Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Swept. Awful.


Snell was good today:
7 Innings- 5 Hits- 5 K's- 4 Walks- 1 Run

Gallardo was that much better:
8 Innings- 2 Hits- 11 K's- 1 Walk- 0 Runs- Game Winning Home Run

Your obviously going to get swept throughout the course of a 162 game season, but the way we lost these 3 is tough to swallow.
Bullpen was terrible in the 1st two, and then today the offense was nowhere to be found.
2 deep doubles by Diaz and Andy LaRoche.

Notes
  • 1 through 5 hitters: 0-18, 7 Strikeouts
  • McLouth soon
  • Snell K'd Braun 3 times today
  • For some reason he is still pissed over Karstens missing on a fastball that hit him in the numbers. Get over it.
  • Prince Fielder is still a douche
  • Only 1 Game over .500= Must Win Tomorrow

...

We've lost 17 in a row at Milwaukee, all there is to say.

Nostradamus didn't see the past two games coming.

Even Maholm and Chavo are back to earth.

Jaramillo is producing.


Better get at it tomorrow-- 1:05

Monday, April 27, 2009

Series Preview: Milwaukee Brewers

After traveling to the West coast for a short 3 game series the 11-7 Buc's, winners in 5 of their last 6 head to Milwaukee to face the 8-10 Brewers, winners of 4 out of their last 5 games. The only major changes from '08 on the Brewers roster was the departures of Ben Sheets and C.C. Sabathia, and the return of Yovani Gallardo from the D.L. who only pitched 24 innings all of last season. The Brewers are as hot as the Pirates, so if we could take 2 of 3 to finish off this mini road trip it would be a promising sign. The Pirates come into this week as ESPN's #7 team in the power rankings

Players to Watch
  • Ryan Braun
  • Prince Fielder
  • Mike Cameron
  • Bill Hall
  • Former Pirate Jason Kendall is somehow still picking up a paycheck as the best 2 out nobody on singles hitter in the league
Probable Pitchers

4/27/09: Jeff Karstens (1-0) vs. Braden Looper (2-0)
4/28/09: Paul Maholm (3-0) vs. Dave Bush (1-0)
4/29/09: Ian Snell (1-2) vs. Yovani Gallardo (2-1)

Sunday, April 26, 2009

There's something different about this team...


In years past, the Pirates would not get the type of production game after game after game. First thing, the Pirates would rarely chase pitchers early as their lack of patience was awful. Now we are seeing on a daily basis that even aces of teams, and possibly one of the best pitchers in the league struggle to get through the Pirates lineup. Through 5 innings, Peavy had 100 pitches and through the last 6 or 7 outs you could tell we were getting to him. Things like that didn't happen in past years.

Our starting pitching has been phenomenal, through 18 games our staff is leading the league in ERA (2.93), Shutouts (4), and Quality starts (12). Ohlendorf today gave up a 2-run bomb to Adrian Gonzalez, and in past years starting pitchers would fold and cave and we would lose by 10, or our offense would have no response and we would lose 3-1. Things like that just have not happened yet. Ohlendorf responded by then going 6 shutout innings before giving up a solo home run on his first pitch in the 8th inning, which then brought out another possible question coming into this year, our bullpen.
Captain America came into the game for the final 6 outs and there was no doubt that this was our game. Our bullpen has exceeded so many expectations to date considering all the questions and worries about how we would be able to get to Capps and Cpt. America. The starters have eased many of those questions because of how deep they are going into games. Chavo, Burnett, and company do not have to go into games in the 5th and 6th inning consistently, so when they are called on to produce in a tough spot, as Burnett was the other night, he has a fresh arm to get out of a jam.

On offense, there are a few things this year that we haven't seen in a long time. A great example of this would be to watch our 4th inning today, after we had runners on 2nd and 3rd and no out. Hinske battles and battles against Peavy before eventually getting called out on strikes on a terrible call that even John Whener blatently says immediately that it was 7 or 8 inches off the plate. Following that was a Lil' LaRoche K on a terrible swing, which led to Robinson Diaz in his 2nd at-bat this season. All he proceeds to do is rip a first pitch hanging curve to right to drive the 2 in. Backup catchers for the Pirates never come through in a clutch situation to tie the game against an ace.
Now on to Big Boy LaRoche. Everyone knows his swing in July?.. well that swing is here right now, and my does it look promising. 2 towering bombs today, wow. The question about LaRoche was always what could he do with a full season of him hitting the ball, and that question is being answered more and more every game.
I know that the season is still so young, but with these things going right just imagine the possible depth that we can have with McCutchen in the outfield and Brandon Moss coming off the bench. This team has a lot going for it right now and is playing with confidence that has not been seen in such a long time.. Just keep it up and things can get very interesting.

Notes
  • Jack is on the 15 day DL, That means a lot of Brian Bixler and praying.
  • Every position player had at least a hit (for maybe the 5th or 6th time this year), and either had a R.B.I. or scored a run
  • The Buccos have lost 1 series this year and it was opening weekend at PNC.
  • They split with STL and Cincinnati to start the year
  • Swept Florida
  • Took 2 of 3 from Atlanta and San Diego
Andy LaRoche
-We love ripping on Andy LaRoche because, well, sometimes it is just too easy (See the 1st about 2 weeks of posts). But we will be the first people to say that a 10 game hitting streak is a great accomplishment for anybody.. espicially someone who is just here as a stop gap until Alvarez.

You stay classy San Diego




After last night's extra inning loss, the Pirates made it clear that tonight's game would not be going further than 9. In another gem of a performance by Zach Duke, the Pirates made it seem like they were playing the San Diego Madres in a 10-1 victory, the 10th of the young season.
Duke went 8 and 1-third innings allowing one run on 6 hits while striking out 5. He also had an RBI on a sacrifice fly caught on the deep center field warning track.

