Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian Wolff

Pirates Make Taiwan Connection; Sign Three

Brian Wolff — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:30:28 -0400

The Pirates have been puttng an emphasis on their international scouting and development programs in recent years and it payed off as they were able to sign three Taiwanese-born prospects to start of the international signing period.

The three recent high school graduates were scouted by a number of major league teams.

A pair of players were signed out of Xiyuan Taichung City High School.

Right-handed pitcher Sheng-qin Hong, at six-feet tall and 165 pounds is on the thin side, but throws a 90 MPH fastball, a curve and a changeup, with good mechanics. Once he gets into a weight program and fills out, the Pirates can expect his velocity to increase a bit. Hong described baseball as the ‘greatest of American dreams.’

The Pirates also signed outfielder Pin-Hong Ji, who at only 5-feet-7 and 143 pounds is rather undersized but is particularly fast on the bases. He, like Hong, is just an 18-year-old so the Pirates believe he still has time to fill out.

In a press conference surrounding the signing, Ji said he is ‘very happy to be signed by the Pirates and hopes to bring honor to Taiwan.’ Pirate scouts said he is thin but he is extremely fast (3.9 seconds from home base to first), is excellent on defense and is a strong candidate to develop into a top-level defensive outfielder.

Ji was a starter on the 2005 Xiyuan 13-14 Pony League World Series Champion, and on the 2007 National Champion of the IBA Senior League.

Recognizing that the two players have not yet physically matured, they were signed to modest contracts, but they are eager to begin developing their skills within the Pirates organization.

The third signee was first baseman Ji-wei Xu, age 17, who attended Kuang Fu High School. Xu was discovered by accident. A group of major league scouts had been in Taiwan scouting a pitcher in a game in December of last year. In the game Xu launched a home run that ricocheted of an outfield pole, catching the scouts attentions. One scout reportedly gave him the nickname, “Little Jim Thome.”

Xu’s size and posture have also been compared to Jason Giambi. He is just shy of six feet and weighs 202 pounds.

Xu was signed by the Pirates based on his arm strength and hitting power.

The three will be sent to the Major League Baseball Academy in Queensland, Australia for at least a couple months, where they can work on their skills and give them more time to develop physically, while also picking up a bit of English. Xu could be assigned in the Pirates farm system as soon as September. Ji and Hong might not be assigned until next spring.

Taiwan has been a powerhouse in junior league World Series competitions in recent years and is one of three areas that have developed major-league baseball programs in Asia, along with Japan and South Korea.

Above: Shen-qin Hong (left) and outfielder Pin-hong Ji.

Tina Li assisted in the research for this story.

Pirates Ink Number Four Chambers

Brian Wolff — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:32:01 -0400

The Pirates got back to business, signing three more draft picks from the 2009 class.

Outfielder Evan Chambers, the third-round pick and fourth overall, came to an agreement with the Pirates.

Chambers hit .324 in 188 at bats with 13 doubles and 11 home runs, all while collecting 39 RBI and 27 stolen bases at talent rich Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida.

Chambers started out a Gator, but transferred from the University of Florida to Hillsborough after the 2008 season. This moved up his draft eligibility. Players at four-year schools are not draft eligible until their junior year.

Pittsburgh also signed a couple of second-tier draftees in shortstop John Gourley, the 13th-round pick, and Ryan Beckman, the 18th-round pick.

High school athlete Gourley batted .477 (42 hits) including four home runs and 23 RBI in 88 at bats in his senior year at Easter Wayne High School in Goldsboro, N.C. His sophomore and junior years were nearly as impressive as he collected All-ECC honors, and all-area performer each year.

Right-handed pitcher Beckham, the 18th-round pick, was 4-1 with two saves, appearing in 19 games as a freshman at Grayson County College in Texas.

The Pirates have signed 15 of 51 draftees, including their top four selections.

Many fans would still like to see the Pirates ink the the flurry of prep hurlers drafted between the fourth and eighth rounds in the First-Year Player Draft.

Signing Zach Dodson (fourth), Zach Von Rosenberg (sixth), Trent Stevenson (seventh), and Billy Cain (eighth) would truely cement this a a successful draft.

Dodson looks to be signing with the Pirates rather than heading to Baylor. He said he was pretty sure he was going to sign back on June 11th, but that he had to work some things out first.

Von Rosenberg, named Louisiana's Mr. Baseball, has committed to LSU but the deal is not done until August 15th. The athlete auditioned for several major league teams including the Yankees, Royals, and Astros so it would seem that LSU is not necessarily guraenteed.

If either Von Rosenberg or Brody Colvin (drafted by the Phillies in the seventh) sign, the other one is likely to also sign, as LSU's chances at a repeat at the College World Series drop considerably.

Trent Stevenson, the seventh-round pick, has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Arizona.

The Pirates eighth-round pick, (Billy) Colton Cain was named the MVP of the Class 4A-5A THSBCA All-Star game on June 23rd. Cain seems willing to sign if the Pirates are willing to meet his seven-figure demands, which is not unreasonable considering the money the Pirates have saved in earlier signings so far.

Logan's Run and Baseball

Brian Wolff — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:50:05 -0400

Years ago when I like 12 or something I was devastated to learn that Logan's Run had been canceled. I could not understand why the networks would cancel such an interesting show. It was years later that I learned somewhere that a certain number of TV shows have to be canceled in order to make room for the new shows that are in the pipeline.

When I first heard this I wondered, why kill off a successful show that people really like to introduce something completely new. I mean, isn't the show still scoring in the ratings? Well, apparently, to ensure that the networks always have good programs in development, they are always pumping money into new projects to produce pilots.

This way, when they need a new show to air, they already have something in development and they can just plug it into the prime-time lineup. Sometimes they have something really good in development that they have to bring along or they risk losing it to a competing network.

There are only so many days in the week. There are only so many time slots. Each network might be able to hand onto 40 or so shows, but the core 25 shows take up the bulk of the budget and all the choice time slots.

So what to they do when a new show has to come out of development or be lost? In these situations, they kill aWest Wing, saying the show had gotten too expensive anyhow, or that freeing up the money for this show allows the network to start filming on three pilots, and perhaps on a pilot to be named later.

Now some TV markets have more money than others, and some networks have more money than others. They all have those 25 core time slots, but not all of the can afford the most expensive programming to fill those slots. This is why there is always a certain amount of stupid stuff on TV.

Sometimes networks just decide that the entire lineup needs to be scratched because they have finished last in the rating for the sixteenth season in a row and they want to try something different.

So Logan's Run would not be the last time evil television networks and their advertising cohorts would frustrate my television viewing pleasures. In the ensuing years I would be robbed of Sports Night, News Radio, Ed, Firefly, West Wing, Life on Mars, The Unusuals, The Unit, The Agency, and Star Trek Enterprise, to name just a few.

Just when you think you really love a show, they yank it away from you. However, once in a while you can still see it in reruns on TBS or WGN, though it is never really the same.

Now, granted, some of these shows you might think about and say, 'hey, they could have gotten rid of that show a long time ago.'

I would live to have all my favorite shows on one after the other, all during prime-time, from Monday to Friday, but it is just not in the cards.

This is an ugly truth of the way the game works. We can get upset about it all we want and blame this network owner or that program director, but very seldom does any complaining every matter. If we ever want to see the next Lost, then we have to accept that something we already love is going to be lost.

Now, let's talk baseball...

Take This Hypothetical Scenario

You are 75 games into the season. You have an aging team with largely mediocre numbers, except for a couple of quality performers.

Your three outfielders have 31 homers on the season, and a fourth outfielder, a regular starter, has been out most of the year on the DL.

Your left fielder is hitting .279 with an OBP of .404. He is leading the outfield with 19 homers.

You center fielder his hitting .259 with 12 homers and 45 RBI, but you just had to sit him due to a sore hamstring.

Your right fielder is is hitting .191 with 2 homers and paltry OBP of .279.

At third is one of your offensive stars who is near the end of his career, hitting

.364 with four homers and and OBP of .417. He is solid. However, he had been out most of the season. he has only played 18 games and he is still two weeks away from seeing any play time.

You have your utility man filling in, though not so ably. He is hitting .250 with 1 homer and .387 OBP.

You second baseman is a former batting champion and his hitting .315 with five homers and 25 RBI on the season and his OBP is .357.

Your short stop has been arond the block and is one of the top at his position. He is no offensive juggernaut. He is hitting .285 with three homers on the year.

Your first baseman is streaky at times. He is just starting to come on, but is hitting .264 with 11 homers.

You catcher is experienced but is also aging. He is as solid as they come on defense and an veteran of many years who helps your young pitching staff immeasurably. His numbers are down over the last couple of years and he is hitting just .227

Now ask your self if this starting lineup, not even talking about the pitching staff, is worth $68 Million?

Let's see...

The hypothetical lineup consists of player already traded in past years, or rumored to be on the trading block. It is an expensive team, that is not at all bad, but given their numbers, they might not even be a contender which is bad when you consider the price tag.

So let's saya final fairwell to the Pirates of old. Let's not send Sanchez and Wilson packing until it is time. I longingly wonder what it might have been like to have you all on the field together.

Would it have made much of a difference in the standings over the past decade and a half? Who knows.

For today, I would like to suggest that we collectively stop all the caterwauling. TV shows come and go. Is it always the right decision? Probably half the time it is and the other half not.

But, what's done is done. Belly-aching about this seven-year-old TV show being canceled, or this three-year old show, or even the most recent show, won't bring them back. What is even worse, is griping about the show being canceled that has not even been canceled yet.

I miss Logan's Run to. Who wouldn't. But it is gone. If I want to see it again I have to turn over to the Sci-fi Network and try to catch it in reruns.

Greatest Team That Almost Was: Homestead Grays

Brian Wolff — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:53:30 -0400

Pirates Remember Negro League Homestead Grays

The Pirates kicked of African-American Heritage Weekend by donning the uniforms of the Homestead Grays, one of the greatest teams to ever take the field in the 1930s.

The Pirates and the Kansas City Royals will wear the throwback uniforms again for tomorrow's game. The Royals wore the uniforms of the Kansas City Monarchs.

The Grays were one of the more storied teams to play in the Negro Leagues of the first half of the 20th century. After years of independent play, the team formed by Cumberland "Cum" Posey, joined the Negro National League and after a two-year rough start, would dominate the league for a decade.

Posey, part of the group that formed the team in 1910 from a group of steel workers, started as a player for the Grays in 1911. Eventually he became manager and later owner. The original team, Blue Ribbons, an industrial league team, had been formed in 1900. 10 years later they became the Murdock Grays, and two years later the Homestead Grays.

His team would win nine consecutive Negro National League pennants between 1937-45, as well as three Negro World Series. The Grays played most of their games at old Forbes Field in Pittsburgh and at their home away from home, Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.

The Grays were real "barnstormers" as they traveled around playing against teams in hundreds of small towns across the Eastern United States.

The team was led by such players as catcher Josh Gibson who was known as the "black Babe Ruth." Some who saw him conversely descried Babe Ruth at the "white Josh Gibson."

In 1934, he hit 69 home runs including barnstorming (non-league) games, including 11 in 53 league games. In 1933 he batted .467 with 55 home runs in 137 league and non-league games. His lifetime batting average is .359.

He was voted in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. The plaque reads, "Almost 800" homers hit in his 17-year career.

James "Cool Papa" Bell, a switch-hitting left fielder, was described by his contemporaries as the fastest man on the base paths. The great Leroy "Satchel" Paige said of of the speedster, "If Cool Papa had known about colleges or if colleges had known about Cool Papa, Jesse Owens would have looked like he was walking." In his obituary, the New York Times described him as the "fastest man to ever play baseball."

In the Pirates game against the Royals, lighting fast Nyjer Morgan reached first on a "sacrifice" bunt that moved Andrew McCutchen over to third. It was the speed of Bell that first turned sacrifice bunts into hits, rather than sacrifices.

Three years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, Bell had a chance to pay against some Major League players. The same obit recounts a Major League All-Star game Bell appeared in two years after his retirement in 1948.

Reaching first base on a hit, Bell later took off on a steal after the pitch to Paige. Reaching second without a throw, Bell noticed the third baseman had not retreated after charging to cover the bunt, and he headed for third. When the catcher ran toward third with the ball, Bell turned toward home and adeptly sidestepped the tag, scoring on the play.

The story is also recounted in Ken Burns documentary, "Baseball."

Another story says he stole two bases on a single pitch. Believability certainly stretches the imagination, but he was clearly fast. He stole 137 bases in his career.

Bell twice batted better than .400 in his career, his first and final seasons, and had a lifetime average of .337. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

Another player was one of the Gray’s star pitchers. Smokey Joe Williams pitched for 27 years, his last two for the Grays. Highlights of his career include a 20-7 exhibition record against Major League teams. In 1917 he struck out 20 batters while no-hitting the New York Giants, losing the game 1-0 on an error. In a game his first year with the Grays against the Kansas City Monarchs, he struck out an inconceivable 27 batters in at 12-inning game, giving up one hit.

In 1914 he had a record of 41-3. Ty Cobb described him as a “sure 30-game winner” had he been able to pitch in the majors. If you ask people who it the greatest Negro Leagues pitcher half will tell you it is Satchel Paige. The other half will tell you it is “Cyclone” Joe Williams.

Paige and Williams met once at the beginning of one career and at the end of another’s Paige won out 1-0 in the contest between the Baltimore Black Sox and the Grays. Paige said "Smokey Joe (Williams) could throw harder than anyone."

