We threw everything we had at the Cubs and still walked away losers. It’s just uncanny how dominating they have been against us regardless of who starts on the mound. Perhaps that can be best attributed to a feeling of superiority over us, much like we see when we play the Brewers?
The final score was 3-1 and one of those runs came when McCutchen’s throw to the plate was high in the second. Give him credit though because if McLouth had thrown that ball it wouldn’t have been anywhere near the plate. In the fourth when Bradley hit a gapper into left center, McCutchen’s rainbow’ish relay went over Wilson’s head to Sanchez or Soto might have been dead meat at the plate too. Two years from now those will probably be automatic outs with Cutch in the middle but today it was two runs scored.. the two they won by.
So much for defensive runs saved? Well, sort of.. short-term anyway.
I think we were lucky to do any damage to Harden anyway. He’s tough against young players, especially a free-swinging group like we are. We had our chances but couldn’t deliver in the clutch which has been one of our biggest downfalls offensively all year outside of no power. I mean, we managed four hits including a double in the fifth but managed just one run. Talk about unlucky.
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Perhaps this is old news, but did you know that one of Ogden Nutting’s newspapers in PA ran a classified ad in May calling for the assassination of President Barack Obama? Either did I until I caught up on my reading over at the DailyKos.
Now that’s interesting since Robert Nutting, the majority partner of the Pittsburgh Pirates who lives in West Virginia, is listed as the CEO of Ogden Newspapers over at mediaowners.com. Even more interesting is that the political site West Virginia Blue stated that the publisher of the newspaper apologized for the publication but further mentioned the newspaper, nor the Nuttings, ever offered an online retractment.
Obviously that was an unfortunate incident but you know, it’s this type of drama that follows the Nuttings and the Pirates like the plague.
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The Pirates spent a few more dollars grabbing another international athletic, large body prospect.
My-oh-my.. our recruiting work in the Pacific Rim is just rocking along, huh?
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If true, well no damn wonder the Pirates dumped Craig Monroe when they did. And you thought it had to do with accountability. Jeez.
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So who is THIS dude with a 6-2 record last ten starts with a 2.03 ERA at Lynchburg? And look at those two losses – he allowed just two earned runs over 13 innings of work but still took home L’s.
Now that’s sick. And remember what I told you, his velocity has been down some this year to boot.
Gee.. I wonder if it’s time to move him up to 2A?
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Shut down Shelby Ford Neal. Oh wait, he was. Well, at least for Monday. Send him to Bradenton please.
And hey, I see Neal’s evaluation of Daniel McCutchen Sunday was right on the money a little off: he allowed three walks in five innings Monday. So much for improved command. But Veal is showing us all why he was worth the Rule 5 roster slot all year picking up right where he left off, huh? Ughh. I know, I know, processes take time when tools aren’t available.
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Was that Ryan Doumit still on the bench in Pittsburgh Monday night? I suppose they are waiting for him to start his rehab in Bradenton with play on July 1st since 6 of the first 10 games in the month are at home.
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An e-mail today from the Caribbean region said the same thing a mysterious post in yesterday’s thread appeared to say.. the Bucs can have Sano if they go to $5M. I don’t have any earthly idea how credible either of the communications are.. I’m just posting what I’m hearing for others to see and as fans we’ll find out later if they had merit or not.
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Dude, Tuesday night is $1 bleacher night at the Spikes:
“Fans will be able to take advantage of the first Buck Bleacher Night of the year on Tuesday, with Outfield Bleacher seats available for just $1 apiece. It will also be the first Going Green Tuesday of the year, presented by WTAJ. The first 1,500 fans of all ages will receive a 2009 All-Star Reusable Grocery Bag, presented by P.J. Harrigan’s.
The Spikes will also celebrate their female fan base with Ladies Night at the park, featuring ladies in all on-field contests, merchandise specials for ladies at Off the Rack Outfitters, and a special Spikes Bachelor Auction.
