Jolly Roger

100, Wilson, Jones, Hanrahan

Well the Pirates won on Tuesday night a 3-0 win that saw great pitching by Ohlendorf  7-6 4.41 who went 7 scoreless innings with Grabow throwing a great inning in relief and the Mad Capper picking up his 18th save on a great 9th!  A thrilling victory for sure.

Last night however stunk. A 4-1 loss highlighted what the main problem with this club is.  Offense!!!  The lack of it.  The 6th place 36-42 .462 -6  Pirates after putting up a run to answer a two-run shot from the Cubs DP Lee in the first never mounted much of a threat after that.  It was good to see Hanrahan come out and throw a nice inning with a K, but we will get to him later.  I am afraid this loss is what we are looking forward to the rest of this season.  Great pitching and the lack of offense.  It is too bad for this club really had a chance to make .500.

Let me get to Hanrahan. Nice pickup there by the Bucs.  But, after a lot of thought I must say I am glad they picked up a good pitcher but come on Pirates, did you really need more pitching!!!!?  Still, I guess one can't have too much good pitching..... perhaps... but ya still gotta score runs.

Wilson today apologized for his harsh comments last night on the latest trade.  Part of his rant is he felt they have given up on the season. I understand his frustration and even though the club does have long term goals in mind, I have to agree I think the Bucs have given up on this season. It really stinks for they have given up a lot of decent talent and were still in the thick of the race being onlo around 5 games out when the trading frenzy started.  I agree with Wilson this stinks and some of what the Pirates traded for is questionable.  My big question is this; how long before Jackie is gone now?  What the heck, might as well trade him too, why worry about ever getting to .500 before 2015?

  While I support building long-term I really feel they sold us Pirates fans short this season with these trades.  They gave up some real talent and one of those they are getting in return in a trouble-making super big question mark that will disrupt the clubhouse when and if he ever recovers from his injuries and his minor league rehab.

 All it would've taken is perhaps opening up the pocketbook to get a decent bat or two before July 31st to help out the undersupported great pitching the Pirates have been getting. We could've enjoyed a decent season as they built for the future.   I love the Pirates, but this season has turned out to be a fiasco in the end due to some overthinking yet well intentioned management moves.  Will they win in the end?  Sure, but do I have that long to live?  Will the great pitching they have be over the hill by then?  To end this rant let me say, been nice knowing you Jackie......

Well, the Pirates today will play a rain makeup against the Mets at 12:35 pm ET.  Maholm 5-4 4.35 vs. Redding 1-3 6.35 are slotted as the starters. 

Despite my vent.... GO PIRATES!!!!!!

We love you Pirates despite our deeply felt disappointment over these trades.  Now, look at her eyes, can't ya win for her today?  She'll celebrate with a nice treat and some joyous barking!

Trade city, Forbes Field

I did a double take today as I looked at the trades today. Hinske for two prospects.  Hinske probably will do well with the Yanks and the prospects will probably do something with the Pirates. Good long term trade possiblilities for the Pirates.  I applaud this one. 

The one that got my attention however was the trading of Nyjer Morgan.  He was traded with Sean Burnett to the Nationals for Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan.  This deal is interesting.  Hanrahan throw fastballs in the upper 90's.  But, he has not had a very good season this year. But, sometimes changes of scenery can help.  So, lets wait and see on him.  Milledge on the other hand has a lot of promise with the bat. But, his glove... does he wear a glove?  His defense leaves a lot to be desired.  He also brings a lot of emotional and attitude baggage.  is this what the Pirates need in their young clubhouse?  Can the manager keep him in check?  Will he hit after being called a bust at the age of 24?

This deal doesn't move me a lot either way. I hate to lose Morgan. He has a great glove, but the Pirates do need more punch at the plate.  But, will Milledge deliver?  I hope so for his glove stinks and he will cost the Pirates some runs.  I like the potential of his bat, but hate his attitude.  Hanrahan throws smoke and flames. But, can he put it together?  I hope so.....  Who got the better deal?  In the short term, I think the Nats did. But, in the long term.... that depends. If neither works out for the Bucs, it is a wash probably.  But, if one of these two turn in on the Pirates get the edge in the long run. A chancey deal, yes. A good one?  Lets wait and see.

Tonight is the 100th anniversary of the first game at Forbes Field.  The opposition then was the Chicago Cubs.  The Cubs won that game 3-2 at the first all Steel and Concrete Stadium in MLB. 

Tonight the Pirates and Cubs celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Forbes Field at  7:05 pm ET with the 6th place 35-41 .461 -6 Pirates hoping to snap their 2 game losing streak against the Cubs with Ohlendort 6-6 4.75 taking the mound against Lilly 7-5 3.41. 

Lets see how the new look Pirates do tonight!  GO PIRATES!!!

Chat, $4, Snell and Cubs

At 2pm ET on Wednesday you can chat with Pirates President Frank Coonelly.  To be able to chat you much be a registered user at the Pirates official site. Signup is easy so do so. Unfortunately, my work schedule will not allow me to make it home in time for this.  But, I encourage all of you, if you can, to join the chat and see what he has to say.

Tomorrow the Pirates celebrate the 100th anniversary of their first game in Forbes Field against the Cubs by playing the Cubs again and you can take it all in for $4 in the bleachers.  A cheap way to celebrate the occasion!

Ian Snell was demoted to the minors and threw on Sunday. After this outing how long will it be before he is back swashbuckling in the Majors.  Ian only struck out 17, including a streak where he struck out a incredible 13 straight !!!!  No,your eyes do not deceive you, 13 straight!!!!!  Enroute he threw 107 pitches in 7 innings, 70 of them for strikes. A great outing for Snell. 

