*** The Official Pittsburgh Pirates 2007 Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[DrunkinDwarf]

14 years and counting ...

Hopefully Freddy is ready to start the season.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/07089/773843-100.stm

Pirates finish bullpen, cut Hernandez, Matos

Friday, March 30, 2007

By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates filled out their bullpen today and are putting the finishing touches on their bench.

Jonah Bayliss, John Wasdin and Juan Perez were added to complete the seven-man relief staff. John Grabow was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of an ailing elbow. The rest of the bullpen: Salomon Torres, Matt Capps, Damaso Marte and Shawn Chacon.

Utilityman Jose Hernandez and outfielder Luis Matos were given unconditional releases. That left Nate McLouth, Ryan Doumit, Humberto Cota, Brad Eldred, Don Kelly and Jose Castillo as six players for five bench openings, pending a decision on second baseman Freddy Sanchez's status.

Sanchez, out since March 6 because of a sprained right knee, was scheduled to take multiple at-bats in a minor-league game this afternoon at Pirate City.

Because Wasdin was added to the 40-man roster, only one vacancy remained.

Wasdin, 34, quietly has had a strong spring in which he allowed one earned run in 10 1/3 innings, including 2 1/3 perfect innings Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox. He first pitched in the majors in 1995 and has made 316 appearances, including nine with the Texas Rangers last season.

Bayliss, 26, missed the first three weeks of spring training to a minor leg injury, but he has limited opponents to two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings. He has struck out six.

Hernandez, 37, was trying for a third tour with the Pirates after batting .300 with four doubles in 40 at-bats.

"I was probably surprised. I thought I did well," Hernandez said. "But I think they're going to go a different direction."

Matos, 28, batted .271 with two home runs in 23 games and regularly received praise for sound defense. He spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.

Interesting to see that Eldred is still on the roster

 

[Zowned]

Only wish they played the Giants later in the year at home to try and catch that record-breaking ball

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/07090/774085-63.stm

Final day leaves Eldred vs. Doumit

Bullpen set, bench close after multiple moves

Saturday, March 31, 2007

BRADENTON, Fla. -- One day is left in the Pirates' spring training, and one extra player remains in camp.

Hence, there is one battle: Brad Eldred vs. Ryan Doumit.

Or no battle at all.

The shakedown from of a flurry of moves yesterday was this: Juan Perez, Jonah Bayliss and John Wasdin filled out the bullpen, with John Grabow going on the 15-day disabled list. And Jose Castillo, Nate McLouth and Mt. Lebanon's Don Kelly took the first three spots on the bench, with Jose Hernandez and Luis Matos getting released.

The only players left who have not been told their fate are Eldred, Doumit and Humberto Cota. Unless Cota is traded -- and there has been discussion to that effect -- he will make the team as the backup catcher. Eldred and Doumit, then, are the two men circling one chair.

Unless ...

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez's status remains undetermined, and the Pirates have not ruled out he will open the season on the 15-day disabled list. If that happens, Eldred and Doumit will make it.

If it comes to one or the other, Eldred is the clear favorite: He has batted .313 with six doubles, six home runs and 13 RBIs. He also has belied a history of poor selection at the plate by drawing 11 walks in 75 plate appearances. He even convinced management he could move his 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame well enough to expand his defensive duties from first base to right field.

Doumit?

He has a .267 average in 36 plate appearances, with one home run, six RBIs and six walks. But he has two strikes against him: One, management repeatedly cites his history of injury. Two, he has spent most of the spring catching. If he were being groomed for a true bench role, he might have spent more time at first base and right field.

Each has power, which the Pirates desperately need, but Eldred has power that might be unparalleled in professional baseball.

Each also has options, meaning either could go to Class AAA Indianapolis.

A decision is expected today, once the Sanchez matter is settled.

Sanchez worked out his sprained right knee first by taking grounders at McKechnie Field in the mornin - no knee brace this time -- then by taking multiple at-bats while roaming through minor-league games at Pirate City.

