Monday, April 27, 2009

Make or Break

The upcoming 3 game series against the Brewers really doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of 162 games. In fact, 3 games, in April no less, have little impact on the rest of a teams season.

However, this will be different. This series against the Brewers will make or break the Pirates this year. If the Pirates can win this series and avoid a loss or sweep, they will continue to do well during the first half of the year. If they fail in this series, I am sure it will deflate the spirits of this team and it will be difficult for the team to rebound from the losses.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Never Thought I'd See The Day...

I debated all day as to whether (weather) or not I was going to head down to PNC Park tonight for the game against the Marlins. I decided against it and, instead, did work at home. Much to my amazement, I saw this:



Yeah...a Pirates game on ESPN. The end times are upon us.

Lets Go Bucs!

P.S. I also signed my wife and myself up for Bowling with the Bucs on May 31st.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

The Young Quote Controversy

"There are a lot of good players over there, and there's a road block every which way you look," Young said. "You come over here, and you have opportunity everywhere you look. So, it's a good thing to come over here and be a part of that." --Delwyn Young 4.17.09 Post-Gazette interview

It seems that the recently acquired Delwyn Young has stirred some up some controversy based on a statement he made the other day during an interview to discuss his trade from the Dodgers to the Pirates.

I don't see what the issue is about this. It's obvious that this team is not one that is set to go out and win championships. The Pirates are lacking many of their top prospects on their 25 man roster. And until those prospects start to come up, they are still in a rebuilding mode. Considering that guys Adam LaRoche, Jack Wilson, Nyger Morgan, and possibly Brandon Moss will probably be gone by the end of the year to make way for the prospects, I feel like Young's statement was pretty accurate. There are at least two outfield positions and probably one or two positions in the infield that are not necessarly secured by one particular player for the next two to three years. He does have a lot of opportunities to play here.

There is nothing wrong with saying that there are pleantly of opportunities to play here in Pittsburgh. Give the kid a break and let us see what he can do. And if you want to crucify someone, start looking at our third baseman.

Don't forget to vote for Romulo


Let's Go Bucs!

------
photo credit: Delwyn Young, from MLB.com


Friday, April 17, 2009

Just A Reminder...Vote for Romulo

Write in Romulo!

Voting ends April 30th.

Saturday afternoon baseball returns tomorrow. Check back for updates and pictures from the game.

Several Home Opener pictures are here.

Monday, April 13, 2009

What's a Sports Fan to Do?

This coming Wednesday and Friday presents quite a delima for myself and sports fans all around Pittsburgh. The Buccos are offering Buc Night, with $1 hotdogs, popcorn, soda, and tickets on Wednesday. Then on Friday, its $1 hotdogs. Add to that the fact that the Pirates have actually been playing decent baseball (at least on every other day), what is a sports fan to do on these days when the Penguins host the hated Flyers?

Well, for most, the choice should be obvious. If you've got the cash, plunk down the money on Stubhub or eBay and buy yourself some playoff tickets. Or, the better option, sit on the lawn with thousands of Pens fans. There is no doubt in my mind that aside from Mikey and Big Bob flapping their lips, sitting in the lawn is so much better than being in the arena. It's a completely different atmosphere on the lawn. It's lawless and fun. Despite the lawlessness, it still is much calmer than what you'd expect.

But what about those great offers from the Pirates? $1 tickets...$1 sodas...$1 hotdogs...what a great deal. Well, don't worry, because every Friday night the Pirates are selling $1 hotdogs. Well if the pattern holds true, the Pirates will suffer a crushing defeat following an awesome offensive performance. So, based on today's 7-0 win, the Pirates should lose on Wednesday. Which means, get your tickets for Wednesday or get ready to sit in the lawn, watching the Pens game on the large screen. On Friday, go for the Bucco game. You're bound to see a pitching clinic on Friday night as Paul Maholm takes on Jair Jurrjens.

As someone who spent $1,300 on Pirates tickets, its likely I'll still go to PNC over Mellon...unless I have a crowd of friends going to the Pens game to watch it. Then, and only then, would I choose the Pens over the Bucs.

