Roster Moves Continue For Pirates As Winter Meetings Conclude

By Chad Carlson

Though not comparing to the activity of other teams in baseball, the Pirates made a flurry of moves yesterday in Dallas…most of which are relatively acceptable from a fan’s standpoint.

The Bucs released Ross Ohlendorf, a move that most could have predicted following two terrible seasons for the 29 year old right hander.  Between injuries and overall lack of effectiveness on the mound, it was time for “Ohlie” to go.  Reports are that the Pirates still think he is much better than he performed, but still, it was clear he didn’t fit into the club’s plans for 2012 and beyond.

In addition, as was reported yesterday, Jason Jaramillo and Pedro Ciriaco were both designated for assignment in response to the signings of Nate McLouth and Erik Bedard.  The Bucs will have to release both players if they cannot trade them by next Monday’s deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. 

The Ciriaco move isn’t surprising, considering the backup role options the team has for infielders, including Josh Harrison and Chase d’Arnaud, as well as Matt Hague and Jordy Mercer.  Newly acquired Nick Evans, as well as Jake Fox, will also be a part of the discussion for valuable utility roles.  Despite his hustle and strong will, Ciriaco didn’t quite measure up to the other options the Bucs have available, so there’s really no issue with cutting ties with him at this point.

In other news, the Pirates acquired infielder Yamaico Navarro from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for two minor leaguers, pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris.  The 24 year old Navarro hit .264 in 59 games last season in Triple-A.  At the Major League level, he had a homerun and nine RBI’s in 22 games with the Boston Red Sox and the Royals.  Navarro will more than likely be the leading candidate to back up shortstop Clint Barmes this season.

And then there’s the situation at first base.  As expected, Derrek Lee rejected the Pirates’ arbitration offer.  It was speculated and assumed that Lee was going to wait until first basemen Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder signed before he did.  Pujols, of course, signed just this morning with the Los Angeles Angels, and now, expect a flurry of offers to surround Fielder.  The Bucs continue to say that they’ll keep in contact with Lee if he’s interested in playing in Pittsburgh.  While it would be great for Lee to return in 2012, it doesn’t seem very likely that will happen. 

As per Bucs’ insider Jenifer Langosch has reported, the team is leaning towards a platoon situation at first base if no deal is done for Lee.  The position would be occupied by a combination of Garrett Jones, Nick Evans, or Jake Fox.  The attempt at this type of situation in right field backfired on the Bucs last year when both Jones and Matt Diaz struggled tremendously.  Still, with Lee declining their offer and the lack of affordable first basemen on the market this offseason, this appears to be on of the only remaining options the Pirates have at this point.

The Pirates’ 2012 lineup is beginning to take shape, and as the situation at first base evolves, stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for the latest reactions to all news and notes surrounding the Bucs.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Follow us on Twitter @fftspittsburgh

Ciriaco Two Run Double Carries Pirates Over Cardinals

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates battled back and forth all night with the St. Louis Cardinals, and in the end it was the Buccos that came out on top with a 6-5 win.  Brad Lincoln got the start for Pittsburgh tonight and was ok during his 5.1 innings on the mound.  He would give up three earned runs on four hits while striking out one batter and walking two.  The Pirates bullpen was once again consistent as Jason Grilli would pick up his second win of the season, while Joel Hanrahan collected his 37^th save of the year, even though he gave up a run during his ninth inning appearance.

St. Louis starter Kyle Lohse left the game after six innings of work with his team holding a 4-3 lead, but the Cardinals bullpen would falter in the eighth inning.  Former Pirate Octavio Dotel gave up the tying run when Ryan Doumit would double home Chase d’ Arnaud.  Marc Rzepczynski relieved Dotel and earned his fourth blown save of the year and collected the loss.  Rzepczynski intentionally walked Ryan Ludwick, struck out Josh Harrison, and then walked Jason Jaramillo to load the bases with two outs for Pedro Ciriaco.  Ciriaco then would hit a line drive to right field to score Doumit and Ludwick for what would be the win.

After a very sluggish series against the Florida Marlins the Pirates offense came through in clutch situations to keep their team in the game and ultimately pick up the win.  The Pirates starting lineup collected nine of the ten hits tonight, where as two nights ago they only had one.  Game two of this three game series will take place tomorrow night at 7:05pm.  Chris Carpenter will go for St. Louis while the Pirates will counter with Jeff Karstens.

