Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The 9th Spot Blues...
It was announced yesterday that the Pirates will bat, Ronny Cedeno in the 9th spot of the order, and bat the pitchers spot, 8th. I am very much against this move. I have never been a fan of the pitcher batting anywhere, but 9th in the batting order. I understand that Tony LaRussa did it, in St. Louis, so a lot of managers have to follow suit, but I do not think the Pirates have the personnel to do this move, and have it be successful.
The overall point is the odds of the situation. You’re more likely to have the 8th spot end an inning than the 9th, and some people would like to have the 9th spot, be some one that can lead-off an inning better than the pitcher. My concern is, are you limiting Ronny Cedeno’s at-bats by doing this? If it works, and the Pirates get a few more runs as a result, I will be thrilled, but unfortunately, I see this being pretty short-term, as I’d imagine, the pitcher will be back in the 9th spot, before mid-season.
I am not saying Ronny is some kind of all-star waiting to happen, but I just don’t like the pitcher at 8. It just doesn’t make sense to me, and personally, I hope it doesn’t last that long. We’ll see, maybe Russell is a genius in waiting and he knows something we all don’t. I hope that is the case, but it isn’t that likely.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
1 2 3 4 FIFTH!!!!!!
Well, the Pirates finally named their 5th starter. Why does it seem like every team has a competition for their 5th starter? Anyway, after Kevin Hart basically did everything in his power to assure himself a spot in Triple-A, Daniel McCutchen was given the job. He definitely earned it this spring, and I am thrilled to see him in the starting rotation. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and I think he will do an amazing job as starter number five.
I am hopeful that Hart can work out his control problems in Triple-A; otherwise, he will be considered a major trade bust. He’s young enough that he can get better, but it will be an uphill battle for the young man. D. McCutchen was the best choice for the job, and I think he will surprise a lot of people this year with his performance.
I am glad that there was an actual battle for the 5th spot; one thing I hate on teams like the Pirates is when some people are just given jobs. Yeah, it’s a given that Andrew McCutchen is going to be the CFer and lead-off hitter, but other than him and a few other people, every job could be up for grabs, especially the bottom spot of the rotation. D. McCutchen earned the 5th starters role; it was not given to him. Most people had Hart penciled in, but D. McCutchen proved that he was the much better option, by completely out-pitching Hart the entire spring. Many people might not realize the importance of a 5th starter, but when you’re a young team like the Pirates, every spot in the rotation is valuable, and he might not be the 5th starter the entire season. Depending on how other players perform, he could move up, and if he plays poorly, he could be in the bullpen. I am hoping everyone in the staff plays up to their potential. Because, you’re only as good as your days starting pitcher, and the Pirates need their 1-5 pitchers to consistently keep them in games.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Tease...
Well, it is 70 degrees today, grass is green and the birds are singing. Naturally my mind thinks there has to be a baseball game today, but alas, there is not...yet. Soon I will be sitting in left field in PNC Park, cheering on the Buccos. I am not at my computer right now, but I did want to update, so I am writing this from my phone. Isn't technology great?
To the point of this entry, the recent streak of warm weather has gotten me more excited for the 2010 baseball season. Just being outside in warm weather makes me giddy for the dog days of summer where I'm sitting in PNC Park, hot dog in hand. I truly do not believe there is a better way to spend a summer day than watching a ball game. I just love how the warm weather makes me think baseball. No other sport has that. Football is all about bitter and cold weather. Hockey and basketball are both played in arenas, so you can't really link them to a specific temperature. That's what makes baseball wonderful. If it's 70 degrees and sunny outside, that's baseball weather. Yeah, night games are played where it's cooler outside and the playoffs stretch to the cooler days of October, but baseball brings one thing, and that's the boys of summer.
