Pirates-Rays End Game In A Tie?

Photo by AP

by Zane Heiple

Well I guess the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays forgot to post their lineups for the shootout before the first pitch today, as their game ended in a 3-3 tie.  This is the only time of year where one can see a baseball game end like this and with the way the Buccos have been playing maybe this was for the best.

Pitching for Pittsburgh today was strictly done by bullpen and minor league players.  The bullpen grouping of Tony Watson, Jason Grilli and Chris Resop shutdown the bats of Tampa.  Watson and Grilli each pitched two scoreless innings, while Resop threw one shutout inning.  The Rays were able to get to Brad Lincoln in the seventh inning touching him up for three runs.  Tim Alderson then came in for the final two innings allowing zero runs on two hits.

Offensively for the Pirates Casey McGehee and Matt Hague led the way.  Each would go 2-4, with McGhee bringing one run home on a solo shot in the first and Hague bringing in two on a home run in the seventh.  Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker had a rough go of it at the plate going 0-4 each.

Always good to see some quality innings from the bullpen guys as I am sure they will be leaned upon heavily this season.  Pittsburgh will have a split squad game tomorrow.  One game will see Erik Bedard at home against the Baltimore Orioles, while the other will be against the Minnesota Twins on the road with Kevin Correia starting.  First pitch for both games is scheduled for 1:05.

Grapefruit League Record 8-17-1

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!

Bucs Fall to O's Under The Lights

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Peter Diana/Post-Gazette

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Baltimore Orioles have had many things in common over the past two decades.  The one main thing is that neither has sniffed .500 for the past 15+ years.  While talent has graced each organization, neither had done well in drafting and developing players.  That seems to be changing by the amount of young talent that was seen on the field for each team tonight in the Orioles 4-1 victory.

While the Pirates offense was M.I.A tonight it was a former Oriole on the mound for the Buccos that starred for the Black and Gold.  Erik Bedard, who was named Opening Day starter for Pittsburgh earlier in the week, looked ready for April tonight, as he would go six innings allowing two runs, one earned, while striking out five and walking one.  Pirates fans everywhere would love to see Bedard have games like this throughout the 2012 season.  Jason Grilli performed well tonight in one inning of work as he struck out two batters.  At this point it looks like Grilli is a lock for the bullpen.  Juan Cruz and Tony Watson each worked an inning tonight allowing one run on two hits.

While it may still be spring training, the offensive struggles are still frustrating.  Pittsburgh would only manage one run on two hits.  Neil Walker and Michael McKenry collected the only hits for the Buccos, while Garrett Jones would bring home Andrew McCutchen with a sacrifice ground out to first base.   Would be nice to see a little more consistency out of the offense before the head north for opening day.

The Buccos will head to beautiful Clearwater to take on the Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow afternoon at 1:05.  Starting for the Pirates will be Chris Resop.  You may be asking why Resop, well Jeff Karstens is scheduled to pitch the second game of the opening series, and Clint Hurdle does not want Philadelphia to get a good look at Karstens before then.

Grapefruit League Record:  8-14

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!

Pirates Fall To Blue Jays In First Spring Training Game Of 2012

Photo Credit:  http://www.rumbunter.com

By Chad Carlson

Well that could’ve gone a little better. 

The Pirates opened up Grapefruit League play today with a 7-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, Florida.

Brett Lawrie went 2-3 and had 4 RBI’s for Toronto, while seven of their eight pitchers tossed scoreless innings, giving up only a total of two hits to Pirates’ batters.

It was a tough day for the Bucs on both ends, only tallying two hits the entire afternoon.  Both knocks occurred in the same inning, though, resulting in the only run they’d score all day.  With two outs in the fifth, Gorkys Hernandez singled to right center, stole 2^nd base, and scored on Michael McKenry’s RBI single to right field.  Other than three walks, the two singles by Hernandez and McKenry were the virtually the only offense for the Pirates this afternoon.

Two of the new Pirates, Casey McGehee and Clint Barmes, combined to go 0-2, while Nate McLouth walked in the second inning.  Starling Marte had a double in the ninth inning in his only at-bat.

Overall, it was a disappointing performance by the Bucs’ pitching staff.  After a flawless first inning, starter James McDonald gave up two runs on hits and a walk in the second inning, while Chris Leroux and Daniel McCutchen gave up a run each in the fifth and seventh innings respectively.  However, after giving up a solo homerun in the sixth inning, LeRoux did strike out the side. 

Unfortunately, Tony Watson had the roughest day of all, giving up three runs on four hits in the sixth inning. 

