Pirates vs. Cardinals, 4-8-09: LaRoche out of lineup; Ford to miss Indy opener

Come on Zack, we need you to get off to a good start, and carry the game into the 7th inning.

JJ

Will Duke have his juke?

Surprising haircut--i missed that one

And we need McLouth and Doumit to snap out of their funk too.

Let's go BUCS!

If this haircut works for Zach I will selflessly volunteer to give every pitcher the same haircut, for free.

Big Zack Attack! Duke of Hurl!

OK, given all the discussion today about Pujols - and justified praise. Was just wondering (I do that in the shower instead of sing): Is there anybody in the bigs who just has his number ... somebody who blows smoke? Or might it be someone who just keeps him off balance 'cause he'll catch up to anyone's smoke?

JAL, on a local level, what are Capps' numbers against him ... should be a classic case of "Here it is - fastball over the heart of the plate, in your wheelhouse, let's see what you can do with it."

I mean, he's still a man. I would think there's SOMEBODY out there who has beaten him a few times. Anybody?

Wellemeyer batting 8th, and Ludwick now in the 4 hole. LaRussa going for 162 different lineups this year. This is the year, I just KNOW he can do it!  

Not a lot of surprise from JR. We need to get some hits for Zach Duke.  He's not getting through that lineup unscathed three times.  I like him for 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 102 pitches.  I'd like to say "and the win" but that depends on the production out of the lineup.  I want DOUBLE DIGIT hits today! Let's go!

(also, I'm ready for the game to start)

Baywatch.  I was thinking of the same thing--this was recent about how to do it, how patient he is, wont chase bad balls

www.hardballtimes.com/.../anatomy-of-a-player-albert-pujols

Vazquez starting at 3rd today instead of Andy is probably the right thing to do. He needs to relax a little. Maybe he can come up with a big pinch hit latter in the game and get some good juju going.

Tonight's plot is slowly unfolding, thicker than molasses. Obviously, Duke has taken some sort of religious vow ... I like it! And, Zack, once you've sewn it up, say by the 7th, how about using some Kung Fu on them ... we are in DESPERATE need of a brawl!

Well with Duke in the lineup, we have another hitter, he can surprise some people.

@Ken

Vazquez starting at 3rd today instead of Andy is probably the right thing to do. He needs to relax a little. Maybe he can come up with a big pinch hit latter in the game and get some good juju going.

I agree, and with Duke pitching, if he is on, there are going to be a lot of ground balls.

Re;Negrych stats-25 errors at Lynchburg- 6 errorsat Altoona.I was mistaken 31 total.That was 102 games.27 errors in 95 games at 3rd.You are talking 40-45 errors a full season.That is almost record breaking.

From last thread (and before my nap)...

Ken - i just payed close attention to this avatar...it also falls into my category as one of my favorites.

SirL - thanks for the education on the monitor policy.  I took no offense.  The word i used is often on prime time by comedians, and in fact would have made it on the old family hour when the networks used to have that.  I rarely swear, dont insult people (on purpose anyway) so i actually took great delight on getting dinged.  Maybe i'll change my whole persona, start wearing leather and chains, and start throwing out the occasional heck or dagnabit.  Or suffering succotash.  But I'll studiously avoid calling anyone a Mets set-up pitcher!

OK - since this isnt the OS thread, back to baseball:

- I'm not an Andy Hater but I loved the benching.  Clear head, start all over tomorrow, and send a message to the entire team not just him.