The Pirates have been doing moderately well in Spring Training. Delwynn Young is trying to prove why he deserves a roster spot. He has been swinging the bat extremely well lately, and has hit 5 Homeruns in the past 6 games. He will be an off the bench player, but he's trying to win the primary Pinch Hitting job, and with the way he is swinging the bat, it's his to lose. I've been extremely impressed with the pitching so far as well. The key to any winning baseball team is pitching and so far, I don't think anyone can be disappointed. Duke, Maholm, Ohlendorf and D. McCutchen have all looked very, very good. They're definitely trying to show people that they will be part of a very young and upcoming pitching staff. I am disappointed in Kevin Hart. He was competing for the 5th starters job, but right now, he is way behind of D. McCucthen and will probably get a Bullpen job, and no one should be able to argue against it. Hart has walked too many people during Spring Training, and at times has looked very erratic. Hopefully, coming out of the Bullpen will help him gain some of his control back, because right now, he just doesn't have it.
The offense has been steadily getting better over the course of Spring Training, as it usually does. I like the way Milledge has been swinging the bat, and of course I love the way Andrew McCutchen has been playing. He is the centerpiece of the Pirates and needs to have a big season, and judging by his play during Spring Training, it appears 2010 is going to be a good season for Andrew.
It's hard to completely judge anything based on Spring Training, but as of now, it isn't wrong to be a bit cautiously optimistic about the Pirates in 2010. I don't think we're looking at a World Series team, but I truly don't think we're looking at a 100 loss team either. As long as the young players continue to develop and improve, I will be pleased with the season. Plus, it's baseball, anything can happen. Who knows, maybe the Pirates will surprise a lot of people this season? Weirder things have happened.
To the point of this entry, the recent streak of warm weather has gotten me more excited for the 2010 baseball season. Just being outside in warm weather makes me giddy for the dog days of summer where I'm sitting in PNC Park, hot dog in hand. I truly do not believe there is a better way to spend a summer day than watching a ball game. I just love how the warm weather makes me think baseball. No other sport has that. Football is all about bitter and cold weather. Hockey and basketball are both played in arenas, so you can't really link them to a specific temperature. That's what makes baseball wonderful. If it's 70 degrees and sunny outside, that's baseball weather. Yeah, night games are played where it's cooler outside and the playoffs stretch to the cooler days of October, but baseball brings one thing, and that's the boys of summer.
The Pirates have been doing moderately well in Spring Training. Delwynn Young is trying to prove why he deserves a roster spot. He has been swinging the bat extremely well lately, and has hit 5 Homeruns in the past 6 games. He will be an off the bench player, but he's trying to win the primary Pinch Hitting job, and with the way he is swinging the bat, it's his to lose. I've been extremely impressed with the pitching so far as well. The key to any winning baseball team is pitching and so far, I don't think anyone can be disappointed. Duke, Maholm, Ohlendorf and D. McCutchen have all looked very, very good. They're definitely trying to show people that they will be part of a very young and upcoming pitching staff. I am disappointed in Kevin Hart. He was competing for the 5th starters job, but right now, he is way behind of D. McCucthen and will probably get a Bullpen job, and no one should be able to argue against it. Hart has walked too many people during Spring Training, and at times has looked very erratic. Hopefully, coming out of the Bullpen will help him gain some of his control back, because right now, he just doesn't have it.
The offense has been steadily getting better over the course of Spring Training, as it usually does. I like the way Milledge has been swinging the bat, and of course I love the way Andrew McCutchen has been playing. He is the centerpiece of the Pirates and needs to have a big season, and judging by his play during Spring Training, it appears 2010 is going to be a good season for Andrew.
It's hard to completely judge anything based on Spring Training, but as of now, it isn't wrong to be a bit cautiously optimistic about the Pirates in 2010. I don't think we're looking at a World Series team, but I truly don't think we're looking at a 100 loss team either. As long as the young players continue to develop and improve, I will be pleased with the season. Plus, it's baseball, anything can happen. Who knows, maybe the Pirates will surprise a lot of people this season? Weirder things have happened.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Cut that rant!!!
