The Steelers Still have a chance this year. If they can get in you never know what could happen. Seems like I remember a Wild Card team from Pittsburgh doing pretty well a few years ago. But these 4 things need to happen or they'll be watching the playoffs from their couches. I will rank them from 1 to 4 in order of the chance that they will happen. 1 being most likely to occur, 4 least likely. Number 1(Rank - 1): They need to take care of the thing that they control and they need to beat the Browns at Hines Field in the last week of the season. They should not just be playing to get in the playoffs, but they should also be playing because this could be the last game some of the veterans with impressive resumes will be a part of as Steelers. Just like I couldn't imagine seeing James Harrison in another uniform other than the Steelers, or Hines Ward, I can't imagine seeing "The Bearded One" or Ryan Clark in any other uni. Ryan has had his hits this year, and I think he is still a very good safety, but understandably, not as good as a few years ago. Just like they parted ways with Harrison this year, The Steelers could very easily say goodbye to Ryan to gain more cap room. Unfortunately, that leaves a mostly untested Shamarko Thomas to take over his spot. Kiesel has been a very steady influence on defense this year, but he is getting older and as I said with Clark, understandably not as good as a few years ago. I don't even want to mention this, but there is another Saftey with the Steelers that is getting older too. Early in the season he wasn't making the "splash" plays that we have come to expect of him, but in the second half he may bel one of the biggest reasons for the Steelers righting the ship. He has caused turnovers and made big plays to keep them in the game. He has managed to stay healthy all season, which is a huge bonus and he has played all over the field. Uncharacteristically, he has been out of position on many plays, but you take the good with the bad. If he's out of position to make a play on a 10 yard run, but he strips the ball from the QB with a minute left to play to give his team another chance to win the game, I think that's a pretty good trade off. So, let's not even think about what will happen with him til that time comes around. Now, where was I.... Got off the subject there thinking about those guys. Along with the Steelers beating the Browns at home, these things must also happen in the last week of the regular season for them to make the playoffs. Number 2: (Rank - 2)The Ravens (8-7) must lose at the Bengals (10-5). I would hope that the BenGals would take this one seriously. They are already in the playoffs as the AFC north winner. But going into the playoff on a losing note doesn't help gather any momentum. They are playing at home too, which is a positive. The Ravens did have some mo before they lost on Sunday. Let's hope they don't have anything left in the tank in Cincy next week. Number 3: (Rank - 3)The Chargers (8-7) must lose at home to the Chiefs (11-4). The Chargers have been up and down this season and every season for the last decade for that matter. The Chiefs, after losing their undefeated status a few weeks ago have been beatable. Let's hope the Chargers play more up to their early season form than their recent season form. This one's in San Diego which is an advantage for them. But the Chiefs have the better record. Number 4: (Rank - 4) The Dolphins (8-7) must lose at home to the Jets (7-8) Not totally out of the question, but it all depends on which Jets team shows up. If the good Geno Smith shows up they have a chance. If the bad Geno shows up, not likely. Both teams are Jekyll and Hyde, so again a toss up and again the wrong team has the homefield advantage. So it's a wait and see thing. It's usually not a good thing when you have to count on 3 other teams to get in the playoffs, but on the other hand, it makes for an interesting final week. Go Steelers, BenGals, Chiefs, and Jets.

MVPCutchen

Andrew McCutchen's talent leads him to the MVP. It was a great season for Pirates fans and it was largely due to this man.

Cowboys Defense

Searching the internet for solutions to the Steelers defensive woes I found this old video of how the cowboys defensed Bo Jackson. The Steelers defense doesn't look too bad after watching this. :)

A Tribute to Jim Leyland (Rated R - Not for Kids)

Troy Being Troy

http://happygilmore.lockerdome.com/media/110016211

A little Pirates History - This is Great

If you've got an extra 2 hours, this is a video every Pirates fan should watch.

Hoist The Colors

Top of 9th

Top of 9th
Jason Grilli comes on.
Grilled Cheese to Bruce.  Strikeout on a pitch way up high.  Todd Frazier flys out, Zach Cozart grounds out and the Pirates move on to play St. Louis in next round of the playoffs.  Players of the game.  Francisco Liriano and Russell Martin.  Woohoo.

This one belongs to the Bucs.

7th and 8th

Bottom 8th
Next Victim: Sam LeCure.
LeCure throws a 50 mph pitch and Walker swings a minute early.
McCutchen waiting on deck wondering if this will be his HR at bat with his mother singing the National Anthem.
Votto makes a diving stop but can't hang onto the ball.  Walker gets to first.  

Stupid TBS shows the Sid Bream play.  You idiots.  

Double play ends the inning.