- Cold weather traditionally is pitchers' weather so i'm really interested to see how the Duke of Zach does now that the games count and the nights are cold.

get used to games like last night ladies and gents..this team will make the excuse of a team we had in the post-trades era in the 2nd half last yr look like the World Champs

The Nut jobs and their cast of do-boys can crow all they want about how they have more resources now judging talent, going younger, new field etc-bottom line is they have people running the club and scouting that are -in actuality-- not really that good in identifying talent (see laroche, andy and hansen, who cares ) --and are under strict orders to not spend a lot of cash for good players (see lack of quality free agent players). Oh--by the way....those snell and sanchez extensions have really worked out havent they?

still waiting for someone to piych inside by the way..big albert looks really really scared out there as he digsa 3 ft pit before every at bat

russell and his band of merry men have to go to...put scrap iron in there..they should have got him long ago--at least he'd stand up to the players (and probably bust a few noses too)

pathetic....and its only game 3

Andy have a seat.

I wanted Cutch to be called to replace NyjMo.

Now I want Cutch to replace Moss to have Morgan and Cutch at the top of the line up.

The new Moreno and Tavares.

What will Neal do when his scholarship boys (Moss, Andy) flop early.

Will Walker get a chance? I don't think so.

PoH -

>>If this haircut works for Zach I will selflessly volunteer to give every pitcher the same haircut, for free.<<

If I were Ian Snell, I would not want you anywhere near my head or hair. No disrespect meant. Just saying I would be scared of you. :-)

ron d

I think Garner told the Pirates thanks but no thanks a few years ago.

He actually wanted to win and not see his managing career evaporate.

Joe Kerrigan and Perry Hill were the big off season pick ups.

Ouch!

Is there another invisible gray man here without an avatar?

Ugly  first up this morning thread

                         DUKE HAS HIS JUKE

Demery

figures...maybe we can exhume murtaugh....

Seeing Ramon Vasquez, a career journeyman light-hitting utility infielder who has never hit more than 8 HR's or driven in more than 40 in a season start at 3B in the third game of the season makes me absolutely want to puke.

What a flipping joke.

Bob Nutting is making a mockery of this great game and once proud franchise and it is despicable.

G-man << If I were Ian Snell, I would not want you anywhere near my head or hair.>>

Especially with a pair of scissors ……..

;-)

Big mistake in not starting Andy. Stick with him! Show some confidence in the kid and maybe he can feed off of it. Rattling his confidence further just two games into the season is ridiculous.

Meanwhile, they'll run Snell out there at least ten more times, no matter how bad he is.

I for one am glad Moss is back in the lineup, with Lil La, he needs to clear his head.  The 54-54-54, IMO that is good for discussion, a good thing to test Chuck's rule of thumb (tried to post this earlier, but must have had a senior moment, DAm&&& work gets in the way)

My humble proposal is that we discuss daily and let SirL/POH, read comments and make a ruling?  Its interesting, what do you call a "shoulda" won game?  IMO PBC earned the first win, but thats IMO, I bow to the powers that be

Don't forget to go "fishing" for new states (please of course) to add to the Pirates Nation, maybe Bucco Nation?

So far, 32 states, 4 countries/5 continents, not too shabby

As DMac says WOOHOO, game is on FSP tonight, see you at the game

Bay-here is Pujols vs every pitcher he has ever faced.  Check it out Gorzo was the man last year!

sports.yahoo.com/.../batvspit;_ylt=AmWfL2zFzU67Sjga9c.vAz6FCLcF

Ken,

"Vazquez starting at 3rd today instead of Andy is probably the right thing to do."

I must respectfully disagree.

The "right" thing to do is not begin a season with a team payroll 40% lower than the MLB average and untested players at 3 of the 4 key run producting positions like 3B. If they are not going to play LaRoche and let him prove if he belongs or not, then play Hinske. Ramon Vasquez is simply Abe Nunez reincarnated. It is an insult to Pirate fans to start a light hitting utility infielder at 3B during just the 3rd game of the season.

It is absolutely sickening.

NH - I actually agree with you. But then again, I've never been high on Andy L.  What good is great spring training at the plate when he is a liability in the field?  I'm hoping calls were made to the minor league coaches telling them to get Pedro and Neil Walker ready for MLB action.

Anyone else notice Freddie hitting well so far, as I predicted?