Several cuts were made today, and I am not surprised by any of them. Brad Lincoln may have ace-like potential, but he isn’t quite major league ready, yet. I do not think that anyone too shocking will be cut. I think for the first Spring Training in a long time, the Pirates are entering, pretty set on the team they’re taking into the season. Which is probably a good thing. I honestly think this team has potential, and could surprise some people this year.
Which brings to my point of this entry. It seems like anytime I bring up the Pirates to anyone, I get the same condescending response, “Oh, well the Pirates never win, LOL.” Listen, I understand the Pirates have been bad for 17 straight years, but this is new management, and they can’t be held accountable for what previous management teams have done. I guess I am just frustrated with people consistently making fun of the Pirates, and my association, something I love. I think bright days are honestly ahead, and I look forward to seeing the people that made fun of the Pirates, all of a sudden becoming bandwagon fans.
I’m not as optimistic as Neal Huntington, I don’t think a dynasty is ahead, but I do truly believe, that the Pirates are heading back towards respectability. I know I am usually negative, but it’s my time of the year for optimism. Heck, I may end up crushed as I tend to be every year, but as of right now, I want to think that the Pirates are going to win this season. I’ve been a negative fan for a long time, and for the first time, I want to be optimistic. I want my Pirates glass to be half full of delicious coca-cola, not half empty!
Which brings to my point of this entry. It seems like anytime I bring up the Pirates to anyone, I get the same condescending response, “Oh, well the Pirates never win, LOL.” Listen, I understand the Pirates have been bad for 17 straight years, but this is new management, and they can’t be held accountable for what previous management teams have done. I guess I am just frustrated with people consistently making fun of the Pirates, and my association, something I love. I think bright days are honestly ahead, and I look forward to seeing the people that made fun of the Pirates, all of a sudden becoming bandwagon fans.
I’m not as optimistic as Neal Huntington, I don’t think a dynasty is ahead, but I do truly believe, that the Pirates are heading back towards respectability. I know I am usually negative, but it’s my time of the year for optimism. Heck, I may end up crushed as I tend to be every year, but as of right now, I want to think that the Pirates are going to win this season. I’ve been a negative fan for a long time, and for the first time, I want to be optimistic. I want my Pirates glass to be half full of delicious coca-cola, not half empty!
One-on-One with the fans. Part One
Well, folks, here it is. Steve Kubitz gets his first interview with a Pirates fan. Though, this one, Paul Hunter is pretty casual. He does discuss his views on PNC Park and a select few other items. I hope you enjoy this short video.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Pirates vs. Yankees...again?!?!
It seems like every single time I turn on a Pirates Spring Training game, they are playing the Yankees. Why is this? To be honest, I am tired of seeing us go up against the Yankees. I know they draw crowds in Bradenton, and I am sure that’s the reason it’s always Pirates vs. Yankees, but what good is it, seeing the exact same team 5-6 times in Spring Training? Yeah, it feels amazing when we crush the Yankees like we did today, but it doesn’t actually matter. I just wish that we’d play some other team during Spring Training. Call me old fashioned, but I like a little diversity in the Pirates’ opponents. It’s probably all about attendance and money, as those are the name of the game, but as a devout fan of the Pirates, I am annoyed with seeing every single day, Pirates vs. Yankees.
This is pretty much just a rant, and really isn’t ranting another word for musing? That’s what this blog is all about, and I feel like I have gotten away from that, but it is time to realize, that this isn’t a column. These are the angry, dejected words of a devout Pittsburgh Pirates fan. No more attempts at columns. It’s all about the rants, baby. With a series of hopeful interviews with fellow depressed Pirates fans on the way. This is the dawn of a new day for 17 and counting. Get ready folks!
This is pretty much just a rant, and really isn’t ranting another word for musing? That’s what this blog is all about, and I feel like I have gotten away from that, but it is time to realize, that this isn’t a column. These are the angry, dejected words of a devout Pittsburgh Pirates fan. No more attempts at columns. It’s all about the rants, baby. With a series of hopeful interviews with fellow depressed Pirates fans on the way. This is the dawn of a new day for 17 and counting. Get ready folks!