Top 8th
Tony Watson comes in for Liriano. Watson throws it so hard it cuts Mesoraco's bat like a buzzsaw. Mesoraco pops out to Walker.  Watson blows a heater by Choo Choo.  Choo Choo hits a home run to right.  
The guy in the right field stands confuses the umpire by reaching for the ball.  C'mon Watson, don't make this any more interesting than it needs to be.  Votto grounds out to first.  Phillips grounds out to first.  Bottom 7thRussell Martin hits a no doubter to left for his second homer of the night. 6-1 Pirates.Snider pinch hits for Liriano and goes down swinging. Marte flies out to right. 6-1 Pirates. Take care of it bullpen.

5th inning

Top 7th
Jay Bruce grounds out to first. Todd Frazier doubles to Center. Liriano blows some heat by Zach Cozart. Cozart grounds out to Barmes. Hanigan grounds out to Alvarez.

By the way, can Ryan Hanigan get a little bigger catcher's mask. His is huge. He must have some secret weapon in there or something.

Morneau singles to left. McCutchen to 2nd. Byrd flies out to Center. Alvarez strikes out swinging. On to the 7th.

Next victim:  Manny Parra

Walker at bat, Fettuccini Alfredo still pitching, Walker hits it a ton to right, but foul.  Walker pops out to short right center.  McCutchen up, his mother sang the National Anthem.  Andrew said he normally hits HRs when she sings the National Anthem.  This time he singles to left.  Here comes Dusty again.  Time for another Reds pitcher.

Bottom 6th

Liriano plays soft hit by Choo Choo.  1 out.  Ludwick doubles to Right Center, just out of the reach of McCutchen,  Liriano strikes out Votto, 2 out.  Phillips grounds softly to Walker.  Walker to first.  3 outs.

Top 6th

Fettuccini Alfredo Simon pitching
Martin flies out to Center, Barmes singles to left field, Liriano bunts Barmes to 2nd, Marte flies out to Center.

Bottom of 5th

Cozart Walks, Ryan Hanigan flies out to right. Inning ending double play, Alvarez to Walker to Morneau.

5th inning

Marlon Byrd grounds out to short. Pirates 5-1.

An easy routine grounder turns into a Phillips error and scores Neil Walker. McCutchen to 3rd. 

Morneau walks to load the bases and Dusty Baker comes out to make a change. A good time for a Grand Slam.

McCutchen is intentionally walked.

Walker rips a double off the wall in left center to score Marte. 4-1 Pirates.

Marte ropes a liner down the 3rd base line off the umpire for a double.
and that's the end of Cueto. Out in the fourth inning.

Liriano leads off with a liner to Votto.

Bottom 4

Frazier hits a long foul ball to left then strikes out and is thrown out at first after Martin drops the ball.

Bruce singles to left and drives in a run. 3-1.

Brandon Phillips pops up to Walker in short right.

Votto strikes out.

Liriano hits Choo choo and puts the leadoff man on, Ryan Ludwick singles to left and choo choo moves to 2nd.

Barmes hits one to 2nd base for the 3rd out.

Pedro hits a sacrifice fly to Choo Choo and McCutchen scores. 3-0

Cozart can't come up with a hot shot to Short and McCutchen ends up at 3rd, Marlon Byrd at first with 1 out and Pedro up to bat.

McCutchen beats the throw for an infield single.

3 up, 3 down for Liriano, Buccos up again.

Frazier goes down again, this time into the stands to catch a foul ball for the 3rd out, but not before the Pirates take a 2-0 lead.

Marte singles, Liriano to 2nd.

A base hit for Francisco. Up to Marte to drive him in now.

Let's see if Liriano can put one out.

Barmes looks a foot taller than normal, but still flies out to Choo Choo.

The crowd is taunting Johnny Cueto and Russell Martin puts one into the left center field seats. The crowd continues their CUETO taunting.

Marlon Byrd puts one in the left field Bleachers 1-0.

Down goes Frazier for the 3rd out.

Liriano strikes out Jay Bruce for out number 2.

Down goes Frazier for the 3rd out.

Morneau flies out to right on a well hit ball.

McCutchen gets on board with a walk. 2 outs.

Walker just misses getting all of one. Flies out to left.

Marte goes for a bunt single and barely misses a single.

Buccos up to bat.
Marte
Walker 
McCutchen
Morneau
Byrd
Alvarez
Martin
Barmes
Liriano

Liriano harnesses his adrenaline and starts the game off with a strikeout. Go Buccos. Then completes 2 and 3 of a 1-2-3 inning.

First the losing streak ends now.....

The Pirates qualify for the playoffs because they won this game against the Cubs.  What a way to make the last out of the game they needed to qualify for the playoffs.

Love Beating the Reds, Hoist The Colors!

Haley - Bad

A fight til the end for First

82

Gerrit Cole and the Pirates got win number 82 this season.  THE STREAK IS OVER!  Time to put a  long streak of  winning seasons on the board.  Go Buccos.  Next up: the fight for playoff position.

Wow! That Was a Short Season!