Smokin Sanchez is the man

G-Man "If I were Ian Snell, I would not want you anywhere near my head or hair. No disrespect meant. Just saying I would be scared of you. :-)"

Ian Snell is scared of everyone.

Hostage

If Raggedy Andy totally flops, which appears certain, what do you think Neal will do?  

I think he'll call anybody that isn't named Walker.

RumBunter - Thanks for the numbers, but those are only through 2007 ... will give it a closer look once I get home from work. I'd still like to see some career numbers, to see if there are any pitchers who have been really effective on him ... Yeah, for 2007, looks like Gorz was really effective on him ... Of course, he was effective on a lot of people that year. Thanks again, Buddy.

I guess, specifically, I'd like to see, too, how power pitchers have fared against him.

Off to the pizza wars, but just working a 4:30 through the supper rush ... should be home in time for 2/3 of the game.

NuHo

The Vazquez start is for defense, which Hinske doesn't give you at third.

Now if you want to argue Walker, I'd agree with that.  I think that the people who whine about NW are way off. They don't seem to understand that just because we knew who he was in HS, doesn't mean he's going to be ready in five minutes. He's a good prospect, and at 22, not nearly behind, especially for a guy who changed positions.  I'd like to see him up, but I understand why he isn't....you have to see what you have from Andy.  And while he has failed to produce in 45-50 games, that's not enough to give up on someone. Especially not when he showed himself to be capable in ST and the minors.  

If Freddy's arm is really okay, why not put him at third and move Andy to second...see if having an entire side of the infield infested with LaRoches would help us.

Hos - i agree more with your 2nd post.  The issue is not starting Vasquez, it's not signing more in the offseason.  your first post i must respectfully disagree with.  Even the playoff bound pirates of yore would occasionally play even lighter hitting mario mendoza.  The Yankees with their $180 MM payroll have, as noted by SI, a recent tradition of no-hit utility fielders.  I'm perfectly ok with a no-hit utility fielder as long as he stays in that role and isnt a permanent replacement for LaRoche.

Unfortunately, it looks like the "negative nellies" will be vindicated.

The Hostage blanket is freezing cold right now.

@NH - "Seeing Ramon Vasquez, a career journeyman light-hitting utility infielder who has never hit more than 8 HR's or driven in more than 40 in a season start at 3B in the third game of the season makes me absolutely want to puke."

Why am I elated about Vasquez' start? It can't be the difference in our personalities, Hostage? :-)

It's all about pitching - get us into the 7th today Duke and I like our chances.  I say this is a good day to rest Adam.  Duke's infield will sees a ton of action today - and we need a confident 3b - one day off is fine -- he was more than likely going to sit out the day game tomo anyway so why not sit today as Vasquez is a much better defensive 3b (and we all know Zach gives up a bunch of hits - he needs double plays) -- no walks and bucs win tonight.

I'm feelin a homer tonight from Doumit.

@MrHadar - stay the path

JAL - as the Seargent at Arms of the aylyum and thanks for doing that, (never knew I was so bad at spelling/typing/reading small print,etc, )what are the rules on discussion regarding the Asylum fantasy leagues?  Here or on the OS?  I do not want lightening and thunder striking me, thats why I pretty much stay under the bed...

Also, a request, where is the Nyjer Bus?  Those comments make me laugh out loud, so I humbly request a daily update from the inmates on that bus.

Its like a rock band on tour, do you folks have groupies yet?

Hostage

They started Hinske yesterday. I think he's walking on eggshells early on with Andy. I bet that he is back out there tomorrow and Friday. It’s too early in the season for me to start micro managing every player lineup. At least Vasquez isn’t likely to hurt us in the field, and that could be an important thing for Duke if his ground ball machine is working today.

HERE YE HERE YE

                         NEXT GATHERING APRIL 26

                                E Town Bar, Etna

                                     1:00 PM

                            post RSVP or Email

                            tjfran@comcast.net

              SPECIAL EXTRA NOTICE

 POH is waithing for stragglers about the April 18th. game

please get to her this is a lot of effort on her part so lets not wait to the last minute.

