Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians: Cleveland Rocks the Pirates to Sweep

In a game that featured one of the worst lineups I have seen from a team playing with a designated hitter, the Pirates lost 5-2 to the Indians in the finale of a three-game series. The series saw the Pirates score a total of four runs in three losses.

Clint Hurdle gave Jose Tabata the day off while placing Andrew McCutchen as DH. He also gave Brandon Wood the start at third base instead of Josh Harrison. These moves, to me, didn’t make much sense.

Every starter except McCutchen had a hit on the day but the Pirates totaled 14 runners left on base. The bottom of the order came to the plate on multiple occasions with runners in scoring position but failed to get a hit time and time again.

The Pirates wasted yet another great outing from Jeff Karstens, who pitched seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits. Tim Wood (0-1) received the loss and Tony Sipp (3-0) claimed the victory for the Indians.

Lineup:

1. Andrew McCutchen
2. Xavier Paul
3. Neil Walker
4. Garrett Jones
5. Matt Diaz
6. Lyle Overbay
7. Brandon Wood
8. Ronny Cedeno
9. Dusty Brown

McCutchen, Walker and Tabata are the only consistent hitters the Pirates have. Garrett Jones and Xavier Paul would be next on my list of semi-reliable players.  Every player listed is somebody you would have a little confidence in while at the dish but what about the others?

Brandon Wood – A player who has been horrible throughout his career but has shown he can hit (at times).

Lyle Overbay – A player who was average to begin with on the downside of his career; a waste of five million dollars.

Matt Diaz – A player who shouldn’t start more than once a week, yet is paid over two million a year.

Ronny Cedeno – A defensive shortstop that can’t hit.

Dusty Brown – A defensive player? That would be it.

Michael McKenry – A solid defensive catcher that doesn’t hit

All of these players were featured in the lineup on Sunday. That is five easy outs on a team that has received great pitching. It is amazing that the Pirates are only one game under .500.

My thought is consistent with others: Move Jones from right field to first base and bring up Alex Presley, who is hitting .335 with eight homeruns and 34 RBI.