The Cyclone was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

The stars of the Homestead Grays made the baseball team arguably the best to ever play in the Negro Leagues. Though history will never let us know, as many have said, they could have been the among the very best in the Major Leagues, had the color-barrier not been in place at that time.

These men were successful because they loved the game first and foremost. The lasting mark they have left on baseball is irrefutable, changing the game with their talent and their contributions.

After the disbanding of the Negro National League in 1948 the Grays struggled to survive until finally folding in 1950.

PICTURE ABOVE: the 1913 Homestead Grays at Forbes Field, "Champions of Homestead & Vicinity, 1913."

Photo of Homestead Grays is in the public domain, courtesy of Mrs. Cumberland W. Posey.

Photo Source=[http://www.clpgh.org/exhibit/neighborhoods/hill/hill_n218.html Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh] |Date=1913 |Author=Unknown, Courtesy of Mrs. Cumberland W. Posey |Permis)

Pirates Sign Black, Top Three In Uniform

Brian Wolff — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:05:14 -0400

The Pirates signed their No. 2 overall pick on Monday, agreeing to terms with RHP Victor Black, their 49th overall pick. The Dallas Baptist University star was the 29th highest rated pitcher in this year's draft, as rated by Baseball America.

The 6-foot-4, 210 pound, 21-year-old relies on his up-to-95-MPH fastball, but also throws a slider and is developing a changeup.

Prior to his signing, Black had expressed a desire to get out and experience professional baseball. He will get his wish as the Pirates have assinged him to the State College Spikes in the New York-Penn League, in order to get him playing right away.

Two more draft picks signed in the last few days, with the Pirates getting their highly-coveted second round pick. High school senior Brooks Pounders signed for an in-slot bonus on Thursday, followed with Rice University second baseman Brock Hold on Friday, their ninth round draft pick.

Black is just the kind of young pitcher the Pirates feel they can work with—a hard throwing pitcher willing to fill any role.

He has said he is open to the idea of being a closer rather than a starter which might just be what the Pirates have in mind for him. “If that works I would love to do it. I love throwing strikes to get people out.” As a bullpen pitcher he could move through the minor league system more quickly.

Also on Monday, the Pirates signed three other collegiate draftees.

First baseman Aaron Baker was the pirates 11th round choice. Baker hit .284 with 15 home runs for the Oklahoma Sooners in his junior year. Baker drove in 50 or more runs in three consecutive seasons for the Sooners.

Phillip Irwin, chosen in the 21st round, was 8-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 15 games as a junior at the University of Mississippi.

Ed Fallon, chosen in the 43rd round was 2-0 and had a save in 20 appearances for the University of South Carolina.

These three signings bring the Pirates signing 12 of 51 picks from this years first-year Player Draft, including their top three.

Their second overall pick, Black, was compensation for a draftee not signed last year. The Pirates draft team, particularly scout Mike Leuzinger, took notice of Black’s fastball mentality.

Black has been a major league prospect since his freshman year when he could already hit a mid-90s fastball. He was drafted by the Mets in 2006 and had the attention of the Yankees as well that year. At the time, he said he was not sure what he could do as a pitcher and passed on those opportunities.

He did not start pitching until his senior hear in high school. Before that he was a catcher. In his first two years at DBU, he struggled with his control, walking a lot. But he has gotten those numbers down in his junior year.

He was 6-4 in 15 starts with Dallas Baptist University, striking out 99 batters in 88.2 innings.

Pirate Picks Black, Pounders, Holt Sign; More on the Way

Brian Wolff — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:39:54 -0400

One More Pirates’ Draft Evaluation

The Pirates signed their number two overall pick on Monday, agreeing to terms with RHP Victor Black, their 49th overall pick. The Dallas Baptis University star was the 29th highest rated pitcher in this years draft, as rated by Baseball America.

Two more draft picks signed in the last couple of days, with the Pirates getting their highly coveted second round pick, high school senior Brooks Pounders, for an in slot bonus on Thursday, and following with Rice University second baseman Brock Hold on Friday, their ninth round draft pick.

The Pirates have signed 12 or 51 picks from this years First-year Player Draft, including their top three.

Looking at the draft some might say the Pirates played the draft smart looking for talent that they could space out over time, giving their talent pool some longevity. Others mgiht say Pittsburgh played it risky and drafted several highly touted high school pitchers who had already made commitments to play college ball.

Which ever, by drafting a very reasonably minded Jorge “Tony” Sanchez first, they made room to sign some of these later round prep drafts with sizeable signing bonuses. The Pirates drafter 13 players at the high school level in total. It is hard to know how many would-be future first rounders they migh sign out of this draft.

They also gave themselves the opportunity to "aggressively" pursue 16-year-old Dominican Miguel Angel Sano, according to Pirates President Frank Coonelly. They will have stiff competition as the Yankees are also pressing hard to land the future star, along with the Orioles, Indians and Twins.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported back in early June that the Pirates might just evaluate Sano like any other prospect of the DR and not necessarily pony up the possible $4M price tag some are expecting for Sano. The Pirates are very serious about Sano, going so far as to varify the 16-year-olds age by doing a bone scan.

First Round (Signed)

Many people seemed to be disappointed with the Pirates drafting of Sanchez, a Junior Catcher out of Boston College. The fourth overall pick seemed to surprise many people but the Pirates felt he was the best position player available at that time, especially where they had a need.

For all the complainers, I wonder who some people would have rather seen drafted.

Despite this “sign-ability” moniker placed on Sanchez, he is no slouch and has the greatest chance to make it to the big leagues of all the Pirate draftees. He catches and throws well and hit for power and average in college. There are questions about whether this will translate into the big leagues but the Pirates plainly feel it will.

He lead his team in numerous offensive categories and the Pirates like him because he is a self-starting, hard worker. Catchers that can also hit the ball are highly desired at the major league level, and by locking him in the Pirates have made their organization more solid at this position.

The Pirates drafter three cathers within their first fifteen picks. The crystal ball says that three years down the line you could hear talk of a mid-season, tooth gnashing Ryan Doumit trade for three prospects.

Sanchez, obviously thrilled to be picked fourth overall said, “I want to help turn that franchise into a winning franchise.” How refreshing is that to hear. Sanchez signed very quickly, making the Pirates very happy.

Sanchez will debuted today for the State College Spikes before heading to Single-A West Virginia. In the game he got the game winning RBI in the ninth, and the Pirates have to be thrilled about this after last year’s nightmare with Scott Boras.

Supplemental Round A (Signed)

Their second pick, Victor Black, RHP, was compensation for a draft not signed last year. Black is a Junior at DBU. The Pirates draft team, particularly scout Mike Leuzinger, took notice of Black’s fastball mentality.

This is just the kind of young pitcher the Pirates feel they can work with. The Pirates had felt that there is a good chance the junior would sign as he has expressed his desire to get out and experience professional baseball. The 6-foot-4, 210 pound 21-year-old relies on his up to 95-MPH fastball but also throws a slider.

Black was 6-4 in 15 starts with Dallas Baptist University, striking out 99 batters in 88.2 innings.

Black is also open to the idea of being a closer rather than a starter which might just be what the Pirates have in mind for him. “If that works I would love to do it. I love throwing strikes to get people out.”

Second Round (Signed)

The Pirates yesterday announced the signing of Brooks Pounders, their 6-foot-5 high school hurler with a four-pitch repertoire and he will be headed to the Gulf Coast League team in Bradenton. Pounders was 9-2 with a 1.96 ERA and four complete games in his senior year in high school.

General Manager Neal Huntington tagged him has having an above average fastball, a breaking ball and a solid changeup, which the Pirates like their pitchers to be able to throw. Based on meetings with the prep athlete, the Pirates feel he is extremely teachable and will develop into a quality major league pitcher.

As an added bonus, Pounders can also swing the bat with 17 homeruns during his junior and senior years. Pounders signed in slot with a $670,000 bonus.

Third Round

The Pirates went to another position player with their fourth overall pick, grabbing junior college center fielder, Evan Chambers. For me it is hard to see him as being that great of a grab, but the Pirates see him has having authentic hitting power, in spite of his issues with changeups.

Some feel this pick came perhaps a round too early. I do no know what the Pirates know, that no one else does.

Fourth Round

The Pirates’ second high schooler taken in the draft was another example of a likely future first round pick that the Pirates are taking a chance on getting (Pounders being the first).

If Zach Dodson can be persuaded with an out of slot signing bonus, the Pirates could be winners in the long run. Dodson has said he is leaning toward signing with the Pirates and will likely sign sometime after the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game on Sunday.

The 6-foot-2 180 pound lefty has a good mid 90s fastball and a curveball. He has been developing a changeup. Scouts say he will need to work on his mechanics and command in the minors.

The four years he would spend at Baylor, he will spend in the Pirates farm system, making him major league ready sooner, and giving him a longer major league career.

Fifth Round

A hiccup in the Pirates’ prep plan occurred as LHP Nathaniel Baker from Ole’ Miss was taken with the 145th overall pick. Baker appeared as a starter and a reliever, building a 4-3 record with a 3.63 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 67 innings last season.

Baker throws a mid 90s fastball and a mid 90s slider. With a year of eligibility left, Baker might not sign, but there are no indications he is going to get his draft number any higher by delaying his professional career any longer, and risks losing negotiating power as a senior.

Sixth Round

A Zack of a different spelling, looks to be passing up the Pirates offer and heading to LSU. Zach Von Rosenberg of Zachary, Louisiana would be a great pull for the Pirates if they could sign him, and of course the deadline is not until August 15.

Word is he bought a one-way ticket and headed to Baton Rouge but who knows, perhaps this could be little more than posturing on his part. He has a lot of talent and he knows this. He could just be holding out or he could be looking ot enjoy the college life. If he signs, I would give this draft pick a five of five rating.

Seventh Round

The fourth high schooler in the first ten draftees is Trent Stevenson from Brophy Jesuit Prep, a 6-fot-6, 175 pounder throws a 90 MPH fastball. He has already signed a letter of intent to attend Arizona, but he is meeting with the Pirates on Monday, according to the Post-Gazette. He is number 83 on the top 100 basball talents.

Eighth Round

The third High School star, Billy Cain who originally signed to play for Texas, looks to be close to signing with the Pirates. The 6-foot-3 225 pound pitcher is reportedly waiting for the league to work out the details of his contract. Cain has a mid 90s fastball with room to grow.

He pitched internationally against South Korea and Chinese Taipei winning both games for the 2008 USA Under-18 team. He had a 19-strike out no hit peformance as a junior.

Ninth Round (Signed)

The Pirates announced today the signing of Brock Holt. The second baseman hit .348 with 12 homers and 43 RBI in 59 games for Rice this year. Holt also stole 11 bases. Holt has been assigned to the Single-A State College Spikes of the New York-Penn League. He will give the Spikes a much added boost and hopefully help turn around their dismal performance last season.

Of the first 10 players drafted the Pirates have three locked up and look to be well on their way to getting three more.

Stay tuned for a look at the next 10 players in the coming days. The Pirates have a very good chance to turn what was deemed by many a mediocre draft, into a very good draft if they can continue to sign many of their high picks.

Three other lower round draft choice signed on Monday. First baseman Aaron Baker was the pirates 11th round choice. Baker hit .284 with 15 home runs for the Oklahoma Sooners in his junior year. Baker drove in 50 or more runs in three consecutive seasons for the Sooners.

Phillip Irwin, chosen in the 21st round, was 8-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 15 games as a junior at the University of Mississippi.

Ed Fallon, chosen in the 43rd round was 2-0 and had a save in 20 appearances for the University of South Carolina.

Five lower round draft choices signed on last Wednesday. LF Jose Hernanedez (23), RHP Jason Erickson (24), SS Ty Summerlin (30), LF Pat irvine (33) and RHP Marc Baca (42) all made their professional debuts Saturday with the Spikes in a losing effort.

Where There Is Baseball, There Are Pirates

Brian Wolff — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:53:52 -0400

I am not opposed to having a little fun with the themes that come with certain team names. Fortunately there is no one to really offend by using the theme that comes with the Pirates.

However, I've never really been a fan of the phrase, "let's raise the Jolly Roger." I don't know, for me it always just sounds a little too jolly. I'm not sure when they started using it in Pittsburgh.

There are multiple variations of origins for the phrase "Jolly Roger" describing the skull and crossbones flag, or just a simple black flag.

There are also numerous unsavory meanings for the phrase, none of which a fan can be very proud.

For me something a little more menacing like, Hoist the Skull and Bones is a little more suitable, and carries with it a certain menacing threat.

I have never had the honor of attending a game at PNC park so I do not know the sorts of cheering that goes on.

I think a really interesting cheer for the fans to to take part in would be when a player makes a good defensive play, to in unison give a deep and hardy "Arrrghh!!" Seem silly? If you doubt me try it for you self.

Try squinting one eye, give yourself a twisted grin, and with your best pirate drawl, growl out 'Arrrghh!" Now imagine 15,000 fans doing it at the same time.

Similarly, if there is a bad call by an umpire or an unfortunate play, the fans can let out a bitter, "Gaarr!"

A nice promotional might be to put and "X" Marks the Spot in the center field stands and let it be a home run target for Pirate batters to aim for, with canon fire (simulated sound effect) to announce a hit.

A famous quote delivered in one form or another by different people says, "Where there is sea, there are Pirates." The Pirates have a long and storied history. They have been around baseball for more than 100 years. This should become the mantra of the Pirates, modified as the title of the story above suggests.