Nutting hostage

ur right on about your comments....would the pirates in the past great days ever start jose pagan at 3b in game 3....people are still making excuses for this regime.......but then again..to complain does it realy matter...mgt could care less--they are out for the buck.....as long as they have people comeout and buy things they can continue to hamstring this team talent and operations wise (see cheap) ....its like watching the same episode of the Twilight Zone over and over again..you know the the episode..."The Owners Who Have No Clue"

Hey all...I've been reading and have tried to restrain from posting, but really...after 2 games, vindication?  I think it's a little too early for the Negative Nellies to claim anything.  

Andy's not looked good, this I admit, but it's way too early to say it's "certain" that he's a flop.  I think 2 games is a little too soon to throw in the towel on him, IMO.

I think Duke is going to have good game and I'm SO glad it's televised tonight!  It's got to cheer me up a little...it's been a rough day.

@Bay, and the only Bay, others are BAB and BayJr - good hunting

Re-NuHo and Andy La - I agree with you, sink or swim, Vasquez was a good, IMO, signing, but Andy needs challenged, earlier though about him clearing his head, but a nights sleep, in my life, is all you need, if you are truly building for the future, nows the time to let him rough it out, if you have a head case, thinking is the worst you can make someone do, IMO of course

JAL, sorry for another gray man...directions for adding an avatar would be appreciated.

Everybody, my first post, kinda my opening day...i'm even nerveous. I have read the blog since the begining and you all crack me up. Some great insight, cynicism and always a smile and a chuckle.

As far as the little Laroche is concerned, Walker, I suspect, will be the 3rd baseman of the future with Pedro's big bat going to 1st. If the big office wasn't so concerned about the outcry from the fans regarding another horrible trade Neil would have gone north to start the season.

Bay-click on batter v pitcher when you get home, it has a complete breakdown even last night. check out duke vs pujols interesting all I am saying, no jinxin the juke of duke

Bizrow

As I see this thread is for discussing baseball and the fantasy league is baseball.  On the down side, too much discussion could make the other baseball discussion difficult.  If it just informational posts from time to time then this thread is fine.

Duffy

Just click on my name and you will find instructions.  Keep in mind that the picture usually not show up immediately so after you go through the steps just come back here and the avatar should appear shortly

DuffyDyerStraits...Welcome and love the name!  

We'll get Nurse Ratchett here STAT to get you meds and a straight jacket...feel free to mingle with the other inmates!

DuffyDyerStraits........welcome to the Asylum

Click on JAL's avatar to find instructions on adding an avatar, make sure that you hit the save button at the bottom of the page AFTER you hit the update button. It’s the most common mistake.

Oh yes--Welcome to Duffy

I've always been a fan of LaRussa, from a coaching standpoint.  He's not afraid to think outside the box and go against some of the 'traditional baseball wisdom/standards'.  You can say what you want about it, pros and cons, or whether you agree or disagree w/him, but he coaches w/his gut and he's not afraid to do what he thinks is best for his team; I respect that.

And here I thought I had a negative reaction to last night's game.  thanks to all of you - especially you Ron D, for tanking the season when we're still 1-1 and tied for 1st place.  I feel cheerier about my fandom already.

And by the way, yeah 9-3 shellacking (sp.?)  But as I was listening to the game on the radio - and why the heck was the game not on TV??  I know - Pens hockey in fabulous non-HD, using about 3/5 of my HD screen..thank you FSN!

Anyways, as Bob Walk was calling it, Snell got screwed on what should have been a called 3rd strike on Pujols in the 3rd, which would have kept it 3-1 and still manageable.  Next pitch goes over the fence.  I know, maybe he still gets shelled if he gets out of that inning but you never know.  I'm not giving up on IS yet.  