Wow that season ended quickly.  Seems like they only played one game.  Just kidding, but the loss of Pouncey hurts as much as his injury hurt him.  The weird thing is the Steelers signed 3 players to take the place on the roster of the 3 they put on IR.  One of them was Shayne Graham, a kicker.  Worse yet a kicker for Cleveland.  Did I miss something?  Did Suisham go down too? 
Oh yeah, um we were just kidding about releasing you J. Dwyer.  Come on back.  For the inconvenience we caused you, here's the starting tailback job.  By the way, while you were out in waiver land did you happen to see any good Centers?

Again, just trying to find some humor, any humor to a devastating day.  Too bad Larry Foote went down.  This is probably his last season with the Steelers unless they can't find someone that can replace him.  Sean, you about ready.  It's been a year and some.  Time to see if you can recover or not.  I think the Steelers need to find another good Center too.  Pouncey has not been able to stay healthy in his stay with the Steelers and it seems like, excluding this game, he gets  injured in or before big games.  He could have been valuable in that Super Bowl.  There's not many Centers around with his talent, but if they can find another Legursky  that can play decently  it would  be a nice insurance plan.  Anyway just a few notes about this day in Steeler history.  Maybe the Bucs can win a game and cheer everyone up a  little.  You know that number 82 that has evaded the Pirates for about 20 years.  Oh, Mr. Lebeau, meet Mr. Haley. Mr. Haley see the door, don't let it hit you in the butt.  Do you think Dick Lebeau could be the dual Offensive and Defensive coordinator?  He has got to have a better plan than  Haley. 

Countdown to the end of the streak

The countdown to the end of futility for the Pirates is nearing and end.  The Pirates are guaranteed at least a .500 season with their win last night.  Next up is a winning season and then the fight for the playoffs.

Snider Hits Winning Pinch Hit Home Run

Busy day in the Burgh

While the Steelers were busy cutting their player staff down to size the Pirates were busy adding to theirs.  Justin Morneau, formerly of the Minnesota Twins has swapped places with Alex Presley and is the newest rent a gun for the Pirates.  The Pirates need an offensive weapon at first base.  They have one of the best options available.  It seems like other than that guy named Byrd, who made a grand entrance at PNC park new players arrive cold and it takes em a while to warm up.  Possibly, Morneau will be different though.  He recently clobbered a few home runs with the Twins.  Maybe he can continue the hot streak.  The pessimist in me just has to point out though that he is coming from a long time in the AL.  He'll have to get used to the NL pitchers.  Hopefully a hitter will have no problem continuing to hit.  Sorry to see AP go, but the Pirates are long in the supply of outfielders that don't hit for power.  A change of scenery may be good for his career.  Good luck Mr. Presley.

Dwyer Gone!

I can be fairly confident that there was always a difference of opinions between Jonathan Dwyer and Mike Tomlin.  That or the confidence in the rest of the running back depth including recent pickup Felix Jones and a former Pitt/Cardinal running back and a recent high draft pick that has yet to play a regular season game and barely paid any preseason.  Does not instill confidence in me.

Francisco Dominant Again

Liriano for Cy Young

6, 6 Wins to Go

Morton was Magnificent

9, 9 wins to go

You Don't See This Too Often in MLB

Something you don't see too often, unless you attend a lot of little league games, a single that turns into a 4 baser courtesy of the Pads Right Fielder.

End of The Streak Countdown

Cole Shuts down the Dbacks

Good bye and good riddance

It  was not a pretty road trip to Colorado and St. Loo, but I'm happy that the Pirates are headed for some home cookin' with a 2 game lead still and the Cards and suddenly the  Reds bearing down.  The other person that reads my blog told me to stop counting down to the end of the streak.  I won't  talk about that, but unofficially, so as not to jinx the team any more than I already have, I  think there's nothing  to worry about.  I'll reserve the right to talk about the playoffs until the season has aged a little more.  After a couple hitless games, the  savior  Andrew  Lambo, came through with a double.  Don't worry,  he's just  heatin  up.  The 3 home run games are close.  I almost wrote Three Rivers. Victory Field is not PNC, but I hope Lambo can provide some power  in the Majors too.

When was the last time a player was hyped so much in Pittsburgh before even playing a preseason game.  Le'Veon Bell must be one heckuva practice player.  He has somehow managed to climb his way to the top of the  depth chart, sharing the number one spot with Isaac Redman.  Is this some kind of Mike Tomlin motivational tactic.  Jonathan Dwyer, had he not been injured last year, could have rolled up several more 100 yard games.  This year he shows up to practice in shape and gunning for the number one spot and Rook comes out of nowhere in the draft, puts some good practices together and is anointed the chosen one.  The Steelers are all world in drafting players,  but the last number one RB they picked is no longer with the team.  Remember that can't miss guy.  He was better at shooting his mouth off than finding a hole in the line.  This isn't to say I  wouldn't like to see Bell dominate.  I'd love to see the Steelers find another running back.  They've been lacking one the could dominate a game since Fast Willie.

Jarvis Jones looks like a  playmaker.  He was around the action in the game Saturday and came up with the fummmmbbbble  in the end zone. 

I  am not liking the new Special Teams coach.  Why can't the Steelers find a ST coach that is good?   Their special teams is always a problem.  I think the only time they had  good special teams was the year they won the  Super  Bowl in  Detroit. 