Game #8 Prediction: HOU 7 PIT 8

Pirates home opener is today and here is the prediction for the opener thanks to MLB: The Show. Bottom of the 13th, bases loaded, Freddy blasts a 2 run, game winning double to CF to cap off an exciting extra innings game.

Click here for the box score

Even though I haven't posted predictions for a couple of days, the fantasy Pirates record is 3-5.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Slacker

So I've been slacking a bit on my game predictions this week. It has been busy at work the past few days and this weekend looks to be no different. Since I'm on break for a few days though, I will probably play a couple of games over the weekend and post results on game day. That means rosters may not be accurate...but we only care about the outcome. I would also expect a complete and accurate roster following the Home Opener on Monday. Jason Jaramillo will have played his first game by then.

It's too bad Evan Meek isn't on the real life roster. He's been doing well so far in the game. Now, in the real world of baseball...

2-2 coming out of St. Louie isn't too bad. I expect the Buccos to take 2 out of 3 in Cincy this weekend. The momentum will be lacking on Monday though. Snell is pitching against Aaron Harang Sunday and I'm expecting a repeat performance of Tuesday's game against the Cards.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Game #2 Prediction PIT 3 STL 4

It was another thriller between the Pirates and Cardinals in the second game of the season. Ian Snell had a bit of a rough start allowing 4 runs in the first three innings. He was able to settle down and keep the Cards from scoring. The Pirates scored a run in the 3rd, 7th, and 8th. In an attempt to rally the Buccos loaded the bases in the top of the 9th with 2 outs, however, Pearce struck out and was thrown out as the pitch went wild. Good game, check out the stats below.

(0-1) Pittsburgh Pirates 3
(1-0) St. Louis Cardinals 4
Final

Pitching Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates
Ian Snell 6.0 innings/8 H/4 R/4 ER/1 BB/8 K/6.00 ERA
Evan Meek 1.0 innings/1 H/0 R/0 ER/0 BB/0 K/0.00 ERA
Tyler Yates 1.0 innings/0 H/0 R/0 ER/0 BB/1 K/0.00 ERA

St. Louis Cardinals
Chris Carpenter 7.1 innings/7 H/3 R/3 ER/0 BB/2 K/3.68 ERA
Dennys Reyes 0.2 innings/1 H/0 R/0 ER/0 BB/1 K/3.38 ERA
Chris Perez 1 inning/2 H/0 R/0 ER/0 BB/1 K/0.00 ERA

Hitting Stats

Pittsburgh Pirates
Nyjer Morgan 4 AB/1 R/1 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.200
Nate McLouth 4 AB/0 R/3 H/1 RBI/0 BB/1 K/.700 (two doubles)
Freddy Sanchez 4 AB/0 R/1 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.100
Ryan Doumit 4 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/2 K/.333
Adam LaRoche 4 AB/1 R/1 H/1 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.222 (home run)
Andy LaRoche 4 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.222
Brandon Moss 4 AB/0 R/2 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.444 (one double)
Jack Wilson 3 AB/1 R/1 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.250 (one double)
b-Eric Hinske 1 AB/0 R/1 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/1.000
Ian Snell 1 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.000
Evan Meek 0 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.000
a-Ramon Vasquez 1 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.000
Tyler Yates 0 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.000
c-Steve Pearce 1 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/1 K/.000
a-Batted for Meek in the 8th
b-Batted for Wilson in the 9th
c-Batted for Yates in the 9th

St. Louis Cardinals
Scott Schumaker 4 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/1 K/.000
Chris Duncan 4 AB/1 R/3 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.600
Albert Pujols 4 AB/1 R/1 H/0 RBI/0 BB/2 K/.400 (double)
Ryan Ludwick 4 AB/2 R/3 H/3 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.444 (double, triple, home run)
Rick Ankiel 4 AB/0 R/1 H/1 RBI/0 BB/1 K/.333
Khalil Greene 3 AB/0 R/1 H/0 RBI/1 BB/1 K/.250 (double)
Yadier Molina 4 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/2 K/.000
Joe Mather 3 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/1 K/.167
Chris Carpenter 3 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/1 K/.000
Dennys Reyes 0 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.000
Chris Perez 0 AB/0 R/0 H/0 RBI/0 BB/0 K/.000

Opening Day

It's finally here. It'll be exciting to see what all of the clubhouse buzz translates into on the field. First pitch is moments away. We'll see how well my MLB: The Show prediction holds against the real deal. Look for tomorrow's prediction here later tonight.