Lifetime against Duke-- Albert has 22 AB, 10 hits, 2 walks and only 1 HR

Lifetime against Capps he 0 for 6 with 2 strikeouts

Welcome aboard, Duffster!  Great name.  

If we're cracking you up after one loss, can you imagine if PBC ever loses two in a row?  You've been reading this blog forever so you can probably imagine.  wow.  hmm.  zounds.  We'll just have to avoid that calamity and win tonight.

And I am planning on going to at least 3 games on this first homestand - I like to maintain my hope till about April 25th each year before I'm resigned to the "well, it is a beautiful ballpark comments"

By the way - everytime I walk past the "lets go bucs" banner they have outside the park with Gorzo on it I get the urge to write "lets go to indy!" on the bottom of it.  Think that will be down by the opener?

Not happy about this Shelby Ford injury. Get him in the garage, get him tuned up, get him back out there...

I'd be high on Walker like some of you guys if he didn't have a .280 on base percentage at Indy.  If he can bring his 07 Altoona numbers to Indy for a full year then I think he'll be ready in 09.

Deac

I don't think Walker is a great prospect.

I just think Neal will not give him a chance because he doesn't want any more pressure on his scholarship third baseman raggedy Andy.

After 2 games they have to give him extra fielding.

I thought Andy was going to get off to a fast start.

This is shocking.

I guess I'm with those who say the word doesn't end the first time you blown away.  Name a player or team anywhere that doesn't have a bad game.

I understand the frustration with recurring problems and inconsistency, but it seems to me if we win tonight 15-3, there are a few people who will be upset with the pitchers for giving up the three runs, and with the hitters for leaving 12 men on base.

Most of the "negative" posters here are generally balanced and thoughtful -- but there are one or two who seem to get joy out of exalting over other people's mistakes.  I just feel sorry for them and wonder if they know anything about baseball at all.  

I continue to be impressed w/ Perry Hill.  DK says above that he saw that Andy was closing his glove as the pitch came to the batter and then had to open it again to make the play - and that he hadn't done that all spring.  For him to already diagnose the problem and work with him today is very, very good.  Perry Hill - infield guru!

@JAL - re fantasy posting

Thanks, thats good, a weekly post of the top 3 in each league is what I was thinking, maybe Mondays?

I hope POH and Sir L think abot the 54-54-54 game, it would be good for the Aslum to prove the Theorum

I think Andy LaRoche's pedigree merits a full season at third base to show his ability.  If he's a flop the entire season, then hopefully Alvarez and Walker step up this year and one of them gets the chance in '10.  Walker isn't ready now, though, and I don't know if Pedro is either.

Bizrow

Yes, that would be fine.  

Wow. Slow last hour here in the Asylum. Guess you east-coasters are getting dinner.  This starting games at 5:15 nonsense is RIDICULOUS. My entire hour in the car is completely lost.  Every other conceivable start time is fine. 4:15 is good, can monitor the feel of the game at work, catch the end at home. 6:15 is fine, I'll miss the first two innings on the way home. 7:15 pretty much optimal, but that's too late for everyone in the east. 10:05 AM (spring games) was wonderful. Got me through the entire morning.  

Leave it to St. Louis to have the worst possible start times.  

Allow me to way in on the Laroche/Vazquez discussion. I have no problem with JR keeping his promise to get the bench players into the game often. That Andy's abysmal first to games was a factor in today's substition, I don't doubt. But as for the "sink or swim" argument regarding Andy, we tried that last year. He was clearly sinking, yet we kept in there, flailing away without pulling him out of the water. If we still believe he has the ability in him, but is struggling with the "mental" part of the game, backing him off a step, is indeed the right thing to do. We're not fighting for a championship this year. It's OK to undertake a project, or two. Andy is one, Nyjmo is another. Nyj's just might work out afterall. After only two games, but a terrific spring training, it's still fair to consider Andy a work in progress. Time off and a chance to hit the "reset" button BEFORE he digs himself into too much of psychological hole,  is the right move.