The Pirates didn't complete the sweep of the Royals last night falling to them in a hard fought 3-2 loss.  Adam and Andy had the big nights going 3 for 4 and 2 for 3.  Each scored a run and Andy had a RBI.  A DP rounded out the highlights for the Bucs last night.

Our 6th place 35-40 .467 -5 Pirates will try to get back on track tonight when they take on the struggling Cubs at 7:05 pm ET with the starters being Duke 8-5 3.09 vs. Harden 4-4 4.95.  A win tonight would drag the Cubs back to within a half game of the Pirates in the standings so get those Jolly Rogers out and start waving them for we could in for one heck of a night!  GO PIRATES!!!!!

4 straight only 5 out

Before I get started please know the silence on this site has been due to me being sick. My apologies for this and please know I am going to do my best to get this blog back to daily postings. Thank you for your patience and please accept my apologies.

The Pirates continue to amaze me.  With their latest 4 game winning streak the Pirates continue their chase at the .500 mark.  The 6th place Pirates are 35-39 .473 -5 on the season. If you had told me the Pirates would only be 5 games off the pace near the beginning of July before the season started I would've told you I am optimistic but not that optimistic!  Well, here we are only 5 games out! WOO HOO!!!

Last night the Pirates kept up their successful latest raid by taking out the Royal by the score of 6-2.  I loves the old Negro League Uniforms they wore with the Royals in the old KC Monarchs unis and the Pirates in the old Homestead Grays unis.  It was fascinating to see and brought history to life!

The highlights included Young's three run blast in the 4th (he had 4 RBIs last night), the 3 DPs the Pirates turned, Sanchez having another great night, Maholm throwing 7 solid innings.  This team plays some tough baseball and seems to be getting it together lately.  This win gives the Pirates a winning record against the AL, the first time since 2001. 

Another thing that thrilled me last night was that over 36,000 fams showed up for the game!  36,000!!!  Are fans getting excited or what?  I know the chances of winning the division are very, very low, but being only 5 games out obviously has stimulated ppl's interest.

Lets hope for another win today to make it five in a row!  The Pirates take on the Royals today at 1:35 pm ET with the starters being Morton 0-0 3.00 vs. Greinke 9-3 1.90.  They will have their work cut out for them today against Greinke for this guy can pitch. But, everyone has a off day and lets hope he has his today!  GO PIRATES!!!

TIDBITS
The Pirates are 7-4 in series at home this season!

Jack Wilson is hitting .330 at home this season.

A win today would give the Pirates a sweep against the Royals.  The Pirates have previously swept the Mets and Marlins at PNC this season.

Indians, $4 tickets and a yearly series

After last night's loss the Bucs are pounding on the Indians leading them 9-1 as I write this.  Get ready to unfurl those Jolly Rogers.  The Pirates are in 6th place with a 31-39 .443 -8 and are on a 5 game losing streak.  So, a win tonight would be a welcome change.  Perhaps it could lead to a winning streak?

It was announced that the Pirates on June 30th will offer $4 tickets to the Cubs game.  Why?  It was on that date a 100 years ago the Pirates opened Forbes Field against the same Cubs.  $4 is a great price! 

Sanchez is running behind in the All-Star vote. He has had one heck of a season, how about going to vote for him online?  I know I will be.

Pirates President Coonelly has come out in favor of playing the Indians yearly since the two cities are not that far from each other.  We also know the two cities have one heck of a football rivalry.  Perhaps he thinks the Pirates would dominate this rivalry like the Steelers do theirs? 

Well, lets hope the Pirates win tonight and turn this into a winning streak.  I still believe this team is better than their record right now and can improve their record greatly.  GO PIRATES!!!!

sacrifices on night off

Well, the Bucs have the night off to rest and get ready for tomorrow to play the Indians at 7:05 pm ET with the starters being Snell 2-7 5.08 vs. Huff 2-2 7.09.  Till then lets explore some Pirates season records in the area of Sacrifice Hits.  This is a vital part of the game vastly overlooked by many.  Many times doing this correctly can make the difference between a win and a loss, especially in close, hotly contested games.  So here are the top five in Pirates history with sacrifice hits in a season.

SACRIFICE HITS SEASON RECORDS

1. Pie Traynor    42   1928
2. Jay Bell          39   1990
3. Max Carey     37    1912
    George Cutshaw  37  1920
5. Bob Ganley     35   1906
    Pie Traynor    35   1927

Till tomorrow night.. GO PIRATES!!!!

Last place struggles & vacation

My apologies for the lack of postings the past few days.  I went on a short trip for vacation and was gone a few days.  I'm back so please know the daily postings will begin again now. 

The Pirates during the past 4 days have put up some good fights but have come up with the following scores; 5-1 loss to the Twins, 7-3 and 9-7 losses to the Rockies.  Today they are behind 5-4 at the time of this writing.  What previously had kept the Pirates out of last and close to .500 has fallen apart and that is pitching.  21 runs in 3 losses.  The pitching has went south and while I don't believe this is permanent for I think it is much better than it has been the past few days I do believe it will now be hard to make a run at .500 unless it gets consistent again. 

The hitting however, only scored 11 runs in the first 3 losses. With some decent pitching they would've won one game which would've been a bit better. But, the hitting has went soft which only compounds the slump they Bucs are in. 

So, where do they go from here?  Well, they have a slew of good young talent and the only route out is to stay the course and go through the growing pains that young players have.  I think the trading of McClouth is catching up to this team.  I still don't like the trade for this team I feel had a chance to make a run at .500 and make it into the 70+ win area this season. Instead we now are back at square one.  But, that is what happens with a small market team.

