How Sweet Would It Be If The Pirates Made The Playoffs

Right now the Pittsburgh Pirates are sitting atop of the NL Central looking for their first playoff birth in a million years. Right now they are 51-44 and not looking back. Too be honest, I actually don't know how the Pirates are doing well. I know they have Andrew McCutchen, Darnell McDonald's brother James and Jeff Karstens and that's my knowledge of them.

But I'm rooting for them whole heartedly. It's amazing what this team has been able to do with a bunch of no names. They are 23rd in runs, 22nd in batting average, 21st in OBP and 25th in slugging. But the fact they are pulling away is amazing.

Either way Pirates I will be rooting for you.

4 Sox, 2 Pirates

At least we didn't get swept by the Pirates. After dropping the 1st 2 games in the series the Sox were able to take the final game in Pittsburgh.

Adrian Gonzalez was again able to do no wrong as he went 2 for 3 and had two walks. It's his a millionth multi hit game in a row I think.

JD Drew left the game with an apparent eye injury, I hope the Sox put him on the DL forever. Also, with the way Drew is playing (4 hrs, .233 batting average, .328 OBP) I think it's time we waive him, and also while we are at it we should waive Mike Camron and Darnell McDonald. They have all been playing awful and since they are all in their last year of their contracts, whatever.

Andrew Miller had another decent outing giving up 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 4 Pirates in 6 IP. If Miller continues pitching well, this could be a huge pick up for the Sox.

We have today off before going to Philly.

2011 MLB Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

Offense:
1 CF Andrew McCutchen
2 LF Jose Tabata
3 2B Neil Walker
4 3B Pedro Alvarez
5 1B Lyle Overbay
6 RF Garrett Jones
7 C Chris Snyder
8 SS Ronny Cedeño

I just threw up all over the place. Their are some promising pieces in the Pirates organization with Andrew McCutchen who could be a potential star and Pedro Alvarez could be a great clean up hitter. Neil Walker and Jose Tabata were decent in their rookie years. Progression should be the reason why this line up is a little better then last year.

Pitching:
1 RHP James McDonald
2 RHP Kevin Correia
3 LHP Paul Maholm
4 RHP Ross Ohlendorf
5 LHP Scott Olsen
CL: Joel Hanrahan

I'm really sick now. This is just awful. It’s a bit scary the No. 1 guy in the rotation is James McDonald, who was all of 4-6 last year with a 4.02 ERA. McDonald has thrown 140 2/3 innings in his major league career. There was a time that I thought Scott Olsen was going to be very good, however, he may not win the 5th start.

Overall:
Yuck

61- 101

MLB Predictions: Pittsburgh Pirates

Line Up:
CF Andrew McCutchen
2B Akinori Iwamura
RF Garrett Jones
C Ryan Doumit
3B Andy LaRoche
1B Jeff Clement
LF Lastings Milledge
SS Bobby Crosby

One word: Potential. That's what this line up has. McCutchen is the most promising of the bunch, but remember when LaRoche, Clement, Crosby and Milledge were all considered top prospects? I do. So I'm going to assume at least 2 or 3 of those guys will break out this year. if Garrett Jones can build off his strong rookie campaign this team could surprise a few.

rotation:
Zach Duke
Paul Maholm
Ross Ohlendorf
Charlie Morton
Kevin Hart
CL: Octavio Dotel

The problem with the Pirates is this mess. They don't have one guy who can go out and you know won't give up 7 runs. Sure Duke, Maholm and Ohlendorf have showed potential in the past, but I don't really see a break out season. You know it's bad when the best pitcher on your team is named Octavio Dotel.


Outlook:
This is the year everyone! This is it! the Pirates will reach .500. that offense is going to be a fun bunch of players to watch and maybe that can carry them past their pitching woes.

82-80

Cubs Trade For Reliever John Grabow

The Pirates just won't stop trading everyone on their team....

"The Chicago Cubs are in the process of finalizing a trade for Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed reliever John Grabow, a source close to the situation told ESPNChicago.com (ESPN)."

Not sure what the Cubs are going to give up, but this is a very smart move by the Cubs. Before this trade the Cubs only had 1 lefty in their bullpen (Sean Marshall), so this will add some depth which is desperately needed. Grabow is 3-0 with a 3.42 ERA with 41 strikeouts and 28 walks in 47 1/3 innings. Very nice deal for the Cubs as long as they didn't give up much, which I would doubt.

Firesale Continues Pirates Trade Sanchez To Giants

"The Giants acquired Sanchez and made it a convenient switch for the three-time All-Star hours after double-play partner and shortstop Jack Wilson was traded to Seattle. The teams announced the swap following the Giants' 1-0, 10-innings victory -- so Sanchez merely had to change clubhouses to join his new organization, which is in the thick of the NL wild-card race. San Francisco sent minor league pitcher Tim Alderson to the Pirates for the 31-year-old Sanchez, the 2006 NL batting champion (Sportsline)."