I wish the linebackers that were playing for a roster spot Saturday would  play that good in real games.  It seemed like every play a new linebacker would come in and make a play.

The Lambo's are coming, The Lambo's are coming

Well, just one Lambo really.  By popular demand the number 1 slugger in the minor leagues as far as home runs go is soon to make his appearance in Pittsburgh as Right Fielder/First Baseman.  Most likely he will make the majority of his appearances in right field.

Andrew has played 58 games for Altoona and 59 games for Indy in 2013.  In his time in double and triple A this year he had 97 RBIs and a .284 average in addition to the 31 homers in 117 games.

The Pirates, despite a need for some productivity from the right field position, and first base, for that matter have been hesitant to call Lambo up despite his power numbers.  The fans have been calling for his promotion, which usually doesn't mean a thing, and probably didn't in this case either.  But, you can't overlook those home runs and for whatever reason the Pirates have decided to bring him up.  Kind of a funny bit of information about Lambo and his outstanding numbers this year is that he is not among the Pirates top 20 prospects.  

We will see what comes of his promotion.  I'm hoping he gets a chance to play and comes through.  It sure would be nice to add some Home Runs to the lineup.  I just hope he's half as good as the Andrew in Center Field.

One Down 12 to Go

Pirates Pull Out Brooms for Afternoon Sweep

The Solution?

What is the Pirates weak link this year.  Well, offense apparently.  But, what positions are they struggling at. Here's my power ranking of the Pirates positions and where they rank, with 10 being the weakest position and 1 being the strongest.

9. Right Field
Garrett Jones has been an average producer in right field.  Jose Tabata has had some good games, the near cycle the other night, and at one point he had his average up near .300, but that has come back down and he just hasn't paid off of the investment the Pirates made in him before last season.  If they could get anything in a trade for him he'd probably be gone by now.  I've always been an Alex Presley fan, but the Pirates don't seem to be much.  He comes up when they have an opening, plays a little, then back to Triple A.  He doesn't have much power and his baserunning skills for the speed he has are average.  If he ever got the chance to be a regular outfielder I think he'd hit for average.  It looks like he might have to find another team to do that though.

8.  First Base
Again, Garrett Jones has been just ok at first base.  Right Field and First Base would be a toss up as far as strength if not for Jones regular position.  You never know when he will break out though.  He had a very good year last year, but that was last year.  The Pirates traded with the Marlins last year to get Gabby Sanchez in hopes that he would revert to his rookie form and power numbers.  They lost on that one.  He has been adequate, but not someone you would want to run out there daily.  Both players have played well defensively, but offensively they are lacking.

7.  Shortstop
Jordy Mercer's timely hitting helped to improve this position after Clint Barmes couldn't provide enough offense to drive anyone in.  Barmes is a Hurdle favorite and has regained some playing time with improved production recently, but Barmes has never been a great hitter and I expect his production to decrease again. Barmes is the better defensive solution, but Mercer should play based on offensive production and adequate defense.

6.  Second Base
Neil Walker has 2nd locked down, but he has a recent history of injuries.  He's a streaky hitter, but he's better than anyone else in the system.  Plus, he's the favorite son of the City.

5. Third Base
Pedro Alvarez started slow again this year, but currently leads the league in Home Runs and raised his average around .240.  He might have more than the desired amount of errors, but he has made some outstanding plays at third.  Check out the diving stop of a liner down the 3rd base line against the Marlins in the series finale.

4.  Left Field
Starling Marte has been most of what was promised during his minor league stint.  His power numbers have not been as high as expected, but his speed and aggressiveness have bought many runs and he gives the team an advantage in left field over a majority of other teams.

3.  Center Field
Positions 1-3 can be highly debated.  All 3 positions have what I consider the most important members of the team.  Andrew McCutchen is the best athlete on this team, at this point the best outfielder on the team and possibly the league.  In short the Pirates would probably not be where they are without him.

2.  Catcher
Finally the Pirates plugged a nagging hole at catcher.  Russell Martin has stopped the running at will that has happened the last few years.  In addition he has been a consistent offensive presence and also provided a steadying influence on the pitching staff that certainly has led to the status of one of the best in the league.

1.  Pitcher
The pitching staff is one of the best in the league night in and night out.  The team is hardly an offensive juggernaut.  In order to succeed with a lack of offense you need a great defense and great pitching staff.  All phases of the pitching staff have been superb.  Starters, relievers and closers.  Without the pitching staff and depth the front office has assembled the second half this year could have easily followed that of the last 2 years.

So, what do the Pirates need to do to fix number 8 and 9.  The first trading deadline passed without anything happening.  Now, the player has to pass through waivers for the trade to go through. Not to mention Mr. Huntington probably doesn't want to mortgage the teams future by trading the stars of the future.  I'd say unless he gets an offer for a player that will be under the team's control for a few years without trading a high prospect there probably won't be a trade that will make a difference.  So, any improvement will need to come within.  It turns out I have a few suggestions.  I think one will be somewhat of a surprise and the other is one that has been called for by many fans and supposedly discussed within the management team.