With Nate McLouth out of the lineup for the second straight night, manager John Russell had to fill Nate's shoes at the number 3 spot of the lineup. Craig Monroe made J.R. look like a genius for putting him in that slot tonight going 3-5 with a 3 RBIs, two from a double in the top of the 6th to score Freddy and Nyjer. Freddy also went 3-5, hitting his league leading 9th double of the season, and scored 3 runs. The Buccos lineup posted 14 hits tonight, 6 of which were doubles (2 by Jason Jaramillo).

The series closer will be tomorrow afternoon at 4:35 (ET) as the Buccos look for 5th win in 6 games and their 3rd straight series win. The offense needs to stay hot because one of the league's best hurlers, Jake Peavy, will be on the mound for the Padres. Ross Ohlendorf is seeking his second consecutive win.

Game Notes
  • Duke (W): 8.1 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 5 Ks
  • Adam LaRoche: 0-4. Has yet to get a hit in San Diego.
  • Andy LaRoche: 2-4, 2 RBIs, 9 games and counting......
  • Eric Hinske: 2-3, got his first Pirate RBI tonight.
Shout out to Sidney Crosby and the Penguins for once again proving that western PA is better than eastern PA, as they ended the Flyers season and advanced to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Eckstein Sucks

The first game after going coast to coast is always tough, and even though we didn't play great we frankly we should have won this game. Mainly our opportunities came in the 6th and 9th innings when we just couldn't capitalize on opportunities. After we tied it up in the 6th, we still had a chance to put more on the board with runners on the corners and 1 out. Delwyn Young K'd, Nyjer walked and Jack struck out swinging.

In 9th, Nyjer started us off with a single, and after about 20 throw overs, Heath Bell finally goes to the plate and Jack fails on the would be sacrifice and pops up to the catcher. Terrible. Before the next pitch is even thrown Nyjer gets caught leaning off 1st, inning over. Even Worse. I do not put that play on Nyjer though, as J.R. has to know that Bell is going to throw over. When everyone in the stadium knows that you want to steal 2nd, you try and send him on the 1st pitch?.. interesting.

Snell only went 5 innings, and the bullpen didn't give up a run until the 11th. If he can keep the walks down he's pitching fine.

Notes
  • Left 10 men on base, not going to win many with that stat
  • Freddy/Jack: 0-10 from the 1 and 2 holes
  • 5 2/3 shutout innings from the 'pen
  • McLouth was hurt, but should be back soon
  • The Andy LaRoche hitting streak continues...

Friday, April 24, 2009

Series Preview: San Diego Padres

After sweeping the previous 11-1 Marlins, the Pirates travel out west to face the San Diego Padres in a three game series. The Friars come in with an identical 9-6 record, but have dropped 3 in a row. The Padres main off-season addition was that of everyone's least favorite player in the league, David Eckstein. Peavy is pitching in the finale on Sunday so it would be nice if we could get these first two before having to face maybe the best pitcher in the league.

Players to Watch
  • Adrian Gonzalez
  • Kevin Kouzmanoff
  • Eckstein
  • Former Pirates Jody Gerut and Brian Giles (wow, he really needs to retire)
Probable Pitchers

4/24/2009: Snell vs. Kevin Correia
4/25/2009: Duke vs. Shawn Hill
4/26/2009: Ohlendorf vs. Jake Peavy

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Give Me That Filet-o-Fish



In the afternoon series closer, the Pirates capped off a three game sweep of the Marlins at PNC Park. The Marlins came to Pittsburgh on a 7 game win streak, and are leaving Pittsburgh with their first 3 losses on the road this season.

Paul Maholm got the start today looking to stay unbeaten and bring his record to 3-0. Maholm got off to a good start, shutting the Marlins out through the first 3 innings. Maholm gave up 1 run in the top of the 4th and 5th innings, then 2 in the top of the 6th. The bullpen came in and pitched 3 shutout innings. Jesse Chavez and Sean Burnett combined to retire the Marlins in the 7th, John Grabow struck out 3 in the 8th, and Matt Capps closed out the 9th for his 5th save of the season.

Offensively the Pirates got hot right off the bat, no pun intended. In the bottom of the 1st, Adam LaRoche hit his first of three doubles, scoring Freddy Sanchez. Then in the bottom of the 3rd, Sanchez scored again on a Nate McLouth single. McLouth then scored on a sacrifice fly by Andy LaRoche. Andy got his 2nd RBI of the day in the bottom of the 5th when his double brought in his older brother. After the Marlins tied the game at 4 in the top of the 6th, the Buccos responded immediately. Delwyn Young led off the inning with a pinch hit double then scored on a single by Nyjer Morgan, who advanced to second on the throw home. Being the crafty speedster that he is, Nyjer stole third and scored on the errant throw by ex-Pirate Ronny Paulino. The Pirates scored in the bottom of the 7th when Jack Wilson brought in Adam LaRoche with a single.
For the second time this series, the Buccos swiped three bases off the Marlins battery. Freddy got his first steal of the season, and Nyjer compiled his fifth and sixth.

Game Stats
  • Adam LaRoche: 4-5, 3 doubles, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored.
  • Andy LaRoche: 1-3, 2 RBIs. Hit his fourth double this season and extended his hit streak to 7 games.....Batting Title?
  • Paul Maholm (W): 6 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 Ks.
The Pirates have the day off tomorrow as they head to San Diego to take on the Padres for a 3 game series beginning Friday night at 10:05 (ET). Ian Snell will be looking for his 2nd consecutive win when he takes on Kevin Correia.





Vote For Your Favorite Buccos!


Major League Baseball has opened up online All-Star Voting. This years mid-summer classic will be held in St. Louis. You can vote up to 25 times. Vote!

Sidenote
  • Andy LaRoche, believe it or not, IS on the ballot. I checked, its not a typo. So....Vote for him and the rest of the Buccos!
Link

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sanchez was the Pirates' Fleury Tonight.


