Distraction

Uh oh! Can anyone say distraction? Unless you've been living in a cave yesterday and today you've probably heard that Big Ben was named in a Civil Suit for Sexual assault. Different year new distraction. I can't say that I am unbiased toward Ben, but the story I've heard sounds quite fishy. Ben called this woman, who was a concierge at the hotel he was staying at, up to his room to fix his TV. Most concierges are TV repair persons, in case you didn't know. While she was up there he assaulted her. Just like Kobe, immediately there was information as to her less than stellar reputation, in some mental hospital for a while and so on. Ben would be stupid to do something like this. I guess, though, that is the risk athletes take. They cannot meet people like normal people. By the way, this happened last July. She didn't go to the police after it happened. They might meet someone who they think is a quality individual, but because these people know there is money to be made, they try to take advantage of the athlete in this type of situation where it's one persons word against the other. A lot of times the famous person wants to get out of the situation and they settle out of court. It's not all fun and games for these guys.

On the Pirate Front, VV pitched a pretty good game, probably too many hits, but only 2 runs in 6+ innings. The Brewstirs returned to their winning ways against the Pirates 2-0 tonight. At least the pitching continues to impress in the early 2nd half. If they could combine hot hitting with good pitching they may have something. Uh, Mr's LaRoche, a few home runs please.

Off for vacation for a week or so, just when I was getting a few people's attention. I'll be back, please check in again around August 3.

Don't Look Now

It's the Brewers again and it's time to break a string of losses. They've been beaten by the Brewers a ridiculous 17 times in a row. The worst part of it is that many of those wins have been in the Burgh. I could partially understand if they lost that many in Milwaukee, but they should be able to win one in Pittsburgh. So, just like it was good to start off the second half of the season with a win it's nice to get a win against the Brew Crew.

Delwyn Young already has a HR, keep it up guys. There was another article in the Dispatch that Freddy and Jack are still amenable to staying in Pittsburgh. I'm sure they are and are even willing to give the Pirates a discount, but I still don't think the Pirates are serious enough to make a good offer.

A couple people commented that Jack couldn't get what he's worth to the Pirates on the free agent market. I don't have the stats to back it up, all I know is they both suck up ground balls like vacuums. Check out Sportscenter tonight for the latest Jack highlight, falling backwards making an on target throw to first base. He doesn't have many HRs but he stops a lot of runs from happening. He's easily got 2 to 3 more years in him.

Note to Mr. Huntington

Hey, Neal. You're sending conflicting messages.

One moment you're saying we don't have enough depth the next moment you're saying the pieces are in place. I'm probably one of the most gullible believers in the Pirates and what Neal Huntington and Frank Coonelly are trying to do. I have a problem with Huntington trying to actually make us think that they are legitimately trying to sign Jack and Freddy(sounds like a new sitcom) to extensions.

In case you didn't hear they both rejected the offers from the Pirates. Surprise, surprise. The Pirates were asking these two to take ridiculous pay cuts. Jack's going to be a free agent after this year and will find a team that will give him above average money to play shortstop with them. The Pirates, most likely would have traded him long before this if they had anybody to replace him. It is not easy to find a quality shortstop inside or outside the organization right now for what the Pirates want to pay. They would be better off offering him a reasonable contract, than lowballing him so much that no self respecting fan would even think they were actually making a sincere effort to keep him.
If Freddy gets to 600 at bats this year, he'll make $8.5 million in 2010, which is almost what the Pirates offered him for 2 years. Would you take that? I wouldn't. Freddy is a talented fielder and can hit for average, see 2006 batting champ. He deserves a paycheck that is on the level with his talent. He's probably willing to take less than he could get elsewhere, just not absurdly less, which is what the Pirates are offering. C'mon Neal, Frank, and Mr. Nutting. Step up to the plate.

That should do it!

When I wrote start it off on a positive note I could not have envisioned one any better than what happened Friday night. Garrett "Roy Hobbs" Jones hits a home run of Linsecum in the first inning and the Pirates don't do anything for 12 innings and he hits another monster shot to center field that bounces into the river(By the way I think we're going to needs some kayakers in there to collect his shots). Oh, I failed to mention that Paul Maholm only gave up one run himself, unearned at that. Then he gives way to the bullpen and they keep the Giants from scoring in their at bats. Awesome start. I could complain about the lack of offense, but if you have one guy with 2 HRs and your pitchers only give up 1 run, I'll take it. A good start to build off of.

Trivia: Who is the only one to hit it into the Allegheny on the fly? Daryle Ward.

Keep it up Garrett.

Start it off on a positive note

C'mon Buccos, let's start off with a win against one of the best pitchers in the NL and keep it rolling the rest of the second half.

On a shocking note, the Pirates offered contract extensions to Jack and Freddy. Probably so they would be more enticing to other teams.

