Bucco Blurb: Winter Meeting News & Rumors

By Chad Carlson

Albert Pujols.  Prince Fielder.  C.J. Wilson. Mark Buehrle.  Jamie Moyer? 

While a number of teams take their shot at the major studs of the free agent market, our Pittsburgh Pirates are “at least moderately interested” in Jamie Moyer.  Yes, that’s right…Jamie Moyer, the 49-year old who is attempting a comeback after having Tommy John surgery in 2009.

Now it’s rather foolish to assume that just because they are in discussions that this may actually become a reality.  In fact, it’s highly improbable that the Bucs would make a move like this.  Of course, they would be able to add a left-hand to a starting rotation that certainly needs one, and financially, which is always a factor, Moyer would come very cheap. 

That being said, the Bucs are also interested in another lefty, Jeff Francis.  If you’ll remember, the Pirates were in talks with him last winter, but he ended up signing with the Kansas City Royals for $2 million.  After a 6-16 campaign in 2011, he’s back on the market and is of interest, in addition to Pittsburgh, to the Minnesota Twins and Seattle Mariners.  Francis, of course, Francis pitched for Clint Hurdle when they were in Colorado together.  Maybe some pull?

There has been no further news or even rumors surrounding the Nate McClouth situation.  If there are serious discussions going on, it would appear as though the Pirates are not sold on Alex Presley as being able to fulfill a full season in left field.  McClouth hasn’t exactly made the Pirates regret trading him to Atlanta, and since Presley certainly contributed last season, this comes as a bit of a surprise.  Again, no more news about this, so until we hear more, this is no more than a rumor.

A few third baseman options continue to arise in Pirates’ discussions, but none at first base.  Neal Huntington has been quoted as saying that he’s confident that they’ll be able to fill the hole at first base internally if nothing presents itself from a trade standpoint or on the free agent market.  All indications point in the direction of Derrek Lee NOT returning to Pittsburgh, meaning that the starting job at first base would be between Garrett Jones, Nick Evans, Jake Fox, or a combination of any of the three. 

As for the third base situation, the Bucs appear to be prepared to cover themselves with a corner-man who is also able to play other infield positions.  If Pedro Alvarez struggles, they’ll have another option.  We all hope that’s not an issue.

The same problems remain at this point for the Pirates:  lack of run production.  Despite the signings of Rod Barajas and Clint Barmes, which were more defensive than offensive upgrades, the Bucs are either content with where they were last year (hope not), are overrating Barajas and Barmes, or are expecting significant offensive improves from the likes of Alvarez, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, and Jose Tabata. 

Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands as we continue to learn more about Pirates’ news and rumors surrounding the winter meetings this week.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Cardinals Outlast Pirates In Sloppy Game At PNC Park

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Pirates and Cardinals faced off tonight for the 15^th time this season, having split the first 14 games.  This particular series is proving to be much more important to St. Louis, however, as, thanks to a nice five-game winning streak (before last night) and a partial Atlanta collapse, they’ve found themselves back in the N.L. Wild Card race.  The Pirates delivered a bit of a dagger in the Cards’ hearts last night, though, with a 6-5 victory at PNC Park.

St. Louis momentarily delayed the demise of their playoff hopes with a 6-4 victory over the Pirates in an ugly game at PNC Park tonight.

Chris Carpenter took the hill tonight for the Cardinals, who has had a ton of success against the Pirates in his career.  He also signed an extension with the Cards earlier today for two more years worth over $21 million.  Jeff Karstens returned tonight for Pittsburgh.  Both right-handers were looking for their 10^th win of the season, and both were part of a pretty sloppy game played at PNC Park tonight.

Neither starting pitcher had his best stuff tonight.  Carpenter gave up four runs on ten hits, including two homeruns, through his seven innings.  As for Karstens, he only lasted 4.1 innings, surrendering four runs of his own on seven hits.

The Cardinals jumped out in front in the second inning with three runs, including a two-run single from Carpenter.  The Bucs battled back, as they’ve done all year against St. Louis, with a little help from Albert Pujols.  The Cards’ first baseman botched a relatively simple play at first base, allowing Josh Harrison to reach base and Derrek Lee to score.

Lee got the Bucs a run closer with a two-out solo homerun in the third, and after St. Louis increased the lead to 4-2, Andrew McCutchen tied the game with a two-run bomb in the seventh inning.  Cutch’s homerun, his 23^rd of the season, hit in his 87^th and 88^th RBI’s of the season, and was his first hit since Friday night against the Florida Marlins.