In order to fix number 9, the Pirates need a productive hitter in the position.  Namely one that can do things like hit walk off Home Runs.  Defensively that player doesn't need to be outstanding because of the field covered by McCutchen.  Let's see, I wish I could think of someone in the system that could fill that hole.  Of course, like I said, I already had someone in mind.  Jay Hey, Josh Harrison.  He has been lauded recently for having a better command of the strike zone and yeah he had that walk off the other night.  He's one of my favorites.  He seems like he comes through frequently, but he's not really star type material as a player.  It would be great if the Pirates had another Starling Marte in the wings, and really they do have a couple very promising players, one in Triple A.  But Harrison has been around and has big league experience.  He reminds me of a scrappy player a while back that ended up in the manager's seat, Lloyd Mclendon.  Couldn't hurt to give him some time in right field.  He might provide a few more of those walk offs.



The other option I'm thinking of and many fans have been calling for is Andrew Lambo.  Lambo came over in a trade with the Dodgers and has had his good and bad times in his minor league career.  This year he started in Double A and after tearing it up was promoted to Triple A and proceeded to continue his tear including 17 home runs.  Add 14 home runs in AAA and Pirates fans are salivating to add those round trippers to the Pirates roster.  Unfortunately, possibly due to his spotty past the team is hesitant to promote him.  If he continues to provide the power at AAA, how can they not give him a shot.  My plan is not flawless though.  They have played Lambo mostly in right field in Indy.  Josh, maybe you better work on your first base defense.  I would expect at the very least Lambo would be called up when rosters are expanded.  Whether they give him a chance is another question.  But, like I said, with the numbers that he has put up this year how can they resist and for that matter, what are they waiting for.

Another Win and The Countdown Continues

Countdown to the End of the Streak

A.J. Stuffs the Rocks

Liriano and Tabata

15,000

I started the Pittsburgh Sports Buzz in 2007 and 400 posts later it has reached 15,000 pageviews. Thank you so much for reading the Pittsburgh Sports Buzz.  It is one of my favorite things to spend time on.  Keep reading and I'll keep trying to entertain.  It won't be hard if the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins continue to entertain like they have recently.

One Week

A Rocky Game, Pirates Maintain Half Game Lead

First Half Recap

First Place

Buccos Extend Lead

GJ and Neil Thinking Alike

Pirates Take Over First

Keisel's Entrance

This is funny!

The Diesel's arrival

BLACK AND GOLD

The Franky and Pedro Show Thrills Pirates Fans in DC

Just Another Catch, Yeah Right!

Forgot to give Starling Marte credit in my hero section for this catch.  Nice to have Cutch and Marte out there on defense.

Buc Yea!

This is a great t-shirt.  I had to take some liberties with the guy's hat though.  For some reason he was wearing a Saints hat.

Gerrit Cole, the dual threat

Dejected Nationals Fan

All McCutchen All The Time

When?

When was the last time training camp opened and the Pirates were still in it to win it?

I think it was when Double B's head was still small.

Training Camp Starts This Week

Locke Starts the 2nd Half Winning

Morton Gives 7 Strong

Save Sto-Rox Sports

Check out this link to help out a school district keep its sports programs.

http://www.gofundme.com/3kaot4

Looking for A Collapse

If you are looking for the Pirates to collapse then you are not looking at the 2013 team.
Hoist the Colors.

Wednesday Standings

Pedro Alvarez Carushes One Off The Green Monster

Apparently the batter's eye in center field has been renamed.  Seems like I've heard the name before, but can't place it.  I don't really care where I've heard it though because the only thing I'm really thinking about this hit is that it is a monster of a home run.

2013 All Stars

The All-Star game might be a joke to alot of people but when you have four players on your team that made the All-Star team it ceases to be a joke and becomes a source of pride.  Jeff Locke, Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez, and Jason Grilli were named to the NL All-Star team.  It is the first time since '81 since the Buccos had four players on the roster.  Hoist the Colors.

Liriano Dominates Cubs

Why Won’t the Pirates Collapse in 2013

Mr. Negative and Mr. Positive were at a Pirates game a few weeks ago.  Mr. Negative was sitting on field level on the third base line watching the game.  He was complaining about the Pirates 2 decades of losing, complaining that the Pirates should have kept Sid Bream even though he couldn’t run faster than a Turtle, complaining they should have brought in Jimmy Leyland for a second tour of duty when they had the chance.  He was just overall complaining about any and every move the Pirates have made since that last winning season.  Oh yeah, he complained that the price of the Pirates gear was too high and refused to buy anymore until they ended the streak.  Despite being where there could be a play he did not have his glove and wasn’t watching because he didn’t expect much excitement to happen.  He’d been given  a ticket by his friend and had nothing better to do so he decided to go to the game.  Don’t get me wrong, you could probably talk a looonnnggg time if you were interested in bemoaning those miserable 2 decades, but I got tired of hearing the guy. 