Friday, March 12, 2010
30 in 30!
After numerous delays, I was finally able to sit down and watch the MLB Network, Pirates 30 Clubs in 30 Days special. It wasn’t anything too special, a lot of focus on our young players and our minor league development. I will say, I enjoyed that they talked up most of our recent draft picks, especially Pedro Alvarez and Tony Sanchez. Those two players are definitely part of our future core, and need to be developed properly. I think Pedro will definitely be Big League ready this season, as he has looked very good in Spring Training. I doubt strongly, he’ll start the season on the MLB opening day roster, but he will be in AAA and I assume that we will be seeing Pedro in a Pirates uniform around June.
Most years, when I watch coverage of the Pirates, I get very angry at how negative all the coverage is. Even though the past few, oh, almost 2 decades, it has been justified. The national talk about the Pirates has been pretty optimistic. They don’t see us competing this year, but they see us making 9-10 game improvement over 2009 and building towards competitive baseball in 2011-2012. Building a successful small market team is a challenge, and it takes a lot of drafting and player developing. Which is exactly what the Pirates are doing.
In other news, the Pirates may or may not play a game today against the Braves. They did make the 2-hour drive from Bradenton to Orlando, but it has been raining all over Florida, all day today, and most suspect that the game, if it starts, will last more than a few innings. After a few more games are played with the regulars, I plan on doing a semi-comprehensive analysis of how I feel the starters have looked during Spring Training. I think the one thing we should be very happy with so far, has been the main starting and relief pitchers have for the most part all looked pretty solid. Don’t focus on the wins and losses, because in Spring Training, they do not matter. It’s all about players getting playing time and coming together as a team. Which is exactly what the Pirates have done so far this spring.
Most years, when I watch coverage of the Pirates, I get very angry at how negative all the coverage is. Even though the past few, oh, almost 2 decades, it has been justified. The national talk about the Pirates has been pretty optimistic. They don’t see us competing this year, but they see us making 9-10 game improvement over 2009 and building towards competitive baseball in 2011-2012. Building a successful small market team is a challenge, and it takes a lot of drafting and player developing. Which is exactly what the Pirates are doing.
In other news, the Pirates may or may not play a game today against the Braves. They did make the 2-hour drive from Bradenton to Orlando, but it has been raining all over Florida, all day today, and most suspect that the game, if it starts, will last more than a few innings. After a few more games are played with the regulars, I plan on doing a semi-comprehensive analysis of how I feel the starters have looked during Spring Training. I think the one thing we should be very happy with so far, has been the main starting and relief pitchers have for the most part all looked pretty solid. Don’t focus on the wins and losses, because in Spring Training, they do not matter. It’s all about players getting playing time and coming together as a team. Which is exactly what the Pirates have done so far this spring.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What Do You Call Cheese, That Isn't Yours?
A stolen base?
03/08/10 5:42 PM EST
McCutchen out to swipe more bases
Speedy Pirates outfielder plans to run whenever he can
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates fans, get ready to watch Andrew McCutchen run.
Those in attendance at McKechnie Field on Saturday got a glimpse of McCutchen's intent to become even more aggressive on the basepaths this year. McCutchen reached first three times against the Phillies on Saturday, and twice, he took off to steal second.
The fact that McCutchen was only successful in one of the two attempts is a moot point. The key is that he's running. And he's planning on doing more of it all year.
"It's something you've got to work on if you're going to bring it in the season," McCutchen said. "Spring Training is the time to do it. I'm going to go out there and every opportunity I get, I'm going to go."
McCutchen swiped 22 bases in 27 attempts during his four months in Pittsburgh last season. Asked if he had a number in mind for his first full year in the Majors, McCutchen declined to offer one. He just plans for it to be significantly more.