The Buc's secured at least the series win with their second straight win against the Florida Marlins with their 3-2 victory tonight.
This was Karstens first start where he actually had the usual 5 day's rest, and he exceeded expectations going 6 innings and only surrendering 1 run on 3 hits. He commanded the fast ball and had a relatively low pitch count (87-54 Strikes). Annibal Sanchez was also effective, going 7 innings and only giving up 3 runs, the offense just had nothing to give any pitcher for the 2nd consecutive night. Karstens has the potential to be very effective, considering he had a no-hitter into the 9th inning last year, and with the quality starts that every pitcher has turned in so far.. is it possible to think that maybeeee finallyy this may be the year?? I have a weird feeling about this team.

On the offensive side, Sanchez was dominant again; collecting 3 of the Pirates 7 hits, including the would be game winning solo home run in the 3rd. After jumping out to a 2-0 lead Hanley doubled in a run, to cut the lead to 2-1 in the top half of the 3rd before the answer from Sanchez in the bottom. Cameron Maybin hit an absolute bomb in the 8th off Yates to cut the lead to 3-2.

Andy LaRoche
- 6 game hitting streak, which i think may be the league lead for this year? His average= .216 We plan on talking about this unbelievable feat in every post until he remembers that well.. he is Andy LaRoche

Notes
  • Freddy is hitting .364-- 11th in the NL
  • Jamarillo went 1-3 with a double off the wall and 1 RBI in his 1st game as the permanent starter for Ryan Doumit. He doesn't need to be great at the plate, because we know what he can do defensively; he just cannot be unusable at the dish.
  • Was there any doubt when Capps came in to close it out.. So Good.
  • Would rather see Chavo right now then Yates
  • 2nd straight series with a shot at the sweep, have to like the chance with Maholm
  • Philadelphia sucks. Go Pens

Doumit out 10 Weeks

wtf.
Broken Wrist.
terrible.
Jamarillo will be starting for the foreseeable future.

Do you like fish sticks?

The Pirates opened up a 3 game series against the Marlins, who came into the game with an 11-1 record, tonight on a cold, rainy day at PNC Park. The 8-0 trouncing of the Marlins ended their 7 game win streak.
In his third start of the season, and looking for his first win, Ross Ohlendorf was brilliant, going 7 strong, scoreless innings. "The Big O" only gave up 2 hits, punched out 5, and only allowed one free base. Meanwhile for the Fish, starter Andrew Miller got cooked for 4 runs on 5 hits in 4.2 innings pitched. He also walked 4 and struck out 1. That one, just happened to be Andy LaRoche. Logan Kensing's relief effort was none too pleasing either, as he gave up 4 runs on 6 hits, including a towering 3 run homer by Nate McLouth that found its way into the Allegheny River and a balk that scored Jason Jaramillo.
The Pirates offense produced 11 hits, atleast 1 by every starter except Ohlendorf, stole 3 bases, and scored 8 runs, while leaving 8 men on base.

Game Notes
  • Nate McLouth: 2-4, 4 RBI, 2 runs scored, 1 SB. Hit his 4th home run of the season, 1st into the river.
  • Adam LaRoche: 2-3, 2 RBI, 1 double.
  • Ross Ohlendorf: (W) 7 IP, 2 H, 0 runs allowed, 5 Ks.
  • Ryan Doumit was out of tonight's lineup due to a sore wrist.
  • Nyjer and Jack made up the other 2 of the Pirates 3 stolen bases.
  • Going 1-4 tonight, Andy LaRoche is currently on a 5 game hit streak!!!! (knock on wood). He also made several Web Gem worthy plays on the hot corner.

Tomorrow night is Game 2 of this series. Jeff Karstens is slated to take on Anibal Sanchez. Karstens is also looking for his 1st win of the season. Unfortunately, tomorrow night's game will not be on TV, as the Pens take on the Flyers in Game 4 of the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Series Preview: Marlins

After taking 2 of 3 from the Atlanta Braves, the Buccos host Major League Baseball's best team, the 11-1 Florida Marlins coming off a 3 game sweep of the Washington Nationals, their second 3 game sweep of the Nats this year. They have also swept the Atlanta Braves, and took 2 of 3 from the Mets. In the most recent sweep of the Nationals, they trailed each game going into the 9th inning and so far this year have feasted on the opposing teams bullpen.

Players to Watch:
-Emilio Bonafacio
-Dan Uggla
-Hanley Ramirez
-Cameron Maybin- (Remember the name. Will be a top 5 player in 2 years.)
-Jorge Cantu

Probable Pitchers:
4/20/2009: Ohlendorf vs. Andrew Miller
4/21/2009:Karstens vs. Anibal Sanchez
4/22/2009: Maholm vs. Ricky Nolasco





Sunday, April 19, 2009

Well that was a good birthday.

On Zach Duke's 26th birthday he proceeded to give up 6 runs, and 12 hits in 6 innings. After this afternoons performance, Duke's ERA rose to 2.95

The Pirates had nothing going against starter Javier Vazquez in his 6 innings of work, mustering up only 5 hits and striking out 8 times.

Pirates Lost By 10- Pens Lost in the playoffs-- Not a good day

Notes

  • Nyjer ended his 2 game hit less streak going 2-5
  • Freddy also had 2 hits
  • Left 17 Men on Base.. wow

Saturday, April 18, 2009

White Wash



Couldn't have picked a better way to pick up the 1st consecutive wins of the year. Snell looked phenomenal considering he wasn't trying to overpower hitter with his 90 mph fastball. He was working both corners, changed speeds and honestly looked like the pitcher we all expected him to be coming into this year. The Braves really never got anything going, the Buccos turned 4 double plays, 3 inning ender's. If we want to stay above .500, Maholm is going to need at least Snell to keep turning in performances like this. Burnett and Chavez each turned in a hit less inning to close it out.