And not rushing Walker into the majors, until there's nothing left for him to accomplish at Indy, is also the right move.

Just so you know, I KNOW that you know I typed "way" instead of "weigh."

@JAL - Thanks

JL I think we also need to chill.It's the 3rd game,not the stretch run.Give it a 3-4 weeks.No need to abandon ship and go around saying "I told you so".Sheesh

JL- I know you know that I know you know what you know.Right?

ATTENTION INMATES

The Nyjmo Bus has been winding its way through the streets of St Louis, lined with hoards of flag waving well wishers.

The NyjMob tends to be introspective after a loss, even if our hero has a good game.

It is all about the team winning after all.

There are still a few standing room tickets available towards the center of the bus near the exit row and JAL.

The celebration the other night was grande and when bus rider JHadar is up to it, he may tell you the real reason for his hospitalization.

We are having a few problems with the bus' heater so inmates may want to wear an extra pair of the Nyjmo brand stirrup socks.

Until next time,

Slow down,  but move F>A>S>T.

I think this benching will help Andy, well at least i hope.

For those that would criticize the bus for navigating hoards of fans rather than hordes of fans, it is a secret accumulation or cache of fans.  (www.thefreedictionary.com/hoards) Don't worry about it.

Cave, I think its going to be a long time before Hadar admits ANYTHING about what happened the other night.

For those that weren't on the bus this morning: the mood changed abruptly after we indulged in several orders of fresh pancakes from Uncle Bill's...possibly the only reason to EVER find yourself in St. Louis, especially in the morning.  Pancakes to rival Pamela's....srsly.

Don't miss the action tonight, when the bus plans several rollicking jaunts around the basepaths, as well as a few skidding excursions through centerfield.  

No truth to the rumor that Ian Snell fell for the old "Can someone see what's under that tire for us?" trick...though there were some unexplained bumps this morning right after Ian and Andy were spotted on the side of the road.

The Moss Train has been eerily silent since the season started, is tonight the night for the train to erupt?

Come on Nyger keep the hot hitting up!

Good evening all,

I'm going to have to agree with Nutting Hostage on this one. Andy needs to play. On one hand, he has not played well and giving him the day off may allow him to relax. On the other hand, pulling a guy after two poor games can damage the confidence level in a big way. Kinda could go either way,. but again, its only the third game of the season, so I say "Let em Play Coach..."

High and outside.  Let's get in going Nyjer

Cave -- somethings should just not be brought up.  You wouldn't want me mentioning to the group about your adventure with the lampshade, the toll booth, and the hang glider, would you?  Do you even remember the meter maid's name?

Way to battle Freddie.

Andy needs to play regularly but no harm in having him out for game.  Fewplayer never sit out a game

And Freddy keeps the hot bat going.

Ankiel misplayed it.  Cards got lucky it was a ground rule double.

Come on Adam!

We need Adam to come through with a 2 out base knock

JH

Some things should not be brought up but people bring them up anyway.

Finally a hit from the 4th spot--hate ground rule doubles

C'mon Adam, thats the time when we really need you to actually hit.

I kinda wonder if management is in a no-win situation.  (Hos would say of their own doing, which is fair in part, but i'm not going there.)  With Andy, if they sit him, some are giving it to them for no commitment to winning by playing a light hitting utility man.  if they pay Andy, other (or some of the same) inmates may give it to them for not delivering on accountability.

I don't have the knowledge base that our team's fearless manager has, and it's only two games.  As far as i'm concerned, i suspect we're making more of this - in both directions - than we need to.  At this very early point of the season, i'm simply willing to give JR the benefit of the doubt on who to play and who to sit.

So a question for everyone else...when it's two games, and we're 1-1, does anyone really have such intense feelings about the decision of whether Andy plays or not tonight?

As someone much smarter than me posted earlier today, who we play and who we sit at any specific position is probably much less important than how the pitching holds up.