The Pirates just blew a bases loaded rally in today's game and that is another problem they seem to have at times.  Timely hitting.  Some days they are the Lumber Company and other days they are the sputtering toothpick company in rallies.  The lack of McClouth only worsens this problem. 

So, we are in this for the long ride this season.  While I am still pleased at the improvements over last season so far, I am concerned at the current slump.  I am hoping they can turn this around and getting a streak going to keep them in a position to move out of last and perhaps up another notch after that in the standings.  Lets keep our fingers crossed.

The Rockies have now just swept the Pirates so the Bucs record now falls to 6th place 31-38 .449 -8. Disappointing but much better than in some past seasons.  Lets keep our fingers crossed for this team to turn things around after this 4 game losing streak. 

The Pirates have the day off tomorrow. So, I will be posting something special .... see ya then!

Pittsburgh	1	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0		4	7	1
Colorado	0	3	1	1	0	0	0	0			5	11	1

Pirates blasted by Twins

The 5th place 30-34 .469 -5.5 Pirates took it on the chin last night by the score of 8-2.  Things looked hopeful when in the third Morgan hit a 2 run shot to briefly tie the game up, but then it was all downhill from then on out. 

The Staff was crushed with 8 runs on 16 hits with the starter Maholm 4-3 4.23 having a horrific night going 5 rough innings getting smoked for 8 runs on 14 hits with 1 walk and 4 Ks.  He was followed to the foxhole.. er mound by Karstens who walked one and let up a hit in a inning of work.  Then to the trenches came Meek who did well also allowing just a walk and a hit with a K in two good solid innings.  A rough night for Mahom but a good night for relief.

The Lumber Company had 11 hits but could only push across 2 runs with the leaders being;
Wilson and Morgan scoring,
Wilson, McCutchen and young with 2 hits,
Morgan with 2 RBIs,
Morgan HR.
A frustrating night not only on the mound but at the plate as the Pirates hit well but the hitting wasn;t timely as they left 18, yes 18 men stranded.  Not a good night.... but at least they were hitting.

In the field the Buccos did very well!!! They turned 5 DPs!!!  5! 

Tonight the Pirates play the lookalikes at 8:10 pm ET with the starters being Snell 1-7 5.25 vs. Liriano 2-7 5.99. 

TIDBITS

Sanchez is 4th in NL with 79 hits, 3rd in Doubles with 22

Morgan is 4th in the NL with 15 SBs,

Capps is 4th in the NL with 1 saves.

Duke is 5th in the NL with 7 wins, 10th in NL with 3.10 ERA

Pittsburgh	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0		2	11	0
Minnesota	1	1	2	0	1	3	0	0	X		8	16	1

Pirates vs. Twins & Tidbits

Tonight the Pirates and Twins are going at it.  Right now at the time of this writing the Pirates are losing to the Twins by the score of 4-2 after Morgan briefly tied it up with a 2 run shot.  Till there is more to write about lets cover some historical tidbits tonight! 

TIDBITS

Below is a list of the top 5 wild pitches in a season by a Pirates pitcher.  Does this list surprise you?  Are there pitchers on or not on this list you expected? 

WILD PITCHES SEASON

1. Harry Staley       30    1889
2. Ed Morris           28    1886
3. Ed Morris           25    1885
4. Mark Baldwin     24    1891
5. Kirtley Baker      22    1890
   Silver King          22    1891

I suspect playing condition really played a huge role in this list for it definitely surprised me. 

GO PIRATES!!!!

Pirates kill kittens

by the score of 6-3 and take the series against the most classless team in MLB which brought tears of joy to my eyes.  Ohlendorf 6-5 4.56 threw a whale of a game going 6 innings with 1 run on 2 hits! The Mad Capper saved his 16th game as the pen looked good with the exception of Jackson who was rocked in his 2 thirds of a inning. 

Big nights with the bats were had by McCutchen who went 2 for 3 scoring 2 times, Sanchez 2 for 4 scoring twice with a RBI, Young 3 for 4 scoring a run and by Diaz with 3 RBIs.  2 DPs highlighted a nice night with the gloves.  A very solid night for the 5th place Bucs moved them to 30-33 .476 -4 riding a 2 game winning streak and going 5-5 in their last ten games.  Thats right, the Pirates are only 5 games out of first!!!  When was the last time the Pirates were this close to first this late in the season?  WOO HOO!!!!

To say I enjoyed this series is a understatement. So far I am thrilled with what I am seeing with the Pirates this season.  Its been fun and I am enjoying seeing them make a run at .500.  Go Pirates!!!
Here is the Box from last night;

Detroit	0	0	0	1	0	0	2	0	0		3	5	0
Pittsburgh	3	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	X		6	9	1

I have to say I was fascinated watching the two teams play in their 1909 uniforms.  The Tigers looked good in those uniforms heralding from the days Ty Cobb played for them.  Good thing for Cobb he played when he did, for with today's judges he would have a hard time getting in with his off-field antics.  He was a great ballplayer with some deep personal flaws.  But, I sure would've loved to see him play.

I really liked seeing the Pirates looking great in those old Pirates uniforms also!  They should bring those unis back for they brought luck with them this weekend as the Bucs took the series, just like they did in 1909.  I could almost see the great Honus Wagner playing out there, a true hall of fame gentleman who outdid Cobb in the 1909 series. Honus Wagner is another all-time great I would love to see play.  Seeing these two teams play in those uniforms really brought the history of that series to life for me!  Great job Pirates and Tigers for bringing history alive for us history buffs!