Andy LaRoche went 3-4 with 2 doubles (Which brought his average to .192), and the game winning R.B.I. for the 2nd consecutive night... please take a moment to let that sink in..

The other star of the day was Craig Monroe, who in his first two at bats hit the ball hard, but right at people delivered two 3-run bombs in consecutive innings in almost identical spots to seal it up. 5 pirates had 2 or more hits, and at least 1 RBI


Notes
  • Consecutive Shutouts for the 1st time since 1968
  • Doumit had 3 doubles to commemorate his bobble head day
  • Nyjer went 0-4, but was picked up by Sanchez and McLouth who each had 2 hits
  • Pirates have the lowest team ERA in the majors.. did anyone think that would be ever possible at any point of this season?
  • Braves intentionally walked Adam LaRoche (this is still April) in the 7th inning to get to Craig Monroe before his 2nd homer.. what an awful decision.
  • Get the brooms for another afternoon game tomorrow.

Friday, April 17, 2009

woooo

Candy
3-2

Pirates Of The Allegheny: Curse of The Black Uni's


The Pirates started there series off against the Braves tonight the right way...With a W. Maholm was good again while battling some control issues, he went 7 scoreless innings giving up only 4 hits. He walked 3 and also had 2 hit batsmen, his control lead to him throwing over 100 pitches in 7 innings. Braves starter Jair Jurrjens was equally impressive going 6 and 2/3 innings giving up 1 earned run and 4 hits. He also battled control issues tonight, throwing 120 pitches. In the first inning, the Pirates stranded Sanchez at third after he tripled with one out. However, when the same situation presented itself in the second inning the Buccos werent about to make the same mistake twice. Branden Moss tripled with one out and Andy LaRoche hit a ground ball to second to score the run. Braves also had an early opportunity with bases loaded and only one out in the second inning and Jordan Schafer grounded back to Maholm who started the inning ending 1-2-3 double play. From that point on it was an old fashioned pitching duel. That is until the Pirates got into the Braves bullpen. Former Bucco Mike Gonzales had trouble with his former "shipmates". After striking out Nyjer, who went 0-4, he gave up a base hit to Sanchez which brought up McLouth with one on. McLouth then launched a 2-run bomb that landed 15 rows up in the right field bleachers. With the Pirates up 3-0, Matt Capps came in for the save. Capps had no trouble facing only 3 batters as the Buccos get the W.

Game Notes
  • Morgan - 0-4, 2k's
  • Sanchez - 2-4, 1 R
  • McLouth - 2-4, 1 R, 2 RBI's
  • Maholm (2-0) - 7 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 2 SO, 0 ER
  • S -Capps (3)
Andy LaRoche
  • Were a bit hard on Andy so i gave him his own section because he got the game winning hit
  • 1-2, 1 RBI, 1 BB
Baseball Tonight Watch
  • Nate McLouth made a web gem worthy play in center field tonight as well as going deep
  • Touch Em All & Web Gems???

The Puma


Not much to say about this one.
Shouldn't have lost 2 of 3 but hey what can you do
Nyjer Morgan was 3-5...just keeps bringing it

Notes
  • Andy LaRoche finally got a hit. Then preceded to ground into another inning ending double play in his next at bat in the 8th.
  • Take a picture of Burnett's outing because it won't happen again, maybe he could get a call on the corner?
  • Helluva at-bat by Sanchez.. still went 0-3
  • ATL tonight

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Minor League Update

Here is a little update about the Buccos farm league since April 11.

AAA Indianapolis
  • 2-3 in their last 5 games.
  • Andrew McCutchen is currently batting .273, including going 0-5 twice in three games. Went 3-6 April 14th and was a home run shy of the cycle.
  • Shelby Ford made his season debut on the 14th and went 1-4 with a homer. Followed by a 0-3 performance yesterday.
  • Neil Walker went 3-5 on April 11th, but is 1 for his last 14 since Monday.
AA Altoona
  • Lost their last 3 games, bringing their season record to 0-6. It may have been 0-7 but Tuesday's game was rained out and scheduled for a double header April 24th against Akron.
  • Jose Tabata went 0-4 on the 11th; 2-4 with 1 RBI and 2 runs scored on the 13th, and went 0-3 yesterday.
  • Jeff Sues pitched 4 relief innings in the last two games. 2 on Saturday where he gave up 2 runs on 3 hits and struck out 2, and 2 yesterday where he shined a little more brilliantly, posting 4 Ks and no hits in his relief appearance.
A Lynchburg
  • Won 3 of their last 5 bringing their season record to 5 wins, 2 losses.
  • Since Saturday, Pedro Alvarez is 1-5. After going 3-4 in the season opener, Alvarez is 1-22 with a batting average of a measly .154. It's not a good thing when your top prospect whom everyone is anxiously awaiting his arrival to the big leagues is not performing up to expectations. However, the season is young. Once Alvarez gets going, he will exceed expectations and display his talent that will surely bring him up to the Pirates roster in no time. Hopefully.
  • Pitcher Bryan Morris was placed on the 7 day DL.

My Cousin: The Ball Boy


This is my cousin Jimmy
Interview coming soon

W,L,W,L,W,L,W,L


With yesterday off, the Buccos returned to action today against the Astros in the 2nd of a 3 game series. Ross Ohlendorf was on the mound looking to even out his record at 1-1, but it was a rocky start for Ohlendorf. 4 straight pitches put Michael Bourn on first with a leadoff walk, followed by back to back singles by Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman to load the bases. Carlos Lee then sacrificed in Bourn, for his first of 3 RBIs, snapping an 18 inning scoreless streak for the Astros, which was followed by a Hunter Pence sacrifice fly to score Tejada. Two more runs in the 3rd proved to be enough to win the game for the Astros as they defeated the Pirates 4-1.


