First, I think we should all stop and appreciate what an asset James McDonald is going to be. I am not sure how comfortable I am in his lower velocity (93 instead of 96), but he did go deep into the game and did not give up any runs. It cuts his strike outs in half. Still, a great performance by McDonald. The offense was shut down, but that is not unusual.
The not-so-good goes again to JR. Why does he put in Chan Ho Park? Park is not good at this point in his career. Park had just pitched last night, and Brad Lincoln is sitting in the pen rotting. Lincoln not only can throw many, many innings, but was hittings something like .300 in his brief major league career saving pinch hitters. Yet, JR goes to Park, and the game is soon over. Pirates lose their 3rd extra inning game in the last 4 games. That says the Pirates are close, but not there yet.
The problem for JR is that he may be the reason they are not there. In the top half of the 10th, Andrew McCutchen hits a double. Just what you expect from your super star. Tabata, who is hitting .307, is next. They try to bunt McCutchen over. Now, some think bunting itself was silly. It is hard to argue that with your two best hitters and then your two biggest power threats coming up, bunting seems unneccessary. A base hit scores McCutchen. Even if they gun down McCutchen at home, it ends up with a runner on second and one out, as Tabata has the speed to take second on a throw home. But, since I am usually a fan of the bunt, I don't think it is a completely boneheaded call. A runner on third and one out ought to be automatic run scored. But, Tabata failed and McCutchen is thrown out at third. Basically that ended the threat. Even if we say the bunt is the right call, whose fault is it that a bunt cannot be executed well. JR's of course. If this were the only stupid fundamental the Pirates screwed up all year, maybe you could write it off as a fluke, but it is not. JR does not have this team mentally ready to play.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
A nice weekend (26-51)
The Pirates just played a very solid series against the Central Leading NL Reds. They very nearly swept the Reds. Two of the three games went into extra innings, and the Reds won both of those games. The Pirates pulled a ninth inning come back to win the third game. Right now that is the difference between the two ball clubs. And even more impressive is that these games were in Cincy.
The Pirates blew one game, came back and sent the second won into extras, and came back and won the third. The Pirates win was the future of the team. McCutchen’s double with two outs gave the Pirates the lead. In the game before that the Pirates had come close on a double steal with Tabata and McCutchen after those two guys knocked out the closer. Dusty Baker went to Chapman, the 100 MPH rookier hurler. Neil Walker took him back up the middle and the Pirates had innings.
The only problem was again the managing. Yes, some late inning steals in a couple of those games looked beautiful, but it makes you wonder why JR does not run more with Tabata and McCutchen. What was really strange was that in both of the extra inning loses, he kept going with his short inning bullpen guys. He had Brad Lincoln in the pen. A guy ready to go, needing work, and capable of long inning counts. Yet, instead, JR went with nothing but short men, and each time it cost him. You just wonder why they did not go give the ball to Lincoln.
Overall it was an encouraging series for the Pirates. We will see how they build on it versus the lesser competition of the Mets and the better starting pitcher in James McDonald.
The Pirates blew one game, came back and sent the second won into extras, and came back and won the third. The Pirates win was the future of the team. McCutchen’s double with two outs gave the Pirates the lead. In the game before that the Pirates had come close on a double steal with Tabata and McCutchen after those two guys knocked out the closer. Dusty Baker went to Chapman, the 100 MPH rookier hurler. Neil Walker took him back up the middle and the Pirates had innings.
The only problem was again the managing. Yes, some late inning steals in a couple of those games looked beautiful, but it makes you wonder why JR does not run more with Tabata and McCutchen. What was really strange was that in both of the extra inning loses, he kept going with his short inning bullpen guys. He had Brad Lincoln in the pen. A guy ready to go, needing work, and capable of long inning counts. Yet, instead, JR went with nothing but short men, and each time it cost him. You just wonder why they did not go give the ball to Lincoln.
Overall it was an encouraging series for the Pirates. We will see how they build on it versus the lesser competition of the Mets and the better starting pitcher in James McDonald.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Back to normal (25-49)
Zack Duke ended the string of good pitching. This is why he needs to be let go at the end of the year. He is just not good. One inning was all he could manage. His line would have been much worse but Daniel McCutchen got out of a 1 out basese loaded jam for him. Then McCutchen exploded in the next inning, and Sean Gallagher got his shot. In the end 8 pitchers would take the hill. Sad.