Speaking of 1909 I thought you might like to see this picture of Honus Wagner and Ty Cobb at the 1909 World Series. :)

Raise the Jolly Roger!!!

I personally took a deep satisfaction in last night's game as the 5th place 29-33 .468 -5 Pirates crushed the kitties from detroit city last night.  There are a lot of reasons why I hate the team from the motor city like firing Ernie Harwell, threatening to move unless we taxpayers paid for their new ballpark and promising to win if we did only to lose 119 games a few years later. Yes, the kittens suck and this is one Michigander who wishes they would've moved.

 But, besides my personal hatred for that team I can't stand the manager either.  A more uncouth manager I never heard. Glad my kids aren't kitten fans for if you ever heard his post-game interviews it is usually full of bleeps which is a good example for all the kids out there isn't it. But, what do you expect from one of the most classless outfits in MLB.

Okay, now that I've told you partially how I feel about the kittens lets go to the game.  The Lumber Company had a great night with the bats which was highlighted by 2 out Granny by Sanchez in the 4th which put the Bucs up 8 to 2.  The Lumber Company put up 9 runs on 16 hits with the leaders in this assault on the kitty pitching being;
Wilson scoring twice,
Adam and Wilson with 3 hits,
Sanchez with 4 RBIs,
Adam and Sanchez with Homers.

In the field the Pirates looked very good tonight with a early DP that helped contain the cats from scoring more.

On the mound it was a excellent night with the staff allowing 3 runs on 7 hits with the starter Duke 7-4 3.10 struggling early only to find his groove and working a great 8 innings with 3 runs on 6 hits (2 homers) with a walk and 3 Ks.  The game was closed by Chavez who in his inning of work let up a hit, walked one and struck out one!

A fantastic game by the Pirates!  Now go get 'em today guys and take the series from the kittens!

TIDBITS

Sanchez leads the NL with 22 doubles!

The Pirates when hitting 2 or more homers are 7-0.

Sanchez is hitting .389 for the season in the first inning.

Today's game

The Pirates take on the toothless kitties today at 1:35 pm ET with the starters being Ohlendorf 5-5 4.82 vs. Willis 1-3 6.60. 

GO PIRATES!!!!

Detroit	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0		3	7	0
Pittsburgh	0	4	0	4	0	1	0	0	X		9	16	0

rematch 100 years later...

The Pirates and Tigers met 100 seasons after the 1909 World Series tonight and the Tigers took game one of this series by the score of 3-1.  The Tigers won on the arm and the bat of Porcello who threw 7 great innings and went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs with the bat. 

The Lumber Company put up only 1 run on 8 hits tonight with the leaders being;
Morgan a run scored,
Adam and Jaramillo had 2 hits,
Sanchez with a RBI,
Morgan with a SB.

Not a very productive night for the offense, lets hope they get it together tomorrow.  In the field the Pirates had no errors and turned a DP. 

The staff tonight let up 3 runs on 11 hits with the starter Snell 1-7 5.25 having another decent game with no run support taking the loss going 7 innings allowing 2 runs on 10 hits, 2 walks and 4 Ks.  Next to the mound came Grabow who went a inning allowing1 home run with a K.  He was followed by Burnett who walked two and struck out one in 0.2 of a inning of work.  Closing was Jackson who got his only man out to end the games.  A very good night on the mound for the Bucs.  It is too bad the bats didn't get it done.

The Pirates and Tigers play again tomorrow night at 7:05 pm ET.  The starters will be Duke 6-4 3.07 vs. Galarraga 3-6 5.19. 

GO PIRATES!!!!

Detroit	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	0		3	11	0
Pittsburgh	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0		1	8	0

 

Raising the Jolly Roger!!!

The Pirates did it again! They beat the Braves by the score of 3-1 with great pitching and timely hitting.  Way to go Pirates!! The 5th place Pirates 28-32 .467 -5.0 won their second straight game and have won 6 of their last 10.  The Pirates put up 3 runs on 5 hits with the Lumber Company being led by;
McCutchen, Adam and Young with 1 run,
Andy and Young had 2 hits,
Andy had 2 RBIs,
Young had a HR.

In the field the Pirates had a error by Wilson with the glove. 

On the mound the Pirates let up 1 run on 5 hits with the starter Maholm working 7 innings with 1 run, 4 hits, 3 BB and 8 Ks in a fine performance that helped the Pirates win today. He was relieved by Jackson 2-1 4.50 who got the win by throwing a inning with 1 hit and 1 K.  Closing was the Mad Capper who got his 15th save going a perfect inning with a K.

Overall this was a fine game by the Bucs and it looks like they are on the move again.  Lets hope we get to raise the Jolly Roger tomorrow again when at 7:05 pm they play the Tigers with the starters being Snell 1-6 5.54 vs. Porcello 6-4 3.98.   GO PIRATES!!!

Pittsburgh	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	2		3	5	1
Atlanta	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0		1	5	1

Pirates scalp Braves

tonight by the score 3-2.  The braves scored in the 9th off from Anderson's shot.  But, the Mad Capper hung in there and finally got the final out to chalk up the win for the Pirates.

The Pirates scored 3 runs on 6 hits with the Lumber Company being led by:

Morgan, Andy and Monroe scoring runs,
Morgan and Sanchez with 2 hits,
Adam with 2 RBIs,
Morgan with a SB.

Not to bad for the Pirates!!! They had no errors today.