Let's Go Bucs!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Opening Day Prediction: PIT 4 STL 7

Once again, I've purchased MLB The Show for my PSP. I love this game. I think it's the best baseball game out there right now. One day, when I get some money and can afford a PS3, I'll get it for that. Anyhow, I'm going to attempt to play the Buccos scheduled game prior to the real world game. I played the Opener on Saturday and here are the results:

Pittsburgh Pirates 4
St. Louis Cardinals 7
Final 12 innings

Pitching Stats
Paul Maholm 6.1 innings/6 H/4 R/2 ER/5 K/0 BB/oHR/27 BF/2.84 ERA
Evan Meek 1.2 innings/2 H/0 R/0 ER/1 K/0 BB/0 HR/ 6 BF/0.00 ERA
John Grabow 2.0 innings/2 H/0 R/0 ER/2 K/0 BB/0 HR/8 BF/0.00 ERA
Jesse Chavez 1.1 innings/1 H/2 R/2 ER/1 K/1 BB/0 HR/6 BF/13.50 ERA (0-1)

Adam Wainwright 5.0 innings/10 H/3 R/3 ER/1 K/0 BB/0 HR/22 BF/5.40 ERA
Trever Miller 2.0 innings/2 H/0 R/0 ER/3 K/0 BB/0 HR/8 BF/0.00 ERA
Dennys Reyes 2.0 innings/3 H/1 R/1 ER/2 K/0 BB/1 HR/9 BF/4.50 ERA
Ryan Franklin 3.0 innings/0 H/0 R/0 ER/1 K/0 BB/0 HR/9 BF/0.00 ERA (1-0)

Hitting Stats
Nyjer Morgan 6 AB/1 H/1 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.167
Freddy Sanchez 6 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000
Nate McLouth 6 AB/4 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.667
Adam LaRoche 5 AB/1 H/2 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.200
Ryan Doumit 5 AB/3 H/0 K/0 BB/2 R/1 RBI/1 HR/.600
Andy LaRoche 5 AB/2 H/0 K/0 BB/1 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.400
Brandon Moss 5 AB/2 H/2 K/0 BB/1 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.400 (two doubles)
Jack Wilson 5 AB/1 H/1 K/0 BB/0 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.200
Paul Maholm 2 AB/0 H/1 K/0 BB/0 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.000
Eric Hinske 1 AB/1 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/1.000 (one double)
Robinson Diaz 1 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000

Albert Pujols 6 AB/3 H/1 K/0 BB/1 R/3 RBI/1 HR/.500
Brian Barton 6 AB/1 H/1 K/0 BB/1 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.200
Rick Ankiel 5 AB/2 H/1 K/1 BB/3 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.400
Yadier Molina 5 AB/0 H/1 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000
Ryan Ludwick 5 AB/1 H/2 K/0 BB/0 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.200
Khalil Greene 5 AB/1 H/0 K/0 BB/1 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.200
Brenden Ryan 5 AB/2 H/2 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.400
Joe Mather 3 AB/1 H/1 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.333
Adam Wainwright 2 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000
Scott Schumaker 0 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/1 RBI/0 HR/.000 (sacrifice fly)
Jason LaRue 1 AB/1 H/0 K/0 BB/1 R/0 RBI/0 HR/1.000
Joe Thurston 1 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000
Brian Barden 0 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000 (sacrafice hit)
Chris Duncan 1 AB/0 H/0 K/0 BB/0 R/0 RBI/0 HR/.000

Obviously the rosters aren't completely accurate. That should change once some players get some MLB playing time. Once that happens, I will be able to download the accurate rosters from the MLB: The Show internet thing and have, hopefully, more accurate rosters. Looks like we could be in for a nice game tomorrow in St. Louis.

Update 4:14pm 4.6.09: The Pirates had three throwing errors in this game. Andy LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, and Jack Wilson all had throwing errors on routine grounders.