The Giants are trying to make the playoffs for the first time since 2003 and have had4 straight losing seasons, but this year they are 1/2 game up on the Rockies for the Wild Card spot. This move gives them another bat, which they desperately need. Sanchez is hitting .296 with six home runs and 34 RBI, but has been having some knee problem lately, so that could be a concern.

The Pirates did get a decent return in this deal as Tim Alderson was the Giants 4th best prospect last season. He is known for having an "unconventional delivery", and his best pitches are his mid 90's fastball and a curveball that is getting better by the day.

Mariners Trade for Wilson, Snell

"Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, one of the staples of this season's trade market, was dealt to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday as part of a seven-player deal. Going to the Mariners along with Wilson is right-hander Ian Snell. The rebuilding Bucs received a five-player package from Seattle, headlined by top catching/first base prospect Jeff Clement. Also going to Pittsburgh are shortstop Ronny Cedeno and a trio of right-handed pitchers -- Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock (MLB.com)."

Well the fire sale that is the Pirates continued today as they traded two of their better known players for a bunch of prospects. The biggest one is Jeff Clement, but I think he sucks. To be honest I am glad that this trade was done, because I didn't want the Sox going after Jack Wilson. Personally I think he is overrated and there were just so many rumors linking him to the Sox that I am just glad it stopped.

Just as a side note there are rumors the Sox just upped their offer for Halladay. We'll have more on that later....

Red Sox Trade For Adam LaRoche (UPDATED)

Boston apparently has made a move....

"The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Red Sox have acquired lefthanded-hitting first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The report, written by Dejan Kovacevic, does not indicate who the Red Sox are sending to Pittsburgh in return (Boston.com)."

Adam LaRoche is batting .247 with 12 HR and 40 RBI. This is a solid move, and I doubt the Sox gave up very much. This provides the option of having Ortiz/Lowell take nights off and keep them healthy while adding some pop to the lineup (he usually hits around 25 HRs a year). Solid move. We will have more when the details are released....

My question is what does this mean for Mark Kotsay? Is LaRoche that big of a difference?


***UPDATE***


The deal, first reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, would send Portland shortstop Argenis Diaz and Greenville pitcher Hunter Strickland to Pittsburgh.

Yankees Trade For Hinske

"Eric Hinske has been acquired by the New York Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a pair of minor leaguers. Pittsburgh will receive right-hander Casey Erickson and outfielder Eric Fryer for the utilityman. In addition, the Pirates will give the Yankees cash. The 31-year-old Hinske hit .255 in 106 at-bats this season with nine doubles, one homer and 11 RBI, playing right field, first base and third base (Sportsline)."

Hinske was so good his rookie year, and then kind of disappeared. He is a very solid bench player, and put up good numbers with the Rays last year (20 HRs 60 RBI). He'll add some depth to the Yankees bench and give them a power option. Overall not a big move...

Nate MClouth Traded To Braves

ATLANTA -- The Braves acquired All-Star center fielder Nate McLouth from the Pittsburgh Pirates for three minor leaguers on Wednesday, a move to beef up Atlanta's offense in hopes of contending in the NL East.

The 27-year-old McLouth set career highs last season with a .276 batting average, 26 homers and 94 RBIs. The Braves desperately needed more offense from an outfield that produced only 10 homers through the first 51 games.

Atlanta gave up outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, one of its top prospects, along with pitchers Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke.

MClouth will be a huge addition to the Braves, and as for the Pirates, I don't know much about the prospect but I do like the name Gorkys. So, I will start a Gorkys Hernandez campaign figuring the Pirates are my second favorite ball club. But MClouth will solidify the Braves thin outfield, and in two years will probably be the greatest player ever, ala Jason Bay.

Pirates About To Sign 16 Year Old

"With 16 straight losing seasons and counting, the Pirates are desperate for ways to improve. One way may be to invest big dollars in a 16-year-old shortstop. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have an inside track on signing one of Latin America's top amateur prospects, Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano, but the cost of the signing bonus could top $4 million and become the highest in Major League Baseball history for that region (ESPN)."

The Pirates are basically a minor league team, much like the Expos back in the day. There are a couple things that worry me here. First, this could start an annoying trend where kids who are barely teenagers will start getting signed. That shit pisses me off. Another thing is I have no faith that this kid is actually 16 years old. If you are from another country you lie about your age. Seems like everyone is going it, so I just suspect this kid is the same. Last, $4 million is a shit load of money to be giving this kid up front. The biggest signing bonus the Pirates have ever handed out was $400,000 for Venezuelan center fielder Exicardo Cayones last year, so $4 million is a very big jump. Sorry, but I think I would pass, since even if he is good he'll play for like the Sox, Yanks, Cubs, ect....not the Pirates, or at least not for long.