The staff gave up 2 runs on 6 hits.  Morton gave up 1 hit in a inning of work.  Karstens 3-4 5.16 got the win going 4.2 innings allowing 1 run on 4 hits.  Next was Burnett who got out the only batter he faced, then out came Grabow who threw two perfect innings getting 2 Ks.  The Mad Capper finished up going a inning giving up 1 run on a homer and getting his 14th save.

Go Pirates!!!  The Pirates take on the Braves tomorrow at 1 pm ET with Maholm 4-2 3.94 taking on Vazquez 4-5 3.54.  Till then enjoy this win!

Pittsburgh	0	0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0		3	6	0
Atlanta	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1		2	6	0

Pirates taking on Braves

At the time of writing this the Bucs are trailing the Braves 2-1.  A win tonight would sure be nice for it would put the Pirates just 3 games under .500.   What a change from seasons past.  Lets hope they can do it and bring this ship around to make a run at .500. 

While we are waiting for the outcome of this game lets explore some Pirates Tidbits.  We will find the top pitchers in Pirates history with the most Ks per 9 innings pitched for their career with the Pirates.  What do you think of this list?  Any surprises?  Who isn;t on here that you thought would be.  Who is one here that surprises you with their presence?

Ks per 9 innings average career

1. Bob Veale       7.96
2. Denny Neagle 7.14
3. Paul Wagner  6.96
4. Bert Blyleven  6.73
5. Jason Schmidt 6.71

GO PIRATES!!!!!

Pirates drop 2 of 3

this weekend to the Astros to put the 5th place Pirates at 26-30 .454 -6.5 a half game out of last over the Astros.  So much progress had been made before the trade of McLouth for the Pirates. It seems like some of the steam has been lost but looking at the standings it is inspiring to see that the Pirates are only 4 games under .500 and still only 6.5 games back.

In the past it has been a lot worse.  So, the Pirates are still hanging in there and hopefully they can begin to pick up some steam again and move foreward.  A nice winning streak could make things interesting for the Pirates so lets hope they can start one tomorrow night when they play the Braves at 7pm ET with the starters being Duke 6-4 2.62 vs. Kawakami 3-6 4.63. 

TIDBIT
The Pirates with their 2 doubles today have 119 doubles on the season. This ties them for first in the NL with the Phillies who play the Dodgers tonight. 

HIGHLIGHTS

Today's game had several highlights.  McClutchen went 3 for 5 with a RBI, Morgan had 2 RBIs, The Bucs turned 3 DPs and 10 different hitters had hits in today's game!

Lets hope the Pirates get it going again tomorrow against the Braves.  Its been a exciting and fun season so far and if they can make a big run at .500 it would make it very interesting a even more fun.  GO PIRATES!!!

Pittsburgh	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	1		4	12	1
Houston	0	1	0	0	1	1	1	2	X		6	13	0

Pre-Game and Tidbits

Tonight the fifth place Pirates 25-28 .472 -5.5 take on the last place Astros fresh off the sweep of the Mets. They play at 8:05 pm ET with the starters being Karstens 2-2 4.83 vs. Hampton 3-4 5.07.  Karstens is 1-0 4.09 lifetime against the Astros.

BATTERS FACED IN CAREER WITH TEAM

Below are the top five pitchers in numbers of batters they faced while playing for the Pirates.  Are you surprised by anyone on or not on the list?

1. Bob Friend       14,644
2. Wilbur Cooper  13,123
3. Babe Adams     11,926
4. Vern Law          11,231
5. Ed Morris         11,129

GO PIRATES!!!!

Goodbye Nate!

It is being reported tonight that Nate McLouth has been traded to the Braves for 3 players.  Outfield Gorkys Hernandez who has been tearing up Double A ball with a .316 BA, LHP Jeff Locke is 1-4 5.52 in single A and RHP Charlie Morton is 7-2 2.51 in Triple A this season.

While two of these players are in the Braves top eight prospects according to Baseball America I personally am sad to see Nate the Great go. He is one heck of a ballplayer and while this move may help the Pirates down the road (I am always suspicious when the Braves trade any pitching away for they never give up or miss on any good pitching) it sure the heck isn't going to help right now.  This season has showen a lot of promise and this move is not going to help things this year.

While it is best to make moves to build to win it all in the future, it sure would've been nice to get a good season in Pittsburgh for once before making such a move.  I am not super thrilled right now by this move but down the road I may well be.  Perhaps it is because I really like Nate McLouth. He impressed me and I think he is one fine ballplayer.  I may change my mind in a coupla days once I get past missing Nate. 

I wish Nate the best. He is a fine young man and a fine ballplayer and this is one Pirates fan who will miss him till he smashes the ball around the park against our Pirates then I may not hate him but I will be cursing the man who thought up this trade.. LOL.  Good luck Nate and lets hope our future prospects turn out well.

Waving the Jolly Roger

While I am saddened that tonight's game has been rained out I am celebrating the second straight win by the fifth place Pirates 24-28 .462 -6 over the Mets last night by the score of 3-1.  It was a exciting win as the Pirates got great pitching, some excellent fielding and timely hitting as the Pirates played some of the best baseball they have played all season taking down Santana and the Mets.

The Mets took the lead 1-0 in the 5th but the Pirates answered in their half when Jaramillo hit his first career HR to tie it up.  Morgan was then thrown out in a bang-bang play at first and ejected when he disputed the call.  I was worried at that point for Morgan is one of the spark plugs for this club.  But the Pirates seemed to be fired up by this and mowed down the Mets int he 6th and then came to bat with blood in their eye. 

