NLDS Rosters, Pitching Match Ups, Block Party on Federal Street

Here's the rosters for the NLDS; the Bucs had to drop a couple of guys (Travis Snyder, Tony Sanchez) to make room for AJ Burnett and Charlie Morton, who weren't needed for the play-in game.

Pittsburgh Roster

Pitchers: AJ Burnett, Francisco Liriano, Charlie Morton, Gerrit Cole, Jason Grilli, Mark Melancon, Tony Watson, Justin Wilson, Vin Mazzaro, Bryan Morris and Jeanmar Gomez. (The only mild surprise was the absence of Kyle Farnsworth, who didn't make either cut.)

Catchers: Russell Martin, and John Buck. (Keeping Buck, a superior offensive player, over Sanchez, a superior defensive players, reinforces that Martin is getting all the starts, as he should.)

Infielders: Justin Morneau, Neil Walker, Clint Barmes, Perdo Alvarez, Jordy Mercer, Gaby  Sanchez, Garrett Jones and Josh Harrison.

Outfielders: Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, Marlon Byrd and Jose Tabata.

After you look at this roster, take a peek at Tyler Kepner's story in the NY Times about how the Bucs debated blowing up the 2012 team and rebuilding again.

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St. Louis Roster

Pitchers: Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, Michael Wacha, Shelby Miller, Trevor Rosenthal, Carlos Martinez, Edward Mujica, Seth Maness, John Axford, Randy Choate and Kevin Siegrist.

Infielders: Matt Adams, David Freese, Daniel Descalso, Matt Adams, Kolten Wong and Pete Kozma.

Catchers: Yadier Molina and Tony Cruz.

Outfielders: Matt Holliday, John Jay, Carlos Beltran, Shane Robinson and Adron Chambers.

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Expected Pitching Matchups

Game #1 - AJ Burnett v Adam Wainwright, 5:07 Thursday (SL)
Game #2 - Gerrit Cole v Lance Lynn, 1:07 Friday (SL)
Game #3 - Francisco Liriano v Joe Kelly, 5:07 Sunday (PGH)
Game #4 - Charlie Morton v Michael Wacha/Shelby Miller, TBD Monday (PGH)*
Game #5 - TBA, TBD Wednesday (SL)*

* if needed; best of five series.

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Block Party

The Pirates announced plans to host a special Postseason Watch Party on Federal Street outside PNC Park today. The Clubhouse Store, food and beverage vendors and local bars and restaurants will be open for business, and officials said that fans are encouraged to bring chairs, but grills and glass bottles are verboten. Federal Street and the Clemente Bridge will close to vehicular traffic at 10 a.m, and there will be limited free parking available after 4 p.m. in the Red Lot Six, located across from the PNC Park Press Entrance on General Robinson Street. Fans are encouraged to ride the FREE "T" from the four Golden Triangle stations to the North Side Station just outside of PNC Park. The only caveat is Weather Permitting.