The ninth inning proved to be just as sloppy as the rest of the game, resulting in two Cardinals’ runs off Joel Hanrahan, which would be the difference in the ballgame.  Nick Punto’s double and Pujols’s sacrifice fly delivered the runs for St. Louis, who evened the series with the Pirates, setting up the rubber match tomorrow afternoon. 

There were several close calls tonight that went against the Pirates, but more concerning were the miscues on the base-paths and missed opportunities.  In all, there were 13 runners left on base and four errors between the two teams.  This was a game that the Cardinals absolutely had to have, and they did what they had to do to come away with a victory. 

For Pittsburgh, it was obviously a frustrating loss.  Pedro Ciriaco got a well-deserved start at shortstop tonight, and had two hits, while every starting position player tallied at least one hit.  Pedro Alvarez got into the mix in a pinch-hit spot in the ninth inning with a single.  Unfortunately, after putting two men on base with no outs, the Pirates’ rally stalled and failed, capped off by Neil Walker grounding into a game-ending double play.

The Bucs have certainly held their own against the Cards this season, and they’ll have one final chance to win this series, and even the season series, against them tomorrow afternoon in the two teams’ final matchup of 2011.With the Red Birds’ playoff chances wearing awfully thin, a loss to the Pirates tomorrow could prove to be detrimental to their postseason hopes.

Pittsburgh on the other hand, lost for the 81^st time this season.  That, of course, means that they will miss a winning season for the 19^th straight year.

Record Vs. Cardinals: 7-8

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 36-37

Record At Home: 34-43

Overall Record: 67-81

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Berkman Lifts Cardinals Past Pirates

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

Tough losses have been a theme for the Pittsburgh Pirates throughout the 2011 season.  Tonight’s game can be added to that list.  James McDonald was on the hill for Pittsburgh tonight and other than a rough third inning that saw the St. Louis Cardinals score three runs, he was effective over the course of the six innings that he pitched.  He would strike out five batters, walk three, while giving up five hits.

The Pirates offense struck early off of Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook.  After Jose Tabata walked and Alex Presley doubled, Andrew McCutchen would single in a run with a hit to left field.  Ryan Doumit followed that up with a single of his own that brought Presley in to score.  To finish off the scoring for the inning, Josh Harrison would hit a sacrifice fly to right field.

After St. Louis countered with three runs of their own in the second, the Buccos would regain the lead in the fourth inning when Tabata hit a double to right field that brought home Ronny Cedeno.  This would be the final run Pittsburgh scored on the night and the fate of the game would rest on the bullpen beginning in the seventh inning.

Jason Grilli would replace McDonald, and take down the three batters he faced.  The trouble for the Pirates pen came in the eighth inning with Jose Veras.  Veras would begin the inning by striking out Albert Pujols.  After he walked Matt Holiday, Lance Berkman hit what would be a two run home run that put the Cards ahead for good.  The Buccos would go 1-2-3 in the ninth inning, and fall 5-4 to St. Louis.

Pittsburgh will get a third shot at the Cardinals tomorrow afternoon at 4:11pm on FOX.  Jeff Karstens will take on Chris Carpenter.  This will be an important game for the Pirates if they hope to earn a split with St. Louis.

Record vs. Cardinals:  5-6
Record vs. N.L. Central:  30-30
Record on the Road:  30-33
Overall Record:  61-70

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Walker Ties It, Jones Wins Game For Pirates

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates used the long ball to win 5-4 in extra innings over the St. Louis Cardinals.  It started in the third inning, with the Pirates down 1-0, Andrew McCutchen would step to the plate with runners on second and third.  He would then tuck the ball inside the foul pole for a three run homer that gave the Buccos the lead.

The sixth inning saw the Cardinals tie the game at three.  Albert Pujols would hit his thirtieth home run of the year on a solo shot to right field.  After Lance Berkman walked with one out, David Freese would double to right field, scoring Berkman from first base.

Joel Hanrahan came into the game to begin the ninth inning and did not show his best stuff tonight.  He would allow the leadoff batter to double, which was followed up by a sacrifice bunt.  With one out and a runner on third Pujols was intentionally walked to set up the double play.  Matt Holliday hit a sacrifice fly, which at the time looked like the winning run.