Record vs. Cardinals:  7-7
Record vs. N.L. Central:  35-36
Record at PNC Park:  34-42
Overall Record:  67-80

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Marlins Score Nine In 3rd, Rout Pirates 13-4 In Series Opener

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Ouch. 

With just 19 games left in the 2011 season, the Pirates are looking to build some momentum to carry over to next year.  Games like tonight’s series opener against the Florida Marlins is the complete opposite of what they, or their fans, needed. 

The Marlins tagged Ross Ohlendorf & Co. for nine runs on ten hits in the third inning alone, setting a franchise record, on their way to a rout of the Bucs by a 13-4 score.

Ohlendorf fell to 0-2 on his severely abbreviated season, with his ERA inflating rapidly to a disgusting 8.03.  He gave up six runs (all earned) on ten hits through just two innings.  After Clint Hurdle pulled him without recording an out in the third, the beating got even worse.  Daniel McCutchen was only able to retire two batters, while he gave up four more runs on four hits, before being replaced by Aaron Thompson.

Thompson was able to get the Bucs out of the third inning, but he didn’t fair well either over the next couple innings, surrendering three more runs to the Marlins’ bats on six hits though his two innings of work.  All in all, this was a horrible game for Pittsburgh and their fans, one that everyone will be glad to have behind them quickly.

Omar Infante was the star for the Marlins tonight, going 3-6, including two homeruns, while tallying five RBI’s.  As a team, Florida collected 22 hits, while eight different players had multi-hit performances.

As for the Bucs’ offense, it was a bit of a different look tonight, with Pedro Ciricao getting the start at shortstop and Josh Harrison once again starting at third base instead of Pedro Alvarez.  Ciriaco played well tonight, going 2-4 with two RBI’s.  Alex Presley and Derrek Lee added the other two RBI’s for the Pirates.  Alvarez went 1-2 with a run scored tonight, while Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker added a hit a piece.

Obviously, this was a horrific game to watch as a Pirates’ fan.  There’s so much more to the frustration than just what’s on the surface.  Yes, they gave up 13 runs and 22 hits to the last place team in the N.L. East.  But there’s much more to this.  Ross Ohlendorf is one of the projected competitors for the starting rotation next year.  This doesn’t exactly make a strong statement. 

Aaron Thompson is another candidate to maybe have a shot, at least in Spring Training, to show the team what he can do on the mound.  He was completely ineffective tonight as well. 

On a bright note, Jared Hughes had a nice appearance tonight, pitching 1.1 innings of scoreless ball in the losing effort.

Jeff Locke will make the start tomorrow night in the second game of this 3-game set.  With this being the next-to-last home stand of the 2011 season, Pirates’ fans are dying to take positives away from each and every game, but that’s rather difficult on nights like tonight.  Locke represents a potential piece to the 2012 puzzle, and our first look at him will be tomorrow night.

Record Vs. Marlins: 0-4

Record Vs. N.L. East: 12-20

Record At Home: 33-40

Overall Record: 66-78

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Phillies Get The Best Of The Pirates Again

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates were back at it again against their cross state rivals the Philadelphia Phillies tonight.  The Phillies once again proved why they are one of the top teams in the league by using their loaded lineup and great pitching to top the Pirates 7-4.

James McDonald was roughed up by the Phils offense in five innings of work, giving up five runs on ten hits while striking out five and walking two batters.  His counterpart, Cliff Lee, was able to keep the Buccos offense in check allowing four runs on eight hits while striking out eleven and walking two in 7.2 innings of work.

The Philadelphia offense would score three runs in the first three innings before Pittsburgh was able to close the gap to one on a Pedro Alvarez home run to right centerfield that scored Brandon Wood.  The Phils regained those runs in the bottom part of the inning on RBI singles by Chase Utley and Ryan Howard.  The Phillies added another run in the seventh.  The Pirates made one more attempt to tie the game in the top of the eighth.  Neil Walker would single home Pedro Ciriaco and Wood brought home Andrew McCutchen.  Unfortunately the rally ended when Alvarez struck out with runners on first and second.

As of right now with all the injuries, lack of experience, and under achieving on the offensive side of the ball it should not be that big of a surprise that the Pirates have hit a slide here over the past week.  Even though the trade deadline is approaching, one player is not going to make that much of a difference unless this team can get healthy quick enough to make some noise in the division.  That being said the Buccos will try to avoid a sweep in the finale of this series tomorrow.  Jeff Karstens will take on Vance Worley.

