The Bucs gave up scores in the first and last frames, but had enough thunder in between to drop the Red Sox in Bradenton today by a 4-3 count.
J-Mac continued his first inning woes - some things never change - when four of the first five Boston batters reached base. But he kept the inning in hand, giving up a pair, and went on cruise control for the next four frames, giving up a hit, two walks, and whiffing five to put up a line of 5 IP, 2 runs, 4 hits, 3 walks and 6 K.
But he left down 2-1; Clay Buchholz gave up his only run of the spring so far when Neil Walker took him deep in the second - and that was the Bucs' only hit off Clay. Jason Grilli at long last got back on the hill for the Pirates, while Koji Uehara toed the rubber for the Bosox, and both put up goose eggs in the sixth.
Pittsburgh took the lead the following frame. Mark Melancon pitched a zippo seventh, and Gaby Sanchez went yard off Chris Carpenter with Josh Harrison aboard on a walk to give the Buccos a 3-2 lead. Chris Leroux pitched a perfect eighth.
The Fort welcomed Oscar Villareal with a homer in the Buc half. They looked like they were in business when they loaded the sacks with no outs after Jordy Mercer walked, JT singled, and Harrison dropped a bunt basehit to third. But the Pittsburgh bench fizzled; Jared Goedert went down swinging, Mel Rojas looking, and Carlos Paulino bounced out to second.
Fortunately, McHenry's dinger held up. Bryan Morris came on, and got the first two outs easily on grounders. Keury De La Cruz doubled and came around when Jeremy Hazelbaker rolled a ball through the right side. He stole second with The Fort behind the dish, but went no further as Morris got Ronald Bermudez on another grounder to earn the save.
Even though Pittsburgh was just 1-for-7 with RISP, those longballs are worth their weight in wins. The Bucs can put on their flip-flops now and take it easy. They're off tomorrow, their last break of camp.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Bucs v Bosox, More Cuts
First, the six cuts: Gerrit Cole, Ali Solis, Kris Johnson, Kyle Waldrop and Brooks Brown were sent to minor league camp for assignment, while Phil Irwin was optioned to Indy. None were surprises; Cole got one last start in major league camp yesterday and Solis has been hurt. The other guys actually did a pretty nice job competing for bullpen jobs, but the FO had to get the number of candidates under control as the camp winds down.
They're now down to 43 players, with several others - Francisco Liriano, Jose Contreras, Charlie Morton and Chase d'Arnaud - injured/rehabbing. There are 11 non-roster invitees in camp with two weeks to go; the hard cuts are still down the road, but approaching fast as the team takes shape.
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The Bucs take on Boston at McKechnie Field this afternoon. James McDonald toes the rubber against Clay Buchholz. Bucholz has made three appearances covering 8-1/3 IP and hasn't given up a score yet this spring. The game starts at 1:05 and will be aired by The Fan 93.7.
Lineup: Starling Marte CF, Felix Pie LF, Russell Martin C, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Brad Hawpe RF, Ivan DeJesus SS and James McDonald P.
Clint Hurdle continues to use Martin as his wildcard in the lineup, while Pie and DeJesus stay alive in the battle for a roster spot.
Pitchers: James McDonald, Jason Grilli, Mark Melancon and Chris Leroux.
McDonald has been slowly gearing up for the season, and hopefully this will be another slow but steady step in that direction.
They're now down to 43 players, with several others - Francisco Liriano, Jose Contreras, Charlie Morton and Chase d'Arnaud - injured/rehabbing. There are 11 non-roster invitees in camp with two weeks to go; the hard cuts are still down the road, but approaching fast as the team takes shape.
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The Bucs take on Boston at McKechnie Field this afternoon. James McDonald toes the rubber against Clay Buchholz. Bucholz has made three appearances covering 8-1/3 IP and hasn't given up a score yet this spring. The game starts at 1:05 and will be aired by The Fan 93.7.
Lineup: Starling Marte CF, Felix Pie LF, Russell Martin C, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Brad Hawpe RF, Ivan DeJesus SS and James McDonald P.
Clint Hurdle continues to use Martin as his wildcard in the lineup, while Pie and DeJesus stay alive in the battle for a roster spot.
Pitchers: James McDonald, Jason Grilli, Mark Melancon and Chris Leroux.
McDonald has been slowly gearing up for the season, and hopefully this will be another slow but steady step in that direction.
- Jeff Karstens will work a minor league game today. With two weeks until the season starts, he doesn't have much time left to prepare. It could be that he'll start the year in the bullpen, which could have a domino effect of sorts on the roster.