So, after grabbing a hot dog I decided to sneak over to the other side of the field and try to elude the ushers watching for those trying to improve their seats.  Not wanting to sit next to another Mr. Negative I scoped out the seats.  As luck would have it, a buddy of mine just happened to be walking by.  After talking a few minutes and talking about Mr. Negative, he said he had to go.  He was only able to catch a few innings, but went to every game he could no matter how much of the game he could catch.  He also just happened to have great seats and offered his ticket to me.  Perfect.  I walked down to the seat with only a glance from the usher as I had put the ticket in my front pocket proudly displaying my catch.  When I got there, next to my buddy’s seat was sitting Mr. Postive.  Mr. Positive was obviously the exact opposite of Mr. Negative.  Mr. Positive actually was wearing a game worn uniform from Neil Walker, Mr. Pittsburgh.  He had paid 10 times what the uniform was worth in an auction just so he could own it.  He was wearing a beehive hat which once belonged to Kent Tekulve with stars all over it.  He had his oversized outfield glove on one hand and a foam black and gold number one finger on the other. 

I found my seat and before I was there for a minute Mr. Positive decided that I looked like a prime candidate for a conversation about the Buccos.  He started off the conversation by saying, “got yours?”  I thought for a moment, looking around to see if there was some message on the scoreboard that could explain his question.  Then, realizing I had not eaten my hot dog and was walking around with it in my hand, I said, “Yeah!  I can’t go to a game without getting a dog.”  Mr. P looked a little frustrated and after pumping his number 1 at the sight of an A.J. Burnett strikeout returned to the conversation.  No, man, I’m talking about playoff tickets.  Do you have your playoff tickets yet?  What?, I thought to myself.  I didn’t even know it was possible to get playoff tickets this early.   He said, “I’ve got a source at the MLB office that got em for me.  Since I don’t have a source in MLB I told him no, I don’t have mine yet.  Another A.J. strikeout and he returned his attention to the conversation.  He continued.  Oh, the Pirates are definitely going this year.  There is no doubt about it, as LannyFrattare would say.  I was not about to ruin the guy’s optimism by reminding him of the last 20 years.  I was curious about why he was so sure.  I mean I gotta admit, I think this team is good, but they have had their issues in the second half.

So, Mr. P proceeded to break down every facet of the Pirates.  Here’s what he said:

What is one thing every quality team has?  What is the common component on championship teams?  What is necessary to stop or slow down a great offensive team most of the time?  An ace pitcher is a necessary on a great team.  But, even better than an ace pitcher is a great pitching staff.  As a fan of the Pirates, I’ve looked at the Giants, Cardinals and Tigers and thought, why can’t the Pirates get lucky with just one pitcher and find an above average talent or one that develops into an above average talent.  Why can’t they just happen upon a Justin Verlander one time?  They’ve missed on so many pitchers in the last 20 years it’s mind boggling.  Do you remember can’t miss Kris Benson.  They could not pick a winner if they drafted players from other teams.  Meanwhile the Cards are growing them on trees in the back yard. 

Just then Pedro deposits a ball into the Allegheny and Mr. P goes berserk.  After he calms down a bit, he turns to me and practically shouts out, “Burnett.”  Again, not quite sure how to react to his exclamation, I just repeated Burnett figuring he’d expound upon his exclamation.  He started up again.  A.J. Burnett.  He is the ace the Pirates had been missing.  His record this year does not reflect his aceship, but he is the no doubt leader of the staff.  Since the Yankees discarded him he has consistently kept the Pirates in games that he has pitched.  Unfortunately, he can’t buy runs for his team in the games that he pitches.  But, he sets the tone for the staff.  He shows them the type of outing that he expects when he takes the mound.  Last year he practically caused an underachieving James McDonald to turn into a Cy Young pitcher through his mentoring.  Unfortunately, you can’t get blood from a turnip or however that saying goes and McDonald returned to previous form.  Needless to say, the Pirates have their ace.   Not to be selfish, but when I was hoping the Pirates would luck upon a dominant starter I was thinking more of developing one.  I wasn’t thinking of another team handing one to the Pirates.  But, hey, I’m not complaining.  Burnett is exactly what the Pirates have needed and he was pretty much handed to them on a silver platter.

I said I was really hoping the Pirates would be able to develop their own staff ace.  There just happens to be 2 pitchers currently in the rotation that just might fit into that category and down the road a year from now there just may be another.  But, that down the road thing has been a dream in the past 2 decades when it come to the Pirates.  So, Mr. P focused on talking about the 2 guys currently in the rotation that are the great hopes for Pirates fans, and so far they haven’t disappointed.  The first to arrive this year to the Pirates was Jeff Locke.  I think his nerves got the best of him his first start.  Not to say he didn’t pitch well, but he was probably just a little jittery in his first start of the year.  He started some games last year, but the reality was that if he pitched well this year he was the man for a spot in the rotation.  Pitch well, he has.  In fact, he has gone from number 4 or number 5 in the rotation to arguably 1 or 2.  After his last start he was number 4 in the NL in ERA at 2.06.  He hits his spots and eats up innings.  He has made an argument to appear in the All-Star game for the Pirates.