Lets Go Bucs!

The Top 10 Things I'm Looking Forward to in 2009

It is finally here. The start of the 2009 season means that hope will again spring for the Pirates faithful. And for at least one day, PNC Park will be sold out. Fans will be cheering, celebrating yet another "New Pirates Generation". After April 13th, minimal crowds will fill the stadium, unless there are fireworks, bobbleheads, or musical acts. Oh, and maybe if the Pirates are a winning team, some people may come down for a game or two.

A lot of people are not looking forward to the 2009 season to be much different from the past 16. However, here are the top 10 things I will be looking forward to, as a season ticket holder, to the 2009 season.

10. Attending more games. I work as a behavior specialist for an alternative education program. That means I have the sweet teacher schedule without the hassle of a teaching certification. I will be able to attend more games this year than I have been able to in the previous 3 years as a STH. I just hope that they'll win more games to keep me interested in attending those games.

9. Vendor Guy, Beer Lady and the rest of Section 138. Vendor Guy is the first person I see on my journey across the Clemente Bridge to PNC Park. This guy's personality and conversation abilities have made me a faithful customer for 3 years. I will continue to honor his presence on the corner of 6th and Ft. Duquesne by purchasing $1 water and, if he has them, sun flower seeds. Beer Lady is just wonderful. It doesn't matter if she's working at her beer stand behind section 137 or over at Manny's BBQ, she's always happy, but always bitter at the same time. And of course, there is the wonderful people of Section 138 and those who wish they were in Section 138. Capps Crew, Sweater Girl, Pappy Where's My Wang, Cinderella Castle and his wife and kid are all regulars in the section. Then there are those who sit in the GA bleachers...Andreade's Girl, T-Rex, and the Mullet Family. If I were really creative, I could probably write a story about all of these people.

8. SoHo. The official post-game bar/restaurant for the past 3 years. Great nachos and chicken strips. There is also a pretty good steak sandwich. The only bad thing...it's really dark in there.

7. Saturday Afternoon Games. The good thing is that my Saturday nights will now be freed up at least twice this year so that I could have a life outside of sitting at PNC Park. The bad thing is that it'll be just like going to a Sunday game, only starting a hour earlier. Did I ever mention that I hate Sunday games?

6. Paul Maholm. I've had the opportunity to watch him slowly rise from an end of the rotation guy to the staff ace this year. I can't wait to see if he can handle the success and pressure that seems to go with being the ace, or if he'll implode like those before him (Perez, Gorzelanny, Snell).

5. Romulo! We are in the last month of the Fan Voted Bobblehead. While the vote for Romulo campaign has died down recently, I believe another campaign blitz will be necessary over the next couple of weeks. Vote early and often for this poor guy who was optioned to the minors, despite the wide spread popularity of the Romulo Sanchez bobblehead campaign. See you in September buddy.

4. Road Trip. I haven't decided if it's financially feasable, but I'd like to visit at least one other stadium this year when the Pirates are on a road trip. Ideally I'd like to be in Chicago at the end of May, but I don't think the odds of that happening are going to be that good. Maybe the new Yankees Stadium or Citi Field? Let me start writing my letter to Artie Lange now begging for tickets.

3. My Birthday. The Pirates will be home for my birthday this year. I'd like to celebrate it by sitting somewhere else during that game. Maybe right behind homeplate. Donations will be accepted and appreciated to make this come true.

2. McCutchen & Tabata. After years of hype and a breakout Spring Training, a lot of people are disappointed that Andrew McCutchen has not been promoted to the Pirates for the start of the season. It'll be ok, because he will be called up soon and we will all get to see the first of the 3 Messiahs for the Pirates. Jose Tabata will be here in September, sans a wife at that point.

1. September 28, 2009. That will be the end of another long, and I'm sure, losing season. The last game at PNC Park will be a Monday afternoon competition against the Dodgers. I will be more than ready for the season to be over at this point. But, thanks to the WBC, the Pirates will get to play some October ball!

There they are. The top 10 things I'll be looking forward to this season. With the exception of #1 and maybe #10, they really aren't in any particular order...the beauty of stream of conscious writing.

Lets Go Bucs!