Neil Walker had other plans though.  He would lead off the bottom part of the inning with a solo home run to right center field and tie the game at four.  This game would head to extra innings, which had Pirates fans a little worried since Jerry Meals was the umpire behind home plate.  For those of you who don’t remember, he was the umpire during the Pirates-Braves nineteen inning debacle back in July.

This time however Meals opinion at the plate had no bearing on the outcome of this game.  After neither team scored in the tenth, the Cards would get a base runner in the top of the eleventh, but would leave him at first base.  This would allow Garrett Jones to blast a walk off home run over the right field seats and one hop into the Allegheny River.

This was another big win for the Buccos tonight as they look to make up ground in the National League Central Division.  While the playoffs may no longer be in sight, this team is playing to end the 18 year losing curse, and many players are looking to show the deserve to be on the team in 2012. 

Jose Tabata was back on the 25-man roster tonight.  Pedro Alvarez was sent to AAA Indianapolis to make room on the roster.  Pittsburgh management was also able to sign their first and second round picks from the 2011 draft prior to the deadline.  These two signings brought the number of draft picks that the Pirates signed this year to 24.  Tonight’s win gave the Pirates 58, which is one more than they had for all of the 2010 season.

These two teams will wrap up their series tomorrow night PNC Park, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05pm.  Paul Maholm will look to pitch well and receive some run support from the Buccos Bats, while the Cardinals will counter with Kyle Lohse.

Record vs. Cardinals:  5-3
Record vs. N.L. Central:  27-23
Record at PNC Park:  28-32
Overall Record:  58-63

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Cardinals Use Long Ball To Power Past Pirates

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

While the Pittsburgh Pirates have improved in many areas this year, the one area that still has much room for improvement is the ability to hit the home run.  The lack of home runs is why the Buccos need to add a bat before the trade deadline if they hope to contend in the N.L. Central.  The St. Louis Cardinals showed what can happen when you have power in the lineup as they would hit three long balls to give them a 6-4 edge over the Pirates.

The first two HR for the Cards came in the first inning off of starter Paul Maholm.  After Garrett Jones narrowly missed a ball at the Clemente wall, Albert Pujols would hit a two run shot to centerfield.  With two outs, Lance Berkman would double and then be brought home on a David Freese homer to right field.

Pittsburgh answered with two runs in the second.  Jones would double and then score when Ronny Cedeno singled.  Maholm would help his own cause by singling home Cedeno.  While the run scored, the first of two costly base running errors would occur as Michael McKenry would be tagged out trying to return to second base. 

St. Louis starter Chris Carpenter was excellent at the plate tonight as he would go 2-4 and drive in a run during the third inning after the batter in front of him, Nick Punto was intentionally walked.   Carpenter would go eight innings allowing four runs on ten hits, while striking out four and walking one.

The Buccos cut into the lead again in the sixth inning when Jones would bring in two runs, but would be thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double.  This proved costly as the two batters after him singled, meaning that the game could have been tied at five, instead of the Cards leading 5-4.

The final home run came in the eighth inning when Yadier Molina went deep off of Pirates reliever Chris Resop. 

This was the second game in a row that the Pirates hurt themselves with costly mistakes.  Tonight it was poor pitch location against a team that has power in their lineup and poor choices on the base paths that possibly cost the team runs.  The loss tonight makes tomorrow night’s game even more important to win so that Pittsburgh has a chance of winning this series on Sunday.  Tomorrow night’s game is scheduled for 7:05.  The Buccos will send Kevin Correia to the bump, while the Cards will counter with Jaime Garcia.

Record vs. Cardinals:  2-2
Record vs. N.L. Central:  24-15
Record at Home:  25-24
Overall Record:  51-46

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

From The Fans In The Stands: PNC Park Memories

Hey Bucco fans!  A couple weeks ago, we gave away free tickets to this past Saturday’s game against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park.  Fans emailed us here at Fans From The Stands telling us about their most memorable moments at PNC Park.  Below are a couple of the stories we received from you fans out there!