"We'd like for him to be able to run more and get himself in scoring position," manager John Russell said. "The guys we have in the middle of our lineup now, we feel real confident that we can get some baserunners moving."
Though no one has questioned his speed, McCutchen wasn't as active on the bases in the Minors as some might have expected. His career high in steals came in 2008, when he was success in 34 of 53 attempts. It was an aspect of his game that management cited as needing refinement.
McCutchen has dedicated himself to studying more film of opposing pitchers to pick up on delivery nuances that he might be able to use to his advantage. He is also being particularly cognizant of his first step this spring and taking slightly bigger leads.
"I know it's something that I can do," he said. "I know I can steal more bags. It's just going and getting more comfortable with myself and knowing when I can steal and when I can't. It's just working."
I am very hopeful that McCutchen will steal more bases in 2010. If he wants to become the best leadoff hitter in baseball, which in my opinion, he has the potential to be, then he has to steal more bases. We’re not in an era where stolen bases are considered that important, like say in the 1980’s. We’re not in a super power era either, but a hybrid. So Cutch doesn’t have to steal 100 bases to have a successful season. If he can steal somewhere between 40-50 bases in 45-55 attempts, then I will be more than happy.
We’re obviously in the full swing of Spring Training, and so far, the Pirates are not doing too badly. You can’t put any stock in Spring Training wins and losses; the key is to see how the team does in situations. So far, the pitching has been very good and I think that is something you have to enjoy seeing. Pirates pitching and more specifically, the bullpen cost them a lot of games in 2009. It is pivotal that the bullpen improves, if this team is going to win in 2010.
The offense has been a typical Spring Training offense. Some games it looks dominant, 15 runs against the Twins, and sometimes it looks anemic, 0 runs against the Yankees. That’s the nature of Spring Training. Batters are still adjusting to seeing pitches again, and honestly up until near the end of Spring Training, pitchers usually have a large advantage over the hitters. For the most part, I like what I am seeing from the Pirates in Spring Training. We do look better than we did last season, and I remain cautiously optimistic for the 2010 season.
03/08/10 5:42 PM EST
McCutchen out to swipe more bases
Speedy Pirates outfielder plans to run whenever he can
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates fans, get ready to watch Andrew McCutchen run.
Those in attendance at McKechnie Field on Saturday got a glimpse of McCutchen's intent to become even more aggressive on the basepaths this year. McCutchen reached first three times against the Phillies on Saturday, and twice, he took off to steal second.
The fact that McCutchen was only successful in one of the two attempts is a moot point. The key is that he's running. And he's planning on doing more of it all year.
"It's something you've got to work on if you're going to bring it in the season," McCutchen said. "Spring Training is the time to do it. I'm going to go out there and every opportunity I get, I'm going to go."
McCutchen swiped 22 bases in 27 attempts during his four months in Pittsburgh last season. Asked if he had a number in mind for his first full year in the Majors, McCutchen declined to offer one. He just plans for it to be significantly more.
"We'd like for him to be able to run more and get himself in scoring position," manager John Russell said. "The guys we have in the middle of our lineup now, we feel real confident that we can get some baserunners moving."
Though no one has questioned his speed, McCutchen wasn't as active on the bases in the Minors as some might have expected. His career high in steals came in 2008, when he was success in 34 of 53 attempts. It was an aspect of his game that management cited as needing refinement.
McCutchen has dedicated himself to studying more film of opposing pitchers to pick up on delivery nuances that he might be able to use to his advantage. He is also being particularly cognizant of his first step this spring and taking slightly bigger leads.
"I know it's something that I can do," he said. "I know I can steal more bags. It's just going and getting more comfortable with myself and knowing when I can steal and when I can't. It's just working."
I am very hopeful that McCutchen will steal more bases in 2010. If he wants to become the best leadoff hitter in baseball, which in my opinion, he has the potential to be, then he has to steal more bases. We’re not in an era where stolen bases are considered that important, like say in the 1980’s. We’re not in a super power era either, but a hybrid. So Cutch doesn’t have to steal 100 bases to have a successful season. If he can steal somewhere between 40-50 bases in 45-55 attempts, then I will be more than happy.
