Legends Field was renamed George M. Steinbrenner Field today at the Pirates game. Now, naming Legends after George is no big deal since the man has singlehandedly given more to the City of Tampa than most could ever believe possible.
But poor Jo – she took the mound to deliver the ceremonial first pitch and what happened? It bounced. After the fireworks, military flyover, and ole George making his rounds in a golf cart to the applause of everyone, Pirates included, the Yankees then lost the game.
Dang those first pitches.
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Gorzy went six innings and a scout on hand said later he thought he looked more comfortable on the mound than his last outing, but not anywhere near where he needs to be. Perhaps he’s starting to trust his arm better now? That’s a good sign but also a worrisome one because that’s usually when arms break. We’ll just have to hope for the best.
Tossing a two-hitter over six frames against a lineup featuring just three Yankee starters (Jeter, Arod, and Posada who, by the way, hit a combined .300 off Gorzy including a walk and a home run), Gorzy tossed 55% (41) of his 74 pitches for strikes and saw batter after batter hacking early in the count like they just wanted the game over in a hurry or something. Balls were hit hard off him – he wasn’t fooling anyone. Plus, the Yankees starting eight had just two guys seeing the ball well their last few starts, so that’s also a bit of a concern.
Nyjer Morgan was the nut of the day trying to lay a sac bunt down to move runners on 1st and 2cd over with no outs (vs putting the ball in play but the bunt might have been called from the dugout although doubtful because the runners weren’t in motion), the runner at third is out from an ineffective bunt to the wrong side of the diamond, and then Morgan gets picked at first for the second out.
LoL.. and they want to keep him on the roster instead of sending him down and letting him develop and learn how to play a TEAM game? Unbelievable.
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Nady watch: 0-3 with yet another strikeout.
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AL scout on Doumit: “He’s no [Jeff] Clement. I can empathize with Neal’s position, but he wouldn’t be receiving on my club if I had a choice.” Later in the conversation he wondered aloud why the Pirates backed off their plans to put him in right.
I was glad to hear someone in the game felt the same way I did.
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Sean Burnett was added to the Indy roster Thursday afternoon late so he’s the odd-man out. I hope he goes down with a positive attitude and dominates. I’m guessing we’re going to need him down the road this year.
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For those of you keeping track, one of the first lawsuits challenging Don Beaver’s plan to build a minor league park in Charlotte was denied. Beaver has some friends that would rather see a major league park built than spending the land and money for a minor league facility. There are still a round or two of challenges so it’s not over, but by the looks of things, Beaver will get his park.
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Pirateball.com reported today Sanchez played second for four innings after reporting to practice for the day feeling good. That’s a good first step. We’ll have to see if he remains pain-free.
And guess who was hitting in front of Sanchez all four innings? Chris Duffy. They raked.
Let me tell you, if Duffy can get on his feet quicker than we are anticipating (mid-May to June’ish), then you’ll see me start to get a little excited. Duffy, Sanchez, Bay would be a very solid top of the lineup. Very solid.
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There are some rumors floating around with Pirates names on them. Marte and Morgan were both linked to the Tigers today.
And no, the Rays need Bay or Nady like a whole in the head.
Related posts:
Chances that Marte gets traded to the Tigers? 50%,75%10%? I guess with Burnett to Indy-does that mean we are done trading?keep the good work!!
Bill
Jake – Re: the Yanks starting lineup – Matsui and Damon were also out there.
Come on. Give some credit once in awhile would you. The Yankee\’s had 4 starters Damon,AROD, Jeter and Posada and used Matsui and Cabrera in the game. If you know the Yankee’s they use their bench players continually in the mix at 1B, OF& DH. If you want to hit the win, hit the performance on the Igawa side. Surprised you did not call this their D team. This arm chair quarterbacking their performance is getting ridiculous. Wins are always not wins in your eyes and losses are I told you so. You can’t have it both ways. You can only play what is in front of you, A nice risk free approach from you. Your not reporting the facts correctly or you shade on the side of its good day but that will be the last one, because a “scout said” he looks bad/is injured/has a bad arm angle/wheres the wrong color socks….. Changes are coming soon that may be a surprise to you. The biggest may be the Pirates.
rich – I missed Damon, but I consider Matsui a 4th/5th OF type like Melky. You said: “Changes are coming soon that may be a surprise to you. The biggest may be the Pirates.” Nothing would make me happier. We’ll see who is right.
bill – who knows. Probably 0%, but there is talk out there.
yeah i’m not expecting Happy Days Are Here Again. or a don’t worry guys this is our year. But a little credit for a win would be nice to read every once in a while.
Seriously Jake I agree with the other guys who posted. You give no credit at all. He wins because the entire lineup hasn\’t been seeing the ball yet?
Thats just silly. A win is a win period. They where good enough the other team wasn\’t.
Period.
No Bay for the second straight day? Maholm pushed back a few days to start the season. Hopefully nothing serious with his back.
Bill
I\\\’m worried that Burnett will get discouraged and through in the towel. He deserved to make this team. He has been treated like crap and I don\\\’t know anyone who has been as good as him this spring. What a disaster, I don\\\’t think this Meek guy is any good and I certainly don\\\’t think Matt Morris is worth anything to this team. Cut your losses and release him. Burnett is ten times the pitcher he is.
KK
They can\’t give up on Meek. They are not going to be in the pennant race. They need to find more talent. Burnett will be with the big club if he keeps pitching like he has thus far. Remember, this is a new role for him. Some seasoning in AAA should only make him better. How many relievers did they go through last year? One of the biggest concerns is the minor league depth. If Burnett was kept then meek or Dumatrait would be gone. Not all decisions are made based on performance. Look at Headley, Longoria, and Bruce. They are all ready and on contending (TB is contending for a .500 season) teams. These teams are slowing down their clocks and all are bettter prospects than Pearce. As for Jake\’s negativity, it kind of balances the love fest the PG prints.