Now the bright sides of the game:  Brad Lincoln, Chris Resop, and Ryota Igarashi each pitched an inning of scoreless ball.  With the injury to A.J. Burnett keeping him out at least two months, there is an opening to be filled, possibly by Lincoln?  We’ll see.  We’ve seen in the past that he has the ability to pitch extremely well, but the longevity and consistency of that quality pitching has been the issue.  Though it’s only an inning in one Spring Training game, it was still nice to see Lincoln pitch well today.

Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez, and Rod Barajas sat out this afternoon, so we’ll have to wait at least another day to see them take their first official at-bats of Spring Training. 

First of all, Pirates' fans, calm down.  It's only one Spring Training game.  Despite the loss today, it’s incredibly exciting to be talking about Pirates’ baseball once again.  As with any Spring Training, this is always optimism from players and fans alike.  Considering the excitement during the first four months of the season last year in Pittsburgh, fans are looking for the team to take the next step and complete a solid season. 

The goal for this Spring Training is progress, in every sense of the word.  While it’s always nice to win games, a Grapefruit League record means absolutely nothing to me.  This is all about the little things right now on individual levels, micro levels.  How does Charlie Morton look in his inning or two of work, and how does Pedro Alvarez look in his pair plate appearances against left-handed pitching?  Keep these in mind as we watch and discuss Pirates’ baseball this Spring Training.

The Pirates and Blue Jays will meet again tomorrow afternoon, this time at McKechnie Field.  First pitch is scheduled for 1:05pm.

Grapefruit League Record:  0-1

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates' Offense Absent Again As Marlins Complete Sweep

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Pirates entered today’s game against the Marlins trying to avoid the series sweep, and the season sweep, by the N.L. East bottom-dwellers.  Florida was 5-0 against and the Bucs so far this year, and took the first pair of games this weekend at PNC Park by a combined score of 16-4. 

James McDonald took the hill for Pittsburgh looking for his tenth win of the season.  In a year that has had dramatic ups and downs, J-Mac has been arguably the most consistent Pirates’ starting pitcher. 

Unfortunately for McDonald and the Bucs, Javier Vazquez, along with the Marlins’ bullpen, pitched a strong game today, leading the Florida to a 4-1 victory to complete the sweep.

After a strong start to the game, J-Mac ran into trouble in the fifth inning, surrendering the only runs that the Marlins would score all day.  In fact, he never made it out of the inning, giving up four runs on five hits through 4.2 innings, and he was tagged for the loss, his eighth of the season.

Positives from the game?  The bullpen.  All in all, the Bucs used five relievers to throw just over four scoreless innings, which included strong innings from Tony Watson and Evan Meek.

The offense, for the second straight game, struggled to produce anything.  Jason Jaramillo had the lone RBI for the Bucs.  He went 2-2 on the day, while the rest of the team managed only four hits.  The top four in the Bucs’ lineup combined to hit 2-12, including hitless games from Andrew McCutchen and Alex Presley.  For Cutch, despite his 22 homeruns and 85 RBI’s, his batting average currently sits at a mediocre .266.

The Bucs finished 0-6 against a Marlins’ team this year that is right where they are in the record department.  This is certainly turning out to be a disastrous finish for the Pirates, who will finish up this home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals, who are continuing to play well as they make one last run for the postseason.

If they’re planning to turn things around, the Pirates will need to pick it up a TON offensively.  They scored a total of just five runs in the three games this weekend.

Record Vs. Marlins: 0-6

Record Vs. N.L. East: 12-22

Record At Home: 33-42

Overall Record: 66-80

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Meet Your Bucs: Brad Lincoln

by Zane Heiple.

Photo by zimbio.com

The Pittsburgh Pirates made a move on Saturday to help strengthen a weak and tired bullpen.  The Pirates called up Brad Lincoln for the second time this season.  Lincoln’s role this time won’t be to make a spot start, as he did on July 2^nd of this year, but to help a bullpen that had pitched 65.1 innings and allowed 32 runs in the sixteen previous game before Sunday.  In order for Brad to claim a spot on the 25-man roster, Tony Watson was sent back to AAA Indianapolis.

Lincoln was drafted by the Pirates with the fourth overall pick in the 2006 draft.  Injuries quickly took a toll on his early work with the Pirates.  An oblique strain in 2006 and then Tommy John Surgery in 2007 prevented him from moving up through the organization quickly.  However, once healthy, he moved through four levels of minor league baseball in a little over one season. 