I was just hoping for the Pirates to come across one of those ace quality pitchers.  But, the Pirates have all of a sudden found 2.  I’m sure you’ll find “experts” that would say to you they knew Jeff Locke would be a star and there was no question he would one day provide the Pirates with quality start after quality start.  To the everyday fan though, he is just another minor leaguer that Pirates Nation hoped would be the next Doug Drabek or John Smiley and not the next Tom Gorzelanny, Kip Wells and Ian Snell.  Let me also qualify the term found by saying the Pirates did not find that second pitcher, which most of you loyal Pirates fans, have guessed by now is Gerrit Cole.  The Pirates did not just find Gerrit Cole.  They suffered through a hideously bad season in order to finish with the worst record in the league and qualify for the right to pick Gerrit Cole.  They did choose to make the right choice, it looks like, to pick Cole which is a victory in itself for the previously draft challenged Pirates.  Cole has not disappointed in his small sample size of chances in the rotation.  He is one of those players that fans will buy tickets in advance to see.  He has triple digit heat and in his first few appearances did not even throw his best pitch, slider and managed to win his first several starts.  You can’t teach a 100 m.p.h. fastball.  Props to the Pirates also for being able to sign him, which is not always easy.  Look at who the Pirates took a chance on last year and who was the number 1 pick this year.   Sometimes you just can’t sign the players you draft. 

So, the Pirates have that veteran ace, they have 2 young guys that are looking like future stars, they have another guy in Wandy Rodriguez that can compete and provide quality starts if he can stay healthy and they have another guy in Charlie Morton that is coming off a year off rehabilitating from reconstructive surgery, but has pitched effectively previously.  Then you have another guy, Jeanmar Gomez, that came out of the bullpen and again surprised everyone and shut down  opponents  in the starts he was given.  Not to mention, James McDonald, and Jeff Karstens who are currently trying to work through injury issues.  If those guys come back the Pirates have some serious starting pitching depth or trade bait if the Pirates decide to go that way.  Oh yeah, there’s this other guy named Francisco Liriano who the Pirates signed to take one of the spots in the rotation that has pitched way above expectations.  That’s up to 9 options.  Wait! Geez, there’s this other guy in AAA that has been called upon a few times and pitched well.   Let’s see 5 rotation spots, 10 possibilities.  Sounds like a good situation to be in.  I remember a few times in the last 20 years where the Pirates had to reach down to AA for a spot starter because the cupboard was bare in AAA. 

Mr. P was putting together a good case just talking about starting pitchers for me to start researching my relatives to see if, in fact, I might have some connection to the MLB office.  But, he had much more to say.   Although he hated to take his eyes off the field for one minute of the game, he did take an opportunity between innings to take a break and grab a dog himself.  Even though he was frustrated with my confusion earlier concerning playoff tickets and hot dogs, he agreed that you cannot go to the park without getting a hot dog. 

He returned just in time for an Andrew McCutchen at bat.  But he hadn’t finished talking about the pitching staff.  He blurted out something about Rolaids.  He was busy eating his dog so I figured even though he couldn’t go without them he was in need of some stomach relief.  I happened to be carrying some with me and offered him one.  He again looked back at me with an “are you kidding me” look.  I again looked at him with an “I’m clueless” look.  He said relief man of the year.  I’m sure he wanted to add stupid to that, but he refrained.  He said, Grilli, he’s got to be the favorite at this point.  He, of course, was talking about Jason Grilli and his phenomenal first half.   The Pirates, chose to trade Joel Hanrahan in the offseason, with the idea that Grilli had what it took to close games.  Uh, Yeah that one come to fruition.  He practically converted all his opportunities the first half.  Just recently blew his first save.  But, he still leads the league in saves.  Oh, by the way the Pirates got this set up man from Boston, that pretty much makes any game a 7 inning event, because he and Grilli shut the door in the 8^th and 9^th.  I glanced over to the third base side and Mr. Negative had found a sucker to listen to his rant.  The guy was frantically trying to get the beer vendor’s attention, no doubt to drown Mr. Negative out.  Mr. negative would have said why trade away a proven closer.  Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli are the answer to that question.  Apparently Mr. Huntington knew what he was doing there.    But, it’s not just those two in the bullpen.  All cylinders have been humming all season.  Justin Wilson, Tony Watson, VinMazzaro.  They are on top in most categories for bullpen staffs. 

Aha!, Uncle George, my dad’s third cousin once removed is a dentist in Milwaukee and always brags about how he once gave Bud Selig a checkup back when Bud was with the Brewers.  I gotta text Aunt Mary to see if I can get him to give Bud a call about those tickets. 