“August 7, 2010:  The Pedro walk-off.  You already know what happened, the situation, and all that.  But here’s my story from that night:  It was probably as loud as PNC Park has ever been/will ever be.  The place was literally ROCKING.  I could feel it shaking.  This, not to mention the George Thorogood and fireworks show afterwards.  The dude was hilarious.  Talking about the Pirates being the best franchise in pro sports, and even though he didn’t grow up a fan, he’s not a huge supporter of the Pirates, etc.  I could smell the alcohol on his breath.  He kept the place rocking though.  That whole night was amazing.  The fireworks were a letdown.  That’s how electric the place was.  Other than that, the only complaint I had on the night was that when they played Greg Brown and Steve Blass’s call of the homerun, I couldn’t hear it because of the insanity that was still taking place around me.  As soon as I got home, I was on a mission to find the audio and/or video."

-Brandon

“My best memory of a Pirates’ game I attended at PNC Park was on 6/28/04.  It was a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.  With one out in the bottom of the ninth inning and the score tied 1-1, Jack Wilson came up to bat.  He crushed the ball into the left field corner.  He had an easy double and the ball was thrown into second.  Albert Pujols, who Wilson did not see, was late getting to the second base bag so he continued on to third.  When Pujols caught the ball he had plenty of time to get Wilson, but his throw sailed on him and the Cardinals’ third baseman Scott Rolen was unable to catch the ball and it rolled towards the Pirates’ dugout.  The Pirates won the game 2-1.

-Mike

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Pujols Drives In Two As Cardinals Even Series With Bucs

By Chad Carlson

Overbay's HR was the Pirates' Only Offense Of The Game (AP)

Fresh off another impressive road victory last night, the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals for the second time in the three game series.  James McDonald made his 2011 regular season debut for the Buccos, while the Cardinals sent Kyle McClellan to the hill.  McClelland was making his first start in the Major Leagues after 202 relief appearances.

The Pirates jumped out to an early lead tonight in the first inning against St. Louis.  After a Jose Tabata double to start the game, Lyle Overbay crushed a two-run homerun to deep right field, giving the Buccos the early 2-0 advantage.

Following the first inning, however, McClelland settled down and got into quite the rhythm against the Pirates’ batter.  He struck out a total of seven batters, and finished his six innings of work having only given up the two runs on six hits and walking one batter.

McDonald’s performance tonight didn’t match up to those of his predecessors the previous days before.  James struggled with his control throughout the evening, walking four batters. 

After blanking the Cardinals through three innings, McDonald finally opened the door of opportunity in the fourth frame.  Allen Craig singled to centerfield, scoring Lance Berkman and cutting the Pirates’ lead in half.  The Cardinals followed that up the very next inning as Ryan Theriot scored on Albert Pujols’s sacrifice fly to right center, tying the game 2-2.

McDonald lasted just 4.2 innings, giving up two runs on four hits, and again, the four walks.  Above everything else, his control (or lack thereof) tonight is of most concern.  Still, James did enough to keep the Pirates in the baseball game.  Again, this is something that we have been stressing was of extreme importance for the team to remain competitive.  In that regard, McDonald did his job…but it would’ve been nice to have him go AT LEAST five or six innings.

The Cardinals took the lead in the seventh inning off the bat of Pujols, who drove in his second run of the game on a seeing-eye single just past the outstretched reach of Pedro Alvarez.  Theriot crossed the plate and St. Louis led for the first time of the night, 3-2.

The Buccos threatened in the eighth inning to tie the game.  With two outs, Andrew McCutchen singled to right field, and Lyle Overbay walked, setting the stage for Alvarez.  Unfortunately, Pedro struck out on four pitches, ending the inning and the threat.

The Pirates and Cardinals played a close game tonight.  These are the types of games that, while it’s always difficult to lose, fans can at least find some satisfaction in the fact it was  highly competitive game that essentially came down to Albert Pujols sneaking a ground ball past the infield.  That was the main difference in the game.  McDonald’s control was bothersome, but the bullpen, overall, did a nice job keeping the Pirates in the game. 

Overbay and McCutchen each had a pair of hits tonight, while Alvarez and Neil Walker were held hitless, striking out three times each.

The earned run in the seventh was charged to Garrett Olson, but Jeff Karstens and Chris Resop each pitched scoreless baseball, which is a positive for Pittsburgh fans.  The Buccos struck out eleven times tonight, something that has been a constant throughout the season so far. 

The rubber match is set for tomorrow afternoon at Busch Stadium, as the Pirates will look to win their second consecutive road series to begin the 2011 season.  Kevin Correia will take the mound for the Pirates tomorrow.

Record Vs. Cardinals: 1-1
Record Vs. N.L. Central: 3-2
Record On The Road: 3-2
Overall Record: 3-2

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!