For ticket information, call the Spikes Box Office toll-free at (877) 99-SPIKES, or log on to the official online home of the Spikes, StateCollegeSpikes.com.”
How can you possibly go wrong?
Well Jake, we could be the Cleveland Indians i was listening to their game with Greg “The Dean” Brinda. Man Chris Perez, Mark Shapiro , and Eric Wedge had huge targets on their backs. The Pirates got some talent in AAA, Indians have very little with LaPorta, Brantley who should be called up and Victor Martinez dealt for some arms then Sizemore moved to DH then bring the youngins Hector Rondon, and JeanMar Gomez from AA Akron to Cleveland and release Ohka and find a long relief role for Jeremy Sowers get rid of the worst performer in the bullpen or Gimenez who the indians dont need as a 3rd catcher with the team. Well back to the Buccos starting fielding offers for Jack Wilson, Adam k laroche, Freddy Sanchez see what you can get.
Jake, Wilbur Miller article was pretty good on the post gazette on the Pirates improvements in UZR. Solid read
The panama kid strikes again in the VSL 2 for 5 run scored, homer , 3 rbi in game 2 of the dh, after going 0 for 3 in game 1- Jorge Bishop 18 yr old ss/2b, – 35 games- .363 8hr 33rbi, 4 doubles, 3 triples, 49 runs scored, 17 for 20 in steals, 1.016 ops.
Get off the outfield defense Jake…its not that bad and is so much better than it every has been since Van Slyke and Bonds.
Also, where is the benching of Morgan now? Haven’t heard you calling for him to be sent to Indy lately.
Whats with you and Matt McSwain? Are you related or something? I mean sure his ERA is solid but man his batting average against is .287. You make it sound like he is a legitmate #1 starter prospect.
You need to stop picking up random players and making them your own and shooting down the rest of the organizations “top prospects”. All we had to hear about was Shelby Ford two years ago and how he was the shortstop of the future. I told you he wasn’t even close to having the range to play short. Whether he is hurt or not if he can’t hit .150 how useful is he?
I heat you however. it does not really matter if our offense only scores 1 run and only 3 in two games. You can’t win like this….
not to mention the throw to the plate was actually a pretty good throw. the runner was off and running as there were two outs. Im sure ol Nate Mclouth would have had him DOA not.
Bucs have dealt Hinske to the yanks along with some cash for two 24 year old High A Players(Prospects)?
Garrett Jones Promoted to PBC
Can we stop trading with the Yankees. How many prospects , if you call them prospects, can we get from that team. We just got eight players in the past 11 months from that team.
Nyjer Morgan being reported in a trade to the Nats that could go down in the next 24 hrs. Interesting to see if they can get anything other than Milledge.
Milledge and a pitcher, perhaps? Could we really be turning from sellers into buyers today….with Nyjer Morgan of all people?
id take Milledge and a bucket of balls
Wow, nyjer and sean burnett being talked about on ppg for hanrahan and milledge
Deal Done- Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett to Washington for Joel Hanrahan and Lastings Milledge.
Love it. Got rid of are third mascot Morgan and a guy who doest know how to wear a hat. I wont miss either. more addition by subtraction. NH and FC Continue to aquire fireballers and high ceiling players.
Good Project for Kerrigan to work with in Hanrahan a guy who throws mid 90’s almost a 1.9 to 1 k to bb ratio and Lastings Milledge the pirates left fielder for the time being once he’s healthy with pop and speed.
love the deal. Looks like Milledge to AAA for more rehab. Tobatta to AAA soon. Salazar up to the big club? Seems like Jake has wanted Salazar up for awhile. wonder when Milledge will come up?? Whose next to go??????
Bill
Hard to beleive the best defensive leftfielder in the MLB is gone!! What will happen to our defense?( LOL) Seriously, a good deal for the Pirates – but not an ‘impact’ trade.
he was also majorly pimping THESE guys way back in 2004:
Chris Hernandez
Blair Johnson
Mark Michael
Justin Reid
I don’t think Jake is a very good prospect evaluator…
I like the blog , though