The big three continued

Maybe the Pirates aren't the team with the worst luck. Let's go back to last year's draft. Washington had the number 1 pick and the Pirates had number 2. There was this pitcher named Strasburg. He was unanimously the best player available in the draft. The guy was a phenom. He had all the pitches and could hit the 100 mph mark. The unlucky Pirates couldn't even lose enough games to be able to draft this guy. That indistinction fell to the Washington Nationals, one of the few teams worse than the Pirates. The Nationals went on to draft and sign the phenom, and we all know what he did to the Buccos in his major league debut. There was talk of adding him to the All Star roster with only a handful of starts in his career. Fast Forward to a few weeks ago. The Nationals did everything they could to insure that this future of their team would stay healthy. Limited activity at every stop, constant monitoring, pitch counts. Well, that was all for naught. The number 1 pick last year injured his arm, and will probably need Tommy John surgery and months of rehabilitation. It will be a year to 18 months before we see him again. Hopefully he'll recover and continue his promising career. But, back to the luck thing. The Pirates could have picked number 1, invested all that money on him, and been the one to lose him for the year. Maybe I'm reaching for straws, but it's something, right?

Claim to Fame

I can't say I have done the greatest job of providing continuous posts to this blog over the year plus that it has been in effect, but I am somewhat proud that the post-gazette does list my blog on their website. Now, I just need to do a better job of posting articles so they don't take me off. Click Here for proof.

The Big Three

Hard to believe the Pirates have had 18 straight losing seasons. It really takes some effort to reach that milestone, definitely can't call it a goal. I don't think the Pirate Management decided after that series against the Braves that they wanted to go for a record for losing seasons. No, it has been a combination of bad decisions and I'm going to say bad luck. If you listen to Colin Cowherd, don't know if that's how you spell his name and don't care, he'll tell you people get into bad situations because of bad decisions. I, on the other hand, think that there is some bad luck that comes into some situations. You would think just once the Pirates would have lucked into picking a decent pitcher in the draft or one of the many, many trades for prospects would have resulted in one of those guys turning out to be a stud. They lucked out with Zane Smith and Neal Heaton and Tim Wakefield was unbelievable for one year. These were short term guys. Frankly, I'd like to just have one guy win 15-18 games one year. They can't even luck out with something like that.
To the point of the post. The Pirates have had 3 solid drafts in a row. The latest they have signed 2 number 1 starters with unlimited upside. Then they signed one of if not the best South American arm available this year. He is a 16 year old, but again a very high upside. Maybe their luck has turned around, or maybe they're starting to make good decisions. There's always hope. There's always next year. I actually think Bob Nutting is embarrassed at this season. Another good sign. The owner may actually care. We will see, unfortunately it will probably be a few years before we do.

Young Guns and Steeler Signees

The Steelers were busy last week signing all their draft picks but two, the only unsigned picks are their top two.

The Pirates, while breaking a long losing streak recently, now have the future in their lineup on a day to day basis. Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and Jose Tabata have all been called up along with their best pitching prospect, Brad Lincoln.

Look for a couple articles on these subjects in the next few days.

Jameson Taillon

Hey Pirates Fans,

In case you didn't realize it the Pirates took another step back toward respectability when they took Jameson Taillon at #2 in this year's major league draft. Taillon, a Texas High Schooler is regarded as the best arm in this year's draft and the High Schooler closest to major league ready. That does not mean he'll be there anytime soon. It just means in a few years start looking for him. In the meantime watch him rise through the Pirates system.

The Pirates passed up a Florida high school shortstop who has been compared to ARod in order to take this prospect, so time will tell whether they made the right move. I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch. Go Bucs.

Opening Day

Man, I don't believe it. This year's version of the Pirates actually looks like a contender. With one game down and 161 to go it looks like they have a team that will contend for the Division crown. Ok, just kidding. I know there's 161 games to go. It is always awesome to win that first game though and to do it in the fashion they did against the Dodgers was great. 11-5, good start. Just gotta keep it going.

The Sequel
The story of the Legend continues. Garrett Jones not only smacks two homers his first game of the season he bounces the first one into the Allegheny. Think the Twins would like another shot at him now. Tough luck twinkies, you can't have him back. Let's see what you can do over a full season Mr. Jones.

The Leader
Seems that Ryan Church might be the team leader type this year. He was apparently one of the organizers of the team meeting to discuss the change of losing attitude in the Pirates clubhouse. Let's hope it works.

Go Buccos, We want 82!

Pessimism

Halfway through the time alloted for the latest poll and there are already 3 votes for last place. Those 3 aren't the only ones that are little pessimistic about the Pirates chances this year. Check out Ron Cook's article in the Post - Gazette today. I'm a little more optimistic. I can't figure how the Astros manage to stay out of the cellar. I know, because the Pirates are in the same division. We'll see how this new group of young Buccos fares this year in the coming months. My position by position analysis will be coming soon.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10093/1047635-87.stm