Perhaps because he had no hits, he sounded frustrated.

"The knee felt fine," Sanchez said. "But it's the at-bats, you know? I've got to feel comfortable at the plate. I can't just go into major-league games not feeling comfortable."

The Pirates are leaning toward keeping Sanchez, if only to pinch-hit. The next, perhaps final test will come with in another minor-league game today.The most prominent surprise of the day was the addition of Kelly, a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and Point Park University who will make his Major League Baseball debut with the team he cheered as a child.

Kelly had a hard time containing his happiness.

"The Lord leads you in different directions, and you have to trust your faith," he said. "He had a plan, and it brought me to Pittsburgh. I'm going home to play for the Buccos. ... It's like a dream come true."

In more ways than one.

Kelly, 27, split last season between Class AA and AAA in the Detroit Tigers' system and batted .250, his career taking a step backward after six years in the minors. But he caught the Pirates' eye right away this spring with sound defensive positioning and performance, nullifying a .257 average. And that, coupled with manager Jim Tracy's desire for a left-handed hitting infielder and Kelly's demonstration the past two days that he can play outfield, bounced Hernandez from the utility spot most felt was locked up.

"What one thing can I think of that Don Kelly hasn't done?" Tracy said. "The kid flat knows how to play the game."

Castillo, 25, kept his roster spot despite losing starting duty earlier in the spring, thanks largely to a .310 average and recent improvement. He will start at second in Sanchez's stead to open the season.

"I don't know what my position will be for the year," Castillo said. "But I don't care. I concentrate on good hitting and defense."

McLouth, 25, remained a reserve outfielder despite a .255 spring, mostly because Tracy likes his speed and defense.

"I'll hit, too," McLouth said.

The bullpen was settled Thursday night when the Pirates informed Dan Kolb he would not make the roster. But it was not until yesterday that it became official for Perez, Bayliss and Wasdin.

Perez, 28, was erratic after the Pirates claimed him off waivers last summer, but he did not allow an earned run all spring while striking out 11 batters in 8 1/3 innings. He credited mechanical changes he made this offseason in his native Dominican Republic.

"All I needed was control," Perez said. "I always believed in my stuff."

Bayliss, 26, overcame a pulled leg muscle and being struck on his pitching hand this spring to post a 2.70 ERA down the stretch. He had 23 saves as Indianapolis' closer last year.

"Overcoming everything that happened here makes this extra gratifying," Bayliss said.

Wasdin, 34, is a veteran of 316 major-league games but had not made an opening-day roster since 2001 with the Colorado Rockies. He quietly posted a 0.79 ERA and looked dominant in a three-inning outing Tuesday that solidified his status.

The main reason he made it: Management is worried about too many relievers throwing too few strikes this spring, and Wasdin showed fine control.

"They told me I pitched my way onto this team," Wasdin said. "I'll do whatever they ask, and I'll give my heart and soul to it."

Hernandez and Matos each said they will pursue other major-league opportunities, but each also left open the possibility of accepting the Pirates' invitation to play for Indianapolis if nothing else arises.

Hernandez, 37, batted .300 and said he was "surprised" not to return for a third tour with the Pirates.

Tracy long has counted Hernandez among his favorites, including their time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he became visibly emotional when describing how it felt to break the news.

"It was very, very difficult," Tracy said.

Matos, 28, played fine defense and hit .286, but the Pirates were put off by a lack of pop at the plate.

The handling of Kolb was slightly different.

Technically, the Pirates reassigned Kolb to Indianapolis even though the opt-out clause in Kolb's contract allowed him to declare free agency at midnight Thursday. In reality, the Pirates are giving Kolb time to pursue other major-league opportunities and hoping, ultimately, he will go to Indianapolis to provide insurance.

Kolb is weighing the Pirates' offer seriously, agent Damon Lapa said, but he also heard from three other teams yesterday.

Grabow's placement on the disabled list was backdated to March 23, meaning he can come off April 7 for the Pirates' fifth game.