Daily Red Sox Spring Training Update

Red Sox 4 Pirates 3

- Beckett's last outing before the season starts did not go as smoothly as he would have liked. Beckett let up 3 runs on 7 hits during his 3 2/3 innings of work. Still, the Sox have to be happy that he went through camp with no injury problems, unlike last year when he had to battle a bad back for most of camp and the beginning of the season.

- Minor League journey man Chip Ambres (great name) went nuts in this game hit a pair of homers, including a tiebreaking shot in the ninth inning. He knocked in all 4 of the Red Sox runs.

- Delcarmen, and Papelbon each pitched a scoreless inning. Lopez also pitched 2 1/2 scoreless innings. I guess Papelbon is fine I haven't heard any reports since that Milwaukee paper reported that his velocity was down. Maybe they were full of shit...hopefully.

Other Notes:

- Penny is on track to pitch in the 2nd week of the Red Sox season. He will not be needed in the 1st week since the Sox have a day off, so Beckett can pitch again that week on regular rest. Penny has an important start today. If he does well it will be his last, but if he struggles the Sox will give him one more warmup outing before starting the season.

Beerman's Bracket

This year...I'm throwin' my old strategies (heavy research) out the window and picking based on great guard play vs. great centers, sweet coaches, and what feels right. Mizzou and Purdue rhyme> thats why they make my elite 8 in the west; Mizzou gets the edge because of the "Z"s. Pitt wins because DeJuan Blair flipped Thabeet and thats radical and I'm predicting an all Pittsburgh sports sweep this year; Steelers, Panthers BBall, Pirates & Penguinos (CFB doesn't count because Florida is the best ever. TM.).

DC MLB Previews: Pittsburgh Pirates

Key Additions:
Eric Hinske
Craig Monroe
Andy Phillips

Key Subtractions:
Doug Mientkiewicz

Line-up:
1. Nyjer Morgan LF
2. Freddy Sanchez 2B
3. Nate McLouth CF
4. Ryan Doumit C
5. Adam LaRoche 1B
6. Brandon Moss RF
7. Andy LaRoche 3B
8. Jack Wilson SS

OK. Well, The Pirates line up is what it is. Nothing great, and won't do much, however, they do have a couple of good players. Freddy Sanchez, Nate McLouth, Adam LaRoche, and Brandon Moss are all intriguing players, but that is where it ends. I really have no other thing to say about the Pirates line up other than they are a work in progress. The problem is that they have been a work in progress since Bonds left.

Pitching:
1. Paul Maholm LH
2. Ian Snell RH
3. Zach Duke LH
4. Tom Gorzelanny LH
5. Ross Ohlendorf RH
Closer Matt Capps RH

Their pitching staff isn't that bad, but they are horribly inconsistent. It seems like every year one of them has a break out year. Zach Duke had his year three years ago then has sucked, Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny had their years two years ago then have sucked. If they can all just have a break out year they could be a poor mans San Fransisco Giants. (which isn't a great thing)

Farm:
1. Andrew McCutchen OF

One of the best outfield prospects still in the minors, Pirate super-youth Andrew McCutchen has done nothing but hit since his debut in the summer of 2005. He jumped on the fast track with an impressive leap to Double-A.

2.Pedro Alvarez 3B

A left-handed power hitting third baseman, Alvarez has a very very high ceiling and is almost big-league ready. He could be a big part of a devastating future Pittsburgh lineup.

Overall:

Pirates suck and their future looks just a bad. They will once again be in the cellar but their pitching staff can surprise some people. Now that Ian Snell is healthy, and Zach Duke is more confident they could have 3 pitchers with possible 12+ wins. Other than that don't expect much.

74-88

Daily Red Sox Spring Training Update

Pirates 3 Red Sox 2

- Lester turned in a strong first spring training outing, allowing two hits in two innings. He threw 30 pitches, 19 for strikes. Interesting note was that Lester featured a lot of changeups. We heard that they are doing this to save is arm, because he pitched so many innings last season. It may also be a nice additions to Lester's arsenal of pitches. He only threw about 3-4 changeups a game last year, but with all this work may choose to use that pitch a lot more. If he does look for this strikeout totals to go up this season.

- Saito looked great in his first outing, going 1 innings with 2 Ks, while allowing only 1 hit. The Sox were really impressed with how much movement his pitches have. The only worry with him is going to be his health, but so far so good.

- The Sox hitting has not been good so far in spring training (Ortiz/Drew/Tek have not recorded a hit), but the lone bright spot has been the play of Jeff Bailey, who has been hitting the cover off the ball. He added another RBI in this game, and a lot of people didn't notice that Bailey is the reigning International League Most Valuable Player. Too bad there is really no spot for him on the team.

- Okajima looked good in his 1 inning of work. He threw a scoreless inning, with no hits and 1 K. So far the Sox look like their bullpen is going to be nasty this year.

The Sox are playing Tampa Bay today at 1:05pm on NESN.