Record vs. Phillies:  2-3
Record vs. N.L. East:  12-18
Record on the Road:  28-26
Overall Record:  54-51

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Phillies Rout Pirates In Series Opener

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Len Redkoles/Getty Images

The Pirates continued their toughest stretch of the season so far tonight against their cross state rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies.  After splitting a highly-competitive series against the wild card-leading Atlanta Braves, and winning the final game of the set Thursday night, Buccos’ fans were hoping that the momentum from the victory would carry over to tonight.  That didn’t happen.

The Phillies lit up the Pirates for eight runs in the first two innings on their way to a 10-3 rout of our Buccos at Citizens Bank Ballpark tonight.

Charlie Morton took the hill for the Pirates tonight.  As has been evident for most of the season, we, as fans, never know what we’re going to get with Charlie.  Tonight, he never stood a chance against the Phillies’ high-powered offense. 

Chase Utley started off the scoring with an RBI-triple in the first inning, and Ryan Howard’s RBI-double and Raul Ibanez’s run-scoring single put the Pirates in an early hole…one they would never be able to crawl out of…and one that would only get deeper.

For Utley, his first inning three-bagger was the beginning of a very good night at the plate for him.  The Phillies’ second basement went 3-5 and 4 RBI’s, including a three-run homerun in the second inning which really blew the game open.

Jimmy Rollins added to the onslaught in the seventh inning with a two-run homerun of his own, increasing the lead to 10-0 at that point.

Morton had a night to forget, giving up eight runs (six earned) on nine hits and walking four batters through four innings.  After Tony Watson had another strong start, throwing two innings of hitless baseball, Jason Grilli came in and gave up two runs on two hits in his pair of innings.

Roy Halladay, who made the start for Philadelphia tonight, was virtually impossible to hit.  In fact, the Pirates were only able to manage just a single hit against the Phillies’ ace, who improved to 13-4 on the season, while lowering his stingy ERA to 2.44

The Pirates were able to put a few runs up on the board late in the game, which only made the score look a little better on paper.  Pedro Ciriaco, who was called back up by the club after the injury to Chris Leroux placed him on the disabled list, smacked a double to shallow left, scoring Lyle Overbay and Michael McKenry.  Ciriaco scored on Xavier Paul’s RBI single.  Paul had two hits on the night.

This was the worst possible outcome of the opening game of this series.  Our starting pitcher threw a horrible game, walking batters, giving up homeruns, and was barely able to get through four innings of work.  Furthermore, our offense continues to struggle.  Don’t let the three runs fool you….they all came late in the game and…well, let’s just say we can’t expect to get too many more two-run doubles off the bat of Pedro Ciriaco.

Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Pedro Alvarez combined to go 0-9 tonight, while Overbay’s hitless game dropped his batting average to an embarrassing .228.  Paul was the only Pirate to have a multi-hit evening.

While the Pirates lost tonight, the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Brewers all won, gaining a game in the standings on our Battlin’ Buccos.  Pittsburgh is currently 2.5 games out of first place behind the Brew-Crew.

The Pirates will need to play much better in all aspects tomorrow night in the second game of the series.  James McDonald will start against Philadelphia, who will be welcoming their newest edition, Hunter Pence, who was acquired from the Houston Astros earlier this evening.

Fans From The Stands will be in attendance for game two of the series.  First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.

Record Vs. Phillies: 2-2
Record Vs. N.L. East: 12-17
Record On The Road: 28-25
Overall Record: 54-50

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Jason Grilli

By Zane Heiple

Photo by blog.syracuse.com

On Thursday the Pittsburgh Pirates signed veteran relief pitcher Jason Grilli.  In order for this move to be made they sent Pedro Ciriaco and Josh Harrison back to AAA Indianapolis.  The reason for two players to be sent down is so that either Ronny Cedeno or Steve Pearce can have a spot available when the Pirates start a three game set against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

The acquisition of Grilli should be looked at in one way and one way only, experience.  He is not a guy that’s going to be brought in during tight, late inning situations.  He will probably be used mainly as a matchup pitcher brought in to face right handed hitters.