There is no guarantee he will be ready by then, but Grabow repeated yesterday that his sore left elbow "feels great," and he is scheduled to pitch bullpen sessions today and Monday.

Because the minor-league contracts of Kelly and Wasdin had to be purchased, the 40-man roster is full.

I am torn betweenEldred and Doumit for this final roster spot. No doubt they will both be a liability on the field, but both can provide huge dividends offensively. Also interested to see what this Don Kelly has to offer. Opening day just right around the corner ...

 

[poopdawg]

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/07090/774085-63.stm

Final day leaves Eldred vs. Doumit

Bullpen set, bench close after multiple moves

Saturday, March 31, 2007

BRADENTON, Fla. -- One day is left in the Pirates' spring training, and one extra player remains in camp.

Hence, there is one battle: Brad Eldred vs. Ryan Doumit.

Or no battle at all.

The shakedown from of a flurry of moves yesterday was this: Juan Perez, Jonah Bayliss and John Wasdin filled out the bullpen, with John Grabow going on the 15-day disabled list. And Jose Castillo, Nate McLouth and Mt. Lebanon's Don Kelly took the first three spots on the bench, with Jose Hernandez and Luis Matos getting released.

The only players left who have not been told their fate are Eldred, Doumit and Humberto Cota. Unless Cota is traded -- and there has been discussion to that effect -- he will make the team as the backup catcher. Eldred and Doumit, then, are the two men circling one chair.

Unless ...

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez's status remains undetermined, and the Pirates have not ruled out he will open the season on the 15-day disabled list. If that happens, Eldred and Doumit will make it.

If it comes to one or the other, Eldred is the clear favorite: He has batted .313 with six doubles, six home runs and 13 RBIs. He also has belied a history of poor selection at the plate by drawing 11 walks in 75 plate appearances. He even convinced management he could move his 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame well enough to expand his defensive duties from first base to right field.

Doumit?

He has a .267 average in 36 plate appearances, with one home run, six RBIs and six walks. But he has two strikes against him: One, management repeatedly cites his history of injury. Two, he has spent most of the spring catching. If he were being groomed for a true bench role, he might have spent more time at first base and right field.

Each has power, which the Pirates desperately need, but Eldred has power that might be unparalleled in professional baseball.

Each also has options, meaning either could go to Class AAA Indianapolis.

A decision is expected today, once the Sanchez matter is settled.

Sanchez worked out his sprained right knee first by taking grounders at McKechnie Field in the mornin - no knee brace this time -- then by taking multiple at-bats while roaming through minor-league games at Pirate City.

Perhaps because he had no hits, he sounded frustrated.

"The knee felt fine," Sanchez said. "But it's the at-bats, you know? I've got to feel comfortable at the plate. I can't just go into major-league games not feeling comfortable."

The Pirates are leaning toward keeping Sanchez, if only to pinch-hit. The next, perhaps final test will come with in another minor-league game today.The most prominent surprise of the day was the addition of Kelly, a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School and Point Park University who will make his Major League Baseball debut with the team he cheered as a child.

Kelly had a hard time containing his happiness.

"The Lord leads you in different directions, and you have to trust your faith," he said. "He had a plan, and it brought me to Pittsburgh. I'm going home to play for the Buccos. ... It's like a dream come true."

In more ways than one.

Kelly, 27, split last season between Class AA and AAA in the Detroit Tigers' system and batted .250, his career taking a step backward after six years in the minors. But he caught the Pirates' eye right away this spring with sound defensive positioning and performance, nullifying a .257 average. And that, coupled with manager Jim Tracy's desire for a left-handed hitting infielder and Kelly's demonstration the past two days that he can play outfield, bounced Hernandez from the utility spot most felt was locked up.

"What one thing can I think of that Don Kelly hasn't done?" Tracy said. "The kid flat knows how to play the game."

Castillo, 25, kept his roster spot despite losing starting duty earlier in the spring, thanks largely to a .310 average and recent improvement. He will start at second in Sanchez's stead to open the season.