The Pirate mascots, Pirate Parrot and Captain Jolly Roger, are largely for the kids, and that is fine. Leave the name Jolly Roger to the Captain, and let's raise the skull and crossbones.

"Argh!"

NL Central Bunched Up: Pirates Alive and Strong

Brian Wolff — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:54:37 -0400

The relative parity that is being displayed in the National League is partly a symptom of good teams that are underperforming, and partly due to the improvement of teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Colorado Rockies.

The National League Central, like it has for many years, is looking like a tossup.

With the favored Cubs struggling to keep a healthy team on the field, the division is looking hard to call.

Convention says that, after the Pirates finish interleague play, they will take a nose dive in the stands and will finish rock bottom.

That may be what convention says, but this year’s Pirates might have something to say about it.

At a little more than a year ago, on June 8th—that is 63 games into the season, the Pirates were 30-33.

Today they are also 30-33.

This year’s team just executed a huge trade that sent their star center fielder away, not unlike the Bucs did with Jason Bay and Xavier Nady last year.

This is where the similarities end and differences begin.

The team of last year had a run differential of -23. That is, their pitchers had given up 23 more runs that the offense was able to score. That rundifferential had balooned to -149 by season's end.

This was the offense that had Bay and Nady. Looking at todays starting rotation and the Pirates' offense, you just don't see that happening. Today, the Pirates have scored eight more runs than they have given up. Someitmes they are scoring runs, and at others the pitching and defense is holding opponents to few runs.

This year’s offense headed at this stage by no one really, is holding their own, getting run production at times from one or both of the LaRoches, from the bottom half of the order, and also from the top of the order with Morgan, Sanchez and now McCutchen.

A dent in last years number, but not too big a dent, they have scored 26 less runs than last year’s team to date. They are amont the league leaders in hits, but sadly they are also amongh the leaders in runners left on base.

More noticeably, the Pirates have reduced their team ERA by nearly a full run over last season at this point. The more important number is that they have given up 59 fewer runs to date through improved pitching and solid defense.

If the numbers hold up, the Pirates should expect to win anywhere from 10 to 20 more games than they did last season. They have a legitimate shot at finishing .500 if they can keep the core players intact and avoid any more big injuries.

At this stage in the season, the Pirates are four-and-a-half games out of first place due partly to the Cubs' woes, a team which was handily leading the division at this point last season.

Sitting 9.5 games out of first feels a lot worse than 4.5 games. This team knows they have talent and believes they can win.

General Manager Neal Huntington and company seem to be holding to their promise of trying to build a winner from the ground up.

This year could be the year that the tide turns in the other direction.

The Past and The Present: Comparing The 1909 Pirates To Today

Brian Wolff — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:47:14 -0400

Admittedly, the game of baseball today is very different on many ways than the game of a century ago, or even of 50 years ago. That said, there are core elements of the game that have remained the same, dictated at least by the basic pitcher-batter conflict. Building a solid starting rotation, a capable bullpen, a set of reliable hitters and a smothering defense is the key to a winning team.

Watching the Pirates don the uniforms of the 1909 World Series champions was satisfying and inspires a raw comparison of the two teams.

The Pirates of today do not compare favorably to the team of 1909.

However, maybe given one or two leap years in there, the 2011 Pirates might truly begin to measure up.

Someone once said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

It only stands to reason then that those that remember it will likely learn from it.

Pitching

The Pirates from a century ago were first and foremost, a pitching team. The team that won 110 games that year did it on the backs of it’s starting pitching. The team did lead the league with what today would be a modest .260 batting average, and also led several offensive categories, but the pitchers were the core. Minus Honus Wagner, the Pirates were probably a middle range offensive team.

The Pirates won their games that year was with a combinaton of hitting, fielding and pitching, but their pitching staff arguably led the way.

The Pirates had a team ERA of 2.07—second only to the Chicago Cubs who had a 1.74 ERA. Now, these numbers have not been adjusted for inflation, but the National League had a combined 2.59 ERA that year.

The '09 Pirates had a couple of 20-plus game winners that year in Howie Camitz (25-6) and Vic Willis (22-11), with Lefty Leifiled getting close going 19-8. Rounding out the starting rotation for the Pirates in the series that year were Nick Maddox (13-8) and Babe Adams (12-3)—the could-have-been, three-game winning MVP of the ’09 series. There was no such award in back in the day.

Vastly improved over last season, the Pirates starting five have done well enough this year. They have had their bad outings, there is no doubt, but the Pirates are probably two pitchers away from a solid five. Paul Maholm and Zach Duke are two solid pieces in the Pirates starting rotation.

With a little more run support, one of Maholm and Duke could potnetially be a 20-game winner, and the other would not be that far behind.

The third spoke in the rotation is a toss up between Paul Ohlendorf and Ian Snell. My money is on Ohlendorf. Jeff Karstens looks to be on his way down, as the Pirates want to take advantage of their recent trade for Charlie Morton.

If Morton can pitch to the caliber of Maholm and Duke, then the Pirates can probably count five extra wins by season’s end over what Karstens would likely produce. Another unknow is Phil Dumatrait. If he can come back from his injury and pitch the way he was at the start of last year, the Pirates could be looking at a solid four starters with good options for number five.

However, the pitching also needs some help in the bullpen.

Some weeks it seems the Pirates are in need of a solid middle reliever. Other weeks it seems the team is in need a of reliable closer. It is the rare week that the starting pitchers, the middle relievers, and the closers are all in sync.

The 1909 pitching staff averaged somewhere around seven innings a game for it’s starters during the season. The Pirates had some solid veterans and actually relied on a rookie with for three wins during the World Series.

Hitting

The most famous Pirate that year, Wagner lead the team offensively and on the bases. Wagner hit .339. He played 18 years with the Pirates and finished his career in 1917 with his numbers dipping to the mid-to-high .200s. Wagner finished with a career average of .327. Not a power hitter, he hit only 10 homers twice in 21 major league seasons and he had less than five homers more often than he got more than five.

While this is true, apparently during this time in history the long ball was not yet fully discovered. Red Murray of the New York Giants lead the National League that year with seven home runs.

It was in June of that year that the cork-centered baseball was first patented and went into production. The next year league wide homers increased from 150 in 2009 to 214 in 2010 and 386 in 2011.

If there is someone on the Pirates team of today that looks like a Honus Wagner, it might be Freddy Sanchez. If he can become consistent, Sanchez could begin to fill that role. He lacks a lot of power but regularly hits over .300, is tied for the league lead in doubles, steals bases and is great defensively.

Truth be told, Wagner led many offensive categories in 1909 and the Pirates do not have someone right now that could truthfully fill those shoes. Despite all the moaning about the McLouth trade, being able to hit 20 plus homers a season is vastly diminished if you are only batting .265.

An all around athlete, Wagner also stole 35 bases that year. Nyjer Morgan is on track to get that this year, and Andrew McCutchen could get close. In the World Series, the Pirates stole 18 bases against a Detroit Tigers team that had problems at catcher.

Defense

The Pirates of ’09 were also known for their solid defense both in the infield and the outfield. They gave up few stolen bases and, like today’s team, limited the other team’s hitting by taking away hits with solid defense. This is probably the one area where the Pirates of today best match up with the ’09 team.

Morgan and McCutchen have the kind of speed that can regularly take away hits in the outfield. Jack Wilson and Sanchez are especially adept at keeping the ball in the infield and turning the double play. The LaRoche brothers are in sync with the throw from first to third, and Adam LaRoche has really stepped up with his glove at third.

So, how do they match up? Like I said, the Pirates of today are perhaps two years away from having a solid winner. They still don’t have a true offensive leader in the batting order, but they have many of the other pieces.

Today’s Pirate pitchers are moving closer and closer to having the four of five solid starters of 1909, and the bullpen seems to be getting stronger with recent additions. Getting Ryan Doumit back at catcher will help to settle the pitching staff as well.
Today’s Pirate hitters are an active bunch but they are streaky and they lack a true offensive leader, such as Wagner of the 1909 team. They are probably 75 percent of the way there. On the bases, they are fast especially with the recent addition of McCutchen.
Today’s Pirates defense is solid and is probably one of the best in baseball. If Wilson ends up getting traded, or even Sanchez, this could put a dent in their defense, which today is on par with the 1909 Pirates.

Statistics and other data for this story were culled from the following sources.

http://www.baseball-almanac.com

http://www.baseball-reference.com

Pirates-Mets: McCutchen Debuts Well; Pittsburgh Sweeps NY

Brian Wolff — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:21:53 -0400

The Pirates shook off the shock of the Nate McLouth trade long enough to complete the sweep of the New York Mets at home on Thursday.

Ross Ohlendorf had problems early and needed a lot of help from the offense.

In the first inning, the Pirates escaped a would-be run on what looked like a bad call on a runner out at first, just before a potential run scoring double by Carlos Beltran.

Leading off in the bottom of the first, Andrew McCutchen had his major league debut, singling on a belt-high sinker up the middle. Nyjer Morgan singled to right to follow, putting runners on the corners.

McCutchen was leading the International League at Indianapolis, hitting .303.

Morgan advanced on a grounder by Sanchez, and Adam LaRoche was walked to load the bases. Andy LaRoche then hit a shot just over the head of Alex Cora at short, scoring McCutchen and Morgan.

Brandon Moss followed with an infield grounder that was deflected by Mike Pelfrey, slowing it down just enough to allow all the runners to be safe.

Switch-hitting Jason Jaramillo came up with the bases loaded and lined a quick single, a sinker ball up, down the left field line, scoring the brothers LaRoche to make it 4-0.

Vazquez got a blooper single to load the bases again, however Ross Ohlendorf hit into a one-two-three double play to end the inning.

In the top of the second, David Wright got a leadoff walk and stole second on a bad throw from Jaramillo. Daniel Murphy singled to center, scoring Murphy. Fernando Martinez then singled to right, moving Murphy to third.

Omar Santos grounded into what would have been a double play, but Adam LaRoche got Murphy at home. Later in the inning, Cora doubled to right, scoring Martinez, Pelfrey to third.

Luis Castillo then reached on an infield single, scoring Pelfrey before Sheffield grounded out to end the inning, shortening the Pirates' lead to 4-3.

In the bottom of the second, Morgan hit a ball hard right at the first baseman Murphy who could not control the hit, and in a split second Morgan was on third with his speed, a two-base error. Adam LaRoche hit a hard double to the left field corner, scoring Morgan.

In the top of the fourth, the Mets picked up another run on a solo homer by Carlos Beltran.The Pirates had a big fourth inning, getting a leadoff walk from McCuthen. A couple sacrifices by Morgan and Freddy Sanchez moved McCutchen to third.

Adam LaRoche then walked and Andy LaRoche caught a pitch right in the knee loading the bases.

Brandon Moss walked, scoring McCutchen from third. Jaramillo then singled right though the hole into left filed, scoring the LaRoches. The Mets pulled Pellfrey from the game at this point.

Ramon Vazquez singled to right, scoring Moss from third to make it 9-4 Pirates. Ohlendorf struck out to end the inning.

Vazquez was 4-for-4 on the game with all singles, penciled into the lineup at the last minute as Jack Wilson was pulled for a stomach virus.

A single by Wright and a double by Martinez and the Mets had another run on the board in the fifth.

In the seventh, the Pirates picked up a couple more runs. Vazquez singled and then stole second. A single by McCutchen scored Vazquez. Morgan followed with a triple to the gap in deep right-center, scoring McCutchen. It was Morgan's sixth triple on the season.

In the ninth inning, the Mets got another run on a walk, a wild pitch and a double by Wright, but the Pirates won 11-6.

In the series, the Pirates outscored the Mets 22-11, sweeping the three-game rain shortened series.

McCutchen was 2-for-4 with a run, an RBI and a stolen base in his major league debut.

Sanchez hit the ball hard all day, but was 0-for-5.

Steven Jackson, a recent pickup from the New York Yankees, continued to perform well pitching two scoreless innings and picking up the win. It was his first at the major league level.

The Pirates bullpen performed well in all three games of the series giving up one run on two hits over 9 2/3 innings of work.

Game One, Pirates 8-5

In the first game of the series, the Pirates needed to come back from a two-run deficit in the ninth, getting five runs to defeat the Mets 8-5. The Pirates trailed 5-0 at one point.

Adam LaRoche led the way with three RBI. In the ninth, a double and four consecutive singles did the Mets in.

The Pirates' bullpen gave up a walk and a single over three innings of work, including Steven Jackson who pitched a socreless inning in his debut.

Game Two, Pirates 3-1

In the second game, the Pirates got just three runs on eight hits, but Zack Duke pitched well enough, giving up one run on eight hits over seven innings.

John Grabow and Matt Capps kept the Mets hitless, and the Pirates won 3-1.

Nate McLouth Is One of Many Pirate Moves

Brian Wolff — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:50:33 -0400

This Week

The Pirates have been making some moves lately, one big one at least, and a few not so big.

The most recent move is the huge one sending Nate McLouth to the Atlanta Braves for three high-level prospects. A lot of people were surprised to see this move, but it makes a little bit of sense if the players turn out to be worthwhile in the long run.

What is frustrating about the move is perhaps what it says the Pirates think about their chances during this season. Can this still be he year the Pirates turn things around or is it yet anoher year of just building for the future.

If the Pittsburgh can effectively replace McLouth's bat in the order, then the long-term advantages of getting the three prospects into the Pirates organization could be tremendous, and this could still be the turn-around year the Pirates fans are looking for.