JAL

Agreed on gorund rule doubles, its the difference between 0-0 and 1-0 right now.

JAL << Some things should not be brought up but people bring them up anyway. >>

I find that confusing, could you elaborate?

Nice start to DP by Vasquez.

Andy probably would not have done that as well as Vasquez did.

Good start for Zachary.

Now that is not good--Duke doesn't usually walk many and to walk the lead=off man is not his game.

Are you watching Ian?  That's how to sit Albert down.  Nice pitch Zach.

Beauty!  Zach K's Pujols!

LOVE that!

And now we see why we put in Vazquez....OMG Pujols got called out on strikes. That a boy Duke.

Now that's Duke at his game--double play

Nice haircut Zach.......and nice pitch to get Big Al.

Hopefully that's the first of 2 or 3 hits for Moss tonight.  I think he's going to have a big game.

Hey, Moss starts things off with a hit!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyones gettin a hit today!

Just wanted to jump in here for a moment.

Love the new hair cut Duke has! And the DP followed by the strike out of Pujols definitely makes up for the leadoff walk!

Let's go Bucs!

Oh no--another gray man--bad karma

Timely hitting again from Jack.  Let's see Zach swing the bat.

WooHoo!  Jack gets another hit...and an RBI!

I have an announcement...JACKS BACK!

Another hit and RBI for Nyger.

Nyjer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nyj Mo Nyj Mo Nyj Mo

Rock the bus!

Oh baby.... we have an inning going here.

Time for Nate to keep it going.

All right Ryan, join the hit party!!

The Nyjmo Bus keeps rolling.

Bases full of Bucs with Ryan at the plate.

Great job Ryan.............What the heck Ryan!?!?

Nate is not hitting yet but he getting walks

And of course the hit parade and the inning end due to a LaRoche.

Can someone explain to me what happened to Ryan, mlb gameday has confused me?

What happened that inning--Ryan got a hit, was thrown out on the bass, but only 1 run scored on the hit.  Just floowing on the web doesn't give me enough.

he got picked off at 1st.  He had rounded the bag and the infielder crept in behind him, taking a snap through from for the out.

RD you bonehead.You can't take the next base! Man! PoH!

Doumit hit a single with bases loaded, throw came in from right field to cutoff man, who stopped and turned to 1st base where Ryan had rounded too far. One run scored. Ryan was out at 1st. Announcer says, "That was your average 9-3-4 putout".

Ryan blooped one to right, took a wide turn at first, why i dont know because the bases were loaded he couldn't go anywhere, and then Ryan turned and gunned it to Pujols to throw him out. So instead of bases loaded 1 out, it was 1st and 2nd 2 outs.

2 for 2 for Brandon.  Leadoff double.

Moss 2-2!

Now,where are the guys that ripped on Moss?

I thought you were supposed to be hitting your spots before they started expanding the strike zone for you???

Now that's a much better start. Four a.m. comes early, so hopefully I'll have good news in the morning.

and then the Cards score a runner who got on with catcher's interference--a call you may go 5 seasons without seeing :)

Jack Flash with another RBI.

Jumpin Jack Flash comes through again.  

Ryan had a rough inning...picked off, catcher interferance, stolen base.  But he did get an RBI.

Nice play Moss and Jack...and Zach got the bunt down this time.

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

                                   JACKS BACK  

And the Moss Train is goin crazy.

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

                                   JACKS BACK  

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

So,

How much of this is Pirates good hitting, and how much is Wellemeyer's poor pitching?

sorry about those posts, my internet company is owned by Satan...

And the Moss Train is goin crazy.

Freddys back too, 3-3 so far today.

Freddys back too, 3-3 so far today.

MOSS AGAIN!

Let's go Nyjer.  Some more ducks on the pond......

Duuuude!  WTH happened?  I got totally bumped off...couldn't get in at all...Cullen -- it's all your fault!  (KIDDING!)