On the plus side, Nate McLouth is starting to heat up, going 2-3 with a walk. Also, it's April and Adam LaRoche is batting .267, continuing to produce that last few games. These two consistently contributing to the heart of the Buccos' order will play a large role in the success of this season. LaRoche hit his 3rd home run in four games in the bottom of the 9th to erase the shutout. While we are on the subject of Adam LaRoche and consistency.....Ramon Vazquez started tonight's game at shortstop due to a bruised middle finger on the glove hand of Jack Wilson, which means Andy LaRoche was back in the lineup at 3rd base. Andy LaRoche is probably baseball's most consistent player so far this season. Going 0-2 tonight continued his streak of being o-the season as he is still looking for his first hit through 16 at-bats.

Game Notes
  • Freddy Sanchez and Ryan Doumit both went 0-4.
  • Craig Morgan got his first start as a Pirate in right field, goes 1-4.
  • Buccos leave 7 stranded on base.
  • Ohlendorf: 5 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 2 K's
Through the first 8 games of the season, the Pirates have alternated wins and loses for a record of 4-4. The last game of this series is tomorrow afternoon at 12:35. Jeff Karstens is scheduled to take on Russ Ortiz.
Despite tonight's loss, the city of Pittsburgh may not be completely heart broken as the Penguins made the Flyers look like some n00bs in 4-1 victory.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

21 Reasons the MLB Should Retire Roberto Clemente's Number

As baseball today honors Jackie Robinson and his #42 across the league, we take a look at an idea that we feel very strongly about and should be taken into serious consideration by Major League Baseball, the retirement of the #21 that was worn by The Legendary Roberto Clemente
  1. Died trying to help earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
  2. After his death, The Baseball's Writer Association of America immediately waived the customary five-year wait and voted Roberto Clemente into the Hall of Fame, with 93% of the vote; one of the highest percentages of all time
  3. 1st Latino elected to the Hall of Fame
  4. 1 of 4 players to have 10+ Gold Gloves. He has 12, and was awarded one every year possible.
  5. The main Trail-Blazer for Latin Americans to play baseball in the USA
  6. Hit safely in every World Series game he appeared in
  7. Did not play winter ball in '58-'59 because he was serving in the United States Marines
  8. In his home country of Puerto Rico, no amateur baseball players are permitted to wear #21
  9. 1st Hispanic to ever wear win a World Series as a starter, win the regular season MVP, or World Series MVP
  10. To this day he is a Hero to the Latin America community
  11. Puerto Rico named their official athletic coliseum in his name
  12. Roberto Clemente High School in Chicago, IL
  13. Hit .300 13 Times, including over .350 3 Separate Times
  14. 4-Time National League Batting Champion
  15. 1st Latino to win a batting title
  16. Sporting News ranked him #20 on their list of top 100 baseball players. The highest ranked Latino player
  17. Only player in history with a walk-off inside the park grand slam
  18. Pittsburgh has honored him with a bridge, park, museum, charter school, and statue all in his name
  19. Was the most dominate player throughout the 1960's
  20. The "Roberto Clemente Award" is the highest award in baseball for sportsmanship and community activism
  21. September 18th is known in baseball as "Roberto Clemente Day"

Monday, April 13, 2009

Astros Get Blass-ted


Opening Day for the Buccos saw preliminary ceremonies delay the game for 12 minutes, but for good reason. Former Pirate pitcher and current broadcaster Steve Blass was honored for his 50 years in the organization. Also, there were heavy hearts by the many as "Amazing Grace" sounded throughout the stadium in remembrance of the 3 police officers recently killed in action. Even the players weren't exempt from the emotional seen as they bowed their heads in a moment of silence.
Nick B.


As for the game itself, Zach Duke was magnificent...again. Duke hurled a complete game shutout while giving up only 4 hits. Duke's shutout was the first by a Pirates pitcher in a home opener since John Candelaria beat the Cubs 1-0 on April 7, 1978. Duke could of given up 6 runs and still would have gotten his second victory of the season. The Pirates offense gave Duke 7 runs behind 14 hits coming from everyone in the lineup. Yes, everyone, including a deep double by Duke. Alliterations aside, Adam LaRoche was good, Ryan Doumit was good, and Freddy Sanchez was maybe the best. Sanchez got it started with his first double in the 1st inning setting the table for Doumit to drive him in to give the Bucs the early 1-0 lead. However, The Pirates really broke it open in the 3rd inning, an inning that Astro starter Brian Moehler would not get out of. Once again a Sanchez double gets it going, McLouth then singled him home, then LaRoche launched one into the right field bleachers breaking the game open. After Ramon Vazquez and Jack Wilson base hits and a Duke walk. Nyjer Morgan has a base hit to drive home 2 making it 6-0 Pirates. Pirates then scattered hits here and there to close the game out including a boneyard blast by Doumit in the 8th. It was Dukes day though, as he cruised to the shutout and was a huge part of the Pirates 2nd opening day win since 2004.

Game Notes
  • Doumit - 2-5, HR, 2 RBIs, 1 R
  • LaRoche - 3-4, HR, 2 RBIs, 1 R
  • Sanchez - 3-5, 3 2b, 2 R
  • Duke - CG, 4 H, 5 SO, 2 BB, 0 ER
  • Opening Day= Good
  • Andy LaRoche not in starting lineup=Better
  • Andy LaRoche getting booed during opening ceremonies= Priceless

Home Sweet Home

Opening Day at PNC Park is merely 12 hours away. The good news is, Zach Duke is coming off a solid performance in a win against the Cardinals to face Brian Moehler, who gave up 7 earned runs in 1.2 innings in his season debut against the Cubs. The bad news is, the Buccos haven't won an opener since 2004 when they defeated the Phillies 2-1. Do the math. That's a 4 game losing streak for the first game of the season on the North Side for the Bucs. The last time these teams met in the Pirates home opener, in 2000, the Astros won 5-2. On another positive note however, the Astros are 1-5 and coming into Pittsburgh on a 4 game losing streak including a 3 game sweep by the Cardinals.