His Major League debut came on June 9, 2010 against the Washington Nationals.  His debut was less than spectacular as he would go six innings allowing five runs and walking two while striking out three.  He remained with the Buccos until July 25 of the 2010 season when he lost his fourth game of the season.  General Manager Neal Huntington cited a change in mechanics were the reason for his struggles. He would not return to the Majors until July 2 of this year.  His excellent start was overshadowed due to the bullpen not being able to hold a lead.

While his time with the Pirates has been short he has posted a 1-4 record with a 6.53 ERA in 10 starts.  Scouts say that his potential will probably be that of a third man in the rotation, which is a tough pill to swallow for fans considering that he was a overall number four pick in the draft.  His minor league numbers are a little better overall as he posted a 28-32 record in five seasons with a 4.07 ERA 379 K’s and 97 walks.

Pirates Offense Missing As Braves Win Again In Extras

by Zane Heiple

Photo by AP

Well the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves are all about value, as they gave ticket holders and TV viewer’s bonus baseball for the second straight night.  They one thing that either team did not provide was offense as this game finished the regulation nine in a 1-1 tie.

Most of this was because of stellar starting pitching as Paul Maholm went seven innings allowing one run on nine hits with eight K’s and 0 walks .  His counterpart Jair Jurrjens was just as impressive giving up one run on six hits, while striking out four and walking three in seven innings of work. 

Garrett Jones gave the Pirates their only run off of Jurrjens with a solo home run in the sixth inning.  The Braves wasted little time tying the game in the bottom part of the inning as David Ross would single home Martin Prado.

Defense also played a big part in limiting the scoring chances of both teams tonight.  Xavier Paul would throw out Prado as he tried to stretch a double into a triple during the first inning.  Prado would redeem himself during the fourth as he threw out Pedro Alvarez at home when he tried to score on a sacrifice fly.

After both bullpens were taxed in the 19 inning debacle on Tuesday night, it would be up to them to bridge their team’s way to victory after the starters left the game.  The Atlanta bullpen of Eric O’ Flaherty, Craig Kimbrel, and Scott Linebrink did their part pitching three innings of one hit baseball.  The Pirates bullpen started out well as Tony Watson and Jose Veras shut the door on any Braves threats in two innings of work.  However Chris Leroux, who was called up today to give the bullpen relief with Chase d’Arnaud heading to the DL, would load the bases and give up the game winning RBI single to Ross, to give the Braves a 2-1 victory.

Maybe it’s the lack of sleep over these past two nights and I hate to say it, because this has been an exciting season for the Pirates, but I think this is the end of the line of any chance of reaching the playoffs.  The lack of offense that has been on display since the all-star break is appalling and it does not look like anyone on this roster carries the bat this line-up desperately needs.  Also, the bullpen is stretched to the max with innings and with pitchers like Lowe, Halladay and Lee up next, this will be the part of the year when we look back and see where it all went wrong.

I truly do hope I am wrong, and these Pirates will have the chance to prove it tomorrow night when these two teams wrap up this four game series at 7:10.  Kevin Correia will pitch for the Buccos as they look to earn a split before heading north. 

Record vs. Braves:  1-4
Record vs. N.L. East:  11-16
Record on the Road:  27-24
Overall Record:  53-49

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Morton, Bullpen Shutout Reds In Pirates' 2-0 Victory

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The Pirates took the field tonight against the Cincinnati Reds (after a 50 minute rain delay) only a half-game back of the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the N.L. Central.  This evening’s matchup is the first of a two-week span that has been predicted to be the make-or-break point of the season for Pittsburgh.  A strong start in this series against the underachieving Reds would be huge for our Buccos to get the home-stand off on the right track.

An incredible pitching performance by the entire staff and a pair of manufactured runs proved to be the difference tonight at PNC Park, as the Pirates won a low-scoring contest against the Reds, 2-0.

Charlie Morton took the hill for the Pirates, looking to improve on his 7-5 record and lower his 3.80 ERA.  After a phenomenal start to the season, his performance has curtailed tailed off as summer has progressed.  Tonight, while less than stellar, Charlie managed the game and pitched his way out of some serious jams, giving up just three hits through his five innings of work while improving to 8-5 for the year.  Tony Watson pitched 2.2 innings of shutout, no-hit ball himself, and Daniel McCutchen came in and finished up the eighth inning.

Joel Hanrahan showed no effects following his first blown save of the season yesterday.  The Buccos’ closer set the Reds down in order to record his 27^th save of the season.

The Reds threatened early in the first inning tonight against Morton and the Buccos.  Drew Stubbs was hit by a pitch, and Zack Cozart smacked a single to put runners on first and third with no outs.  After Joey Votto’s ground out pushed runners to second and third, Brandon Phillips struck out.  Jay Bruce was then intentionally walked to load the bases for Miguel Cairo.  Just before the 1-2 pitch of the at-bat, the game was halted for a one hour 23 minute rain delay. 