But it is not like the Pirates offense was bad, they just couldn't score. How do you get 12 hits in a game and score only 3 runs. Alvarez is hot again with 3 hits in this game. Andrew McCutchen had multiple hits. Tabata chipped in one as did Neil Walker who extended his hit streak to 15. Pedro Ciriarco got his first making everyone wonder why Ronny Cedano is still starting. Alex Presley got a hit, which made you feel bad that there is no room for him on the team, Brandon Moss got one making everyone fear he will get some starts, and now it is time to wait and see what happens with the rest of these guys in the future.
Making matters worse Bradenton lost Game 2 of its play off series (1-1). Altoona dropped Game 1 of theirs.
But it is not like the Pirates offense was bad, they just couldn't score. How do you get 12 hits in a game and score only 3 runs. Alvarez is hot again with 3 hits in this game. Andrew McCutchen had multiple hits. Tabata chipped in one as did Neil Walker who extended his hit streak to 15. Pedro Ciriarco got his first making everyone wonder why Ronny Cedano is still starting. Alex Presley got a hit, which made you feel bad that there is no room for him on the team, Brandon Moss got one making everyone fear he will get some starts, and now it is time to wait and see what happens with the rest of these guys in the future.
Making matters worse Bradenton lost Game 2 of its play off series (1-1). Altoona dropped Game 1 of theirs.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A series victory (25-48)
Wow. The Pirates looked real good tonight. James McDonald brings a weapon that the Pirates have been missing. Real good pitching. His strike out rate was down, but he got through 7 with a little over 100 pitches. No runs allowed is the most important stat. He was in a real jam in the 6th with the bases loaded and one out, but he got the 5-4-3 double play. Neil Walker has a fourteen game hitting streak. Garrett Jones got two hits, and Pedro Alvarez picked up the Game Winning RBI with a nasty double. Dwelvyn Young hit a monster blast pinch hitting and the Pirates five run 7th inning was enough to get the win.
The main concern on the night was coaching again. I think JR got lucky sending McDonald back out for the 7th inning. He was high in his pitch count and a perfect opportunity to pinch hit came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. It paid off, but with a bevy of new arms in the bullpen why not go get one and use it. Also, I didn't like using Meek and Hanrahan in the 8th and 9th. These guys need to be the big arms next year, so don't tax them too much this year. With a five run lead, I would have gone with some of the new guys. Martinez, Bass, Jackson, or whomever. If it got tight, you could always still go get Meek and Hanrahan. I appreciate the win, but it is time to start factoring next year into the equation too.
Let us see if we can get the series sweep tomorrow. Hopefully a glimpse at some of the call ups too.
The main concern on the night was coaching again. I think JR got lucky sending McDonald back out for the 7th inning. He was high in his pitch count and a perfect opportunity to pinch hit came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th. It paid off, but with a bevy of new arms in the bullpen why not go get one and use it. Also, I didn't like using Meek and Hanrahan in the 8th and 9th. These guys need to be the big arms next year, so don't tax them too much this year. With a five run lead, I would have gone with some of the new guys. Martinez, Bass, Jackson, or whomever. If it got tight, you could always still go get Meek and Hanrahan. I appreciate the win, but it is time to start factoring next year into the equation too.
Let us see if we can get the series sweep tomorrow. Hopefully a glimpse at some of the call ups too.
September Call Ups
I personally like what the Pirates did. They have called up just about everyone they could. They have some big decisions to make in the off season, so might as well get a look at everyone you can. And why not go ahead and start bullpen try out right now. Might save some innings on Meek and Hanrahan too.
Here are the call ups. Brad Lincoln, Justin Thomas, Brian Bass, and Steven Jackson as pitchers. Alex Presley, Brandon Moss, Jason Jarmillo, and Pedro Ciriaco for the field.
Now some spots had to be opened up as Moss, Presley, Jackson, and Ciriaco were not on the 40 Man roster. So, Ross Ohelendorf was moved to the 60 Day DL as was Jeff Clement. Then Aki Iwamura and Eric Kratz were Designated for Assignment.
Mostly I like it. I like the massive additions. Clearly Lincoln needs to get some more starts under his belt. Thomas gives you an extra lefty in the pen. Jackson and Bass can help out a pen, so they have a benefit. Jackson has seen action already, and Bass might could give you a post start, which seems to be something the Pirates might need as Karstens looks fragile.
