Disappointing Opening

The Pirates dropped their opening series to the Cubs of all teams.  Not exactly an overwhelming endorsement for the season.

But, there is some good to come of it.  The Pirate rotation looks good.  Burnett and Wandy were dominating.  Unbelievable in fact.  I had huge concerns about James McDonald coming into the season.  Was the first half of last season a fluke?  Well, that may still be up in the air, but he pitched well in last night's game.  Not a ton of strike outs, but he only gave up one run.  That ought to be enough for a team to pull out a win or at least have a lead.  Not so with the Pirates pathetic offense.

The offense is currently the problem, but then again, it is early.  Cutch looks great.  Alvarez has hit okay, although had an 0-fer yesterday.  I am not sure why Clint put Martin hitting second yesterday.  This team's offense is going to be dependent on Marte, Cutch, Alvarez, and Walker.  If we want to win we are going to need to get something from the others.  Right now the best candidate is Clint Barmes.  Yikes.  Jones, Sanchez, and/or Martin need to hit with some power and soon.

What was actually more disappointing is the four opening day losses for our minor leagues.  Ouch.  Hansen (who I am not sold on), and Polanco were held hitless in Bradenton.  West Virginia got blanked.  Altoona had some good hitting, but no pitching, and Indy had some pitching without real hitting.  The lone bright spots were Jason Creasy pitching 3 innings of one run ball.  I like that kid.  Victor Black striking out the side (his next inning not as good), and the fact that no injuries took place.

Here is to a better second series in LA.