After the break, Morton came back out and forced Cairo to slap a weak ground ball to second base, which was stabbed by Chase d’Arnaud and flipped to Neil Walker for the force out.  While it was only the top of the first inning, this half-frame proved to set the tone for the game that featured the Reds leaving too many men on base and the Pirates cashing in their chances on the offensive end.

The Pirates took the lead in the fourth inning.  d’Arnaud and Walker led off with back to back hits, putting runners on second and third with no outs.  Unlike the Reds earlier in the game, the Buccos capitalized on their opportunity.  Andrew McCutchen grounded out, allowing d’Arnaud to score, and Matt Diaz smacked a sacrifice fly to right field, which scored Walker.  The Pirates owned a 2-0 lead, which would ultimately be the final.

Wow, this was a phenomenal performance by the Pirates’ pitching staff.  Morton, Watson, McCutchen, and Hanrahan combined to pitch nine innings of shutout baseball, allowing just three hits and three walks to one of the highest scoring offenses in the league.  For the Reds, it was a game of missed opportunities, as they left a total of nine runners on base.

This was a perfect way to start the home-stand for Pittsburgh.  On a night when the offense struggled mightily, managing just six hits, Morton and the bullpen shut down the high-powered Reds’ offense.  In what is being called the most important stretch of the season thus far, the Pirates couldn’t have started off on a better note.

Neil Walker extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a two-hit performance tonight, while McCutchen and Diaz, on a night where runs were at a premium, each added an RBI.  Alex Presley continued his impressive run with two more hits tonight, raising his average to an impressive .352 for the season. 

In addition to the excitement at PNC Park, scoreboard watching was at an all-time high this evening as the Arizona Diamondbacks shut out the Milwaukee Brewers, 3-0.  With the win and the Brewers’ loss, the Pirates are now sitting atop the N.L. Central standings alone, a half-game up on the Brew-Crew and the St. Louis Cardinals.  The Bucs are now six games over .500 and have put themselves in fantastic position to take this series against the Reds.

Tomorrow evening’s game is set for a 7:05pm first pitch.  James McDonald will take the hill for the Pirates, looking for his sixth win of the season against Cincinnati’s Mike Leake.

Record Vs. Reds: 6-1

Record Vs. N.L. Central: 23-13

Record At Home: 24-22

Overall Record: 50-44

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Cutch Walks Off In Twelfth To Give Pirates Victory

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

Zach Duke made his return to PNC Park tonight and faced his former teammate Paul Maholm.  Both pitchers made their debuts in Bucco uniforms during the 2005 season.  Duke was traded to Arizona during the offseason and has only made two starts this season, going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA, since coming off the disabled list.  Maholm on the other hand is having one of his best seasons, even though win-loss record does not show.  After a rough outing for Paul in his last start, he would look to bounce back and defeat the former Pirate he would be opposing.

Pittsburgh continued its trend of scoring first again tonight.  Andrew McCutchen would bring home Jose Tabata on a sacrifice fly to left field.  Unfortunately this was the only run Maholm would receive in support tonight.  Paul would go six innings allowing zero runs, while walking three and striking out four.

Jose Veras came in during the seventh and had little success against Arizona.  After walking the first batter, Willie Bloomquist would bunt to move the runner over to second.  Stephen Drew then hit a pinch hit single to tie the game for the D-backs.  Veras left the game after hitting Justin Upton and was replaced by Tony Watson who made his Major League debut.  Watson would strikeout the first two batters he faced on 3-2 counts to end the inning.

Zach Duke pitched well tonight as well, even though he would not factor into the decision.  His final stat line read seven innings pitched, nine hits, one earned run, and one strikeout.  While Duke may have not had the best career as a Bucco, it is good to see him have success with another team.

Nine innings would not be enough tonight.  The Diamondbacks wasted little time taking the lead.  Drew struck again as he singled home Kelly Johnson off of Pirates reliever Daniel Moskos.  In past years the Pirates may have been counted out, but this year is different.  After a ground rule double by McCutchen, Neil Walker would single to tie the game at two.

Pittsburgh found themselves in trouble in the eleventh.  Arizona had runners on first and third with no outs, but Daniel McCutchen was able to slither his way out.  After striking out Ryan Roberts for the first out of the inning, D-Cutch was able to induce a 3-6-3 double play to end the inning and keep the game tied.  The Pirates then had runners on first and third in the bottom part of the inning, but were unable to capitalize as Xavier Paul would fly out to left field to end the threat.