For now, the move means the Bucs' No. 1 draft pick from 2005 will finally be called up, likely taking McLouth’s position in center, or seeing Nyjer Morgan slide over to center with Andrew McCutchen in left.

"We're excited about Andrew McCuthene, the opportunity that he's now going to get going forward. Granted he may not replace Nate McLouth's bat in the middle of our lineup but he's going to step in and we believe play above average defense right away," said Neal Huntington, Pirates General Manager.

The 22-year-old McCutchen was hitting .303 with 10 doubles, eight triples, four home runs, 20 RBI, and 10 stolen bases with Indianapolis.

McCutchen was two-for-four with three runs and and RBI in his debut in center field for the Pirates in their win over the Mets on Thursday.

For the McLouth trade, the Pirates acquire three top-Braves prospects in outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, righty-pitcher Charlie Morton, and rookie south-paw pitcher Jeff Locke.

Hernandez is considered to be a strong prospect as a potential leadoff hitter with great base stealing ability. The 2007 Midwest League MVP was hitting .316 with 19 RBI, 11 doubles, and 10 stolen bases. Hernandez has been assigned to Double-A Altoona.

Morton is expected by some in the Pirates organization to be called up to take a spot in the starting rotation before the end of the year.

"Charlie Morton is not too far away from helping our major league team if we have a need in the rotation," said Huntington.

The Pirates management already sees Morton as being ready for the majors, but for now he has been assigned to Indianapolis.

The righty throws a 95 mph fastball, as well as a curveball, a slider, and a changeup. This season he was leading the International League with seven wins and has an ERA of 2.51.

Last Week

The rough patch the Pirates hit a short time back—eight game skid—exposed for all to see some real weaknesses in their bullpen. Perhaps with this in mind the management made a couple of moves to acquire two pitchers out of the Yankees farm organization, pitchers that Joe Kerrigan knew something about.

The Pirates claimed right handed pitcher, Steven Jackson off waivers May 27, and assigned him to Triple-A Indianapolis, but the budding start did not stay there very long.

He was called up on Monday after four appearances in Indianapolis and was instrumental in the Pirates first win over the Mets this week, pitching one shutout inning in his debut. He also pitched two innings of shutout ball in relief on Thursday and picked up his first major league win.

Second, the Pirates swapped minor league pitchers with the Yankees, picking up Eric Hacker, who had been designated for assignment by the Yankees who did not have room for him on their 40-man roster.

The Pirates send Romulo Sanchez in the deal.

Hacker was 1-2 with a 6.03 ERA and 20 strikeouts in six starts with Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The former 23rd round draft pick was assigned to Indianapolis after the trade.

Hacker has very respectable career numbers and he could be a solid acquisition for the Pirates who give up very little in Sanchez.

Sparking rumors of possible further trading, the Pirates in a non-move have not extend the contracts of three starters, Jack Wilson, Adam LaRoche, and reliever John Grabow.

The 31-year-old Wilson certainly has a few years left him him and is a great asset on defense. Having a Brian Bixler at shortstop is clearly not the same thing as Wilson and one has to wonder if economics are driving this decision.

Wilson has offered to renegotiate his contract at a lower rate to continue playing for the Bucs, but he has not heard back from management. The short stop is scheduled to make $8.4M next year.

LaRoche is hitting .243 with 23 RBIs and seven homers while earning $7.05M. It is hard to know whether the Pirates might try to trade the first basemen with his brother holding down things at third. Both the LaRoches are peforming well deffensively and their offensive numbers could be worse. Having them together seems to make them each better.

The 30-year-old Grabow is making $2.3M with a 4.30 ERA in 23 innings this year and is not looking particularly stunning this year.

The Pirates could be trying to make room under their own market-imposed team salary cap with next weeks draft upcoming. Economics is always a concern in the smaller markets who cannot simply buy a winning team.

Next Week

The Pirates are expected to make further waves in the upcoming first-year-player draft on June 9. The Pirates turned heads taking pitcher Pedro Alvarez last year, and the Pirates are expected to go for more pitching this year with the fourth pick in the draft, not necessarily worry about which agent represents the player.

Early on some thought the Pirates might go after USC shortstop Grant Green, but it has been reported lately that Pitching would be the focus again this year. Some pitcher's names being thrown around are

Some possible pitchers are Aaron Crow, Alex White or Kyle Gibson or high school pitcher Jacob Turner. If Dustin Ackley or Donovan Tate somehow drop to number four you might still see the Pirates for a hitter.

Some teams are scared away by a prep player who is saying he will go to college. The Pirates are not afraid to throw a high signing bonus at a high school player to persuade him to skip four years of college ball and start right away in the minors.

Building for the Future

The Pirates are making definite moves to build their organization, getting young, capable players through the draft, the waiver-wire and through trades. Whether the moves payoff, only time will tell.

The Pirates are getting some young talent into the organization; now they need to keep them long enough to make a difference in Pittsburgh.

"We're certainly going to keep moving forward and compete every night but at the same time we need to continue to accumulate talent and accumulate good players, " said Huntington.

Building up the organization is absolutely the right way to go. Still, for Pirates fans who have endured the departure of numerous solid players, all in the name of building, and have further endured too many consecutive losing season, the McLouth move has some faithful wondering.

For now it seems the organization will try to make the best of this year, but might be perfectly happy to accept a .500 year, and know that the future will be brighter.

Pirates-Cubs: Sanchez Goes 6-For-6; Bucs Outslug Cubs

Brian Wolff — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:01:26 -0400

CHICAGO, May 25—The Pittsburgh Pirates headed over to the north side of Chicago to play a three-game set. On the mound for the Pirates was Paul Maholm who has been frustrated as of late, not getting the run support he has needed to get the wins, despite pitching well.

The Buc bats started off right. In the first inning Freddy Sanchez hit a one-out double that should have been a single, but he legged it out and went into second standing. Adam LaRoche followed a pop out by Nate McLouth and brought a hustling Sanchez home, Pirates 1-0. Brandon Moss was called out on strikes to end the inning. The second baseman is leading the league in doubles with 17 on the season.

The Pirates wearing their gray uniforms and red caps took the field and went to work. On a long at-bat, Alfonso Soriano finally walked on a pitch that looked like a third strike called by Bob Davidson. Ryan Theriot doubled down the third-base line scoring Soriano from first, tying the game at one apiece.

Ryan Dempster is best when he can keep his pitches on the inside corners. To start the third with one out, Nyjer Morgan drew his 18th walk on the season. Freddy Sanchez followed with a single to right and a pitch in the dirt allowed Sanchez to move to second.

Nate McLouth then took a little shot to the knee cap and the bases were loaded for Adam LaRoche who walked, sending home a run. Jose Ascanio was up in the bullpen and Ryan Dempster walked Brandon Moss to score another run. Dempster was really in trouble walking all around the mound looking frustrated and upset. Andy LaRoche grounded into a double play to end the inning, swinging at a pitch that looked like ball four. The Pirates left the bases loaded but picked up a couple of runs the ugly way; the lead, 3-1.

Pitches started floating on Maholm in the third as he missed high. Soriano walked to start the bottom of the third. Theiriot got his second double moving Soriano to third. Then Milton Bradley doubled to left scoring Soriano and Theriot. It was Bradley’s third double of the season.

Still with one out, Soto singled to center scoring Bradley, Cubs 4-3. Soto went to second on a ground out by Hoffpauir. Rayn Freel grounded out to end the inning.

In the fourth, Jason Jaramillo hit a leadoff double with Dempster still on the mound. Dempster tried to pick off Jaramillo at second, but the throw sailed into center field and Jaramillo moved to third. The Cubs have had a couple of miscues this season with pitchers trying to pick off runners. Jack Wilson followed with a bloop hit and Jarmillo scored from third.

A little sacrifice infield grounder moved Wilson over to second with one out. Morgan flied out to center but next, Sanchez collect his third hit of the game, driving a home run to deep center, scoring Wilson—Pirates 6-4. McLouth struck out swinging to end the inning.

During the inning, you could hear Davidson the home plate umpire shouting out at Dempster who was arguing the pitch calls, as no one seemed happy with the pitch calling.

In the bottom half, Chicago got a freebee, as Jaramillo failed to glove a strike three call and Aaron Miles was safe at first. Soriano hit a funny grounder that took a nasty hop, but Sanchez was able to field it and got the out at first.

Theiriot got his third double of the game and then very quickly Milton Bradley hit a switch-hit homer to left center, making it 7-6. Reed Johnson then got a single before Soto flied out to end the inning.

The slugfest continued in the fifth. After a ground out by Adam LaRoche, the Pirates got consecutive singles from Moss, Andy LaRoche, and Jaramillo. Wilson then popped one up for the second out.

Craig Monroe came in to pinch-hit for Maholm. Everyone was feeling a little frustrated as pitches that looked like strikes were balls, and balls were strikes. Monroe flied out to center, leaving the bases loaded again.

The Pirates came back in the sixth with a one-out single to center from Sanchez, followed by a smoking homer to right by McLouth to put the Pirates up by one. Adam LaRoche then doubled to center and moved to third on a ground out by Moss. Andy LaRoche then doubled to rightoff of the diving glove of Bradley, Adam easily scored from third. Jaramillo grounded out to end the inning, Pirates 10-7.

In the seventh, Morgan hit a hard shot off the ivy in center followed by an infield single by Sanchez scoring Morgan. The Pirates loaded the bases again but could not get any more runs around and left them that way for the third time.

In the bottom half, the Cubs got a run back after consecutive walks to Reed Johnson and Soto, followed with a two-out single by Freel. Later, with runners on first and second, Jesse Chavez came on and struck out crowd favorite Carlos Zambrano to end the threat, Pirates 10-8.

This was the end of the scoring, however, the Pirates got another kind of scare in the bottom of the ninth as Soto hit a line shot right back at reliever Matt Capps. In excruciation pain, Capps had to leave the game. It looked like it might have caught him somewhere in his throwing hand. Sean Burnett came on to retire the Cubs to end the game.

The injury only adds to the questions surrounding Capps and his poor performance over the past month. The Pirates recently acquired a couple of relievers out of the New York Yankees farm organization, and Tom Gorzelanny called up in an emergency a week ago, looks like he might be here to stay for at least a while. Gorzelanny was credited with the win, and is 2-1 in his short career at the Major League level.

In the game Sanchez went 6-for-6 with four runs and three RBI…It was the former batting champion's first six-hit game of this career...The Pirates got 10 runs on 18 hits as Andy LaRoche and Jaramillo also had three-hit performances.

The Cubs got eight runs on 10 hits and had an error…Theriot was three-for-five with three doubles and two RBI…Bradley with his homerun collected four RBI for the Cubs…The Cubs losing streak is now at eight games.

The Pirates Ian Snell (1-4, 4.88 ERA) takes the mound tomorrow against Sean Marshall (2-3, 3.96 ERA).

Nyjer Morgan: One Reason for the Pitsburgh Pirates' Success

Brian Wolff — Mon, 25 May 2009 07:23:05 -0400

Nyjer Morgan is one of the big reason the Pirates are enjoying some success this year.

He has added some real spark to the top of the lineup, and been pivotal in the field.

In preparing this story, I was reading a lot of fan comments on the blogs, so many of them blasting Morgan.

Some said things like, “We are half way through ST (spring training) and Nyjer Morgan has not shown one single reason to deserve a starting job, to be frank, if it wasn't for the fact that we do not have anyone else to play CF, he doesn't deserve a spot in the bench.”

In fact, at the start of the season most described the former hockey player as nothing more than a placeholder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, until somebody better could get some minor league at bats and be called up. These comments seem sorely empty at this point in the season.

Now with a tight hamstring and a couple days off, John Russell and the Pirates were hoping that his absence would not slow the team down.

The funny thing is you don’t usually hear these folks apologizing for their comments. Morgan has impacted the team in all facets of the game—including hitting and fielding, to add to his base-running. If Morgan could hit for power, some might suggest that he is on track for an All-Star bid.

Morgan started the season off well and has not let up. His batting average just recently dipped down to .290, but there is no reason to believe it will not come back. He has 23 runs, 17 RBIs and 10 stolen bases on the young season. He has four three-hit games on the season. He also has five doubles and three triples.

If he has a weakness at the plate, it is that he does not walk enough for a lead-off hitter. But even his walks are up from last year, and it is making him a better hitter overall as he grows more patient.

“I’m a lot more comfortable," he said recently. "I’ve tried to slow the game down.”

In April he had just eight walks. There is evidence he is improving. He has 11 in May with six games left to play.

Perhaps very notable is that Morgan has added Gold Glove-type performances to left field as well. He has made so many over-the-shoulder catches taking away what are normal extra-base-hits, that they have come to be routine.

It is hard to think of another Pirate beyond Nate McLouth that can field like Morgan does. The Pirates have been playing Morgan well forward, and in from the left field line, because they know Morgan has the legs to get to balls that are hit over his head and can prevent doubles on hits up the line.

Morgan is actually taking hits away from Pirate opponents on a regular basis because of where they can place the speedster in the field—however, this does not always show up in the box scores.

Consistant Standout Plays by Morgan

On April 9: A hard shot by the Cardinals’ Ryan Ludwick that would have landed in foul territory was snatched out of the air by a leaping Morgan. With the catch made just before Morgan reached the wall, he raised a leg to brace himself for impact and preserve the out.

On April 15: Against Houston, Morgan showed just what he can do when the team plays him deep in the gap between left and center. Charging left at a flat line drive to left, Morgan dove face first making a sliding catch perfectly intercepting the ball and keeping Houston from rallying in the ninth.

