Meet Your Bucs: Aaron Thompson

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K Aller/Getty Images

In a season full of roster moves, the latest Pirate to wear the uniform for the first time is pitcher Aaron Thompson, who was recalled on Tuesday and was named the starter for today’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Thompson was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the first round (22^nd overall) of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft.  After the 6’2”, 190lb lefty dominated in the Marlins’ minor league system, he was acquired by the Washington Nationals at the 2009 trade deadline for first baseman Nick Johnson.

The Pirates claimed Thompson off of waivers from the Nationals on December 24, 2010, and was designated for assignment on June 24, 2011, after recording a 4.97 ERA in 67 innings with the Altoona Curve.

After struggling somewhat in Altoona, Thompson pitched very well in his three outings in Triple-A Indianapolis, and, after the Pirates placed Kevin Correia on the 15 day DL, Thompson was called up yesterday and was named the starter for this afternoon’s series finale against the Brew-Crew.

Thompson threw 4.1 innings, giving up only four hits and walking two batters, before reaching his pitch count limit.  The Pirates shutout the Brewers, 2-0, earning the series split.

Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for the latest moves as the September 1^st, the day of roster expansion, approaches.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Curve Take Down Phillies

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Zane Heiple

Last night, Fans From The Stands took a trip to Altoona, PA to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates AA affiliate the Altoona Curve take on the Reading Phillies.  This was a great chance to check in on some the Pirates prospects and see one of the best Minor League Ballparks in the country.

The game was a great one as the Curve would go on to win 6-3 behind home runs by outfielder Quincy Latimore (2), and Yunesky Sanchez.  Top prospects Sterling Marte and Tony Sanchez would not disappoint, as they would go 3-5 and 2-3 respectively at the plate.  The defense was stellar as well, with the left side of the infield playing strong giving us Bucco fans some hope with all the bad things that are occurring at these positions at the big league level.  Starting pitcher Phil Irwin settled in nicely after allowing a run in the first inning as he would go six innings allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out seven.

Blair County Ballpark is a great place to see a game and with a lot of in game entertainment there is something there for everyone.  I highly recommend heading to Altoona to see our future Buccos take the field.