- Charlie Wilmoth of MLB Trade Rumors has a piece on the worst trades of the decade; surprisingly, the Bucs are only involved in a couple.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Yankees Outlast Bucs 11-9
Well, so much for the strong pitching. The Bucs and Bronx Bombers combined for 20 runs at McKechnie today, with the Evil Empire holding off the Pirates by an 11-9 count.
Phil Irwin gave up a line drive single to Eduardo Nunez, followed by an infield knock by Brennan Boesch. A double steal produced a run when Russell Martin's throw went into center; two more plated when the third hitter, Kevin Youkilis, went deep. Another scored in the second with two down - Nunez bunted for a hit, was singled to third and came in on Youkilis' double to make it 4-0. The Bucs tried to answer when Pedro led off with a double, but he was tossed out trying to stretch it after the relay missed the cut-off. C Chris Stewart backed the play and gunned El Toro at third.
The third was the killer frame. Irwin walked two of the first three hitters he faced, and was replaced by Mike Zagurski. He walked the next guy and then Melky Mesa banged a grand salami to make it 8-0. Zag got through the fourth OK, then the Buc bats woke up.
Martin walked, and an out later Pedro doubled him home. Jones got plunked by a pitch and Gaby Sanchez singled in a run. Travis Snider cranked out a sac fly, and it was 8-3. Jeff Locke tossed a 1-2-3 fifth, and the Pirates shaved a run off the lead thanks to a Clint Barmes homer. That was the last frame for Ivan Nova, who went five and scattered six hits.
The Yankees got a gift run in the sixth. Mesa reached on a Pedro error and went to third on a 4-3; we didn't listen to the game, but assume he was running on the pitch. He trotted home on a Boesch sac fly. The Bucs got that run back with two away in the seventh. Felix Pie walked with two outs, stole second and scored on Lucas May's flare single.
Locke was nicked for another cheap run in the eighth, partially of his own making. He walked Thomas Neal who stole second. He came in when he tagged to third on a fly to right, followed by a passed ball. Locke went four frames, giving up two unearned runs on no hits, a walk and beaned batter with two K. Pittsburgh gave up another easy run in the ninth. Jared Hughes wild pitched Jose Pirela to second with two outs and he tallied on an Addison Maruszak double to make it 11-5.
Pittsurgh rallied gamely in their last at-bat. The Bucs banged five consecutive knocks off of Matt Tracy - singles by Ivan DeJesus, Jordy Mercer, Felix Pie and Lucas May capped by an Alex Presley two bagger. Chase Whitley came on to quell the fire, and the Yankees came away with an 11-9 victory.
The Pirates walked five batters; four scored. They committed two errors, and they both led to runs. There are two weeks to go before the season; Pittsburgh needs to tighten up in a hurry. There is enough time, but it's worrisome that the games so often look like the movie Groundhog Day with the same mistakes being made over and over.
It may well be a consequence of having so many guys in a long camp and trying to get them all innings. If that's the case, the FO had best work on paring the roster and getting the guys ready.
James McDonald faces the Red Sox at McKechnie Field tomorrow afternoon.
Phil Irwin gave up a line drive single to Eduardo Nunez, followed by an infield knock by Brennan Boesch. A double steal produced a run when Russell Martin's throw went into center; two more plated when the third hitter, Kevin Youkilis, went deep. Another scored in the second with two down - Nunez bunted for a hit, was singled to third and came in on Youkilis' double to make it 4-0. The Bucs tried to answer when Pedro led off with a double, but he was tossed out trying to stretch it after the relay missed the cut-off. C Chris Stewart backed the play and gunned El Toro at third.
The third was the killer frame. Irwin walked two of the first three hitters he faced, and was replaced by Mike Zagurski. He walked the next guy and then Melky Mesa banged a grand salami to make it 8-0. Zag got through the fourth OK, then the Buc bats woke up.
Martin walked, and an out later Pedro doubled him home. Jones got plunked by a pitch and Gaby Sanchez singled in a run. Travis Snider cranked out a sac fly, and it was 8-3. Jeff Locke tossed a 1-2-3 fifth, and the Pirates shaved a run off the lead thanks to a Clint Barmes homer. That was the last frame for Ivan Nova, who went five and scattered six hits.
The Yankees got a gift run in the sixth. Mesa reached on a Pedro error and went to third on a 4-3; we didn't listen to the game, but assume he was running on the pitch. He trotted home on a Boesch sac fly. The Bucs got that run back with two away in the seventh. Felix Pie walked with two outs, stole second and scored on Lucas May's flare single.