On April 22: Against the Florida Marlins, Morgan sparked a comeback with a single and then in stealing third, the throw got past third base and Morgan scored to put the Bucs up in the game.

On May 2: Against Cincinnati, Morgan reached on a fielder’s choice. Then on a wild pitch, he showed just how fast he is, as he took two bases moving all the way from first to third, beating out the throw from the Red’s catcher Ramon Hernanez. “I just saw them slacking a little bit—I just figured that I had an opportunity to go so I just figured I’d take it,” Morgan said following that game.

On May 3: In a game against the Reds, Morgan made a leap to snatch a line drive right out the air in mid field robbing Hernandez of what was an almost sure hit.

A recent problem with a tight hamstring took him out of action for a couple of games, the first games he has missed all season. Whether many of the spring training naysayers are right has yet to be seen as Morgan has become a big reason the Pirates fans still feel hopeful this late in the season. Looking like he had returned back to form after the injury layoff, Morgan was part of the Buc bat resurgence on Sunday, going three-for-five and scoring the go-ahead run.

To this point, Morgan has been nothing short of reliable, productive and exciting from start to finish. He is a natural athlete with blazing speed, the toughness of a hockey player and has shown himself to be teachable as he tunes his game. His on-the-field awareness has allowed him to make some great plays. His consistency from in the batter's box has lasted nearly two months and there is no sign it is letting up.

You do not hear people today saying, "I wish we had a solid leadoff hitter." You don't hear it because Morgan has that position locked down—and it doesn't look like he'll lose it anytime soon.

Padres Streaked Their Way to .500, Ends at 10 and New Season Begins

Brian Wolff — Mon, 25 May 2009 01:39:48 -0400

The San Diego Padres are on a tear having won the last nine games mostly on the backs of their starting rotation. They have given up just 16 runs over the stretch, while scoring a modest 30. Consecutive sweeps of Cincinati, San Francisco and the Chicago Cubs. GM Kevin Towers has the Padres back on the right track after they lost six in a row prior to the streak, being swept by Houston and the Cubs.

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Braves-Blue Jays: Atlanta Sweeps Toronto; McCann Homers Twice

Brian Wolff — Sun, 24 May 2009 21:05:43 -0400

ATLANTA, May 24—The Braves had Jair Jurrjens on the mound who has been superb thus far in his second full season. They Braves ended up providing more than enough offense for any pitcher that might take the mound.

Atlanta got things going in the first inning, with solo home runs by both Kelly Johnson and Brian McCann to make it 2-0.

In the top of the fourth, the division-leading Blue Jays would get one back.

Vernon Wells started things off with a single to left. He then stole second and third on consecutive pitches despite a great amount of attention from Jurrjens. Jose Bautista then it a roller to shortstop, scoring Wells to cut the Braves lead to 2-1.

Wells had a great game leading the Blue Jays going two-for-four, scoring twice, and the two consecutive stolen bases.

Jurrjens lead the National League in 2008 in stolen bases allowed for starting pitchers. Wells is eight-for-eight in stolen bases this season.

Batting in the fifth, Jurrjens appeared to pull a muscle. It seemed like it may have had an impact on the hurler as he got into trouble in the sixth.

Wells collected his second hit, a rocket of a double to center to lead off the inning. Adam Lind grounded out to second, moving Wells over to third.

Bautista then walked before before Lyle Overbay hit a bloop single into shallow center, scoring Wells. Raul Chavez lined out to end the inning, tying the game at two apiece.

The seventh inning stretch was just what the doctor ordered for the Braves as they came out swinging.

With one out, Jeff Francoeur and Diory Hernandez laced singles to left, putting runners on first and second. Jays reliever Shawn Camp was removed after walking Jordan Schafer to load the bases.

Facing new pitcher Jason Frasor, Chipper Jones hit a scorching line drive that glanced off the glove of first baseman Lyle Overbay for an RBI single as Francoeur scored from third. Johnson then hit a 0-2 pitch for ground-rule double as it bounced over the center field wall. Jones had to stop at third as Hernandez and Schafer scored.

Casey Kotchman was intentionally walked to load the bases again. Garret Anderson hit a sacrifice to center, scoring Schafer for a 6-2 Braves lead.

Then on Brian McCann promotional bat day, McCann finally took advantage of the base runners the way the fans wanted, hitting a three-run homer to right, capping a seven-run seventh inning with the Braves up 9-2.

The Braves picked up another run in the eighth on a single by Hernandez, a double by Schafer, and an RBI groundout by Greg Norton, extending the Braves lead to 10-2.

The Braves finished with 10 runs on 13 hits and committed one error. The Blue Jays scored two runs on 10 hits.

Toronto, on a six game losing streak, fell a half game behind Boston who beat the Mets 12-5.

Atlanta kept pace with Philadelphia sitting a game and a half behind the division leaders, tied for second with the Mets.

Johnson collected three hits in the game; a single, a double and a home run. McCann was 3-for-4 with two home runs and four RBI.

This was the third time the Braves had swept a series this season, and the first time they have ever swept the Blue Jays

Pirates-White Sox: Richard Shuts Down Bucs; Pittsburgh Shuout Again

Brian Wolff — Sat, 23 May 2009 21:58:33 -0400

CHICAGO, May 23—The Pirates were hoping to put their losing way behind them as they once again went up against the Chicago White Sox, with the lowest run output in the American League. Despite their low run scoring, the Sox had enough yesterday as the Bucs were two hit by Gavin Floyd.

The Pirates would get shut out again in this one, 4-0 as their bats again failed to produce on a day when the starting pitching was adequate.

Ross Ohlendorf went seven and two-thirds innings, giving up six hits and two walks wile giving up three earned runs.

Good defense and pitching kept the game at zeros until the bottom of the fourth. Jermaine Dye reached on a throwing error by Jack Wilson, Dye to second. Paul Konerko then made the error hurt with a single that went off the glove of Freddy Sanchez; Dye scored making White Sox 1-0.

After a one out single by Chris Getz in the bottom of the fifth Alexai Ramirez hit his second home run in two games, connecting on a sinker to make it 3-0.

In the eighth inning Dye hit a solo shot off of Ohlendorf to make it 4-0.

The Pirate batters continued to make Sox pitchers look good. Clayton Richard had a great start, giving up just four hits, walking three and striking out eight in six innings of shout out ball.

The Sox bullpen held the Pirates to one hit and striking out five along the way in three innings of relief.

The Pirates had runners on first and second a couple of times but would never get a runner past second in the game.

The Pirates hope to salvage the series tomorrow in an afternoon game with Jeff Karstens (1-2, 5.21 ERA) taking the mound against White Sox ace Mark Buehrle (6-1, 2.77 ERA).

Pittsburgh Pirates-Chicago White Sox: Floyd Out-Dukes Duke, Two-Hits Pirates

Brian Wolff — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:28:15 -0400

Zach Duke and Gavin Floyd showed their stuff in this game, keeping things scoreless and pretty much hitless much of the way. Duke gave up six hits and two runs in nine innings of work, striking out seven along the way.

However, on this day Floyd was better, giving up just two hits and a couple of walks in eight innings of shutout ball as the Pirates fell to the White Sox in their first game of inter-league play. Floyd, looking like he did in 2008, struck out eight batters.

Perhaps realizing that Duke was on hit game, in the bottom of the third the White Sox started to play a little create a run baseball. Alexi Ramirez lead off with a single to center and stole second, when it looked like he was out on the pick off.

Brian Anderson then walked and Josh Fields sacrificed to the pitcher, moving the runners forward. Scott Podsednik then grounded out to second, scoring Ramirez from third. Jayson Nix flied out to center to end the inning, White Sox 1-0.

In the eighth Alexei Ramirez hit a solo home run to make the score 2-0.

The Pirates' only hits were singles by Jason Jaramillo and Brandon Moss in the fifth and in the seventh.

Ross Ohlendorf (5-3, 4.31 ERA) will be pitching against Clayton Richard (0-0, 4.33 ERA) in tomorrow's game.

Phillies-Yankees: Philly Out-Homers New York at Home, Win Streak Outta Here

Brian Wolff — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:11:07 -0400

NEW YORK, May 22—The start of inter-league play is always a time of consternation as ball clubs wonder of the team they are facing might be the teams they could see in the World Series. Some predictions suggest that is just what happened at Philadelphis made the trip to New York.

In this one the Phillies would out hit the Yankees ending the Bronx Bombers nine game winning streak and starting their own with their second consecutive win. The Phillies have one seven of their last 10 and lead the NL East by two games over the Mets.

The Philadelphia Phillies had the unenviable challenge of going up against the New York Yankees in their first inter-league series, however they were thrilled to have the opportunity to test out their home run hitting prowess in the Yankees new home.

In the first inning Jimmy Rollins gave A.J. Burnett a great National League welcome, hitting the first pitch of the game over the right field wall, his third four-bagger on the year.

Chase Utley was then hit by a pitch and Raul Ibanez singled putting runners on the corners, to make things interesting, but the next three Phillies were retired to end the threat, Phillies 1-0.

In the bottom half of the inning Derek Jeter got aboard on a single to start things off for the Yankees. Jeter was thrown out on a fielder’s choice to second, Johnny Damon safe at first.

Then after Mark Teixeira struck out swinging, Rodriquez hit a hard double to left. The Yankees looking to even things up send Damon home but the relay throw from Rollins to home plate was perfect getting Damon and the Yankees were retired.

Matt Stairs hit a little infield blooper that Burnett could not get to and the runner was safe at first. Jeter was out at second. Carlos Ruiz followed taking an up and in fastball over the left center field wall for his first homer on the season. The Cather Ruiz, not known for his hitting, is only batting .236 on they year.

Burnett walked Rollins before he struck out Chase Utley swinging and got Raul Ibanez to fly out to end the inning, Phillies 3-0. Ruiz was three for four with a run and two RBI in the game.

Brett Myers continued to get some good help from his defense as the Yankees were scoreless after four with just three hits.

In the top of the fifth the Yankees walked Ibanez with one out. Ibanez moved to second on a fielder’s choice grounder by Ryan Howard. Then Jayson Werth hit an up and in fast ball over the left field wall reaching the second deck, Phillies 5-0.

It was Werth’s eighth homer on the season Shane Victorino then got an opportunistic tripe before Stairs struck out to end the inning. This is the first time this year Burnett had given up three homers in a game.

The Yankees showed they were not just going to lay down in the fight. In the bottom of the sixth Alex Rodriguez hit a two-out slider away left center to a make the score 5-1. It was A-Rod’s sixth homer on the year.

However, in the top of the seventh Ibanez answered with his own solo homer to right off of Chien-Ming Wang, just back of the DL in relief, Phillies 6-1. The crushing shot to deep center was hit league leading sixteenth on the year.

In the eighth the Phillies got things started with a single by a broken bat single Pedro Feliz. An out later Rollins singled to left, moving Feliz to second. Utley then singled to right and Nick Swisher left the ball on the ground as he tried to grab it on the charge, allowing Feliz to score from second; Phillies 7-1.

In the bottom of the eight Derek Jeter got his sixth homer on the year, a solo shot. Teixeira followed immediately with his own solo shot into the third deck, before the Yanks got a couple of ground outs to end the inning, Phillies 7-3.

The Yankees would not be able to get anything the rest of the way, however.

The Phillies finished with seven runs on 14 hits and an error. The Yankees got three runs on eight hits. Myers (4-2) got the wins and A.J. Burnett (2-2) took the loss.

Twins-White Sox: Minnesota Scores 20; Mauer's Grand Slam Leads Four Homers

Brian Wolff — Fri, 22 May 2009 07:33:02 -0400

CHICAGO, May 21—The Chicago White Sox had no idea what was in store from them. Bartolo Colon took a long time to get the first batter out, and perhaps this was a sign of things to come.

Coming into the game the Twins had lost six straight and had not won since sweeping the White Sox a week ago.

In the first, with one out Joe Mauer came up and doubled. Jusin Morneau followed that with a walk to put runners on first and second. Jason Kubel then singled to center, scoring Mauer while Morneau moved to third—Twins 1-0.

In the second inning Jose Morales started with a single to shallow center. Matt Tolbert then hit the first pitch for a single, moving Morales over to second. Nick Punto bunted to third, a perfect bunt that should have been charged by the first basemen but was not. As a result, the throw from Wilson Betemit was late and seemed to bounce of Punta's helmet running to first. On the error Morales scored, and Tolber moved to third.

Then, after Denard Span grounded out, Joe Mauer hit a sacrifice to center for the second out, scoring Tolbert from third who beat the throw to the plate. Bartolo intentionally walked Justin Morneau to get to Jason Kubel. Kubel singled to right, scoring Punto and moving Morneau over to third.

Michael Cyddyer came up next and hit the second pitch, a high fastball, for a three-run home run, scoring Morneau and Kubel. With the bases now empty, Joe Crede came up and hit a solo homer to left before Morales, in his second at bat of the inning, flied out to deep right to end the inning—Twins 8-0. Morales's fly out reached the warning track.

In the third inning a Span single and a Mauer doulbe to deep right off the fence that scored Span added a run—Twins 9-0. It was Mauer's second double of the game.

Cuddyer singled to left in the fourth, and advanced on a ground out by Crede. Morales then reached on an infield single. Benemit's throw to first sailed on him allowing Cuddyer to come around and score—Twins 10-0.

In the sixth Kubel led off with a single to deep right. Cuddyer then hit the first pitch, a single to deep left center; Kubel advanced to second. An out later, Morales walked to load the bases. Tolbert was not going to let this opportunity completely pass him up, as he singled to left center, scoring Kubel.