He has not pitched in the Majors since 2009 and has spent all of the 2011 season pitching for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, which are the AAA team of the Philadelphia Philles.  While with the IronPigs, he would post a 1.93 ERA in 32.1 innings.  He missed all of the 2010 season with a knee injury.

Jason was drafted by the New York Yankees, but chose to play college baseball at Seton Hall.  He was then drafted in the 1997 draft in the fourth round by the San Francisco Giants.  Grilli would make his debut in the Majors during the 2000 season with the Florida Marlins.  After spending the 2002-03 seasons in the Minor Leagues, he would play the 2004 season with the Chicago White Sox.  The next three years Jason would play with the Detroit Tigers.  For parts of the next two years he would play under Clint Hurdle in Colorado before signing with the Texas Rangers after being designated for assignment.  Through 2009 Jason has an 18-18 record with a 4.74 ERA and has 262 strikeouts to his record in the big leagues.

Hopefully this was just a small ripple before the Pirates front office makes a splash with the trade deadline soon approaching.  Grilli does have a lot in common with some of the current Bucco bullpen seeing he has been on the DL at one point in his career.  This move, at least to me, is one the Hurdle wanted to make since he did coach Grilli for parts of two seasons with the Rockies.

Stay tuned to www.fansfromthestands.com for more moves to the Pittsburgh Pirates 25-man roster.

Porcello Cruises, Tigers Down Pirates In Series Finale

by Zane Heiple

AP

Once again Paul Maholm pitched well enough to win, but his offense was unable to give him any run support in a 2-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers.  Maholm left the game after 5.1 innings allowing two runs on six hits with five strikeouts and two walks.  His counterpart, Rick Porcello, would pick up his fourth win of the year after pitching eight innings allowing one hit with three strikeouts and two walks.

Detroit would first score in the second inning on a Casper Wells single to right field that scored Victor Martinez.  They would bring another run around in the fourth when Jhonny Peralta would hit his seventh home run of the year.

The story of the year has been the Pirates lack of run support when Maholm is on the hill.  They would only have two hits on the day and left four men in scoring position including two in the bottom of the ninth with two outs.  Ronny Cedeno and Xavier Paul were the two Buccos that accounted for the hits.  Todays loss dropped Maholm’s record to 1-7.

On a side note, third baseman Pedro Alvarez was placed on the 15 day disabled list yesterday, and Pedro Ciraco was called up from AAA Indianaplis to take his place on the 25 man roster.  Pittsburgh will have tomorrow off, before finishing up this home stand with a short two game series with the Atlanta Braves.

Record vs. Tigers:  2-1
Record vs. A.L. Central:  2-1
Record at PNC Park:  9-12
Overall Record 22-24

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Meet Your Bucs: Brandon Wood

By Zane Heiple

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed shortstop/third baseman Brandon Wood off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  Many feel this move was done for two reasons.  One is to place pressure on Ronny Cedeno to perform better, and two, if Wood is able to live up to his potential as a former first round draft pick, the Pirates may have a long term solution at shortstop.

Wood was drafted 23^rd overall in the 2003 draft by the Angels.  He would go on to set the California League record for homeruns with 43 in 2005 with class High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.  His two doubles and triple in four games at the Triple-A level would make him the first minor league player with 100 extra base hits in a season.  In 2006, he was ranked as the third best prospect by Baseball America and would spend the season at the Double-A level, hitting .276 with 25 homeruns.

2007 saw him make his Major League debut in April.  He only appeared in 13 games that year, hitting a measly .152.  He did not truly get a chance with the Angels until 2010 when the third base job opened up, since Chone Figgins signed with the Seattle Mariners.  Unfortunately, this opportunity was wasted as he wound up hitting .146 with four homeruns and 14 RBi in 81 games.  So far 2011 has been just as bad.  In six games, he has hit just .143.

On paper, this looks like another desperate attempt for the Pirates to strike gold with another team’s misfortunes.  It is possible, with the pressure to be a star player off his shoulders and new coaches teaching him, Wood could live up to the potential he showed in the minor leagues and give the Buccos some consistency at shortstop.  At worst, he fades into oblivion and becomes another answer to a random trivia question.  In order for Brandon to join the roster, Pedro Ciriaco was sent back to Triple-A Indiapolis.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Pedro Ciriaco

By Zane Heiple

Even though the Pirates’ game was rained out on Friday, the front office was busy making moves.