Locke was nicked for another cheap run in the eighth, partially of his own making. He walked Thomas Neal who stole second. He came in when he tagged to third on a fly to right, followed by a passed ball. Locke went four frames, giving up two unearned runs on no hits, a walk and beaned batter with two K. Pittsburgh gave up another easy run in the ninth. Jared Hughes wild pitched Jose Pirela to second with two outs and he tallied on an Addison Maruszak double to make it 11-5.
Pittsurgh rallied gamely in their last at-bat. The Bucs banged five consecutive knocks off of Matt Tracy - singles by Ivan DeJesus, Jordy Mercer, Felix Pie and Lucas May capped by an Alex Presley two bagger. Chase Whitley came on to quell the fire, and the Yankees came away with an 11-9 victory.
The Pirates walked five batters; four scored. They committed two errors, and they both led to runs. There are two weeks to go before the season; Pittsburgh needs to tighten up in a hurry. There is enough time, but it's worrisome that the games so often look like the movie Groundhog Day with the same mistakes being made over and over.
It may well be a consequence of having so many guys in a long camp and trying to get them all innings. If that's the case, the FO had best work on paring the roster and getting the guys ready.
James McDonald faces the Red Sox at McKechnie Field tomorrow afternoon.
- That emphasis on holding runners doesn't look like it's sunk in yet. The Yankees stole 4-of-5 bases today, three off Martin (who also had the throw-out) and one off May.
- Russell Martin thinks his old teammates might have stealing signs; guess they might as well get a jump on the season.
- Tony Watson tossed 23 pitches in an inning during a minor league game. He wasn't sharp, as may be expected after a three-week layoff, but said he felt no pain.
- Wandy Rodriguez is back in camp. Because of WBC rest rules, he's not eligible for the final elimination round. Jason Grilli, recently back from the Italian club, will pitch tomorrow. It will be his first outing since March 7th.
- McKechnie Field had a record crowd of 8,541 for the game.
Right Field - Who Wants It?
Going into camp, there was very little debate regarding the starting lineup. The only question mark was right field, and reading between the lines, it seemed that it was Travis Snider's job to lose. Jose Tabata had the edge for the fourth spot, thanks to his age - for all the stories he's generated, JT is only 24 - experience, affordable contract and perhaps most importantly, his lack of minor league options (Snider is out of options, too).
Alex Presley was in the mix, too, while Jerry Sands and Felix Pie were insurance policies unless they had a breakout spring.
Well, the hoped-for scenario for the Pirates hasn't fallen into place, at least not yet. Going into today's game, Snider was hitting .241 with a .294 OBP. JT is having an even tougher-luck spring, batting .212 with a .229 OBP after a torrid start; he has yet to draw a walk in a dozen games. Hey, we know it's both the spring and that the numbers are based on a miniscule sample size.
But for a position that was expected to provide the #2 hitter in the lineup, the averages and more glaringly the OBP don't bode well. Russell Martin has been seeing time in the two hole, and it's a fairly safe bet that Clint Hurdle doesn't want to enter the season with him, Clint Barmes or Neil Walker swinging behind Starling Marte in the order.
To add to the fire, Sands went quietly during the first wave of cuts, but Alex Presley and Felix Pie are having the workmanlike camp that the FO hoped Snider and JT would enjoy. Journeyman Pie has been a pleasant surprise, compiling a .276/.364/.621 line. Presley has been equally as solid with a .294 BA and .359 OBP.
Both can run and fit into the LF/CF profile the Bucs like their outfielders to match, and can fill the two spot; Pie even brings a little pop to the table. But the rub is both can start the year safely stashed away at Indy - Pie is here on a minor league deal and isn't on the 40-man roster, while The King has an option remaining.
So that pretty much seals their fate. But right now, right field is as big a question mark three weeks into camp as it was last season. Both Snider and JT have a couple of weeks left in spring training to produce, and given the number of at bats (all four candidates have between 29-34 appearances), a hot finish can jump their current pedestrian numbers into the realm of respectability.
But it's a big position to fill. If neither of those guys can handle the two hole adequately, the Pirate attack, which hasn't been exactly a thing of beauty this spring, will suffer as Hurdle scuffles to put together a lineup from a Chinese menu.
It's possible that the FO could move one of the four; traditionally, the market heats up the week before the season begins as teams look to fill their benches with late cuts and minor deals, and the Pirates are rumored to be in the market for a reserve catcher. Losing one player shouldn't hurt their OF depth much; all the guys in the mix are young.