With the bases still loaded, Punto reached on a fielder's choice to third, and Cuddyer scored, leaving Cuddyer and Punto at the corners.

Span was then hit by a pitch from Jimmy Gobble, who was just on in relief, to load the bases again. With the count full and two outs Mauer hit a grand slam homer to center, just clearing the wall, perhaps getting a little help from the wind, Twins 16-0. It was Mauer's eighth homer on the year.

In the seventh Gomez opened with a single to left center and Cuddyer doubled to deep left. With runners on second and third, Crede grounded out to the shortstop, scoring Gomez.

Then, after a single by Morales to right, Tolber came up and hit a three run shot to left center, the fourth home run of the game for the Twins, just in case the game was still in doubt—Twins 20-0.

The final home run added insult to injury, falling in the White Sox bullpen as relievers were up and moving. It was Tolbert's first major league home run.

In the eight the Twins lost their shutout when the White Sox picked up an unearned run. A bad throw by Tolbert to Punto to try to get a double play left the runners safe at second and third. Calos Quentin hit a little single to left, scoring Brian Anderson from third—Twins 20-1.

The Twins have only one shut out on the year.

Lost in all the scoring was the gem pitched by Nick Blackburn, who pitched seven innings of shutout ball, allowing four hits and walking three.

The Twins got 20 runs on 20 hits with an error. The White Sox got one run on eight hits and two errors. The Twins (19-23) are a game ahead of the White Sox (17-23) in the American League Central, duking it out for third place in the division.

Mauer is on a 14-game hitting streak and has four home runs on the current road trip.

This week was the anniversary of another Chicago slugfest, one not so one-sided. On May 17, 1979 The Philadelphia Phillies outlasted the north side Chicago Cubs 23-22.

Pirates-Nationals: Washington Ends Skid, Avoid Sweep

Brian Wolff — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:18:04 -0400

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

Questionalble strike zone gives Nationals winning edge.

WASHINGTON DC, May 21— The Pirates entered the fourth game of their series against the Washington Nationals not knowing what to expect with rookie pitcher Craig Stammen on the mound for the Nats.

Ian Snell pitched pretty well himself but he seemed to be plagued by what looked like numerous bad calls by home plate umpire Chad Fairchild, a couple which resulted in a walk and started a scoring rally by the Nats in the second.

Stammne was perfect through four. It was not until the fifth inning that an Andy LaRoche double just inside first base that knocked around long enough for him to get two. Later LaRoche advanced to third and then came home on a fielder's choice, Washington 3-1.

In the inning Josh Willingham, was walked after it looked like he got his third srike on two different occasions. Willie Harris followed with a double, Willingham to third. Josh Bard then grounded out but Willingham scored on the play.

Hernandez then hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Harris, Nationals 2-0. Had Willingham been called out to start the Nationals probably would not have scored.

In the seventh a walk to Nate McLouth followed by an upper deck home run by Adam LaRoch, owner of the only two Pirate hits to that point, tied the game at three apiece.

Brandon Moss came up and followed with a book-rule double that bounced into the Pirates bullpen. Andy LaRoche then singled scoring Moss from second.

It was looking like the Pirates might sweep the series until Tom Gorzelanny got into trouble in the bottom of the eighth.

Despite throwing a lot fo strikes the Nats were getting hits that dropped in nice. Christian Guzman lead off with a hard single to center. Then with the outfielders playing deep, Nick Johnson hit a broken bat blooper into center.

With runners on second Ryan Zimmerman hit a hard single, scoring Guzman, runners on first and third. Adam Dunn then came up and hit a little blooper that scored Johnson from third, Nationals 5-4.

Jesse Chavez came on to retire the remaining batters. The Pirates failed to get more than a base runner in the ninth and the Nats avoided the sweep and ended a seven game losing streak.

Snell through a lot of strikes during his six innings, fanning six and allowing just four hits and walking one.

PIRATES 2-1, May 20

Pitching a defense ruled the game on Wednesday for the first nine innings, The game tied 1-1

In the top of the fourth sloppy play killed the Nats. Adam LaRoche hit a quick single. Jack Wilson then came up and hit a smash double down the left-field line. The Nats took their time throwing the ball in and LaRoche scored all the way from third.

In the fifth Guzman hit a triple and then Johnson hit a run-scoring single to tie the game.

The Pirates got bases loaded in the ninth with just one out but it was not a hit that got the winning run home. Joel Hanrahan's bases loaded wild pitch is all the Bucs would need.

PIRATES 8-5, May 19

After squandering their lead late the Pirates needed the tenth inning to claim this victory. Brother's LaRoche and Brandon Moss were the middle of the order heroes with a combined seven RBI between them.

Adam LaRoche lead the way in the tenth with a two-run double that would put the Pirates up for good.

PIRATES 12-7, May 18

The Bucs walloped the Nats in game one of the series, getting a very efficient 12 runs on 12 hits. In the game Jack Wilson was four-for-four, missing hitting for the cycle by a home run.

The Pirates pitching was no too sharp that day, but it did not need to be and the Bucs were apparently still feeling the effects of their 10-run offensive burst against St. Louis a day early.

The Pirates head to Chicago for the start of inter-league play. They have a three game series against the White Sox before they head across town to play three against their Central Division rival Chicago Cubs.

The Pirates have one seven of the last 10 and are now three games under .500.

Pirates-Nationals: Pittsburgh Pounds the Relievers; Ross Detwiler Pitches Ably

Brian Wolff — Tue, 19 May 2009 01:13:04 -0400

WASHINGTON D.C., May 18—Jack Wilson's three runs and two RBI, along with Craig Monroe's three-run blast, led the Pirates in their second straight scoring fest as they pounded the Nationals 12-7 Monday night. They would need it as their pitching was not quite up to par.

Ross Ohlendorf had been one of the bright spots in the Pirates rotation this year. Despite a couple of shaky performances he had performed well overall.

Ohlendorf has been throwing a few more change-ups and sliders to compliment his sinker, and the result has been positive. But on this night, he was having problems throwing strikes. He gave up five runs on six hits while walking three over five innings.

Pittsburgh was going against another Ross, in former first round draft pick Ross Detwiler, who was just called up from AA for his first major league start. In the first inning, Christian Guzman had two errors to put two runners aboard. However, the young pitcher was able to get out of the inning without any damage to the scoreboard.

With one out in the third, Freddy Sanchez lined a single into center and then went to second on what could have been scored a stolen base, but instead was the Nationals' third error of the game.

Nate McLouth was then beaned with a change-up on the right elbow. Pirates fans around the world took a collective deep breath as McLouth cringed in pain as the Bucs have been hit hard by injuries this year.

After the delay for the trainer to check out McLouth, Monroe popped a three-run shot just over the wall and out of the reach of Willie Harris in center field. Harris seemed to not see the wall, but it did not look like he could have caught it anyhow. Adam LaRoche struck out and Diaz hit a line drive right at the pitcher to end the inning, Pirates 3-0.

Trouble arrived for Ohlendorf in the fifth inning. Harris got things started for the Nats by doubling to right field. An out later, Josh Bard doubled Harris home. Guzman then walked, before Nick Johnson hit a three-run rocket in to the right field upper deck, putting the Nationals up for the first time.

Ryan Zimmerman followed with a solo shot to center before Adam Dunn popped out to third; Nationals 5-3.

With none out in the sixth inning, Adam LaRoche walked and then went to second on a wild pitch. Then reliever Garrett Mock hit Robinzon Diaz to put runners on first and second. Andy LaRoche sacrificed the runners up one base and Jack Wilson doubled down the left field line to score the two runners and tie the game at five apiece.

Jesus Calome came on in relief but the Pirates continued their hitting barrage. Moss doubled to center, scoring Wilson. Delwyn Young, hitting lead-off in the game while Nyjer Morgan rests his hamstring, singled to center scoring Moss.

Next, after Freddy Sanchez flied out to right, Nate McLouth doubled to right to score the speedy Young from first, and McLouth ended up on third on second baseman Anderson Hernandez's throwing error. Monroe flied out to end the inning, Pirates 8-5.

Wilson, four-for-four on the night, led off the top of the top of the eighth with a triple off the left center field wall, missing a home run by just a foot. Wilson (.254), who has struggled at the plate this year, got his second four-hit-game of the year. Young would get his second RBI of the game singling Wilson home, making it 9-5.

In the bottom of the eighth John Grabow got into a bit of trouble. With Austin Kearns on first and one out, Josh Bard doubled to left scoring a run, Pirates 9-6.

The Pirates came back in the top of the ninth with an appetite for runs. With one out Adam LaRoche walked. LaRoche then moved to second on a wild pitch and then to third on a ground out right at the pitcher again by Diaz.

Andy LaRoche then singled to left-center, scoring his brother from third. Wilson came up looking for his fifth hit of the game, but was walked. Ramon Vazquez then hit a hard double to right, scoring LaRoche and Wilson, Pirates 12-6.

In the bottom of the ninth the Nats got another run on a walk and a sacrifice.

The Pirates finished with 12 runs on 12 hits. The Nationals had seven runs on 11 hits and four errors, a category in which they lead the league. The Bucs had five doubles, a triple, and a home run in the game.

Trivia: According to the Pirates Radio Network announcers this was the first game in major league history where two starting pitchers with the name Ross faced each other in the same game.

Detwiler's much-anticipated debut on the mound was a good one, as he struck out six and walked none, giving up two earned runs over five innings.

The Pirates will probably need just as much run production tomorrow as Jeff Karstens (1-2, 5.06 ERA) will go up against Shairon Martis (5-0, 4.10 ERA). Nyjer Morgan, the only Pirate to have faced Martis, is expected to be back in the lineup for tomorrow's game.

Pirates-Rockies: Bucs' Bullpen Gives Up 1 Run In 7 Innings

Brian Wolff — Sat, 16 May 2009 23:48:09 -0400

PITTSBURGH, May 16—Ian Snell looked good for the first two outs of the first inning, but quickly got himself into a little trouble.

He walked Todd Helton on just five pitches. Brad Hawpe followed with a single after a long at bat, putting runners on the corners. Ryan Spilborghs followed with a double scoring Helton and putting the Rockies ahead 2-0.

In the second Clint Barmes got the only hit for the Rockies, a solo shot to left field.

In the bottom of the inning the Pirates got things going themselves. Adam LaRoche hit a single to center and Brandon Moss, who is on a bit of a tear lately, followed with a single of his own to put runners on the corners with nobody out.

Andy LaRoche singled to center scoring brother Adam and moving Moss over to second. Jason Jaramillo then walked to load the bases for Jack Wilson. Wilson grounded out to first, but Moss was able to score.

Ian Snell popped out to first but the Pirates were not finished yet. Delwyn Young, who got the start in place of Nyjer Morgan, came to bat just in time.

As the skies quickly opened up dropping heavy rains, Young hit a single to center, scoring LaRoche and Jaramillo putting the Pirates up 4-3. The umpire immediately stopped the game to wait out the weather.

After a long break the Rockies picked up where they left off, as Troy Tulowitzki drew a lead-off walk. Helton then singled to right, moving Tulowitzki to third.

Hawpe, the hero of last night’s game for the Rockies, hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Tulo.

A couple of pitchers and innings later in the fifth Nate McLouth hit a solo homer to right to break the tie, on what was Nate McLouth bobble-head doll night.

The Pirates had a big inning the bottom of the sixth. Brandon Moss got the remaining crowd to their feet with a lead-off double.

Andy LaRoche singled to left-center plating Moss. Jaramillo then came up and singled to left center, moving LaRoche to third. Jack Wilson then hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring LaRoche.

In the ninth Matt Capps came on to relieve John Grabow, and try to redeem his recent performances. He did just that.

With the series tied at 1-1 Ubaldo Jiminez (3-4, 4.73 ERA) takes the mound for the Rockies. Zach Duke (4-3, 2.53 ERA) will pitch for the Pirates. Duke is coming off a four-hit, one-run performance over eight innings.

The Pirates finished with seven runs on 11 hits and a throwing error by Jack Wilson. The Rockies got four runs on six hits.

The rain delay lasted 1 hour 37 minutes.

The Pirates have an odd schedule coming up over the next 10 games. They have a rare four-game series in Washington D.C., before going over to Chicago to play two three-game series,the start of inter-league play with a series against the White Sox, then one against the Cubs.

Rockies-Pirates: Capps Still Struggling, Rockies Rally In Ninth

Brian Wolff — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:07:17 -0400

PITTSBURGH, May 16—After ending their eight-game losing streak against the Cardinals while taking two of three in the series, the Pirates were hoping to continue the trend hosting the Rockies, but fate and the bullpen would fail them.

Paul Maholm was on the mound for the Bucs and despite giving up a few hard hit balls, held the Rockies scoreless through seven innings.

The problem for Pittsburgh is Jorge De La Rosa did much of the same for Colorado. The greatest early scoring threat was a shot over the left field wall by Jack Wilson that Ryan Spilborghs reached over the wall and robbed.

Finally in the bottom of the sixth Nate McLouth hit a two-out single and then stole second. Craig Monroe followed with his second hit of the game and McLouth scored from second just beating the throw home. Monroe moved to second on the throw. Adam LaRoche struck out to end the inning leaving the Pirates up 1-0.

Tyler Yates came on in relief immediately giving up a couple hits. Then on a questionable call, the Pirates won an appeal to the umpire, claiming the runner at third left early after the put out by Nyjer Morgan. Later replays suggested the runner had not left early.