Up to the plate came the Pirates and Sanchez led of with a singel. McLouth then doubled scoring Sanchez as Pirates fans went crazy with joy.  But, they weren't done yet.  Adam Laroche hit a rocket into the right field corner scoring McLouth as I stood up and cheered in front of my radio.  What a exciting team this year and this game was no less exciting than any of them.  My collies were watching me with skeptical eyes (I think they suspected I was insane) as I began waving the Jolly Roger at this sudden turn of events.

Yes, it was a great night for the Pirates.  While I realize they won't win the pennant this yeart, it sure is a lot of fun watching them chase a chance at getting to .500.  Its a lot better than it has been in most past years and I am enjoying this season very much!

With the rainout tonight the Pirates next play at 12:35 pm ET tomorrow against the Mets with the starters being Karstens 2-2 4.83 vs. Redding 0-2 9.20.  Karstens is 0-1 4.50 lifetime against the Mets. 

GO PIRATES!!!

NY Mets	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0		1	8	1
Pittsburgh	0	0	0	0	1	2	0	0	X		3	8	0

5 in the 8th

The Pirates put a 5 spot on the board last night in the 8th inning giving them a 8-5 win over the Mets moving the 5th place Pirates to 23-28 .451 -7 on the season.  With 8 runs on 13 hits the Lumber Company was led by;
The LaRoche brothers both scoring 2 runs,
Ad LaRoche and Wilson with 3 hits,
An LaRoche with 3 RBIs,
Morgan with a SB.
The five run outburst in the 8th was the team's biggest 8th inning so far this season.

In the field the Pirates had a error on a Jaramillo throw.

On the mound the Pirates let up 5 runs on 7 hits with the starter Snell struggling letting up 5 runs on 6 hits with 5 walks and 2 Ks in 6 innings of work.  He was followed by Burnett who was perfect over 0.2 of a inning. Next to the mound then came Jackson who in a inning of work walked one.  Gorzelanny worked 0.1 of a inning and got the win to improve to 3-1 7.50.  Closing and getting his 11th save was the Mad Capper who let up a hit in a inning of work.

While the pitching struggled with Snell the relief corp did a great job!  A thrilling victory over the Mets.  Lets hope for another thrilling win tonight!  GO PIRATES!!!

NY Mets	0	2	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		5	7	1
Pittsburgh	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	5	X		8	13	1

Tonight the Pirates play the Mets at 7:05 pm ET.  Duke 5-4 2.75 takes on Santana 7-2 1.77.

Pirates pre-game

Tonight the 5th place Pirates 22-28 .440 -8 at 7:05 pm ET take on the 2nd place Mets 28-21 .571 -0.5 with the starters being Snell 1-6 5.43 vs. Hernandez 4-1 4.28.  Snell is 0-2 6.11 against the Mets lifetime.
The Pirates are 3-7 in their last ten games.  The Pirates will have their hands full against Hernandez tonight.  Lets hope they get something going tonight!

TIDBITS

Veal has been placed on the 15 DL. He is being replaced by Steven Jackson a RHP who is being called up from Indianapolis.

The Pirates lead the NL with 56 DPs this season!!!

Sanchez is hitting .650 in his last 20 at-bats. 

Nate McLouth leads NL centerfielders with 32 RBIs.

Against the NL East the Pirates are 8-5 and at PNC they are 5-1 against the same division.

GO PIRATES!!!!!

Pirates have dropped 2 of 3

so far against the Astros.  Last night they won a solid 7-4 win over the 'Stros with highlights including a 3 run outburst in the first that put the Bucs in a lead they never lost.  Andy LaRoche scored 2 times, Hinske had 3 hits, Diaz had 2 RBIs and the Pirates turned a DP.  A big win that evened the series  until Sunday's game.

Today the Pirates lost a hard fought 2-1 decision that saw the Pirates jump out to a 1-0 lead in the first on a McLouth Homer.  But, the lead didn't hold in the end. With 1 run on 4 hits the Lumber Company was led by;

McLouth who scored the lone run, had 2 hits, had the lone RBI and a Homer.  It was a one man show today with the bat and that has been a recurring problem this season.  It was another day of great pitching going to waste and it is too bad for if this team could put some runs on the board on a regular basis their record would be over .500 at this point.  However, this is a young club and I believe they will progress in this area this season and win more games like the one they lost today.

In the field the Bucs had a error by Andy LaRoche with the glove.  They did turn 2 DPs along the way.

Today the staff let up just 2 runs on 8 hits with the starter Maholm 3-2 3.82 took the loss today pitching a strong 7 innings letting up 2 runs on 8 hits with 2 walks and 4 Ks.  Chavez then threw a perfect inning followed by 0.2 of a innning by Meek who was also perfect.  Burnett then came out and faced one batter striking him out.  A excellent outing by the staff.  One that sadly went to the loss column.

The Pirates remain in 5th place with a 22-28 .440 -8 a game in front of the Astros by one game yet.  The Pirates next take on the Mets tomorrow night at 7:05 pm ET with the starters being Snell 1-6 5.43 vs. Hernandez 4-1 4.28.  Snell is 0-2 6.11 lifetime against the Mets.

Houston	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0		2	8	0
Pittsburgh	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		1	4	1

UGLY!!!

Thats the best way to describe last night's 6-1 loss by the Pirates to the Astros. Just plain UGLY!

 UGLY! The Lumber Company fell far short with 1 run on 7 hits and not scoring until the 9th inning last night. 

UGLY! They left 17 on base.

UGLY! Ohlendorf gave up 4 runs on 8 hits in 5 innings.

UGLY! Chavez giving up 1 run on 3 hits in a inning.

UGLY! Veal 1 run on 3 hits in one inning.

UGLY! The leadoff hitter reaching base 4 times in the first 6 innings, only to not score each time.