Ciriaco needed to be called up as well since he will be competing for a spot on next year’s roster with Argentis Diaz. He does need to play. I hope we have seen the last of Cedano for the season. Let the kid play. Presley was a bit of a surprise. I figure he will go unprotected this summer, but it is a nice reward for a great season. I look forward to seeing what he can do. I hope this means we will see little to nothing of Milledge and maybe a few more off days for Tabata and McCutchen. Especially McCutchen, who maybe playing through some injuries. Jarmillo, I could take it or leave it. I personally like Kratz better, but it is what it is. Moss played well enough to get a shot as well. He could be a valuable trade piece if they let him see what he can do in the outfield again.
My complaints are small. I like Kratz better than Jarmillo, but Jarmillo is younger. Neither is a prospect so no real issue. Although I think cutting him now gives the Pirates a better chance at him clearing waivers than if they did it in teh winter. So he should still be in the Pirate system. The other is Aki Iwamura. Yes, we are dumping him in the off season anyway. But I feel a little like we paid 4 million for him to play AAA ball. I would have preferred him to get some time at second or third (resting Alvarez) just to get a little more return on the investment. I suppose I would have called him up and left Bass off the roster as he is not fighting for a job next year. I do see how it would have been difficult to find time for Aki other than pinch running, and Bass can be used. Still, it seems like such a waste.
Other than that, I am excited with the new additions to the Pirates. Don’t forget that Bowker and Martinez were already called up. Should be nice to see how they fit into the Pirate picture as well. Let the competition begin.
Here are the call ups. Brad Lincoln, Justin Thomas, Brian Bass, and Steven Jackson as pitchers. Alex Presley, Brandon Moss, Jason Jarmillo, and Pedro Ciriaco for the field.
Now some spots had to be opened up as Moss, Presley, Jackson, and Ciriaco were not on the 40 Man roster. So, Ross Ohelendorf was moved to the 60 Day DL as was Jeff Clement. Then Aki Iwamura and Eric Kratz were Designated for Assignment.
Mostly I like it. I like the massive additions. Clearly Lincoln needs to get some more starts under his belt. Thomas gives you an extra lefty in the pen. Jackson and Bass can help out a pen, so they have a benefit. Jackson has seen action already, and Bass might could give you a post start, which seems to be something the Pirates might need as Karstens looks fragile.
Ciriaco needed to be called up as well since he will be competing for a spot on next year’s roster with Argentis Diaz. He does need to play. I hope we have seen the last of Cedano for the season. Let the kid play. Presley was a bit of a surprise. I figure he will go unprotected this summer, but it is a nice reward for a great season. I look forward to seeing what he can do. I hope this means we will see little to nothing of Milledge and maybe a few more off days for Tabata and McCutchen. Especially McCutchen, who maybe playing through some injuries. Jarmillo, I could take it or leave it. I personally like Kratz better, but it is what it is. Moss played well enough to get a shot as well. He could be a valuable trade piece if they let him see what he can do in the outfield again.
My complaints are small. I like Kratz better than Jarmillo, but Jarmillo is younger. Neither is a prospect so no real issue. Although I think cutting him now gives the Pirates a better chance at him clearing waivers than if they did it in teh winter. So he should still be in the Pirate system. The other is Aki Iwamura. Yes, we are dumping him in the off season anyway. But I feel a little like we paid 4 million for him to play AAA ball. I would have preferred him to get some time at second or third (resting Alvarez) just to get a little more return on the investment. I suppose I would have called him up and left Bass off the roster as he is not fighting for a job next year. I do see how it would have been difficult to find time for Aki other than pinch running, and Bass can be used. Still, it seems like such a waste.
Other than that, I am excited with the new additions to the Pirates. Don’t forget that Bowker and Martinez were already called up. Should be nice to see how they fit into the Pirate picture as well. Let the competition begin.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Spoiler Alert! (24-48)
The Pirates continue to confuse by playing great today and following up a couple of series losses to pathetic teams by beating the Leaders of the National League East Atlanta Braves 3 to 1. Make it even stranger Brian Burres, who stinks so bad out of the bullpen, won his third game this year (all starts) by throwing a quality start, six innings of one run baseball.
It started great. The Pirates leader, Andrew McCutchen got a lead off walk, stole second base, and took third when the Braves catcher threw it into center. Why the Pirates do not put more pressure on teams by running more with McCutchen and Tabata is beyond me. Tabata showed his worth by getting the RBI ground out and the Pirates were up one to zip. Burres gave up a run in the second, but did get out of the mess. Neil Walker followed up a Tabata hit with a two run blast to cap the scoring in the 6th, just in time to get Burres the decision. The Great Pen of the Pirates struck again with Resop holding down the 7th, Meek the 8th, and Hanrahan the 9th. This is the potential the Pirates have.