Moss is having a very good day!  Most of the bats are doing well...Sweet!  

8 LOB.  I hope that doesn't come back to bite us in the.......

                       JACKS BACK

                       FREDDY'S READY

                       DUKE HAS HIS JUKE

                       MOSS IS BOSS

Somebody tell Ryan that that's what the thing on his left hand is for....  Quit using your shoulder to stop the ball.

Did Doumit just get out of the way of stirke 3, and get hit in the shoulder?  I've never seen that.

Not big on the new guy in the booth with Walk. Sounds like open mic night.

Leaving a lot of runs on the bases.

DMac

Not Cullen's fault--I keep telling everyone gray men are bad karma--had bunch for game 1 and JH got sick.  Had a lot for game two and the Bucs lost.  Had a couple tonight and the site went went down.  

I think there was a mixup with the signs...he thought it was going to be outside more than where Duke put it.

That's two runners Ryan put on tonight.  The catcher's interference and now the passed ball on a strikeout.

At least we know Moss has the same arm as Bay.

Nice play by Freddy and Zachary to end the inning.

So...JAL...you're saying the 12 duplicate posts were the result of graymen?  ;-)

Way to stick with it Freddie.  Nice play Zach.

Think we could get DK to put up a 2nd game post at the beginning of every 5th inning?

Duffy

I'm not a big Neverett fan so far either, but i'm so use to Lanny and Greg for all those years maybe thats why.

JAL- that and the base running error. He also didn't block a ball in the dirt opening day to let a runner advance. Hope he keeps hitting like he is tonight.

Nate!!  That's the way to get your first hit.

NATE IS GREAT...again.

Finally a hit for Nate, and what a hit it was!

DMac

Yep--the gray men play havoc with everything :) The exception is the those who who are new.  Gray man bad Karma starts when you are over 20 posts :)

Cullen, If you would not hit that repeat button we would not need one

Nate the Great gets out of his rut. Nice HR!

WOOHOO!  

Freddy's perfect...Nate goes deep.  Awesome!

McWhiff is not looking too good after his rally hit in the first game.

Strange night. Moss is 3 for 4 and is only the third best offensive player in the lineup. We need to have this kind of problem every night.

This is not a knock but I did say last summer that I would like to see Ryan play with a different glove.

Come on Zachary just get out of this.

G-Man

Very very true.

GMan...that's a very nice problem to have, huh?

What year was Pujols drafted and who did the Pirates take?  I'm sure we picked before the Cards.

GMan-Got your sunglasses on? Also Yanks losing by 5 runs.Life is good!!!

So, does Ollie come out with a shaved head for his start tomorrow??

Good work tonight from Zachary.

Nice pitch to fan Ankiel.  Let's score a few more and put this game out of reach.

strike three

Duke still has a little juke left

That's first earned run of the night for the cards.

I think Duke's just thinking about his new haircut and not pitching....WHICH IS A GOOD THING.  Like what I see tonight, so far, boys.

Alaska

Every team missed on Pujols--13the round in 1999.

Alaskan

Pujols was the 400th something pick in 1999 so their 400 some players, that aren't nearly as good as Pujols, taken before him.

Alright, Bucs! Let's get some more!

Imagine my shock when I walked in the foor, top of the 2nd and Mrs. Bay says, "You may have to leave! We're up by two!"

And Zach gets a double!  LOVE that too!  :-)

Don't use up all your mojo in 1 night Zach.

ZD can do it all today.

Hope Duke did not expend too much energy on that double

Zachary good on the mound a 2B at the plate good night. Lets hope he keeps it up all year.

Wow, I don't feel so bad now  I guess you just never know.  Piazza was drafted in the 35th round, or close to it, as a favor for Lasorda.

Well, I got the internet working agiain but it ate my post.  Eviently decided that I had been signed on too long, but Duke is having an excellent night on offense -- too.  Let's run it up on 'em