Yes, UGLY is the word.  However, it was one night of baseball.  Today is a new day and hoppefully the Pirates can get it together and snap the three game losing streak they are on.  Hope springs eternal again today as the Pirates take on the 'Stros at 7:05 pm ET. The starters will be 1-2 5.19 vs. Rodriguez 1-3 5.71. 

The Pirates are in 5th place at 21-27 .438 -7 a game in front of the Astros.  So, tonight's game is a biggie for if the Pirates win they remain in front of the Astros. If not, they move into a last place tie.  Lets hope they pull off the win and stay in front of the 'Stros.  GO PIRATES!!!!

Houston	0	1	0	2	0	2	1	0	0		6	15	0
Pittsburgh	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1		1	7	0

Lowest ERA Seasons

As we wait for the game tomorrow I thought we would explore some historical tidbits of Pirate History. Today its the lowest ERA single season record.  With all the excellent pitchers the Pirates have had I found this list interesting.  How about you?  Are you surprised by some of the pitchers on it or the lack of some pitchers on it?  Till tomorrow!  GO PIRATES!!!!

PIRATES LOWEST ERA RECORD SINGLE SEASON
1. Denny Driscoll    1.21    1882
2. Howie Camnitz  1.56    1908
3. Howie Camnitz  1.62    1909
4. Sam Leever       1.66    1907
5. Vic Willis           1.73    1906

dropping two of three

is where the Pirates ended up after today's loss to the Cubs.  I was thrilled when they opened the series with a win against the Cubs in a wild affair on Monday.  Tuesday's 6-1 rain shortened game felt like we wuz robbed. Not robbed by the decision, but just robbed of baseball in general.  I was really hoping for a win today.

That win almost came when the Bucs tied the score up 2-2 in the 7th when Morgan slid home after Zambrano threw a wild pitch and then missed the tag on Morgan.  Zambrano then threw a whale of a fit and was ejected.  Personally I admire Zambrano for his intensity and drive but I think his reactions go a bit too far and someday he will probably get hurt in one of his tirades while bashing the poor innocent gatorade buckets for his shortcomings on the field. Today instead of taking them down the runway  and beating the snot out of them he let loose with a bat on a gatorade machine. Wonder why he hates gatorade so much? :)  My hopes were high after Mr. I go off the deep end on everything was ejected. 

Those hopes were crushed however when the Cubs put up 3 in the bottom of the eighth to take a 5-2 lead.  The 9th came and when Sanchez walked my hopes revived.  They revived until Morgan hit a fly ball that Bradley made a good catch on.  No problem right? Its only one out.  Well Sanchez with no one out took off on the swing and was rounding third when the catch was made.  Ooops!!!  A fly out became a DP. But, hope springs eternal and when Young walked I knew McLouth was coming up.  Could they rally?  Could the Pirates at least tie the game?

Somewhere hope springs eternal
and shouts of joy ring out,
but not in the city of Pittsburgh,
for Nate McLouth done struck out!

So, the loss today drops the 5th place Pirates to 21-26 .447 -7.  The Pirates have tomorrow off and then play the last place Astros on Friday. We will post some Pittsburgh history here tomorrow and cover the upcoming series on Friday. 

I don;t know about you but I am very happy with where the Pirates are right now.  Of course I want more wins and would love to see them in first. However, they are a lot better off right now than most people figured they would be at this point in the season.  .500 is still in sight and the Pirates if they take apart the Astros in the upcoming series could move close to that elusive .500 mark.  Keep yer fingers crossed and relish the good games we have had so far for there are more of those days coming.
GO PIRATES!!!

Pittsburgh	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0		2	8	1
Chi Cubs	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	X		5	12	1

PIRATES Shutouts in a Season

While we wait for tonight's game after last night's thrilling victory over the Cubs I thought we would post some historical stats that you might find interesting.  It is the single season records for shutouts by Pirates pitchers.  There have been a slew of great pitchers backing up the Lumber Company in the history of the Pirates.  As you look at this list are there any pitchers on this list your surprised to see or not see on the list?  Lets hope for another big Pirates win tonight!  GO PIRATES!!!

SINGLE SEASON SHUTOUT RECORDS PIRATES

1. Ed Norris      12   1886
2. Babe Adams   8   1920
    Jack Chesbro  8   1902
    Lefty Leifield  8   1906
    Al Mamaux     8    1915

Pirates vs. Cubs

Since the dawn of modern baseball in 1901 the Pirates and Cubs have played each other  2121 times with the Pirates record against the Cubs being 1096-1015 .519.  A .519 winning pct. converted into a 162 game season would give the Pirates a total of 84 wins for comparison. 

At home the Pirates have a 599-463 .564 record against the Cubs. On the road they are 497-552 .474.  Home field advantage seems to have played a huge role in this rivalry through the years with the Pirates seeming to have the biggest advantage at home.

Through the seasons the Pirates have tallied a total of 9213 runs against the Cubs 9032 for a average score of Pirates 4.34,  Cubs 4.26.

Lets hope the Pirates add tot heir totals tonight.

Coming off the win yesterday against the White Sox  I am hopeful the Pirates have found their bats again and will give it to the North Siders big time.  The pitching has been pretty good and with any offense at all the Pirates could be putting some wins on the board.

Tonight the Pirates take on the Cubs at 8:05 pm ET.  The starters will be Maholm 3-1 3.30 vs. Dempster 3-3 4.40.  Maholm has a lifetime record of 4-1 6.32 against the Cubs.  The Pirates are 6-4 in their last ten games and 2-3 in their last five.  Lets hope they keep the bats booming. 

GO PIRATES!!!!