The Pirates will be donning a new look for tomorrow's game, wearing "PBP" on their caps and a similar patch on their left sleeve to commemorate the three Pittsburgh officers killed in the line of duty protecting our city. Also, Nate McLouth will recieve his Gold Glove before the game, and the team will honor Steve Blass who is now in his 50th season with the Bucs. Blass will also throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Manny Sanguillen, battery mates on the 1971 World Series team. 4 Apache Helicopters will make their way over PNC Park immediately following the Junior Mendelsshon Choir's rendition of the National Anthem.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

It's Like Playing Hopscotch

That seems to be the theme of the Pirates season thus far. Win a great game, crushed, win, almost get no hit, 10 runs, then get shutout.
I mean there were two bright spots today. One was Snell, who other than one badly placed 87 mph fastball he might get a win. The other would be Nyjer Morgan. The Buccos had 3 hits, he had two of them. Through his first 6 games on the road as an everyday player, he's hitting .423 with 5 R.B.I.'s and 3 stolen bases. In retrospect, he stole 9 all of last year.
Imagine the uproar from people, including this blog about bringing McCutchen to the majors if Nyjer was not producing. With him being able to be a serviceable lead off man this is letting McCutchen get even more work in AAA before he does come up in early June.

Notes

  • The bullpen looked good, even though Chavo got saved by a triple play in the bottom of the 8th
  • Harang looked phenomenal, just ran into him on a day where he had it rollin.
  • A Key to the series was McLouth and Doumit. In the win they were a combined 5-8, 2 HR's, 7 R.B.I.'s. In the loss, 0-7 with 3 K's.
  • I truly hope the Pirates do keep to the key of the season.. and Happy Easter

Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Great American Beat Down.

Link to Box Score and Video Highlights

The Pirates came out of the gate swinging, and never looked back which led to a dominating 10-2 win in Cincinnati Saturday afternoon.

A ton of positives to come out of this game, including:
  • Nyjer Morgan having an out of this world game, going (deep breath) : 3-4, reaching base 4 times, stealing 2 bases, having an rbi, scoring 2 runs, and most impressively, considering he isn't the biggest guy, running over catcher Ramon Hernandez at home plate AND breaking up a double play in the 9th inning which eventually gave Doumit and LaRoche the ability to go back-to-back with 2 outs.
  • Paul Maholm continuing his dominance throwing 7 innings giving up 1 run. His ERA this year is 1.32. This year's Cliff Lee? - they seem to have the same qualities..
  • Ryan Doumit having a break out game, going 3 for 5 with a Grand Slam.
  • Nate Mclouth continuing to prove that last year wasn't a fluke, hitting his 2nd home run and adding 3 RBIs.
  • Adam LaRoche, though only 1-5 today, finally hitting a home run. He had another extra base hit / possible home run robbed by Willy Tavares earlier in the game and also hit another ball to the warning track. It looks like he saw the ball well all day today.
  • Bob Walk. He has been money throughout this season with in-game predictions. Predicted the LaRoche home run and Nyjer almost hitting the cover off of the ball in the 9th inning.
  • Andy LaRoche's consistency. 0-5 today - .000 average for the season. All you can do is laugh.
In closing :
  • Did any of you guys catch Peter Gammons say the Pirates were going to the World Series? Happened on Baseball Tonight earlier this week but was never posted. Basically said the key to geting to the World Series is Eric Hinske, as he's been in the World Series the last two years as a member of the Red Sox and Rays. Obvisually this was a joke, but when was the last time anyone with any credibility on ESPN mentioned the Pirates and World Series in the same sentence? 1992? 1997? .. Something to think about ..
  • Happy Easter and Go Pens.

Farm Hands


The AAA Indianapolis Indians dropped their 2nd in a row against the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday to start off the season. '04 first rounder Neil Walker went 1-4 with a game tying Solo Home run in the bottom of the 7th, but the bullpen couldn't hold up, giving up 1 run in the top of the 8th and 9th innings. Leadoff man Andrew McCutchen went 2-4 with a double, 1 run scored, and a stolen base. The Indians will take on the Mud Hens tonight in the 3rd of 4 games with Tom Gorzelanny on the mound.

Meanwhile in AA Altoona, the Curve fell, for a third consecutive game, to the Erie SeaWolves 2-0. The Curve outhit the SeaWolves 7 to 3, but went 0-5 with runners in scoring position. Jose Tabata went 1-4 with a double, but left 3 men on base and grounded into a double play. The Curve and SeaWolves at set to square off at 1:05 this afternoon in Erie to wrap up the first series of each team's season.
With a combined record of 0-5 between the Curve and Indians, the Lynchburg Hillcats posted their second consecutive win of the season with a 14-7 victory over the Potomac Nationals. The Hillcats worked over the National pitchers for 17 hits, none of which came from heralded first-round draft pick Pedro Alvarez, who went 0-5. Rough day for Alvarez as he also had 2 fielding errors.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Series Preview


Pirates continue their mini road trip to start the year Friday with the first of a three game series with the Cincinnati Reds. Pirates enter the series with a record of 2-2 while the reds avoid being swept by the Mets with a win Thursday, they limp in at 1-2.