So the last couple of weeks will be interesting; the Pirates have openings in the rotation, bullpen and bench to address. But the starting right fielder could be the key decision of the spring.
Alex Presley was in the mix, too, while Jerry Sands and Felix Pie were insurance policies unless they had a breakout spring.
Well, the hoped-for scenario for the Pirates hasn't fallen into place, at least not yet. Going into today's game, Snider was hitting .241 with a .294 OBP. JT is having an even tougher-luck spring, batting .212 with a .229 OBP after a torrid start; he has yet to draw a walk in a dozen games. Hey, we know it's both the spring and that the numbers are based on a miniscule sample size.
But for a position that was expected to provide the #2 hitter in the lineup, the averages and more glaringly the OBP don't bode well. Russell Martin has been seeing time in the two hole, and it's a fairly safe bet that Clint Hurdle doesn't want to enter the season with him, Clint Barmes or Neil Walker swinging behind Starling Marte in the order.
To add to the fire, Sands went quietly during the first wave of cuts, but Alex Presley and Felix Pie are having the workmanlike camp that the FO hoped Snider and JT would enjoy. Journeyman Pie has been a pleasant surprise, compiling a .276/.364/.621 line. Presley has been equally as solid with a .294 BA and .359 OBP.
Both can run and fit into the LF/CF profile the Bucs like their outfielders to match, and can fill the two spot; Pie even brings a little pop to the table. But the rub is both can start the year safely stashed away at Indy - Pie is here on a minor league deal and isn't on the 40-man roster, while The King has an option remaining.
So that pretty much seals their fate. But right now, right field is as big a question mark three weeks into camp as it was last season. Both Snider and JT have a couple of weeks left in spring training to produce, and given the number of at bats (all four candidates have between 29-34 appearances), a hot finish can jump their current pedestrian numbers into the realm of respectability.
But it's a big position to fill. If neither of those guys can handle the two hole adequately, the Pirate attack, which hasn't been exactly a thing of beauty this spring, will suffer as Hurdle scuffles to put together a lineup from a Chinese menu.
It's possible that the FO could move one of the four; traditionally, the market heats up the week before the season begins as teams look to fill their benches with late cuts and minor deals, and the Pirates are rumored to be in the market for a reserve catcher. Losing one player shouldn't hurt their OF depth much; all the guys in the mix are young.
So the last couple of weeks will be interesting; the Pirates have openings in the rotation, bullpen and bench to address. But the starting right fielder could be the key decision of the spring.
Bucs v Yankees
Happy St. Patrick's Day! The Bucs send Phil Irwin to the hill to face the Yankees' Ivan Nova. The contest is at McKechnie Field, and the first pitch is slated for 1:05. The game will be broadcast by The Fan 93.7.
Lineup: Starling Marte LF, Russell Martin C, Andrew McCutchen CF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones 1B, Gaby Sanchez DH, Travis Snider RF, Josh Harrison 2B and Clint Barmes SS.
Martin continues to be penciled in the two hole; Travis Snider, who held the spot last season, is batting seventh today. Kinda makes us wonder if Neil Walker, who batted in that spot in his early years, might be returned to the that position in the order when the season starts. The starting lineup has been pretty much set since camp began. The only potential battleground, right field, still looks like Snider's to lose, as neither he nor JT have taken any steps to separate themselves so far.
Pitchers: Phil Irwin, Jeff Locke, Jared Hughes, Mike Zagurski, Ryan Reid, Brooks Brown and Kyle Waldrop.
Clint Hurdle and company continue to look over the guys auditioning for the staff; we'd guess that the final slots won't be determined for another week or so.
Lineup: Starling Marte LF, Russell Martin C, Andrew McCutchen CF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones 1B, Gaby Sanchez DH, Travis Snider RF, Josh Harrison 2B and Clint Barmes SS.
Martin continues to be penciled in the two hole; Travis Snider, who held the spot last season, is batting seventh today. Kinda makes us wonder if Neil Walker, who batted in that spot in his early years, might be returned to the that position in the order when the season starts. The starting lineup has been pretty much set since camp began. The only potential battleground, right field, still looks like Snider's to lose, as neither he nor JT have taken any steps to separate themselves so far.
Pitchers: Phil Irwin, Jeff Locke, Jared Hughes, Mike Zagurski, Ryan Reid, Brooks Brown and Kyle Waldrop.
Clint Hurdle and company continue to look over the guys auditioning for the staff; we'd guess that the final slots won't be determined for another week or so.
- Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune Review wrote that LHP Tony Watson's absence from the lineup this month was due to a sore lat muscle. He's almost ready to work again; he'll see some game action in minor league camp today.