The twelfth saw more Pittsburgh heroics as the dreadlocked one we call Cutch would step to the plate and hit the walk off homerun to give the Pirates a 3-2 win and bring the team back to .500.

While the Pirates were unable to get Maholm the win it was great to see them continue to battle.  The bullpen faltered at times, but was also able to get big nights from Joel Hanrahan, Daniel Moskos, and tonight’s winner Daniel McCutchen.  Pittsburgh will finish this series tomorrow night with Arizona as Jeff Karstens will take the hill for the Buccos.

Side notes from the game:  Pedro Alvarez reinjured his quad during an extended spring training game today and will be rested for the next week to rehab the injury.  Also tonight Chris Snyder left the game with a back injury while trying to stretch a single into a double.  If this injury lands him on the DL, then Pittsburgh will need to call up a catcher from AAA Indianapolis for tomorrow’s game.

Record vs. Diamondbacks:  2-0
Record vs. N.L. West:  9-9
Record at Home:  13-15
Overall Record 30-30

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Meet Your Bucs: Tony Watson

by Zane Heiple

Photo Courtesy of zimbio.com

The Pittsburgh Pirates added another lefty to the bullpen today when they recalled Tony Watson from AAA Indianapolis.  In order to make room for Watson, they designated Jose Ascanio for assignment.  Since Ascanio has no options left, he will have to clear waivers in order for Pittsburgh to send him to Indianapolis.

Watson is from Sioux City, Iowa and pitched for three seasons at the University of Nebraska.  While with the Cornhuskers, he compiled a 22-7 record with a 3.23 ERA.  The Buccos would select Tony in the ninth round of the 2007 draft.  He split the rest of the 2007 season between State College and Hickory going 7-2 with a 2.79 ERA.  While with the Lynchburg Hillcats in 2008 he would go 8-12 with a 3.56 ERA in 28 starts.  Watson would then spend two seasons with the Altoona Curve which saw him go a combined 6-7 with a 5.45 ERA.

In 2011 he has made 22 relief appearances allowing 19 hits and eight earned runs in 29 1/3 innings of relief.  He has pitched well against batters on both sides of the plate with lefties batting .156 and righties batting .189.  Whenever Watson receives that first call from the bullpen it will be his Major League debut

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!

Strong Pitching And Late Rally Propel Pirates Over Twins

Photo Credit:  Enterprise Media (AP)

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ lineup on Tuesday afternoon looked a lot like what it could be on Opening Day in just 26 days in Chicago.  With Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, Pedro Alvarez, Lyle Overbay, and Neil Walker rounding out the top five of the order, there’s a pretty good chance today was the first look at the 2011 Pirates’ starting lineup.  The result was certainly encouraging, as the Pirates beat the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium, 5-2.

The Twins’ Carl Pavano put together another strong outing on Tuesday, limiting the Pirates to just two hits while also striking out a pair through his four innings of work.  In fact, Pavano, who won 17 games a year ago, hasn’t allowed a single run in his three starts (eight innings) this Grapefruit League season.

The Pirates’ pitching was solid this afternoon as well.  Brian Burres didn’t give up a single hit in his two innings of work. 

Our Buccos took the early advantage in the fifth inning on Ryan Doumit’s sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Walker to tag and score.

Minnesota would be respond an inning later when Luke Hughes’ sacrifice to right field scored Drew Butera, followed by Matthew Brown’s double, which scored Ben Revere.  The Twins had the lead at the end of the sixth inning, 2-1.

The lead certainly didn’t last long for Minnesota, as Overbay crushed a homerun, his first of the spring, over the right field wall to tie the game. 

After an uneventful eighth inning, the Pirates would rally in the final frame, burying the Twins and earning the victory.  Josh Fields scored on Pedro Ciriaco’s sacrifice fly to give the Pirates a slim one-run lead. Andrew Lambo’s single to left field drove home Garrett Atkins and Gorkys Hernandez, giving the Pirates a 5-2 lead, which would eventually be the final.

This was another solid victory by the Buccos.  As a whole, the entire Pirates’ team played well.  The pitching held their won, while the offense, although not much power (aside from Overbay’s homer), they manufactured and sacrificed outs for runs, which is something that good teams are able to do on a consistent basis. 

Next up for the Pirates will be the New York Yankees.  The Buccos will start Kevin Correia tomorrow, while Charlie Morton, Aaron Thompson, Tony Watson, and Justin Thomas are also expected to pitch against the Yankees in Tampa Bay, Fla. At 7:05 p.m. 

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!