Just then Andrew McCutchen rips one over the Clemente wall and the fireworks go off.  Last July, Mr. Positive said.  I’m thinking about the fireworks after McCutchen’s home run and I agreed with him that fourth of July fireworks are awesome.  I  added to the conversation that I like how they are able to make them look like certain things like the flag.  But, I really like the loud ones.  He stared at me for a moment in amazement, then said he was talking about Andrew McCutchen’s July last year, when he went on an absolute tear, ripping the cover off the ball.  He was a lock to win the MVP if he continued.  It was a sight to watch him on that roll.  Frankly, it would be too much to expect anyone to keep up the pace he was on.  At the same time I don’t think it is beyond possible that he could do it and I think A.M. expects nothing less than to perform at that level.  Mr. Positive could not smiling  while he was talking about McCutchen.   I would have thought he was the proud father talking about his son.

Darn phone, why isn’t Aunt Mary answering my text.  That first series has to be almost sold out. 

Just then Neil Walker loses the grip on his bat and it flies into the stands behind first base.  Looks like someone got conked on the noggin with it.  Mr. Positive said, “left field.”  I said yeah, that guy probably didn’t expect that to happen.  It came right out of left field.  By this time Mr. Positive realized we weren’t on the same wavelength and said Starling Marte plays left field like a man possessed.  He can track down most balls that come anywhere near him and when he can’t get to one Andrew McCutchen will.  I know I had been following his minor league journey and heard stories about how good he was.  Then, he adds to his legend by hitting a home run on his first at bat in the Majors.  He can be a little reckless on the basepaths, but I prefer to call it aggressive.  I think Clint Hurdle sees it my way too most of the time.  Marte is talented and is a dual threat in the field and on the basepaths.  Until he arrived the hope was that Jose Tabata would fulfill the expectations that surrounded him.  Marte quickly claimed left field and has not looked back. 

I knew I should have got that new Iphone.  Do I have to drive to Milwaukee to get an answer from Aunt Mary.  Why did I wait so long to try to get these tickets?

Pedro Alvarez hits a screamer to Center field, but it’s caught.  Bull, Mr. P says.  I said no I saw it pretty clearly and he did catch it.  The big bull, El Toro, Pedro Alvarez.  He’s hitting now, has his average up in the 240s and is knocking them into the Allegheny,  and everywhere else around PNC park.  He’s the guy the Pirates took as a can’t miss first rounder.  I have to admit, I’ve not always had faith that he was going to become the power hitter that the Pirates projected him to be.  Earlier this season he looked like he was lost at the plates many times.  There were a few occasions he struck out with men on base and if the fans were in charge they would have driven him to Indy.  But, Neil and Clint had faith that he would come around and he did.  I’m not sure if he’ll ever hit for average, but if he can put 40 in the stands every year most will be satisfied with that. 

During the 7^th inning stretch Mr. Positive started to talk about Clint Barmes and how his signing was a poor decision.  I couldn’t believe my ears.  He actually had something bad to say about the Pirates, but then I realized what was coming.  He started to talk about Jordy Mercer and how if Barmes hadn’t played so bad Mercer would have been stuck in AAA.  The Pirates have tried to find a shortstop for years and whoever they brought in either couldn’t hit or played horrible defense or both, the list is long.  Yes, Cesar Izturis, has a great name, but he could not play shortstop worth a darn.  Right now, at least, Mercer is giving us hope that there is light at the end of the shortstop tunnel. 

Melancon comes in and proceeds to strike out the side.  Pirates take advantage of the other bullpen and score 3 runs to pull ahead by 2 and Grill shuts the door in the 9^th.  Game over.  Mr. Positive is ecstatic. 

As I’m leaving PNC with a big smile considering the prospects for the rest of the season, I ran into Mr. Negative.  He’s walking toward me with a bat in his hand and a big bandage wrapped around his forehead.  I asked him what happened?  Darn Neil Walker wears the wrong kind of batting glove and his bat flew out of his hands and hit my head.  I told him the problem with you is that you can’t see the positives because you’re too busy thinking about the negative things that have happened to the Pirates.  Enjoy the ride with this team.  They have a lot of talent, and the upside is tremendous.  If nothing else it looks like you got a free bat out of the deal.

Finally, Aunt Mary returned my text.  She talked to Uncle George and he said that he doesn’t remember working on Bud Selig, but he gave Roger Goodell a root canal, and he could probably get some Pro Bowl tickets.  Thanks, but no thanks.  I heard they’re paying people to go to that game.   Back to square one.

Go Buccos.

Cole vs. Cole

No, it's not the Coal Bowl being played out of season. Future Pirates Ace, Gerrit Cole is going up against past Phillies ace Cole Hamels. Hamels at one time during the Phillies WS runs was one of the best in the league. See 2008 World Series MVP, but he's probably seen his better days, especially considering his 2-11 record. Don't look past him though. He put together some good seasons, most notably last season when he went 17-6. I don't think the Pirates are looking past anyone, but if they are, Hamels could surprise.  My money's on Gerrit Cole, the Pirates flamethrower.

                                                            VS.