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.

Pirates Improve to 2-0

What do the Pittsburgh Pirates have in common with the Twins, Yankees, and Mets? They are all tied atop the Grapefruit League with a 2-0 record. That comes after the Buccos pulled off a nineth inning come from behind 2008-style victory over the Boston Red Sox.

Ian Snell gave up two unearned runs in the bottom of the first. Boston pitching looked solid until the top of the nineth as prospects Neil Walker, Jose Tabata, and Pedro Alvarez all came across the plate to place the Pirates in the lead 3-2.

Former Red Sox minor leauger Daniel Haigwood came in for the save. It took only 9 pitches for this kid to get out 3 Red Sox players. Not too bad of an outing by the Pirates pitching staff. Clutch hitting in the 9th by some prospects should put them in a more positive light with fans...especially that Pedro guy.

Lets Go Bucs

Countdown to Opening Day...Sort Of

We are just 2 days away from the first game of the 2009 campaign. Well, sort of. The Pirates open up Spring Training play this Wednesday against the world champion Philadelphia Phillies. This is when I start to get excited about the upcoming season. It'll be exciting to see so many different options playing for the Pirates this spring. It'll be interesting to see who the real surprises are this year.


Phil Dumatrait is still being looked at as a starter, instead of a bullpen pitcher. I liked Dumatrait a lot last year. Until his injury, I feel like he was one of the most solid pitchers in the rotation. I will be excited to see him come back this year. At least management hasn't ruled this guy out yet.

I was looking at pictures of Gorzelanny this week on the PG website. He looks a lot thinner than last year and looks to be in great shape. I'm hoping that he is going to pitch the same way he did two years ago. If we can get Snell, Gorzo, and Maholm pitching well, I feel like there are good odds of the Pirates improving on their 67-95 record of last year.

Let's Go Bucs!