Bad Luck

Yesterday I almost wrote that possibly, just possibly the Pirates problems with their pitchers major arm problems had subsided, it appeared. Tyler Yates had been on the injured list but the whole time it appeared that he just needed to give throwing a break for a while. I didn't write it because I was being superstitious and thought by putting it in the blog something bad would happen. Now I know that that superstition is just that, a superstition. But, guess what? I just found that Tyler Yates has to have Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament in his arm. Say goodbye to Mr. Yates. Of course he is optimistic he'll return by the beginning of the season next year, but anyone that follows baseball knows that it takes a year to get back to pitching and then that pitcher is not the same for quite a while after that if ever. Mr. Dumatrait is a good example. I had thought he would be back at the beginning of the season, but he probably won't be back til September if he's good enough to get back to the Pirates. You know the saying even a blind dog finds a bone. It is amazing the Pirates cannot stumble upon a great pitcher in 17 years. Why can't one guy come through and dominate?

I just stumbled upon Adam LaRoche's profile and found out that his name is actually David Adam LaRoche. I don't know how his father played early in the season but maybe he could start going by Dave and confuse himself into having a better first few months.

A break from the Pirates

Well, it's all-star time. The Pirates have 2 all stars for the first time since 2006. I can't believe it was that recently. Guess who they were: Freddy Sanchez and Jason Bay. Guess what Pirates are in the game tonight. Freddy Sanchez and Zach Duke. I'm glad Zach made it after a few years without success and expectations. Then when there were no expectations he came through with a good first half. It helped that his last game pitched before the break was an audition with the NL Manager. He got no support and lost but his outing was impressive enough probably to get him on the roster. I'm not a big stats fan, but I read in the Post-Gazette that in his 8 losses he has only had 5 runs in support and he's lost 2 complete games he's pitched. That would get most pitchers down. Anyway, I meant to talk about the Steelers since most of the Pirates are on break right now. But 1 more trivia question and another name to include in the former Pirates name list. When was the last time the Pirates had 3 all-stars?
1990 - Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla and Neal Heaton, I'm sure everyone knows Barry and Bobby Bo, but Neal Heaton had that one year where he had an incredible first half and that was pretty much his career highlight. Just thinking of other players Zane Smith comes to mind too. 1 word to sum up Zane. UGLY, I'm not the most handsome of guys, but Zane makes me look like Brad Pitt. The Steelers are my favorite Pittsburgh team, but I love the Pirates. Despite the bad ownership, I can't turn my back on them because they can't seem to find a way to win consistently.

Again, I actually hate for the season to start. Do you know why? I don't want the Steelers to lose again. They may win the Super Bowl again this year, but I doubt they'll finish undefeated. Only 2 other teams did it and the most recent won 16 and lost the Super Bowl. What a downer.
In Columbus Ohio the natives call Michigan the team up North, they don't even like to say the name because they despise their rivals. There are 2 teams Steelers fans love to hate, Baltimore and Cleveland, but the team I hate to see win the most right now is New England. I hated the fact that Vrabel didn't work out for the Steelers and he was a star for New England. I hated the fact that Randy Moss didn't implode and was successful, and most of all I hate that pretty boy QB that gets more attention in a season he didn't play than most other players. I can't stand New England. So for my inaugural Steeler note this year, here's hoping the Steeler have a Super Bowl season again and the Patriots show their age and lose 16.

The Steelers have signed all their draft picks except for Ziggy Hood. Expect them to sign him soon.

Anybody have any guesses as to who the most valuable rookie will be. I'm hoping one of the guys they drafted to return kicks/punts will work out and get them some consistently good field position. I also think Shipley will turn out to be a future starter. It's hard for a lineman to make an impact in his first year, but I think he'll be a starter. Look for Tony Hills to provide some depth this year too.

Catch you later.

Best Closer in Baseball - No!

Matt Capps, one of my favorite players left on the Pirates, gave up 5, yes 5 runs tonight in the 9th to blow the game. I am a big Pittsburgh Kool-Aid drinker and think that next winning season is this year, or next year. I always think the guys they have just need time to develop and they will at least be able to get to .500 no matter whether the guys are this year's the guys or next year's the guys that they got in trade for this years the guys (try to follow that logic). That's why I think Matt is one of the best closers in the National League. In reality, he is a better closer than most teams have, but I guess he's not really up there with Mariano Rivera or the other top closers. He's definitely better at his position than the Pirates have at most positions. Which brings me to my position analysis for the Pirates and what the Kool-Aid tells me for those positions.
1B - Adam LaRoche - If he could be consistent he would be one of the best 1B around, but he can't be consistent based on his years with the Pirates. He's gone anyway. FA after this year.
2B - Freddy Sanchez - Could start for any team, he's that good. Only problem is his injury proneness. Batting champ 2 years ago. Probably next trade to happen.
SS - Jack Wilson - Despite his speaking out against trades, a great all around team player. Could start for 75% of teams. Great Defense, Sufficient offense. One player they cannot do without. But along with Sanchez, one of the top 2 trades coming up. Hello, Mr. Bixler. Bad defense, worse bat. Nothing else in the minors to take over.
3B - Andy LaRoche - Serviceable 3B, thought he would provide 20 HRs, but he'll be lucky to get to 10. Decent defense after a shaky start.
Center Field - Andrew McCutcheon - No regrets now about losing McLouth. "Cutch" as Nyjer Morgan calls him is an all star that will happen sooner than later. I think he'll provide some power to go with his speed once he bulks up a bit. He has BB's rookie body. Without the steroids he should be able to put on some pounds and add some HR's.
Other Outfield - Brandon Moss - Don't like him, hasn't done anything
Garrett Jones - Has shown some HR power and hit for a good average in short stint. Hopefully they lucked out and found a HR hitter. Cross your fingers and hope.
Lastings Milledge - Has all the talent to be a star, but can he keep his head on straight. Another cross your fingers player.
Catcher - Ryan Doumit - Great player, not the best at catcher but he has potential if he can just get past his injuries.

