Another loss in another Morton start

Charlie Morton is not my favorite pitcher. He did well last time and actually did okay again. He was hit with another early run, which has always been his problem, but he kept it together again. Two games in a row. He got lots of ground balls, so it looks as if his new sinker is really working. But he is not striking guys out like he used to do. That first run was on an RBI ground out (a double play if I remember correctly). It would have been a real nice place to fan someone. He walks way too many hitters. He already has 10 walks on the year in two starts. Morton is living on the edge. I guess he could still go either way this season. If he found some way to avoid the walks and start getting a few more swings and misses, then he could have a nice season. Or he could have a game or two where his sinker does not sink and get lit up for major runs.

Jose Veras had his first bad outing. He gave up the three run inning and absorbed the loss. Daniel McCutchen is up and will be in the pen. I like this. He had success in the pen last year, and it is his only real option in the majors. I think he will do fine. Jose Tabata continues to amaze. Nine game hitting streak now, that is a hit in every game. Also he has a two game homer streak. That is a nice bonus.

On another positive note, I think we have seen enough of Hurdle as manager now to get excited. He used the pen nicely tonight after using everyone in the pen last night except Meek. He did not break his personal rule about not using a reliever on three straight nights, and he did not have to go back to anyone who pitched multiple innings last night. He went and got Kevin Correia to throw his side session during the game. Correia logged a nice shut out inning. It was a nice piece of managing. He has also shown a good use of the bunt, the steal, and even the platoon. He is making sure his players play, and his team is competitive. I like it. The Pirates are above .500 and only 1.5 games out of first. Hurdle is doing good things, and if we can get Alvarez to hit, the Pirates could be the surprise team this year.

As for the minors, West Virginia rained out again. This time a double dip is washed out. I am ready for the Power, so this is not good for me. Sterling Marte had a great night and Jordy Mercer was okay as well. Alex Presley in AAA continues to argue for a place on the big league roster or as a trade option. Justin Wilson had an impressive start to his season, but Indy lost anyway.