Keys to Series
  • McLouth and Doumit - Combined 3 for 30 in the Cards series. If the Pirates are going to continue to win on the road, these two need to produce
  • Ian Snell - Projected to start Sunday against Aaron Harang, Snell has the stuff but cant seem to stay focused in key parts of the game. Also, needs to be reminded that first pitch strikes are better than balls
  • Joey Votto - He may be under the proverbial radar in some parts of the baseball world but not this part. Votto is only leading the Reds in BA, HR, R, OPS, and RBIs...no biggie. If the pirates can keep him in the yard and Taveras of the base paths as much as possible they will have a strong chance of success throughout the series
  • Need a strong start from Karstens tonight as the Reds will be sending Johnny Cueto to the mound. Cueto had 17 k's in 16 innings vs the Buccos in 2008. A lot of what the Buccos do this year depends on the strength of Ohlendorf and Karstens at the end of the rotation.
Keys to Season
  • Tell Andy LaRoche someone was looking for him inside the stadium, then proceed to leave him in Cincinnati.

Alvarez Dominates Professional Debut

Pirates top prospect Pedro Alvarez went 3-4 and was a triple short of the cycle in his first professional game. After a ground out in the 1st inning, Alvarez proceeded to single, homer, double and collect 4 RBI's in his next 3 plate appearances to lead Class A Lynchburg to a win in their season opener.
  • Anyone else hoping for a September call-up to get his feet wet, then a mid may call-up in 2010. It is a definite possibility
  • Next Friday will be the first installment of a weekly feature, "Down on the Farm", in which we highlight the highs and lows of the Pirates top 10 prospects as they make their way to the majors.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Carpenter Just Too Good


From 2004-2006 Chris Carpenter compiled a record of 51-18, winning the N.L. Cy Young in 2005. 07 and 08 were both injury plagued years, only compiling 5 starts over those years. At this point in '09 it is safe to assume that Carpenter is healthy and ready to regain his CY Young form after 1 hitting the Buccos this afternoon at Busch Stadium. The Pirates got their 1st hit after 6 2/3 when Vasquex singled through the right side. Carpenters final line was 7 innings, 1 single, and giving up 1 un-earned run, and striking out 7.

Pirates Top Performer: 1-2, 1 single, 1 run

On the other side of the mound, Ross Ohlendorf answered many questions if he would be able to repeat his stellar spring training and he did. Ohlendorf scattered 7 hits over 6+ innings giving up 2 earned runs, and striking out 1. He avoided the huge inning, but sometimes it's still not enough. Burnett and Yates each pitched a scoreless inning.

Game Notes
  • Both LaRoches had off due to a family hunting trip, although Andy did make it in the 8th inning to strike out.
  • Freddy Sanchez ended his 3 game hitting streak.. Dimaggio was thisss close
  • Going to be nice to not have to deal with Pujols in what seems like every other inning.


Tragic News


I know this is a Pirate blog, but this resonates with all of baseball.

Angels rookie pitcher and talented prospect Nick Adenhart was killed as a cause of hit and run early Thursday morning. Adenhart and 3 passengers were unexpectedly blindsided by a minivan running a red light and sending Adenharts Mitsubishi into a telephone pool, 2 of his passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. Adenhart was pronounced dead after surgery at UC Irvine Medical Center. A fourth passenger remains in critical condition. Police Lt. Craig Brower reported that the minivan driver fled the crash scene and was apprehended a short time later. The driver was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run. Adenhart had just started for Anaheim Wednesday night striking out 5 over 6 scoreless innings. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

"I'm in shock right now, He just pitched last night. It doesn't seem like this is happening."
- Torii Hunter, Angels OF



Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Duke of St. Louis


Pirates explode offensively with seventeen hits resulting in 7 runs. Pirates knock around Cards starter Todd Wellemeyer early and often. Freddy Sanchez set the tone early in what would turn out to be a great game for him. Pirates squander a chance to score in the first but do not make the same mistake in the second inning. With suddenly red hot Branden Moss beginning the barrage that saw a string of 5 straight Pirate batters reaching base while scrapping together 4 runs in the second. Buccos add 1 more in the third and 2 more in the sixth which was plenty of support for Zach Duke. Duke went 6 1/3 scattering 5 hits and avoiding the dreaded "big inning". Duke even froze Albert Pujols on a perfectly located 0-2 Fastball that painted the inside corner. Duke did a good job getting ahead in the count and kept his pitch count down enabling us to keep the bullpen in the bullpen. Nate McLouth got his first hit of the year, a two-run home run that was gone the second he hit it. Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez spent more time on base than they did in the dugout with 4 hits...a piece! Good win, good sign with Duke looking like he did as a rook. Pirates look to take 3 of 4 against the Cards tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for 1:40. Ross Ohlendorf will be battling Chris Carpenter.

Game Notes
  • 5 players for Bucs have multi-hit games
  • 1-4 hitters go combined 9-20
  • Ad. La Roche 0-5, In the zone
  • An. La Roche didn't play. Thank God
  • Duke - 6 1/3, 5 h, 1 er, 2 bb, 4 ks
  • Yates made it interesting keeping his season era at 27.00
  • Sanchez, Morgan, and Wilson all batting .400 or higher (look for this to continue, Ted Williams was overrated)

Puke


Awesome Catch Bro.

A lot of expectations for Snell coming in to tonight to forget about '08 and move on too a clean slate. He didn't answer any of those expectations. It's tough to give a good review of a game you had to watch on Justin.tv but it just seemed like Snell was back to the normal- no 1st pitch strikes, Pujols destroyed his life, couldn't get in to the 5th inning. Nothing much else too say, Hinske got his 1st start as a Pirate and went 1-4 with a Double and 2 K's. Bullpen was average. Sean Burnett is a man, plain and simple.
Stats
  • W- Lohse
  • L- Ian Snell
  • Sanchez- 2-4, 2-Run Home Run
  • Nyjer- 1-4, Reached Base Twice, 2 Runs
  • Andy LaRoche- 0-3, 1 Error.. So on the season that would be 0-6 and 3 Errors.