"I don't know what my position will be for the year," Castillo said. "But I don't care. I concentrate on good hitting and defense."

McLouth, 25, remained a reserve outfielder despite a .255 spring, mostly because Tracy likes his speed and defense.

"I'll hit, too," McLouth said.

The bullpen was settled Thursday night when the Pirates informed Dan Kolb he would not make the roster. But it was not until yesterday that it became official for Perez, Bayliss and Wasdin.

Perez, 28, was erratic after the Pirates claimed him off waivers last summer, but he did not allow an earned run all spring while striking out 11 batters in 8 1/3 innings. He credited mechanical changes he made this offseason in his native Dominican Republic.

"All I needed was control," Perez said. "I always believed in my stuff."

Bayliss, 26, overcame a pulled leg muscle and being struck on his pitching hand this spring to post a 2.70 ERA down the stretch. He had 23 saves as Indianapolis' closer last year.

"Overcoming everything that happened here makes this extra gratifying," Bayliss said.

Wasdin, 34, is a veteran of 316 major-league games but had not made an opening-day roster since 2001 with the Colorado Rockies. He quietly posted a 0.79 ERA and looked dominant in a three-inning outing Tuesday that solidified his status.

The main reason he made it: Management is worried about too many relievers throwing too few strikes this spring, and Wasdin showed fine control.

"They told me I pitched my way onto this team," Wasdin said. "I'll do whatever they ask, and I'll give my heart and soul to it."

Hernandez and Matos each said they will pursue other major-league opportunities, but each also left open the possibility of accepting the Pirates' invitation to play for Indianapolis if nothing else arises.

Hernandez, 37, batted .300 and said he was "surprised" not to return for a third tour with the Pirates.

Tracy long has counted Hernandez among his favorites, including their time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he became visibly emotional when describing how it felt to break the news.

"It was very, very difficult," Tracy said.

Matos, 28, played fine defense and hit .286, but the Pirates were put off by a lack of pop at the plate.

The handling of Kolb was slightly different.

Technically, the Pirates reassigned Kolb to Indianapolis even though the opt-out clause in Kolb's contract allowed him to declare free agency at midnight Thursday. In reality, the Pirates are giving Kolb time to pursue other major-league opportunities and hoping, ultimately, he will go to Indianapolis to provide insurance.

Kolb is weighing the Pirates' offer seriously, agent Damon Lapa said, but he also heard from three other teams yesterday.

Grabow's placement on the disabled list was backdated to March 23, meaning he can come off April 7 for the Pirates' fifth game.

There is no guarantee he will be ready by then, but Grabow repeated yesterday that his sore left elbow "feels great," and he is scheduled to pitch bullpen sessions today and Monday.

Because the minor-league contracts of Kelly and Wasdin had to be purchased, the 40-man roster is full.

I am torn betweenEldred and Doumit for this final roster spot. No doubt they will both be a liability on the field, but both can provide huge dividends offensively. Also interested to see what this Don Kelly has to offer. Opening day just right around the corner ...

Also, Adam Laroche is nothing sexy, but he does bring some value.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Looks like Freddie will start the season on the 15 day DL, but he may even be back by the home opener.

 

[The Hank]

Last year for Pirates baseball had its ups and downs, more downs than anything though. Yes, they did finish with a losing record AGAIN, made some bad offseason moves namely Jeromy Burnitz, Maholm and Duke took a small step backwards, and what not. However there also some positives from last season: Freddy Sanchez was the league leader in BA, Sanchez and Bay had All-Star Seasons, not to mention the ASG was in Pittsburgh!, Ronnie Paulino made huge strides last year and looks like a legit backstop for years to come, Ian Snell put himself together and was solid starter, Gorzelanny suprised, and the team is very young.

Very excited about the oncoming season, finished strong last year (37-35 after ASB). Didnt lose anyone notable in the offseason besides Gonzo, but picked up a solid option in LaRoche at first and Tony Armas Jr. who may end up as high as #4 in the rotation!

