://bucstradewinds.lefora.com/forum/

Links:

Dejan runs down a list of trade rumors in the Pirates Notebook on the PG today.  Headlining is interest in Jack Wilson.

 

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