The Fundamental Problem is . . . Russell

Pirates lose again. Burres pitched decent enough. Sad fact is that he had to make his own offense. McCutchen had a solo shot in the third, but Burres had a nice two out triple to drive in two.

But, the Pirates should have won. My problem is now with the manager, John Russell. The Pirates are in a losing streak. They need runs. Russell has to be willing to make runs, not depend on a big hit. He got one from the pitcher, but he was hoping for more from others. Here is the situation. The Game is tied 3-3. Ryan Doumit gets a lead off base hit. He goes to second on a wild pitch. So Bobby Crosby is in a hitters count with no outs and the go ahead run on second. Crosby should have bunted. That would have put Doumit on third with one out and Milledge up. All that would be needed is a fly ball to take the lead. Crosby swings away and flies out. Doumit still at second. Then Milledge is up, and Doumit gets picked off from second, then Milledge gets out and that ends the inning.

Russell has to be willing to manufacture runs. Crosby is not a power hitter. He is not giving up a chance at a long ball when you ask him to bunt. It was the bottom of the order. Take the runs how you can get them. Immediately after that the Pirates give up a sac fly and go down 4-3. Game over.

I am also disturbed with how often the Pirates make base running mistakes. Doumit getting picked off of second base is not the first time this has happened this season. Neil Walker was picked off just last week. Walker was doubled up on a line drive while on second base tonight too. Base running errors are killing this team which does not have the offensive power to over come them. You have to lay this problem at the feet of managers. When it happens this often it is a problem managers need to address.