The one run was all the scoring until the ninth as solid pitching, luck and defense lead the way.

In the ninth Matt Capps (0-3, 8.18 ERA) came on to pitch in the ninth and gave up three consecutive hits including a two-run homerun to Brad Hawpe, his sixth on the year. The closer continues to have troubles on the mound despite having a week's rest after complaining of phantom pain in his elbow after a previous bad outing.

Two outs later Matt Murton singled scoring Spilborghs from second, and the Rockies were up 3-1. The Pirates could not muster anything in the bottom of the ninth and that is how the game ended.

The Pirates batters have taken some criticism for their recent woes, but real problem still seems to be the relief pitching. Until the Pirates can find someone who can anchor the bullpen they will likely continue to struggle.

The Pirates host the Rockies again tomorrow at the same time. Aaron Cook (2-1, 5.03 ERA) gets the start for the Rockies and Ian Snell (1-5, 4.50 ERA) has his turn in the rotation for the Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates-Milwaukee Brewers: Bucs Break a Record No One Wants

Brian Wolff — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:58:04 -0400

PITTSBURGH, May 5 —The Pirates pitchers walked 10 batters and the Pirates have now lost 17 in a row to the Milwaukee Brewers, losing tonight 8-5.

In the first inning the Pirates lone hit was a solo home run by Freddy Sanchez to left off of Jeff Suppan, Pirates 1-0.

A couple of consecutive hits tied the game up for the Brewers in the second. Corey Hart hit a two-out double followed by a single from J.J. Hardy to score the run. Ian Snell walked Prince Fielder to start but Mike Cameron hit into a double play for two outs. The inning might have been worse without the defense help.

In the third the Pirates got a bunt hit and a walk from Nyjer Morgan and Sanchez in the third, but could not bring them around for any runs.

In the fourth the Brewers Ryan Braun lead with a lead off walk. Then after Fielder flied out, Cameron reached on a fielder’s choice, Braun out at second. Hart followed with his second double of the game, scoring Cameron, and moving to third on the throw home.

Snell looking like he was in trouble, then gave up a double to left by Hardy after the count went full. The Brewers had four hits to that point, all from Hart and Hardy. Jason Kendall then grounded into a fielder’s choice, the Pirates going back to second and getting the tag on Hart to end the inning, Brewers 3-1.

In the bottom of the inning Brandon Moss got aboard with an infield single. It was little roller between the pitcher and third and Moss beat out the throw by the pitcher. Ken Macha came out to argue to point, perhaps looking for a little favoritism on a call later on in the game. Moss is batting just .211 on the year.

Andy LaRoche was walked to follow and then Ramon Vazquez hit a deep foul down the right field line advancing the runners to second and third. First base coach Perry Hill made the right call in sending the runners, a good example of the aggressive but smart play being coached in Pittsburgh this year.

Jaramillo next singled scoring Moss, LaRoche to third. There was still one out with Snell coming to bat, who bunt sacrifice to the pitcher, Jaramillo to second. Morgan grounded out to end the inning.

In the sixth Snell got into trouble again issuing consecutive walks to Fielder and Cameron, throwing eight straight balls. With Hart and Hardy coming up in the order, the Pirates called on Jesse Chaves to try to get things under control (0-1, 1.74 ERA).

Hart reached on a fielder’s choice, getting Cameron at second. Fielder advanced to third. Sanchez just missed the runner at first. Looking to avoid the double play ball, Hart stole second. Hardy then singled to left, Fielder and Hart scored.

Then Kendall singled to left, moving Hart to second. Suppan then walked to load the bases, and the Pirates bullpen woes were continuing, with still only one out. Four straight balls to Ricky Weeks walked a run home, Brewers 6-2.

Sean Burnett was called on to relieve Chavez. Counsell fouled out to first and the Braun grounded out to end the inning after hitting one deep just foul by a few inches down the right field line.

In the bottom of the inning, Andy LaRoche singled with one out and then reached third on a wild pitch by Suppan. Kendall could not get his eyes on the ball, allowing LaRoche to take the second base. Morgan took two bases on a wild pitch in yesterday’s losing effort.

Ramon Vazquez hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring LaRoche, Brewers 6-3. Jaramillo then walked before pinch-hitting Craig Monroe struck out to end the inning.

In the eight Evan Meek walked Hardy and Kendall to start the inning. Kendall was given the base because the home base umpire said Meek went to his mouth while standing on the mound. Chris Duffy then sacrificed the runners to second and third with one out.

Weeks then hit an infield shot right to LaRoche at third, and reached on the fielder’s choice throwing Hardy out at home base. Kendall advanced to third.

Counsell then double to left scoring Kendall and Weeks before Braun flied out to end the inning, Brewers 8-3. The final out was a beautiful catch made by Morgan who leaped up catching the hit over his shoulder and saving what looked like another home run.

In the eight Moss was walked to start things off. Andy LaRoche then grounded into a fielder’s choice, Meek out as second. Vazquez then walked and then Jaramillo flied out for the second out.

Delyn Young then pinch hitting for Meek doubled to deep right scoring LaRoche and Vazquez. Morgan then struck out on three straight pitches to end the inning, Brewers 8-5. Morgan is one for his last 13 at bats.

Donnie Veal came on to pitch the ninth for the Pirates. Fielder got first base to lead things off when he was hit by a pitch from Veal getting caught on the elbow. Fielder then moved to second on a wild pitch by the 23-year-old.

Cameron and Casey McGehee flied out for the first two outs. Hardy then walked to put runners on first and second before Kendall struck out to end the inning. Morgan made another great over they should catch to get McGehee, these catches almost becoming expected.

In the ninth the Pirates went in order. Pittsburgh finished with five runs on just six hits. Milwaukee eight runs on seven hits. Pittsburgh was really hurt by the walks. The bullpen gave up another three runs, failing to do their job well again. Snell gave up five runs on five hits, walking five.

Pittsburgh heads to St. Louis for another two game set. Zach Duke (3-2, 2.21 ERA) will be pitching against Mitchell Boggs (1-0, 3.29 ERA).

Pirates-Brewers: Pittsburgh Bullpen Loses It Again

Brian Wolff — Mon, 04 May 2009 22:25:20 -0400

PITTSBURGH, May 4 —The Brewers (14-12) are in town for a two game series and the Pirates (12-13) sacrificed the upper hand as their bullpen gave up six runs during the eight and ninth innings, after a solid performance by Paul Maholm, with Matt Caps (above) losing it ugly.

Paul Maholm on the mound gave up just one run on six hits, striking out seven along the way, but did not get the decision as the bullpen fell apart in the late innings. Maholm pitched himself out of trouble in the first and again in the fourth.

In the first the Brewers picked up right where they left of with the first two batters Corey Hart and J.J. Hardy reaching on singles.

Then after Rickie Weeks flied out, Prince Fielder reached on what might have been a double play if Maholm had gotten to first in time to get Prince, but Hart was able to score, Brewers 1-0.

In the second Yovani Gollardo, a different pitcher then the one who struck out 11 in his last outing against the Pirates, showed some control issues. Adam LaRoche walked to start, then Brandon Moss hit a nice drive off the wall over Cameron's glove and got a triple, scoring LaRoche.

After Andy LaRoche grounded out, Ramon Vazquez walked for the eleventh time in 52 at trips to the plate. Jason Jaramillo hit a broken-bat blooper out to the shortstop, two outs. Paul Maholm came up and walked on four straight pitches, loading the bases for Nyjer Morgan.

Gollardo appeared to be having control problems and the bullpen was was warming up. All the drama was for nothing has Morgan hit a grounder, Maholm out at second. The Pirates left the bases loaded, the score 1-1.

Andy LaRoche tried to take advantage of the between inning doldrums and hit the first pitch, a low-inside sinker, off the left-field pole for a noisy solo shot. The next three Pirates went in order, Pittsburgh 2-1.

With one out in the fifth, Freddy Sanchez hit a push double that rolled all they way into the corner. Sanchez leads the National League with 11 two-baggers on the season. Next Nate McLouth connected with an outside curve for a soft single to center, allowing Sanchez to score. Adam LaRoche and Moss were then retired to end the inning, Pirates 3-1.

In the seventh Maholm was still throwing hard, and even helped himself on a great defensive play, making a an off-balance spinning throw of an infield dribbler toward third to get the runner at first.

In the bottom of the inning Sanchez got things going with a one out double to left, his second of the game. McLouth grounded out back to the pitcher, moving Sanchez to third. The rally fell short as Adam LaRoche flied out to deep center to end the inning, the first baseman hittless on the night.

With one out and a walk in the eighth inning, knowing their aces arm, the Pirates lifted Maholm in favor of Tyler Yates who throws a 96 mph fastball. Yates had given up runs in his last three outings. And on what looked like at ball four Weeks is called out swinging.

It might be asked whether Maholm was pulled too early in favor of bullpen which has been shelled over the past week.

The Pirates then called on the lefty John Grabow to face left-handed batter Fielder who lined the second pitch to center for a single, runners at first and second. Mike Cameron then walked the winning run aboard loading the bases for Ryan Braun pinch hitting for Duffy with two outs.

Braun brought in despite the sore back. Braun singled hitting a blooper to right, scoring Hardy and Fielder and moving to second on the throw. Casey McGehee struck out to end the inning, but not before the Brewers had tied it up.

In the bottom of the eighth Ramon Vazquez, hitting just .186 on the year hit a two-out single to right. Jaramillo then doubled to right, off the glove of Hart sprinting to the ball and the speedy Vazquez came around and scored, Pirates 4-3. Delwyn Young pinch-hitting for Grabow grounded out to end the inning.

Jaramillo has been able to do what Diaz was not, hitting in run scoring opportunities.

Matt Capps came on to get the save in the ninth, giving up a single to Jason Kenall. Craig Counsell came in to hit for Mark DiFelice, singling to right, runners at first and second, with the top of the order coming up.

Hart, showing bunt the whole way, walked to load the bases with no outs. Hardy then sacrifice scoring Kendall, runners at first and second. Weeks hit a three-run homer to left center and the self-destruction of the bullpen was complete, Brewers 7-4. Capps got the last two batters to end the inning.

Trevor Hoffman came on in relief in the ninth for an easy save opportunity.

Capps (0-2) takes the loss, giving up four runs on three hits and a walk. Capps has given up 10 runs on eight hits in his last three appearances .

Despite all the things the Pirates are doing right, their bullpen is dramatically under performing the rest of the team and until they get back to their early season form Pittsburgh will continue to struggle. The Pirates have lost six of their last seven, with their only win coming against Cincinnati, where the bullpen almost lost another one giving up three runs in the last two innings of that one.

Ian Snell (1-3, 3.72 ERA) goes up against Jeff Suppan (1-2, 5.88 ERA) tomorrow.

Pirates-Reds: Buc Bats Come Alive; Reds Play Sloppy

Brian Wolff — Sat, 02 May 2009 22:26:32 -0400

PITTSBURGH, May 2 —After being shut out in two consecutive games, the Pirates ended that run with a big first inning to get things started, and to give Ross Ohlendorf the kind of run support he needs to win. McLouth was 3-for-five with three runs and an RBI in the game, leading the Pirates offense. The Pirates (12-11) defeated the Reds (12-11) 8-6.

In the first inning, leadoff hitter Nyjer Morgan got things going quickly with a single to right. A distracted Micah Owings, worrying about Morgan stealing second, allowed a quick single to right by Freddy Sanzhez, Morgan to second. Nate McLouth, in just his second game back, hit a hard two-hopper single off the glove of Phillips into right, scoring Morgan and sending Sanchez to third. McLouth then stole second, beating an excellent throw to second, taking away the double play ball. Adam LaRoche walked to load the bases before Brandon Moss fouled out to third.

Owings, in real trouble in the first, next hit Andy LaRoche right on the back of the hand, scoring Sanchez. Ramon Vazquez took a long at-bat before singling into right field, scoring LaRoche and McLouth, Andy LaRoche to third. Robinzon Diaz then hit into a double play to end the inning, Pirates 4-0.

In the third, McLouth singled center. Adam LaRoche then singled, moving McLouth to third; however, LaRoche was thrown out at first, as he was thinking of trying to grab second. Brandon Moss then came up and hit the first pitch for a single to right, scoring Mclouth, Pirates 5-0. Andy LaRoche then flied out before Vazquez drew a walk before Diaz flied out to end the inning.

In the fourth inning, Hernandez singled to right. Rosales singled to center, moving Hernandez to third. Then Alex Gonzalez hit a home run, bouncing it off of the left-field foul pole, scoring three runs. Owings, Taveras, and Dickerson then each flied out to end the inning, the second a diving catch made by Mclouth; Pirates 5-3.

In the fifth Joey Votto, who had walked twice, doubled to center to get things started, hitting deep into the gap. An out later, Votta was advanced on a grounder by Jay Bruce back to the pitcher who made the out himself at first.

In the bottom of the seventh, Sanchez started things off with a single to center off of Danny Herarra, who came on in relief of Owings to get the last out of the sixth. McLouth then reached on a bunt single, his third hit of the night, Sanchez to second. Adam LaRoche then singled to right, the runners advance to load the bases for Brandon Moss with none out.

Moss reached on a fielder’s choice to first, Sanchez was thrown out at home, but not in time for the double play. On and earlier pitch, Moss had come within a whisker of being hit by a pitch. With Andy LaRoche coming to bat, the Reds called on right-handed David Weathers in relief to try to salvage the inning.