So, I think we have 2 building blocks, Cutch and Doumit. That's not good. Garrett Jones is a possibility but a long shot, considering the Twins didn't give him a shot.

But another drink of the Kool-Aid tells me Neal Huntington's plan is in process and Jose Tabata and Gorky "Park" Hernandez and Lastings Milledge will be the players we've been waiting for that will turn this losing around.

BTW, I've heard nothing about Miguel Angel Sano. Hopefully, no news is good news, right?

I thought we were getting Roger Clemens

Well, took a couple days off for the holidays, but I'm back for all my faithful readers. Thanks Craig.

No, I didn't actually think we were going to get Roger Clemens but I was under the impression that Ross Ohlendorf was supposed to be a power pitcher that the Pirates haven't had for quite a while other than a few relievers here and there. When he was in New York he was hitting mid to upper 90s on the radar gun at times. From what I've heard he barely gets in the low 90's. You know what, this story sounds very familiar. Pirates trade for a hotshot pitching prospect that has a fast fast fastball. Funny thing on the way to Pittsburgh it became only a Fastball. Anyone else think of another pitcher with the same story. I think this sounds like a certain Mr. Perez, Oliver Perez, you know, 1 good year with the Pirates, lots of potential but it never come to fruition and eventually was traded to the Mets. Anyone remember who he was traded for? Xavier Nady. I think the Pirates came out on top with that one even though Ollie had a good year for the Mets too. This year he signed on with them and hasn't done a thing. Let's see, who did the Pirates get for Xavier Nady. Ross Ohlendorf and Jose Tabata and 2 others. We'll see how Tabata and Ohlendorf turn out. By the way Mr. Clemens is still available. I don't think anyone will pick him up this year though. It's a full circle.

The Great Pirate Hope

The only known picture of Miguel Sano, just kidding. But, this is the only picture that seems to pop up everywhere. Check out the field in the background. I hope that's not the Pirates new complex. It looks like the use it in off times for a cow pasture.

C'mon Paul, a Five Run Lead

A good start this afternoon and a good comeback, but not good enough. It's supposed to be the Mets that blow those leads. Paul Maholm had a five run cushion this afternoon after the first 3 innings, but the disappeared in the 4th and 5th. They traded blows in the next 3 innings and lost it in the 10th.

The good,
They managed to tie it in the ninth.
Garrett Jones a cast off from the Minnesota Twins shook off an 0 for day in his first start with the Pirates and had a 3 for 5 day with a home run. He hadn't played in the majors since 2007, an non roster invitee in spring training, but showed promise in Indianapolis for the Indians. He has the potential to provide power, much needed power for the Pirates. The question is can he translate success in AAA to success in the Majors. Please, we need a few more HRs.

The bad,
Losing a 5 run lead, A quality pitcher should close the door with a five run lead, especially a No. 1.

More news:
Supposedly the Pirates made a long awaited offer for Miguel Angel Sano. If you don't know who he is a 16 year old phenom from the Dominican Republic. Again, supposedly the Pirates have the inside track on signing him because of the relationship South American Scouting Director Rene Gayo has forged with him. Don't hold your breath for him to come to the Pirates just yet though. He is a hot prospect and even though the Pirates have a good shot at him, that thing that holds the Pirates back rears its ugly head again. You guessed it, money. It may take a record signing bonus of $4 million plus to get him into the Pirates system. Do you think with their track record the Pirates will break any records to give anyone money? Not me.
I have a feeling we'll be waiting a little longer for the next Roberto. But, the Pirates have built a new complex in the DR and that may help attract quality prospects.

Today's name from the Past:
Pirates: Bob Moose from late '60s and early '70s
Steelers: Lupe Sanchez mid to late '80s

Chat with you tomorrow.

Vote for Freddy and Jack

More later, but a reminder to vote for at least Freddy and Jack. I chose a few ex pirates on other teams since they were traded away. Jason Bay, Nyjer Morgan to name a few.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2009/ballot_reg.html