- Jason Grilli should be well-rested after his return from Team Italia; he hasn't worked a game in ten days. He pitched in one exhibition game and one tournament match for the Italians after getting three outings in Pirate camp.
- Today in history: In 1972, the Bucs watered their Latin roots by playing a three game pre-season series against the Reds in Caracas, Venezuela.
- For a taste of the good ol' days, Root Sports will show the seventh game of the 1979 World Series at 7 PM tonight.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Cole, Wilson Strong In 2-1 Loss
The Bucs and Twins exchanged runs in the first; it would be the biggest offensive outburst of the afternoon. Alex Presley, who had a pair of knocks to go with two walks, led off with a double to right off Cole de Vries. A wild pitch moved him 90 feet closer to home and a Gaby Sanchez sac fly brought him home.
The Twins came back quickly. Aaron Hicks banked a ball off Gerrit Cole (he was OK) for an infield knock, stole second and came home after a pair of grounders to knot the score.
The game moved along quietly after that. Both sides left runners on first and second in the third frame. The game stayed 1-1 until the eighth; there weren't many opportunities for either side, and the Bucs squandered their few chances by banging into three DPs.
This spring's pitching bugaboo, the walk, bit the Bucs in the eighth. Kris Johnson walked two Twinkies, and one came home on Brandon Boggs ground single into left. That was the ol' ballgame. Pittsburgh put runners on first and second with two down in the final frame, but Jared Goedert went down looking to wrap it up.
Cole and Justin Wilson were pretty strong today. Cole went four innings, giving up a run on five hits with four K. Wilson worked the next three and put up zeroes, yielding two knocks and punching out five. The lefty has gone five straight scoreless outings and his spring ERA is 0.90 as he bids for a spot on the roster.
Phil Irwin gets the call tomorrow against the Yankees as the Pirates continue to add to their book on the arms still battling for positions for either this year or in the near future.
The Twins came back quickly. Aaron Hicks banked a ball off Gerrit Cole (he was OK) for an infield knock, stole second and came home after a pair of grounders to knot the score.
The game moved along quietly after that. Both sides left runners on first and second in the third frame. The game stayed 1-1 until the eighth; there weren't many opportunities for either side, and the Bucs squandered their few chances by banging into three DPs.
This spring's pitching bugaboo, the walk, bit the Bucs in the eighth. Kris Johnson walked two Twinkies, and one came home on Brandon Boggs ground single into left. That was the ol' ballgame. Pittsburgh put runners on first and second with two down in the final frame, but Jared Goedert went down looking to wrap it up.
Cole and Justin Wilson were pretty strong today. Cole went four innings, giving up a run on five hits with four K. Wilson worked the next three and put up zeroes, yielding two knocks and punching out five. The lefty has gone five straight scoreless outings and his spring ERA is 0.90 as he bids for a spot on the roster.
Phil Irwin gets the call tomorrow against the Yankees as the Pirates continue to add to their book on the arms still battling for positions for either this year or in the near future.
- Mike McKenry and Tony Sanchez apparently haven't filled the FO with confidence. Peter Gammon tweets that the Pirates, among others, are in the market for an experienced catcher.
- In the blog Roto Arcade, Delton Del Don compares the value of Andrew McCutchen v Matt Kemp.
- Jared Stonesifer of Yahoo Sports posts "Why The Future is Now For The Pirates."
- Only in the spring can you see the Bucs top four pitchers all work on the same day. AJ Burnett tossed a AAA game while Wandy Rodriguez took the bump for the Dominican Republic. Gerrit Cole, the Pirates top young gun, started today's Grapefruit League exhibition and Jameson Taillon climbed the hill in a AA exhibition.
- Wandy Rodriguez pitched six shutout innings for Dominican Republic against Puerto Rico today. He retired his last nine batters and left after throwing 74 pitches (the WBC limit is 80). He gave up two hits, two walks and whiffed four.
Bucs v Twins
The Bucs travel to Fort Myers to take on the Twins again. Gerrit Cole gets the start against Cole de Vries. The game begins at 1:05, and isn't being broadcast.
Lineup: Alex Presley LF, Jose Tabata RF, Andrew McCutchen CF, Gaby Sanchez 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Brad Hawpe DH, Brandon Inge 1B, Clint Barmes SS and Mike McKenry C.
Sanchez gets some more work at third base while Inge gets a look at first in a flip of their usual positions.
Pitchers: Gerrit Cole, Justin Wilson and ?
The young guys get another look, even though Cole is ticketed to return to Indy and Wilson has to throw some strikes to win Clint Hurdle's confidence.