The problem is also laid bare in this. The bottom of the order was awful, and produced no runs. Alvarez had one hit. Doumit had a hit (and a walk), but they never get together to drive anyone in. Cedano continues to be a joke in the line up and problme of right field today turned out to be Dwelven Young. As long as the top three are the only ones doing anything, then the Pirates have to have quality starts. That has been rare. But today shows that if they get them, they can win even against good opponents. All three of the bullpen guys should be back next year, and the bullpen is good enough to close out most games.
Despite the problems still in the Pirate line-up, I am just going to celebrate a victory.
It started great. The Pirates leader, Andrew McCutchen got a lead off walk, stole second base, and took third when the Braves catcher threw it into center. Why the Pirates do not put more pressure on teams by running more with McCutchen and Tabata is beyond me. Tabata showed his worth by getting the RBI ground out and the Pirates were up one to zip. Burres gave up a run in the second, but did get out of the mess. Neil Walker followed up a Tabata hit with a two run blast to cap the scoring in the 6th, just in time to get Burres the decision. The Great Pen of the Pirates struck again with Resop holding down the 7th, Meek the 8th, and Hanrahan the 9th. This is the potential the Pirates have.
The problem is also laid bare in this. The bottom of the order was awful, and produced no runs. Alvarez had one hit. Doumit had a hit (and a walk), but they never get together to drive anyone in. Cedano continues to be a joke in the line up and problme of right field today turned out to be Dwelven Young. As long as the top three are the only ones doing anything, then the Pirates have to have quality starts. That has been rare. But today shows that if they get them, they can win even against good opponents. All three of the bullpen guys should be back next year, and the bullpen is good enough to close out most games.
Despite the problems still in the Pirate line-up, I am just going to celebrate a victory.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Charlie's faults (23-48)
I have missed a few games because of important reasons. But the Pirates won two games out of 6 against really bad opponents. The Cubs and Nats are food that real teams eat alive. The Pirates cannot even win a series against them. The good news is that Doumit's bat came alive, Walker is on a roll, and Alvarez makes the most of every hit and finally tonight broke his homer slump with number 11. The bad news is that McCutchen is still slumping and the Pirates are still incompetent at base running and defense. Milledge is a joke on both, and worse yet is the second start of Charlie Morton.
Morton showed tonight why he is unable to be a major league pitcher. Yes, he regularly just throws the game away in the first couple innings by giving up 8 to 10 runs. Tonight, he gave up one run in the first inning, but pitched okay for innings two and three. Rare for Charlie. But then things got tough in inning number 4 and Charlie folded like a lawn chair. An error made sure that four of the five runs he gave up in the fourth were unearned, but they are still Charlie's fault. He cannot handle anything going wrong. This is why he so often collapses in the first innings. If it is tough, Charlie cannot do it. This is why I think he would be awful in the bullpen. Tough situations destroy Charlie Morton. And worse yet tomorrow Brian Burres is starting. Does anyone other than me remember how good Daniel McCutchen was the last time he started? Why has managment given up on "Pitch and Cutch" and still trying to shoe horn Morton in, not to mention Brian Burres? The Pirates stand in real need of Brad Lincoln getting a call up.
The only real good news for the Pirates this past week is that two of their minor league teams are going to the playoffs. More on that in a different post.
Morton showed tonight why he is unable to be a major league pitcher. Yes, he regularly just throws the game away in the first couple innings by giving up 8 to 10 runs. Tonight, he gave up one run in the first inning, but pitched okay for innings two and three. Rare for Charlie. But then things got tough in inning number 4 and Charlie folded like a lawn chair. An error made sure that four of the five runs he gave up in the fourth were unearned, but they are still Charlie's fault. He cannot handle anything going wrong. This is why he so often collapses in the first innings. If it is tough, Charlie cannot do it. This is why I think he would be awful in the bullpen. Tough situations destroy Charlie Morton. And worse yet tomorrow Brian Burres is starting. Does anyone other than me remember how good Daniel McCutchen was the last time he started? Why has managment given up on "Pitch and Cutch" and still trying to shoe horn Morton in, not to mention Brian Burres? The Pirates stand in real need of Brad Lincoln getting a call up.
The only real good news for the Pirates this past week is that two of their minor league teams are going to the playoffs. More on that in a different post.
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