Josh Rodriguez was designated for assignment, because of the addition of shortstop Brandon Wood, who was recently released by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  To fill the roster spot until Wood is able to join the club, Pedro Ciriaco was recalled.

Ciriaco was signed as an amateur free agent by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2003.  From 2005-10, he moved his way up through the Diamondbacks’ farm system.  Pedro would come to the Pirates, along with Chris Snyder, for D.J. Carrasco, Ryan Church, and Bobby Crosby in July of 2010.  After playing with AAA Indianapolis, he made his Major League debut on September 8, 2010 and played in a total of eight games to finish the season.

Even though Ciriaco is able to play a variety of positions, his time in Pittsburgh looks to be short.  Once Brandon Wood walks through the clubhouse doors, Pedro most likely will be sent back to Indy.  Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for information on Wood once his place on the roster becomes official.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Chris Snyder

By Zane  Heiple

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally have the man behind the plate that they anticipated back in February.  Catcher Chris Snyder joined the Buccos tonight, meaning that Jason Jaramillo was sent down to Triple-A Indianapolis.  Snyder, who missed most of the spring with back stiffness/spasms, played in six games for Bradenton and reported no problems.

Chris came to Pittsburgh from the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 31, 2010 along with Pedro Ciriaco for D.J. Carrasco, Ryan Church and Bobby Crosby.  The Diamondbacks had chosen Snyder in the 2^nd round of the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft.  He made his debut in an Arizona uniform on August 21, 2004.

For his career, he is a .229 hitter with 67 homeruns and 256 RBI.  While he will be number one on the Pirates’ depth chart, fans should expect to see Ryan Doumit behind the plate more often than a usual number two catcher.  Snyder has always had back problems during his career, so expect him to be rested whenever possible.

Be sure to check back to Fans From The Stands for more Pittsburgh Pirates roster moves as they happen.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Ronny Cedeno Proving Himself At Shortstop? Does It Even Matter?

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

As the Pirates near Opening Day 2011 in just a couple weeks, there are still a number of questions surrounding the club.  One of the lingering inquiries when discussing the team’s position when they open things up in Chicago on April 1 is the Pirates’ shortstop situation.  What can we expect from Ronny Cedeno?

Cedeno, of course, came over in the trade that sent Jack Wilson and Ian Snell to Seattle.  I still remember Wilson crying on camera when he talked about how he felt like he was leaving his home and his friends.  That seems like such a long time ago, but we still questions surrounding a position that is a given for most teams in the league.

Let’s keep things in perspective here.  I’m not going to sugar-coat this for people.  We’re Pirates’ fans, so I’m going to give it to you straight.  Ronny Cedeno is our shortstop for this season.  For better or for worse, he’s going to lace them up, day after day, in 2011, regardless of his performance.  There simply isn’t anyone else who will be a significant upgrade to Cedeno, at least not on a consistent basis.

While we’re certainly not expecting an All-Star performance from him this year, he does need to provide some type of stability at the plate and in the field.  He did that for the most part on the field, but his hitting slumps throughout the latter part of 2010 were enough to drive any Bucco fan crazy.  He’s more than likely going to be hitting in the eighth spot in the lineup on most nights, in between Chris Snyder and the pitcher’s spot in the lineup.  Worried yet?

Obviously, Chase d’Arnaud is the long-term answer to the question of who is the short-stop of the future.  He’s just simply not ready to be an everyday major league ballplayer yet.  He needs one more year in the minor league ball, but, if the past several years are an indicator, management may try to bring him up in early September to get his feet wet in the majors.  We’ll see.

Other than d’Arnaud, the standouts from Spring Training thus far are Pedro Ciriaco, Josh Rodriguez, and Corey Wimberly.  All three have been given (and earned) significant playing time this year in the Grapefruit League, and, for the most part, have performed well.  One of these will more-than-likely snag a spot as the team’s backup middle infielder, and will be a sufficient substitute for Cedeno’s off-days.  Still, though, at this point, the Pirates’ number one shortstop is Ronny Cedeno.  If he fails this season, then the Pirates are just willing to live with that.  

Don’t expect them to make any late season moves to compensate for this either.  As we all know, that’s not the Buccos’ style.

How do you feel about the Pirates’ shortstop situation?  Send us an email at comments@fansfromthestands.com. 

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!