Where as I'm not trying to be too optimistic, I'm looking at the glass half full! Great young clubhouse is definitely growing up together, you don't hear this too often but I'm thinking... :.500:

Pirates fans, UNITE!, and RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!

p.s. -- Sorry DrunkinDwarf about the other :honda: thread that I posted, this is what I put in mine.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Last year for Pirates baseball had its ups and downs, more downs than anything though. Yes, they did finish with a losing record AGAIN, made some bad offseason moves namely Jeromy Burnitz, Maholm and Duke took a small step backwards, and what not. However there also some positives from last season: Freddy Sanchez was the league leader in BA, Sanchez and Bay had All-Star Seasons, not to mention the ASG was in Pittsburgh!, Ronnie Paulino made huge strides last year and looks like a legit backstop for years to come, Ian Snell put himself together and was solid starter, Gorzelanny suprised, and the team is very young.Very excited about the oncoming season, finished strong last year (37-35 after ASB). Didnt lose anyone notable in the offseason besides Gonzo, but picked up a solid option in LaRoche at first and Tony Armas Jr. who may end up as high as #4 in the rotation!Where as I'm not trying to be too optimistic, I'm looking at the glass half full! Great young clubhouse is definitely growing up together, you don't hear this too often but I'm thinking... :.500irates fans, UNITE!, and RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!p.s. -- Sorry DrunkinDwarf about the other :honda: thread that I posted, this is what I put in mine.

I too am optomistic about this year. I really like this team. I think we may finally have enough offense to stay competitive and think it will come down to how much the young pitchers mature and improve this year. If Snell can duplicate what he did last year, Duke return to his 2005 form and Maholm and Gorzelanny (maybe Burnett later in the year) continue to get better, I think there is a realistic chance of breaking the .55 plateau and who knows ... at least stay in contention for the division until August. Oh yeah, I am still very concerned about Torres in the closers role and worry that is not the place for him. He was such an innings eater last year and did so well in that role that I hate to see that change.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

I upped my 8-game pack to a 20-game pack this year.

Let's Go Bucs!!

 

[weisguy0831]

i'd like to be an optimistic fan, and i'm glad they cut jose hernandez ... but the bench is downright deplorable. eldred brings some pop and so will castillo when he doesn't play. but unless doumit really develops, they really have no depth.

the SP is still very young and that's a major concern as is torres in the bullpen. i just hope he holds up for a week so i can possibly trade him in one of my leagues.

i'd like to see the streak of losing seasons end, if only so i can continue to laugh at the phillies fans in my area since the phils hold the record.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Jason Bay :thumbsup:

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

9th inning comeback and an extra inning win!

 

[The Hank]

9th inning comeback and an extra inning win!

Great way to start out the 2007 campaign! RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER!:championship:

 

[weisguy0831]

couldn't have foreseen a 1-0 start, especially after 6 innings of roy oswalt domination.

this is why i can't see how people can win money betting mlb regular-season games.

 

[scottybo]

Torres looked to close things up pretty well.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

It did not look most of the game, but the timely HRs were key. Some random thoughts from opening night ...

Zack Duke looked very good, maybe he can return to his 05 form

Torres also looked good in his closers role last night (I remain a skeptic, however)

LaRoche just looked terrible at the plate 0-5 4Ks

Castillo looks a bit trimmer than last year and seemed to play some good D last night, but I am very happy he behind Bautista as I think that kid deserves a shot to see what he can do in an everyday role

Don Kelly ... whats up with this guy? He looks like he weighs about 115 lbs

The Pirates need to get off to a good start this year to keep the hope alive for us fans.

 

[Godsbrother]

If only the season could be over today...

 

[apalmer]

If only the season could be over today...

What? And not get to see the 162-0 season?(Gotta love April)

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

No love for Chris Duffy yet? There is not a more pivotal player on the Bucs than him this year. He has the potential to be a very good all-around MLB center fielder. We know he can play great defense, we know he creates hell for opponents on the basepaths...now if we can just get him on base twice a game this team will be very competitive.