We’re obviously in the full swing of Spring Training, and so far, the Pirates are not doing too badly. You can’t put any stock in Spring Training wins and losses; the key is to see how the team does in situations. So far, the pitching has been very good and I think that is something you have to enjoy seeing. Pirates pitching and more specifically, the bullpen cost them a lot of games in 2009. It is pivotal that the bullpen improves, if this team is going to win in 2010.
The offense has been a typical Spring Training offense. Some games it looks dominant, 15 runs against the Twins, and sometimes it looks anemic, 0 runs against the Yankees. That’s the nature of Spring Training. Batters are still adjusting to seeing pitches again, and honestly up until near the end of Spring Training, pitchers usually have a large advantage over the hitters. For the most part, I like what I am seeing from the Pirates in Spring Training. We do look better than we did last season, and I remain cautiously optimistic for the 2010 season.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Yankees: 6 - Pirates: 3
The Pirates and Yankees knocked heads today in the Grapefruit League opener. The Pirates starters kept even with the Yankees until the high number players made their entrance into the game. Yankees hit a walk-off 3-run HR in the 9th inning to win the game 6-3.
The Pirates two top starters, Paul Maholm and Ross Ohlendorf looked outstanding in their 1 innings of work. Giving up no runs and no hits. The young Bucs kept pase with the defending World Champions and for the most part, out pitched them. You can’t worry about wins and losses in Spring Training, you just want the starters to look good and not get injured.
The offense wasn’t fantastic today, but early in Spring Training, the pitching always has the advantage as the batters are still adjusting to seeing pitching again. I really liked how Andrew McCutchen looked. He got a solid in field single and took second on a bad pick-off attempt. He didn’t score as a result, but it was still encouraging to see him playing well in the opening game.
I look forward to seeing how the Pirates do the rest of Spring Training, because it is indeed a very exciting time to be a Pirates fan. Optimism among the fan base seems higher than years past, and because the first Spring Training game has been played, that means one thing: it’s baseball season! No more suffering through the long offseason, you can now rest easy, knowing that in about one months, the Pirates will be opening the 2010 regular season. I know, I am thrilled, and I am sure many other fans are as well. I look forward to live-tweeting the games I attend and hopefully live-blogging. It should be an exciting time for this blog. There are plenty more Spring Training games left, and I will do a more comprehensive analysis of the players when there is a larger sample size. For now, though, let’s just focus on the awesome fact that baseball season is back, and soon, the warm weather will return!
The Pirates two top starters, Paul Maholm and Ross Ohlendorf looked outstanding in their 1 innings of work. Giving up no runs and no hits. The young Bucs kept pase with the defending World Champions and for the most part, out pitched them. You can’t worry about wins and losses in Spring Training, you just want the starters to look good and not get injured.
The offense wasn’t fantastic today, but early in Spring Training, the pitching always has the advantage as the batters are still adjusting to seeing pitching again. I really liked how Andrew McCutchen looked. He got a solid in field single and took second on a bad pick-off attempt. He didn’t score as a result, but it was still encouraging to see him playing well in the opening game.
I look forward to seeing how the Pirates do the rest of Spring Training, because it is indeed a very exciting time to be a Pirates fan. Optimism among the fan base seems higher than years past, and because the first Spring Training game has been played, that means one thing: it’s baseball season! No more suffering through the long offseason, you can now rest easy, knowing that in about one months, the Pirates will be opening the 2010 regular season. I know, I am thrilled, and I am sure many other fans are as well. I look forward to live-tweeting the games I attend and hopefully live-blogging. It should be an exciting time for this blog. There are plenty more Spring Training games left, and I will do a more comprehensive analysis of the players when there is a larger sample size. For now, though, let’s just focus on the awesome fact that baseball season is back, and soon, the warm weather will return!
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