Bucco Blurb: Who Will Be The Pirates’ First Baseman In 2012?

The Pirates continue to address the issues they need to correct, position by position, in one form another since the offseason has begun.  Two of the major decisions regarding the roster have already been made, as the Bucs have signed Rod Barajas to be their starting catcher and Clint Barmes for the starting shortstop job.  Now, most of the attention has been turned, in addition to the pitching rotation, to the vacant spot at first base.

Will Pittsburgh look for a starter at first base on the free agent market?  Will they try to acquire a player through a trade, or will they promote from within? 

The Bucs officially offered arbitration to Derrek Lee (announced on Wednesday), guaranteeing that they’ll get a compensatory Draft pick if Lee signs with another team this offseason.  Lee has the option of accepting the arbitration offer and agreeing to a one-year deal with the Pirates, although word is that it appears to be highly unlikely he’ll decide to return to Pittsburgh next season.  Lee’s decision will come on or before December 7.

It should be very interesting to see where the Pirates go in terms of a first baseman.  As far as regular players from past years, Garrett Jones appears to be the option at this point.  Of course, Matt Hague is still a possibility, but based on his play last year, it doesn’t look like he’s ready to be a regular 2012 everyday player at the Major League level.

Pedro Alvarez was originally figured to be migrated over to first base, but given his struggles last season, it appears that the Pirates don’t want to add any more of a transition for him in addition to his difficulties at the plate. 

Carlos Pena keeps bleeping up on the radar as far as external options.  He was the subject of a number of rumors as the season neared the Trade Deadline this past season, but the deal never developed.  Now, with the first base spot wide open at this point, the Bucs may be more willing to pay what they weren’t back in July.  Pena, of course, doesn’t hit for average by any means, but would add a considerable amount of power to a team that is desperate need of long-ball help.

Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for reactions to all the latest Pirates’ news.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Correia Continues To Struggle At PNC Park, Pirates Fall To Cubs

by Zane Heiple

Photo By AP

The Pittsburgh Pirates were hoping to carry a bit of momentum from Friday night’s game into Saturday’s contest against the Chicago Cubs.  With eleven game winner Kevin Correia on the mound, fans hoped that with a little production from the offense our Buccos could put the Cubs down for the second straight night.

Correia had a very rough outing tonight as he would only last 3.2 innings tonight allowing five earned runs on nine hits, while walking one and striking out two.  He seemed to have trouble making quality pitches on the night.  With many counts going deep he was forced to throw strikes in the middle of the zone and the Chicago batters had little trouble putting the ball in play.  The loss tonight dropped his record to 11-7 on the year and his ERA is now at 4.01.  Cubs starter Ryan Dempster wasn’t much better in the stat line as his night finished after going five innings allowing three runs on seven hits, but he was able to get the Pittsburgh offense to hit the ball at his defense when it mattered most.

Pregame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_0RPeovpHk

Down 4-0 in the third Pittsburgh cut into the lead after Neil Walker brought in Alex Presley, who tripled, on a ground out to second base.  The Cubs were able to get that run back in the fourth on a Starlin Castro single that brought in Darwin Barney.  The Buccos would make it a two run game in the bottom part of the inning on a Matt Diaz double that would score Garrett Jones and Michael McKenry.  That would be all the closer Pittsburgh could get as the Cubs would add a run in the ninth to take game two of this series 6-3.

Postgame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBh96vhp02M

The final game before the All-Star break will be a big one as the Pirates look to win another series and home stand.  A win would also keep Pittsburgh at least one game out first place entering the break.  Lyle Overbay was pulled from the game in fourth inning, with trade rumors that Pittsburgh may try to acquire Cubs first baseman Carlos Pena, Overbay’s time in a Pirates uniform may be short.  Andrew McCutchen was named to the All-Star team, replacing Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.  Sunday’s game is scheduled to begin at 1:35 with Paul Maholm pitching for the Pirates and Ramon Ortiz on the hill for the Cubs.

Record vs. Cubs:  5-3
Record vs. N.L. Central 19-12
Record at Home:  22-22
Overall Record:  46-43

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!