Lineup: Alex Presley LF, Jose Tabata RF, Andrew McCutchen CF, Gaby Sanchez 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Brad Hawpe DH, Brandon Inge 1B, Clint Barmes SS and Mike McKenry C.
Sanchez gets some more work at third base while Inge gets a look at first in a flip of their usual positions.
Pitchers: Gerrit Cole, Justin Wilson and ?
The young guys get another look, even though Cole is ticketed to return to Indy and Wilson has to throw some strikes to win Clint Hurdle's confidence.
- Chase d'Arnaud has a torn ligament in his thumb, and will get it checked tomorrow to see if he needs surgery.
- Paul Swydan of Fangraphs ranks the Bucs in the middle of the pack at the hot corner. He writes "It’s unlikely that Alvarez ever becomes the star you would hope, but last season put him on the trajectory to have a solid career. After all, he’ll still be just in his age-26 campaign in 2013."
- Puerto Rico eliminated the US 4-3 in the WBC as Nelson Figueroa, 38, stopped El Norte in its tracks, scattering two hits in six innings. He worked the black all night, and for those who wonder about all the hubbub re: framing pitches, Yadier Molina pulled balls in for his battery mate all night.
- Jennifer Langosh of MLB.com reports that even with Rafael Furcal's TJ surgery, Ronny Cedeno isn't guaranteed to break camp with the Cardinals.
- For those who follow football, Raven's QB Joe Flacco's brother Mike was also a Baltimore athlete. He was a first baseman in the Oriole's system; but no more - he was sold to Boston yesterday.
- This day in Bucco history: Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner was born in 1906 in Harrah, Oklahoma. The Hall-of-Fame OF had a .319 BA over 17 seasons with Pittsburgh.
- In 1972, Pie Traynor died at age 72. The Cooperstown 3B also played 17 years for the Pirates with a .320 BA.
- And in 1992, the Pirates traded LHP John Smiley after a 20-8 season to the Twins in exchange for LHP Denny Neagle and OF Midre Cummings. Smiley went on to toss eight more seasons, mostly with the Reds, while Neagle won 43 games in his 4-1/2 year Bucco stint and would pitch until 2003. Touted prospect Cummings ended up a bench player who got parts of 11 MLB seasons to his credit.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Bucs Hold Off 'Stros 3-2
Well, a couple of guys that needed to show up on the mound today did. Jonathan Sanchez and Jeanmar Gomez each worked three innings of one-hit, shutout ball with three Ks to spark the Bucs to a 3-2 win over Houston this afternoon.
Sanchez was especially sharp. After a leadoff knock, he mowed down nine straight Astros, and threw a first strike to nine of the ten batters he faced. In fact, he never had a three-ball count today.
But it was only a 1-0 game after those six frames, as Brad Peacock and Kevin Chapman scattered four hits during that span. The only run came in the second when Pedro led off with a two-base knock and Garrett Jones, making his first start since tweaking his oblique, singled him home.
The Pirates built a cushion in the seventh off Chia-Jen Lo. Jones singled to open the inning and was pinch-ran for by Josh Harrison. Harrison stole second and came home on Travis Snider's double. Snider trotted home after an Ivan DeJesus single and Jordy Mercer sac fly to make it 3-0.
Chris Leroux and Bryan Morris put up goose eggs in the seventh and eighth, but Morris ran into control problems trying to bring the game home in the ninth. A pair of walks and a wild pitch put runners at second and third with an out. Mo whiffed Gerald Laird, and Clint Hurdle called on Brooks Brown to get the last out. He did, but not before yielding a two-run knock to Jose Martinez to make the final 3-2.
It's games like this that make the spring interesting. Sanchez and Gomez had been BP pitchers until today, but kept their hopes alive against Houston, a team that's been scoring at a five run+ pace this spring. And both are on thin ice - Sanchez's opt-out date of March 24th is fast approaching, and Gomez is out of options.
Tomorrow, though, the starter is not on thin ice. Gerrit Cole gets the nod against the Twins at Fort Myers at 1:05, and you can bet he'll be in Pittsburgh for awhile, even if he does start this year at Indy.
Sanchez was especially sharp. After a leadoff knock, he mowed down nine straight Astros, and threw a first strike to nine of the ten batters he faced. In fact, he never had a three-ball count today.
But it was only a 1-0 game after those six frames, as Brad Peacock and Kevin Chapman scattered four hits during that span. The only run came in the second when Pedro led off with a two-base knock and Garrett Jones, making his first start since tweaking his oblique, singled him home.