Got to like Snell on the hill tonight.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

No love for Chris Duffy yet? There is not a more pivotal player on the Bucs than him this year. He has the potential to be a very good all-around MLB center fielder. We know he can play great defense, we know he creates hell for opponents on the basepaths...now if we can just get him on base twice a game this team will be very competitive.Got to like Snell on the hill tonight.

Completely agree about Duffy. His play will go along way in how well the Pirates are able to do this season.

 

[scottybo]

If only the season could be over today...

2-0

 

[The Hank]

If only the season could be over today...

2-0

Xavier Nady continues to be a stud. Snell pitched a GREAT game! Bats are SLOWLY starting to heatup -- LaRoche, needs to get off the snide/slow start. In any case... There was NOOOOOOOOOO Doubt About it!2-0

RAISE the JOLLY ROGER!

:X

 

[The Hank]

In VERY Bad News of the Day --

Pirates' top pitching prospect has elbow surgery, out for season

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

HOUSTON -- Brad Lincoln, the Pirates' top pitching prospect, had reconstructive elbow surgery today and will miss the entire 2007 season.

Lincoln, the team's first-round draft choice last season, had ligament damage repaired by Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedic surgeon in Birmingham, Ala.

Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said Lincoln will be unable to pitch for 10-12 months, but should do so in 2008.

Lincoln tried to pitch early in spring training and again last week, and the latter attempt convinced the team to send Lincoln to Dr. Andrews.

linkPirates have GOT to do a better job of drafting 1st round talent! Another SP with Tommy John surgery... that makes Sean Burnett, John Van Benschoten, Bryan Bullington....

:X

 

[buccosfan]

woohoo. 2-0. maybe the 2nd half of last year is going to carry over after all.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Wow Snell pitched as well as anyone could have hoped. Much as I like Zach Duke he is not a #1 MLB starting pitcher, just doesn't miss enough bats. Snell looks like he may be that, at times tonight I thought I was watching a young Pedro. Perhaps it was Snell's size and number...

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

I would love to get the sweep tonight, hopefully, Gorzelanny can keep us in the game tonight ...

 

[apalmer]

A great tidbit from the Lidge thread:

"In the 132-year history of Major League Baseball, the Pirates' win marks only the second time that a team has started a season with a pair of road wins in which it trailed going into the eighth inning."

 

[The Hank]

A great tidbit from the Lidge thread:

"In the 132-year history of Major League Baseball, the Pirates' win marks only the second time that a team has started a season with a pair of road wins in which it trailed going into the eighth inning." :X

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

These guys are starting to get some confidence! If we keep our starting pitchers healthy, get LaRoche on-track and Freddy back healthy, who knows. The NL Central looks very mediocre to me.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

WOW ... 3-0 feels pretty good. I also heard something I found very surprising this morning ... On Mike and Mike, Greenberg and Kirkjian both said that the Pirates could be players in their weak division this year.

I know its early and people tend to overact to the first few games, but so far, so good. Its been a long time since anyone has made a positive comment on a national level about the Pirates.

Looking forward to this weekends games ...

 

[Finatic]

1st the Pens, now the Buccos

 

[Steelers4Life]

After years of disappointments, I can't let myself get too excited yet. The offense still isn't clicking yet, but I hope it improves when Sanchez gets back in there and Laroche gets going.

I feel like expecting Snell, Duke, Gorzelanny, AND Maholm to have good years is asking a bit much, but they all have the talent to be successful. Gorzelanny threw the ball really well last night, that's for sure.

The way the bullpen threw was also encouraging, but I had little doubt that Capps and Torres can get the job done. It's the rest of guys I'm worried about.

In the NL Central anything is possible, and a lot of the pieces are in place, but there are so many "ifs" that I refuse to let myself get sucked in yet!

