Pirates

2013 Lineup Prediction

Here we go: LF  Starling Marte RF  Jose Tabata (Travis Snider) CF  Andrew McCutchen 3B  Pedro Alvarez 2B  Neil Walker 1B  Garrett Jones (Gaby Sanchez) CA  Russell Martin SS  Clint Barmes Pitcher I know Tabata has stated he prefers to bat leadoff and Marte has stated he prefers to bat second, however Clint Hurdle seems … Continue reading →

The Case for Jose Tabata

Remember Jose Bautista? When Bautista was 24 years old, the Pittsburgh Pirates left him off their protected list and he was picked up in the Rule 5 Draft.  He spent his 2004 season on five different teams basically losing an entire season of development.  Then three years later at the age of 27 the Bucs … Continue reading →

Roberto Clemente: What he meant to baseball.

This is what Roberto Clemente meant to baseball as narrated by David Maraniss.  

September

Sometimes work just takes over life and you have no time to blog…. But, it is September, and I am amazed that the Buccos are playing a meaningful game and it will compete with for my viewing with the NFL. I’ve waited a long time for this and I am glad to have it.  I’d … Continue reading →

Jerry Meals Curse Broken

After last season’s 19th inning loss to the Braves on one of the worst calls in the history of baseball, I feared the curse continued when Carlos Beltran stole 2nd base when there should have been catcher interference called on David Freese.   After striking out,  Freese walked in front of Michael McKenry as he … Continue reading →

Someone mentioned the Pirates still hold 2nd place in the wild card standings. My response:

Monday Game Notes

I can’t figure out how Clint Hurdle comes up with these lineups, but they keep working. Rod Barajas should not start over Michael McKenry, but goes 1 – 3 and an RBI. Clint Barmes should be benched, but drills a double off the notch. Gaby Sanchez should not be starting against a RHP and goes … Continue reading →

Sunday Game Notes

AJ Burnett is the man.  Controlled the game throughout and again gives the pen some rest. It appears Rod Barajas is the catcher for Burnett and Wandy Rodriguez, with McKenry catching everyone else.  I’m okay with that. I was irked that Pedro Alvarez and Travis Snider were both benched today with a RHP on the … Continue reading →

On the brink?

Pirate fans always have one foot on the ground looking for the first sign that our run is coming to an end.  This has been a frustrating series thus far, but there are signs of encouragement to take from the loss.  Notes from the game: James McDonald pitched very well.  Error involved in the 1st … Continue reading →

Plunked

The Pirates losing at Cincinnati was irritating to watch.  I felt my anger building throughout the game, and then it erupted. Plunk! A 101 MPH fastball on Andrew McCutchen’s shoulder! Insult to injury.  Fuming.  Pissed.  I was proud to see Cutch stare down Aroldis Chapman right after it happened.  Again as he walked to take … Continue reading →