The Pirates built a cushion in the seventh off Chia-Jen Lo. Jones singled to open the inning and was pinch-ran for by Josh Harrison. Harrison stole second and came home on Travis Snider's double. Snider trotted home after an Ivan DeJesus single and Jordy Mercer sac fly to make it 3-0.
Chris Leroux and Bryan Morris put up goose eggs in the seventh and eighth, but Morris ran into control problems trying to bring the game home in the ninth. A pair of walks and a wild pitch put runners at second and third with an out. Mo whiffed Gerald Laird, and Clint Hurdle called on Brooks Brown to get the last out. He did, but not before yielding a two-run knock to Jose Martinez to make the final 3-2.
It's games like this that make the spring interesting. Sanchez and Gomez had been BP pitchers until today, but kept their hopes alive against Houston, a team that's been scoring at a five run+ pace this spring. And both are on thin ice - Sanchez's opt-out date of March 24th is fast approaching, and Gomez is out of options.
Tomorrow, though, the starter is not on thin ice. Gerrit Cole gets the nod against the Twins at Fort Myers at 1:05, and you can bet he'll be in Pittsburgh for awhile, even if he does start this year at Indy.
- You can tell the FO is still in evaluation mode. AJ Burnett will skip his slated spring start and instead work a minor league game at Pirate City tomorrow with a pitch count of 80-85.
- Wandy Rodriguez will start for the Dominican squad Saturday against the winner of the US - Puerto Rico game.
- Jason Stark of ESPN posted "Pirates Believe This Year Will Be Different."
Bucs v Astros and a Little Pirate History
The Buccos travel to Kissimmee and Osceola County Stadium to meet their old division mates, the Astros, with Jonathan Sanchez on the hill facing Brad Peacock . The match begins at 1:05, and it will be aired on the MLB Network at 1PM.
Lineup: Starling Marte LF, Alex Presley CF, Russell Martin C, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones 1B, Travis Snider RF, Ivan DeJesus 2B, Jordy Mercer SS and Mike McKenry DH.
Jones is back after tweaking his oblique. Presley is in center; we thought maybe Marte would be there instead. Clint Hurdle is so far using Martin like he uses Neil Walker; all over the lineup.
Pitchers: Jonathan Sanchez, Jeanmar Gomez,Chris Leroux and Brooks Brown.
Sanchez and Gomez are hanging on by their fingernails, while Leroux is returning from his stay with the Canadian WBC team and getting his first Pirate action in awhile.
Lineup: Starling Marte LF, Alex Presley CF, Russell Martin C, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Garrett Jones 1B, Travis Snider RF, Ivan DeJesus 2B, Jordy Mercer SS and Mike McKenry DH.
Jones is back after tweaking his oblique. Presley is in center; we thought maybe Marte would be there instead. Clint Hurdle is so far using Martin like he uses Neil Walker; all over the lineup.
Pitchers: Jonathan Sanchez, Jeanmar Gomez,Chris Leroux and Brooks Brown.
Sanchez and Gomez are hanging on by their fingernails, while Leroux is returning from his stay with the Canadian WBC team and getting his first Pirate action in awhile.
- The Bucs continue to pare the roster. C Tony Sanchez and LHP Andy Oliver were optioned to Indy after yesterday's game.
- Jack Moore of Fangraphs rates Neil Walker among the Top Ten MLB 2B'men. He writes "...it’s clear he’s the best second baseman to suit up in Pittsburgh since Johnny Ray held the keystone in the early 1980s."
- Matt Klaasen of Fangraphs isn't as impressed with the Pirates first base combo, and posts that "the first base situation does not look pretty, but...could actually work pretty well if the Pirates consistently platooned Jones and Sanchez at first." That's the plan, Matt.
- Derrek Lee told the Yankees that he would stay retired, thank you. So he ended his 15 year career in 2011 wearing a Bucco uniform.
- March 15, 1977 - IF Phil Garner, P Chris Batton and IF Tommy Helms were traded to the Bucs by Oakland for OF Tony Armas, P Doug Bair, P Dave Giusti, P Rick Langford, P Doc Medich and 1B Mitchell Page.
- March 15, 1978 - The Pirates signed free agent RHP Jim Bibby. In five years with the Bucs, the big righty went 50-32 with a 3.53 ERA. Originally inked to be a closer, he instead became a key member of the 1979 World Series rotation and was an All-Star in 1980.