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Didn't watch the game last night, but it looked like a pretty poor effort. Only 4 hits and LaRoche goes 0 for again with 2 more strikeouts.

I guess you can't win them all, right?

Looking forward to getting Freddy back and LaRoche and Bay getting things going. This can be a very nice heart.

 

[Unlucky]

Glad to see Sanchez back today.

I'm most encouraged by the confidence and attitude of the team. Baseball is a such a weird team/individual game. As Yogi said, it's 90% mental and the other half physical.

 

[bucs4life_99]

Glad to see Sanchez back today. I'm most encouraged by the confidence and attitude of the team. Baseball is a such a weird team/individual game. As Yogi said, it's 90% mental and the other half physical.

And good to see Eldred making an impact in a spot start. If he can ever get his K's down, this guy could be a monster with his power.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Well, so much for the fast start. 3 hits off Looper today in a shutout in the home opener. Ugh. It is a shame to waste another nice start by Snell.

 

[CrossEyed]

I think we're looking at year 15. How do you play such fundamentally flawed baseball? This franchise is just horrible.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

I think we're looking at year 15. How do you play such fundamentally flawed baseball? This franchise is just horrible.

It is starting to look like the years past. Bay making bad decisions, Jack Wilson assisting with those bad decisions, Paulino inexplicably dropping the ball after a tag at home, etc... I am on record as saying I just do not like Torres in his role as the closer. I love him for long relief or as a set up guy, but have just never felt confident with him as the closer. First blown save last night, we'll just have to wait and see as he admittedly looked very good until last night.We really need to get some more offense going. Freddy is back and looking great, but no other everday player has an average of over .300 less than 2 weeks into the season. Ahh well, hopefully we can avoid the sweep this afternoon, but really, nobody should care that much, we got the Penguins game tonight to look forward to. I wonder what will draw a bigger crowd ... the Penguins rally at noon by the Courthouse or the Pirates game?

 

[ICLight]

I think we're looking at year 15. How do you play such fundamentally flawed baseball? This franchise is just horrible.

That's the most frustrating part - it's one thing to lose a game because the other team was better than you, but watching these same mistakes year after year after year gets old real quick...

 

[CrossEyed]

I think we're looking at year 15. How do you play such fundamentally flawed baseball? This franchise is just horrible.

It is starting to look like the years past. Bay making bad decisions, Jack Wilson assisting with those bad decisions, Paulino inexplicably dropping the ball after a tag at home, etc... I am on record as saying I just do not like Torres in his role as the closer. I love him for long relief or as a set up guy, but have just never felt confident with him as the closer. First blown save last night, we'll just have to wait and see as he admittedly looked very good until last night.We really need to get some more offense going. Freddy is back and looking great, but no other everday player has an average of over .300 less than 2 weeks into the season. Ahh well, hopefully we can avoid the sweep this afternoon, but really, nobody should care that much, we got the Penguins game tonight to look forward to. I wonder what will draw a bigger crowd ... the Penguins rally at noon by the Courthouse or the Pirates game?

I don't see how you blame that loss on Torres. He's looked great.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

I think we're looking at year 15. How do you play such fundamentally flawed baseball? This franchise is just horrible.

It is starting to look like the years past. Bay making bad decisions, Jack Wilson assisting with those bad decisions, Paulino inexplicably dropping the ball after a tag at home, etc... I am on record as saying I just do not like Torres in his role as the closer. I love him for long relief or as a set up guy, but have just never felt confident with him as the closer. First blown save last night, we'll just have to wait and see as he admittedly looked very good until last night.We really need to get some more offense going. Freddy is back and looking great, but no other everday player has an average of over .300 less than 2 weeks into the season. Ahh well, hopefully we can avoid the sweep this afternoon, but really, nobody should care that much, we got the Penguins game tonight to look forward to. I wonder what will draw a bigger crowd ... the Penguins rally at noon by the Courthouse or the Pirates game?

I don't see how you blame that loss on Torres. He's looked great.