Miscellaneous
  • Anyone else already sick of Andy LaRoche and counting the days till Alvarez..
  • This whole outing without Ludwick in the lineup
  • Need a good one out of Zach Duke tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Opening Day Notes


In case you got wrapped up in the hype of what turned out to be the of the most boring NCAA college championship ever and missed opening day, here is the round-up.

American League
  • Weather was terrible actually forcing the postponement of Red Sox vs Rays and the highly anticipated Royals vs White Sox match up
  • Yankees continue to spend money and look stupid doing so, Sabathia couldn't get out of the fifth and gave up 6 earned to the upstart Orioles highlighted by standout performance from Adam Jones (keep an eye on this kid) Orioles win 10-5
  • Cliff Lee gets pounded by the Rangers as they hit there way to a 9-1 win over the Tribe
  • The Tigers continue to disappoint as Verlander starts the season giving up 4 runs in the first to the Blue Jays to give him a sterling early season ERA of 19.64, Halladay wasnt brilliant but gets the w as the Jays take it 12-5
  • The Angels win 3-0 as Joe Saunders assumes the role of opening day starter quite nicely, look for the Angels to win this division easily again
National League

  • Mets have a bullpen now, Putz hurled a scoreless 8th and K-Rod closed and proceeded with an Ovechkin like celebration as always. Mets win 2-1 and have a lead in the division that they will hold until September when they will surely relinquish it to the Phillies
  • Rockies and Arizona agree to toss batting practice to eachother as Tony Clark and Felipe Lopez each have 2 home runs for the D-Backs as they win the slugfest 9-8
  • Hanley Ramirez reminds everyone hes still a freak as he hits a Grand Slam, has 5 RBIs, and carrys the Marlins to a 12-6 win past the once again atrocious Nationals. Emilio Bonifacio is impressive for the Marlins as well with 4 hits
  • Carlos Zambrano manages not to look like he wants to murder someone as he cruises to a 4-2 victory vs the Astros. Home runs from Soriano and former Pirate Aramis dont hurt either
  • Kuroda looks good, Manny does not as Dodgers beat a Padres team that couldnt hit Rihanna if they were Chris Brown...Dodgers win 4-1
  • Finally, The Buccos, in thrilling fashion come back first from 2-0 to tie it at 2 after a Nyjer Morgans 2-run single, only to see the bullpen give up the big fly to Ludwick in the 8th to make it 3-2. Cards add another in the 8th making it 4-2 going into the 9th. Sanchez has a leadoff double, Mclouth k's, Doumit k's, Adam LaRoche singles home Sanchez making it 4-3 with 2 outs. Pinch hitter Eric Hinske doubles to put runners at 2nd and 3rd, Branden Moss gets hbp, and Jack Wilson, who batted over .300 last season in 0-2 counts, comes through in an 0-2 count with a bases clearing double. Capps cruises to the save and the Buccos take it 6-4. First place

Profile-Nyjer Morgan


Birthday- July 2, 1980
Birthplace- San Fran
Job- Be Clutch

In case you missed the Pirates thrilling dismantle of the borderline serviceable Cardinal bullpen in the late innings of Mondays game, here is something you should know. Nyjer Morgan is poised to have a breakout year. It didn't take long for him to announce his presence in the lineup, leading off the game with a line drive to right field setting the tone for the season that the Pirates are here to ambush the N.L Central.

Lets get to know a man who left California when he was 16 for greener pastures in the sport of...Hockey? Yes, Hockey. Morgan actually spent 4 years playing junior league hockey in Canada including a year in major junior hockey with the Regina Pats. Morgan then turned to baseball, playing 2 years at junior college Walla Walla (not to be confused with Nickelodeons Gullah Gullah) in Washington. He was rated the 8th top prospect in the New York-Penn League by Baseball America following the 2003 season. Look for Nyjer to become a staple at the top of the Pirate lineup and if not im sure the Regina Pats would have him back, hell they probably pay more than the buccos anyways.


Monday, April 6, 2009

Jack Flash


You know sometimes every sane person asks himself about the Pirates, 'Here we go again'..

Recap

What a game. Maholm was unreal as expected-- Should have had at least 15 W's last year if not for the league leading 9 leads the bullpen blew for him. Left too many runners on base early, i think like 7 through 3 innings and it came back to hurt in the bottom of the 3rd when Andy LaRoche forgets that he just had a month to work on that exact play in Florida.. probably had snow in his eye.. twice. Gave up a few but didnt get killed with the big inning, could have been a lot worse if one of those ropes headed for a gap. Double play saves our ass.
Got a couple in the 6th, to tie it up but Maholm buzz-killed with a really bad base running mistake that would have given McLouth an opportunity with runners on 2nd and 3rd.
The 8th was bad from the 1st pitch to Ludwick, Homer- Pop Out- Walk; Captain America comes in relief and right away gives up a single- Sac fly which should have never happened except Brandon Moss had a throw that would piss off a high school coach-- (A 4 bouncer. From about 150 feet. Really Brandon.. wow)
Then the 9th, a first pitch Sanchez double immediately puts the tying run at the plate for the heart of our order.-- McLouth K's and Doumit grounded out. LaRoche awakens from his hibernation a month beore usual and decides to get a cluth hit.-- 4-3. Hinske Doubles and Moss gets plunked to load the bases for Flash. Double to the wall scores 3.
Capps closes it out without much trouble.
Gametime.
Stats
  • Nyjer: 3-5, 2 R.B.I.'s, Looks phenomenal in the new Gray Uni's
  • Doumit: 0-5, 5 L.O.B., Ugh
  • Flash: 1-5, 3 R.B.I.'s, 2 K's
  • W- Captain America (1)
  • L- Motte
  • S- Capps (1)
Miscellaneous
  • Pujols is Insane.. so good
  • Wainwright threw a ton of pitches-- Maholm didn't
  • Cardinals Bullpen may be worse than ours
  • Remember Scott Spezio.. now he was a tool