- March 15, 2008 - Five days after unilaterally renewing his contract, the Pirates signed RHP Ian Snell to a three-year deal worth $8M with options for 2011-12. The 26-year old, who was arbitration eligible after 2009 season, had a 24-26 record after two years in the show.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Phils Win 2-1 As Bucs Fail To Cash In
The Phils used a Pete Orr homer in the ninth to edge the Bucs today 2-1. It was a frustrating game, with the Bucs blowing opportunity after opportunity.
Kyle McPherson, who had his ups and downs, was all ups today. He went five strong frames, pitching scoreless ball on four hits with a whiff. But the bats didn't help; Aaron Cook and Rodrigo Lopez matched him during that spell.
Pittsburgh threatened first in the second frame. With Brad Hawpe on second with two down thanks to an error and wild pitch, Clint Barmes lined a short single to center. Hawpe trucked home, but couldn't beat Ender Inciarte's toss home. Philly tried to get ahead in their half with runners at second and third with two away, by McPherson got former Bucco backstop Erik Kratz to bounce out to Brandon Inge at the hot corner.
In the next frame, Mike McKenry got to third with two outs, but JT smoked a grounder to second to end the inning. The Bucs had runners at first and third with one down in the fourth, but Inge rolled one back to the box for the inning-killing DP.
Philadelphia broke the ice in the sixth off Andy Oliver. The lefty walked leadoff hitter Michael Young, a single sent him to third, and a sac fly brought him in. The Buccos got it back in the next frame off Phillippe Aumont. Neil Walker dropped a pop into center for a leadoff knock and Inge got pinged with a pitch. A Barmes fly moved The Kid to third and he scored on a wild pitch.
Josh Harrison and Andrew Lambo opened the eighth with back-to-back knocks off Jake Diekman, but the inning fizzled when Carlos Paulino whiffed and Jeff Larish banged into a 6-4-3 twin killing. The Phils took the lead in their half when Pete Orr went deep to right off Mike Zagurski to make it 2-1.
With two gone in the ninth, Ivan deJesus kept the Bucs alive with a single and Brett Carroll lined a double to left to put Pirates at second and third. But Cesar Jimenez caught Felix Lie looking, and the Pirates fell 2-1. Pittsburgh was 2-for-15 with RISP, so today's loss was more a matter of the Bucs shooting themselves in the foot rather than Philly dazzling them with stuff.
The Pirates take on Houston in Kissimmee tomorrow at 1:05. Jonathan Sanchez will start against the 'Stros.
Kyle McPherson, who had his ups and downs, was all ups today. He went five strong frames, pitching scoreless ball on four hits with a whiff. But the bats didn't help; Aaron Cook and Rodrigo Lopez matched him during that spell.
Pittsburgh threatened first in the second frame. With Brad Hawpe on second with two down thanks to an error and wild pitch, Clint Barmes lined a short single to center. Hawpe trucked home, but couldn't beat Ender Inciarte's toss home. Philly tried to get ahead in their half with runners at second and third with two away, by McPherson got former Bucco backstop Erik Kratz to bounce out to Brandon Inge at the hot corner.
In the next frame, Mike McKenry got to third with two outs, but JT smoked a grounder to second to end the inning. The Bucs had runners at first and third with one down in the fourth, but Inge rolled one back to the box for the inning-killing DP.
Philadelphia broke the ice in the sixth off Andy Oliver. The lefty walked leadoff hitter Michael Young, a single sent him to third, and a sac fly brought him in. The Buccos got it back in the next frame off Phillippe Aumont. Neil Walker dropped a pop into center for a leadoff knock and Inge got pinged with a pitch. A Barmes fly moved The Kid to third and he scored on a wild pitch.
Josh Harrison and Andrew Lambo opened the eighth with back-to-back knocks off Jake Diekman, but the inning fizzled when Carlos Paulino whiffed and Jeff Larish banged into a 6-4-3 twin killing. The Phils took the lead in their half when Pete Orr went deep to right off Mike Zagurski to make it 2-1.
With two gone in the ninth, Ivan deJesus kept the Bucs alive with a single and Brett Carroll lined a double to left to put Pirates at second and third. But Cesar Jimenez caught Felix Lie looking, and the Pirates fell 2-1. Pittsburgh was 2-for-15 with RISP, so today's loss was more a matter of the Bucs shooting themselves in the foot rather than Philly dazzling them with stuff.
The Pirates take on Houston in Kissimmee tomorrow at 1:05. Jonathan Sanchez will start against the 'Stros.
- Bill Brink of the Post Gazette reports that Garrett Jones (oblique) will start Friday's game at first base, scheduled for five innings in the field, so that's good news. We thought he'd be out through at least the weekend.
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