Never said I blamed the loss on Torres. Nonetheless, giving up a single and walk to the first 2 batters faced (I think that was the case) in the 9th is not good.I agree he has looked good until last night and said that in my earlier post. All around, just not a good performance last night.

 

[CrossEyed]

6 out of 7.

 

[Zowned]

Was going to go see a Bonds game this year in Pittsburgh...when will they make it up, it looks like both teams have full schedules and the Giants don't come to Pittsburgh for another series

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Nice to finally get back on the winning track last night.

Snell has been lights out in his first few starts. Last season for Freddy does not appear to be a fluke at all. He has been a welcome addition to our struggling offense. I keep hearing that LaRoche will pick it up, but when? Bay needs to get going too if we are going to at least make the season interesting.

 

[CrossEyed]

Maybe all of those losing seasons has the Bucs pressing at home. 6-2 on the road and 0-4 at home.

Nice to see Snell and Gorzelanny pitching well. I think Duke will come along and Burnett should be back up soon if he keeps throwing well in Indy.

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Maybe all of those losing seasons has the Bucs pressing at home. 6-2 on the road and 0-4 at home. Nice to see Snell and Gorzelanny pitching well. I think Duke will come along and Burnett should be back up soon if he keeps throwing well in Indy.

I would love to see Burnett brought up and Armas sent down or to the bullpen.

 

[weisguy0831]

and now we're back to pirates baseball the way we have come to know and love it.

friday, just an awful start by armas. burnett is 3-0 and bullington is off to a strong start. time for a change. i'd rather lose with our prospects than a has-been/never-was.

saturday, ugh. maybe the single ugliest way to lose a game possible. snell was good enough to get a win on a major league team. problem is, he's not playing for one right now.

the ninth inning, its just incredible that this could all happen in one inning. a walk, ok. a ground ball that isn't a double play. yuck, but, ok. passed ball, runner takes second. come on ronny. you're not hitting. at least play some defense. oh, wait, throw to second on the play that's too high for yao ming to catch. runner to third. now all the dodgers need is to hit the damn ball. of course, because we root for the dodgers, we don't even force them to do that. another passed ball on paulino, our .100-hitting, in there for his defense catcher. hell of a job ronny. he's starting to remind me of aramis ramirez. someone who will only be good when he's traded to another organization.

just a waste of a start from snell tonight.

:X

 

[weisguy0831]

and now we're back to pirates baseball the way we have come to know and love it.

friday, just an awful start by armas. burnett is 3-0 and bullington is off to a strong start. time for a change. i'd rather lose with our prospects than a has-been/never-was.

saturday, ugh. maybe the single ugliest way to lose a game possible. snell was good enough to get a win on a major league team. problem is, he's not playing for one right now.

the ninth inning, its just incredible that this could all happen in one inning. a walk, ok. a ground ball that isn't a double play. yuck, but, ok. passed ball, runner takes second. come on ronny. you're not hitting. at least play some defense. oh, wait, throw to second on the play that's too high for yao ming to catch. runner to third. now all the dodgers need is to hit the damn ball. of course, because we root for the dodgers, we don't even force them to do that. another passed ball on paulino, our .100-hitting, in there for his defense catcher. hell of a job ronny. he's starting to remind me of aramis ramirez. someone who will only be good when he's traded to another organization.

just a waste of a start from snell tonight.

:X

 

[DrunkinDwarf]

Well ... at least we got a win to close up the road trip. Gorzelanny has been fantastic so far (so much for Spring Training numbers).

9 game homestand coming up, hopefully we can turn this thing around a bit.

 

[The Hank]

Maybe all of those losing seasons has the Bucs pressing at home. 6-2 on the road and 0-4 at home. :(Nice to see Snell and Gorzelanny pitching well. I think Duke will come along and Burnett should be back up soon if he keeps throwing well in Indy.

I would love to see Burnett brought up and Armas sent down or to the bullpen.

and leave only 1 RHP in the rotation?I would send down Maholm if anyone. Just my