Pirates whitewashed

the last two night by the White Sox.  Friday night the series started with a 2-0 loss to the Sox  when Zach Duke 5-4 2.77 threw a complete game but had no offensive support to win the game.  With only 2 hits there wasn't much to cheer about offensively except a stolen base by McLouth.  On the field the Pirates sparkled with 3 DPs.  Duke struck out 7 but the Lumber Company did not deliver so it was a long night.

Last night the Pirates dropped a 4-0 decision with Ohlendorf 5-4 4.20.  No offense is the story again as Pirates could muster only 5 hits.  A leadoff double in the 6th by Sanchez was wasted as was the last two great pitching performances in Chicago.  The Pirates have now been held to 20 scoreless innings. 

These two losses now have the Bucs on a 3 game slide with a 19-24 .442 -7 record in 5th place.  FOr me it has been a hard series to watch.  While I was cheering on the great pitching I am scratching my head at the hitting.  What is up?  They look good fundamentally running the counts deep. It just seems they can't make contact at the end.  These types of slumps come and they go so I am not worried too much about it.  It just seems a shame to see all this great pitching going to waste. 

Coming into this weekend I really had my hopes up for the Pirates. They had rolled for the previous 5 out of 6 games and the pitching was looking good and the bats were connecting solidly.  Will they salvage a game out of this series today?  Thats the big question.  This game I feel is important.  This is where we find out what this club has learned and has developed too so far this season.  A win today shows they are still fighting and not letting this get them down. A loss will cause concern for hopes and spirits were running high going into this weekend.  Many, including myself thought a corner had been turned in getting the Pirates back in the right direction.  Today we may find out if this is so.

The Pirates play today at 2:05 pm ET with the starters being Karstens 1-2 5.21 vs. Buerhle 6-1 2.77.
Lets hope for a big win today so the Pirates can get this ship turned around and start heading in the right direction again.  So much has been gained this season lets hope they continue to build upon it.
GO PIRATES!!!!!

Pirates bit by Nats

by the score of 5-4 tonight as the team from Washington won the final game of the series.  The loss drops the Pirates to 6th place 19-22 .463 -6.5 until other games going are settled.  The Lumber Company put up 4 runs on 5 hits with the leaders being;
Ad LaRoche scored 2 runs,
Ad LaRoche and Moss with 2 hits,
Both Laroche Bros. with 2 RBIs,
Ad LaRoche with a HR.

A decent night for the Lumber but not good enough tonight for the win.  With just one loss in this series it was a good showing and this was the third series in a row the Bucs have won.  They seem to be back on track and heading in the right direction despite the loss they had tonight. 

On the field they had no miscues which is another step forward for the Pirates as they work on turning this franchise around.

The staff tonight let up 5 runs on 8 hits which on some nights is enough to win, just not tonight.  The starter Snell worked 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with a walk and 6 Ks.  He was followed by Gorzelanny 1-1 6.00 who took the loss going 1.1 innings with 2 runs on 4 hits.  Closing was Chavez for 0.2 of a inning with 1 K.

The Pirates next play tomorrow at 8:11 pm ET against the White Sox with the starters being Duke 5-3 2.84 vs. Floyd 2-4 7.71

GO PIRATES!!!!

Pittsburgh	0	0	0	0	1	0	3	0	0		4	5	0
Washington	0	2	0	1	0	0	0	2	X		5	8	0

Make it 4!!!

The Pirates continue to rebound after their early season slump to win their 4th straight game last night winning a thrilling 10 inning victory over the Nationals by the score of 8-5.  The Pirate jumped out early to a 3-0 lead in the first  then adding 2 more int he 3rd to go up 5 -0.  But the Nats fought back tying it up in the bottom of the 9th.  But, then the 10th inning came and I was biting nails hoping the Pirates would bounce back and win for it would really help them to learn to overcome adversity and give them a boost of confidence.  Not having a hit since the 3rd was not a big confidence booster either but I was hoping and sure enough... the Pirates began to hit.

 Vazquez led off with a single and I cheered as my old collie sat up from its slumber wondering what this was all about.  Sanchez walked and then a fly out put Vazquez on third and I was jumping up and down in joy as my Collie yawned and looked at the computer and listened to whatever it was that was making me happy.  Then it happened, cheers erupted in our house as my collie stood up and barked happily as Adam LaRoche smacked a double to right to give the Pirates a two run lead.  The other collies began prancing around and barking joyfully as Moss hit one back up the middle to give the Pirates a 3 run lead.

Oh we bit our nails as the bottom of the 10th came.  But the Pirates slammed the door shut as Gorzelanny struckout 2 in the inning.  As I raised the Jolly Roger in the window the collies barked noisily in celebration for they are either Pirate fans or they were just happy that I was happy.  Somehow I think it is the latter.... 

I believe the Pirates are now on their way to putting together a team that can win more than 70 games this year and that is a big step towards getting back over .500 soon.  Lets hope for another win tonight as the Pirates take on the Nats at 7:05 pm ET with the starters being Maholm 3-1 3.51 vs. Lannan 2-3 4.00. Maholm is 0-2 6.12 lifetime against the Nats.  With the win last night the Pirates moved out of last place to 5th with a 18-21 .462 -7.

TIDBITS

.513 is what the Pirates have been hitting with runners in scoring position in their last 3 games.

The Pirates starting pitching has a 4.04 ERA which is 4th best in the NL.

In their last nine games the Pirates are hitting .308.

GO PIRATES!!!!

Pittsburgh	3	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	3		8	8	0
Washington	0	0	0	1	0	3	0	0	1	0		5	8	0