Andy LaRoch hit what could have been a double play, but a reluctant throw to first and Andy LaRoche was safe on the throw. McLouth scores easily, and with the ball laying on the ground, Adam LaRoche scored from third. It is scored a fielder’s choice for Andy Laroche, and an error allowing Moss to move to second on Phillips’ fielding error. After a sacrifice fly by Vazquez, Diaz ended the inning, the third time in the game he has done it with runners in scoring position; Pirates 7-3.

In the top of the eighth the Reds got started with Phillips reaching on an error, dropped pop fly by Sanchez. Bruce followed with a single, moving Phillips to third. Rosales reached on a fielder’s choice to second, Phillips scored. Then after another a Gonzalez single, pinch-hitting Jerry Harriston grounded out, fielder’s choice to third to end the inning, Pirates 7-4.

In the bottom of the eighth, pinch-hitting Eric Hinske singled. Morgan reached on a fielder’s choice, Hinske out at second. Then on a wild pitch, Nyjer Morgan showed just how fast he is, as he took two bases moving all the way from first to third, beating out the throw from the Red’s catcher Hernanez. “I just saw them slacking a little bit...I just figured that I had an opportunity to go so I just figured I’d take it.”

Hernandez was rather lazily jogging after the ball, while Morgan was rounding second headed for third. Sanchez then sacrificed Morgan home, Pirates 8-4. McLouth flied out to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth, the Reds were looking to rally a bit, with the Pirates closer Matt Capps on the mound. Taveras singled to get things going and Laynce Nix singled, moving Taveras to third with none out. Votto then singled to right, scoring Taveras and moving Nix to third. Phillips then singled, scoring Nix, runners at first and second. Then flied out to left, with Morgan sitting out in the 410 gap, robbing the Reds of what could have been a double or a triple. Capps then struck out Hernandez but was still in the game giving up two runs on five singles.

Rosales then reached on an infield single, off the glove of Vazquez. With the bases loaded for Gonzalez, who homered in the fourth, came to the plate. Three pitches and three strikes later, the Pirates had tied the series at one game apiece.

The Pirates had eight runs on thirteen hits and an error. The Reds six runs on 14 hits and an error.

Ohlendorf (3-2) gets the win and Owings (1-3) earns the loss. Jeff Karstens (1-0, 5.40 ERA) gets the start in the rubber match for the Pirates tomorrow at 1:35 EST. Johnny Cueto (1-1, 2.19 ERA) is on the mound for the Reds.

Pirates-Reds: PIttsburgh Eats Second Straight Shutout

Brian Wolff — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:08:57 -0400

PITTSBURRH, May 1—The Pirates were looking to put the brakes on their three game skid, and it looked like they might in the first inning. Nyjer Morgan got things started with a single to left center, and from the time he was on base was threatening steal.

Freddy Sanchez followed with a single to center, Morgan to second. Nate McLouth, back in the lineup for the first time in more than a week, hit into a double play on a great play by Joey Votto. Morgan moved to third.

Adam LaRoche walked on four straight pitches to put runners on the corners with two outs. However, Eric Hinske flied out to deep right at the wall, to end the inning.

That was the only action for the Pirates most of the rest of the way as Bronson Arroyo was on his game. Fortunately Zach Duke was on his game, allowing just three hits and striking out five through five innings.

In the top of the sixth, Duke got into a little bit of trouble. Willy Taveras got things started with a ground-rule-double. Hairston then sacrificed him to third. Votto Singled to center, scoring Taveras.

Then after Phillips lined out, Jay Bruce followed with a single, moving Votto to third. Adam Rosales the walked to load the bases for Alex Gonzalez, who grounded out to the pitcher, after a visit to the mound from pitching coach Joe Kerrigan; Reds 1-0.

In the bottom of the sixth it began to drizzle, and Arroyo continued his dominance over the Pirate batters.

In the seventh Duke gave a lead-off walk to Ryan Hanigan. Arroyo then reached on a fielder’s choice.

Taveras then sacrifice the runners to second and third, before Harriston popped out for the second of the inning. With Votto coming to the plate, the rain really started to come down. Votto grounded out to keep the score at 1-0, however the game risked being called.

In the bottom of the seventh with the rain easing up, Adam LaRoche single to start the inning. Hinske then reached on a fielder’s choice. Arroyo’s attempted pick-off move to first went wide and Hinske advanced to second.

Andy LaRoche then grounded out, but the double play was avoided on Arroyo’s throwing error. Jason Jaramillo grounded out to end the inning.

In the top of the eight, Brandon Phillips hit a solo home run over the head of Jaramillo, Reds 2-0. Rosales the walked after Bruce grounded out, but was picked off later, caught between first and second. Gonzalez flied out to end the inning.

In bottom of the eighth Ramon Vazquez walked, drawing his ninth walk 36 at-bats this season. Delyn Young pinch hit for Duke, hitting into a double play. Leadoff batter, Morgan singled to right, however Sanchez popped out to end the inning, and the Pirates missed another opportunity.

In the top of the ninth singled to left center to get the Reds going again. Laynce Nix came on to pinch hit for Arroyo, who walked after the count went full. With an 8.59 ERA on seven innings of work, the fans booing was showing their displeasure in calling on Tyler Yates with the game close at 2-0.

Then on a short hit by Taveras and a throwing error by Jaramillo to first, another run scored and the runners advance to second and third, with none out. Yates got Harriston to ground out. Hariston was zero-for-four on the day.

Votto was intentionally walked to load the bases and open up the potential for a double play ball. Phillips’ sacrifice fly to right field scored Nix, runners at first and second. Sean Burnett came on to finish the Reds in the ninth, striking out Bruce swinging on four pitches.

Down four runs, it did not look good for the Pirates coming into the ninth, Francisco Cordero came on in relief. Cordero, with a mid 90s fastball, has 218 career saves—seven on the year. Nate McLouth, got his first hit of the game, a infield grounder. It was just the Pirates fifth hit of the game. Cordero retired the next three batters to end the game.

Despite a solid game, Zach Duke (3-2) gets the loss. The Pirates (11-11), who have slipped back to .500 on four consecutive losses, face the Reds again tomorrow at the same time.

Their Major League Baseball low ERA is little satisfaction in light of the recent slide. Cincinnati improved to 12-10. The Brewers, Reds, Pirates and Cubs are all within a game of each other in the National League Central.

Cy Young Potentials Making Noise in April

Brian Wolff — Fri, 01 May 2009 21:18:33 -0400

Cy Young pitched for the American League from 1890-1911. He won 511 games during his 22 years in baseball. He also has 316 losses, also the most in MLB. The Cy Young award has been given since 1956, one to each league. In this young season there are a number of players that are showing Cy Young potential early on. In the National League, Chad Billingsley and and Jonathan Broxton are showing why the Los Angeles Dodgers have jumped out to a 15-8 start and should be around in October. In the American League Zach Greinke is the clear early favorite and is a big part of the reason the Kansas City Royals are leading the American League Central division. Other honorable mentions at this early state include include Armanda Galarraga (3-0, 1.85 ERA) of Detroit, Johan Santana (3-1, 1.10 ERA) of the New York Mets, Kyle Lohse (3-0, 1.97 ERA) and the Reliever Frank Francisco (6 saves, 1-0, 0.0 ERA) for the Texas Rangers.

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Pirates-Brewers: Pirate Pitching Still Stuck in 2008

Brian Wolff — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 06:46:28 -0400

Milwaukee, Apr. 28—Once again, the Pirate batters mustered five runs but it was not enough to overcome what the Pirate pitchers gave up to the Brewers.

Dave Bush (1-0) helped the Pirates get things started early, hitting Sanchez in the left hand on a high and inside. Bush has hit three batters on the year.

Left hitting Brandon Moss got the start in the game; he singled in his first at bat, moving Sanchez over to third. Adam LaRoche then reached on a fielder’s choice as Sanchez was thrown out at home. Hinske popped out to end the inning.

The best in the rotation, Paul Maholm, (3-0, 2.03) took the mound to try to get his fourth win in as many tries in April. Maholm is zero-for-five in his last seven appearances against the Brewers. In the bottom of the first, with one out, Corey Hart doubled to left. Ryan Braun then singled to right, scoring Hart; Hinske’s throw to the plate was late.

Prince Fielder then grounded right back to Maholm who threw to second, double to first, to end the inning—Brewers 1-0.

In the second, with one out, Jason Jaramillo drew a walk. Brian Bixler, who struck out four times in last night’s game, reached on a broken bat infield single, just beating the throw to first. Maholm then bunt-sacrificed the runners to second and third. Then Nyjer Morgan grounded out to end the inning.

In the third, Sanchez and Moss opened with a pair of singles. A long at bat by Adam LaRoche pushed Bush’s pitch count up before popping out to left.

The Brewers were hoping that he would make it into at least the sixth inning with the bullpen already stretched thin.

Wisconsonite Erik Hinske then came up and doubled down the left field line, rolling to the wall, scoring Sanchez and Moss.

LaRoche and Jaramillo were retired to end the inning—Pirates 2-1. Bush’s pitch count was at 64 after three.

In the bottom of the inning, with one out, Ricky Weeks singled to left, then Hart and Braun were walked to load the bases with two. Fielder, who does not hit lefties well, has a real opportunity, but he flied out to the left field warning track to end the threat. The Braves had runners at the corners with two outs and the wild McClellan was done for the night, giving up two runs on a hit and three walks in two-thirds of an inning.

Bixler got things started in the fourth with a double. Maholm followed with a sacrifice to move Bixler over to third, and Morgan sacrificed him home.

On the slide in to home Bixler’s lead foot slid into Mike Rivera’s, injuring the catcher, who left the game before the next inning. The Pirates, playing economic baseball, were able to manufacture a run, making it 3-1 after four.

In the bottom of the inning, Hardy walked and Hall singled to center to put a couple of runners aboard. Bush then got his second career walk to load the bases for Weeks, but Maholm got him to pop out in foul territory to leave the bases loaded for the second time in two innings. Maholm’s pitch count was just south of 80 at the end of four.

In the fifth, the problem with hit batters continues in the series with Bush hitting Hinske and Andy LaRoche, consecutively. Jaramillo followed with a two-out two-RBI double to make it 5-1. Bixler grounded out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the inning, Hart started off drawing a walk and Braun followed with a broken-bat double that just fell fair, scoring the run. Fielder then grounded out to first, Braun to third. Cameron then grounded out to short, and Braun scored from third—Pirates 5-3.

Despite his giving up three runs on five hit and five walks, and with a pitch count near 100, the Pirates chose not to pinch hit for Maholm, keeping him in to pitch the bottom of the sixth. It might have been a mistake, as Hall hit a lead-off solo home run. Maholm has given up one home run on the year. Counsell then followed with a single, a bullet to Sanchez, and Maholm got pulled for Jesse Chavez. Weeks followed with a two run homer—Brewers 6-5. Hart then reached on an infield singled, still with only one out. Braun flied out to center and John Russel pulled Chaves for a lefty reliever in Sean Burnett. Burnett struck out fielder to end the inning.

The Pirates could not get anything going the rest of the way and 6-5 was the final score. The Bucs finished with five runs on seven hits and an error, while the brewers got six runs on nine hits and an error.

The Pirates fall to 11-9 while the Brewers improve to 10-10. The Pirates, Cubs, Reds, and Brewers are now all within a game of each other in the National League Central.

The Pirates play the third game in the series in Milwaukee tomorrow at 1:05, and then they have a day off before they play three against Cincinnati in Pittsburgh.

It has not been decided whether Pittsburgh and Cincinnati will try to make up their one game that was postponed for rain. Yovani Gallardo (2-1) will be on the mound for Milwaukee and Ian Snell (1-2) for the Pirates.

Cardinals-Braves: Reyes Pitches Well

Brian Wolff — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:59:36 -0400

ST.LOUIS, April 28—The Braves' poor hitting and the Cardinals' stellar pitching were the perfect recipe for the birds to add to the MLB record. However, on this day Jo-Jo Reyes was throwing well, as well limiting the Cardinals to one run on three hits and a walk through seven innings. The Braves’ bullpen kept things going long enough for their batters to get some runs on the board.

The Cardinal starting pitching has been the best in the majors, with a 12-2 record, despite being without ace Chris Carpenter. Kyle Lohse, who suffered a knee injury in his last game, was taking the mound, looking for his fourth win in April.

In the first inning, Reyes caught the number two batter Colby Rasmus on the forearm, and then walked Albert Pujols to put runners on first and second. Catcher Yadiar Molina lined a single between third and short, scoring Molina. Then Reyes struck out his third batter, to end the inning. The Cardinals got one run hit a batter, a walk, and a hit.

In the second, Reyes started off by striking out the first two batters, before giving up a single to Lohse, who has three hits in 10 at bats on the year. Brian Barden hit a grounder, Lohse was out at second.

For the next seven innings, the pitchers dueled it out with only a handful of base runners on either side. Eventually, Jason Motte relieved Lohse with a rising pitch count, finishing with no runs on four hits and four walks. Motte was welcomed with a single by Schafer into center field.

In the eighth, Kyle McClellan came on in relief and walked Infante to start things. Escobar sacrificed Infante to second and Chippier Jones was walked. An out later, Jeff Francoeur was walked to load the bases. Matt Diaz then singled to center scoring Jones and Infante. Schafer struck out to end the inning, Braves 2-1.

The Cardinals went in order in the top of the ninth, showing they are not invincible. The Braves improved to .500 with the win. The Cardinals fell to 15-7.