Morning links: The owner speaks

I don't get how some folks can get angry at other people if they aren't as miserable as they are.There are bloggers who revel at being unhappy.And if you aren't as unhappy, they  attack you verbally.

 I've coached T-ball and Pee Wee football.Some of the folks I worked with on these teams are college grads who always told me they learned you accentuate positive behavior.To run down an individual down only serves to instill a defeatist attitude.I never graduated(of course)however I never really thought about this until now.

 Of course that was over 12 years ago.You know what?Some things don't change.If you ain't got hope, then you are already defeated.You might as well quit,but remember there are some who refuse to lose.Losers rarely win,but winners DON'T GIVE UP. GO BUCS

Great seats available Wednesday!  Will be a sparse crowd so bring your gloves people!

If its your birthday, you get a free ticket.

Go Bucs!

All you guys that threw Moss out with the trash,just give the kid some space.I'm not saying he'll do this a lot,but at least you see he is capable.When this team plays together and stops worrying about the pressure they looked good.You can tell who the haters are....they never commented on the game during and afterward.Me? I get tired of all the attacks and my blood pressure is FOR REAL! Some of you ARE KILLING ME!

                        GO BUCS!!

Maz - I think it's time to change avatars again! If you put that in a post, it wouldn't pass moderator muster.

Bay-I guess I calls em as I sees em.Thanks

I see Walker and Cutch are picking up the pace.No I don't mean Pace picante'.I like leaving comments at this time.No disagreements.

Morning Bay and Maz.

You crack me up Maz.  Great win Bucs.  

@Maz...

"If you ain't got hope, then you are already defeated."

Precisely, and a very nice sentiment in these quarters.

I was tickled in DK's chat where he refused to write the season off ... I think our fearless leader is a realist, not a hopefulist ... and Zach Duke stamped his approval all over DK's observation that the starting pitching was actually performing pretty well.  And where there is starting pitching there is hope.

I was wondering, though.  Can anyone describe what our pitching did to mitigate Albert Pujols?  Did we pitch him differently?  Did Pujols have a cold?  Did we just get lucky?

I for one hope to see Albert wearing the collar after Wednesday's game.  

...a curse on Albert Pujols... Mwaa-Ha-Haaaa!

Abracadabra!

...winning season...

Wabbit Out.

Current Pirate Standings

5.5 GB MIL AND CIN FOR NL WILDCARD

6.5 GB STL

We are within distance and that treachourous streak..

LETS GO BUCS...YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Wouldn't ya know it, first game back and Jack hotdogs another play which would have been easily handled by any other shortstop in MLB.  The ball carooms off Andy's glove and Jack is there to catch the rebound and throws out Pujols.  ANYTHING to get on Sportscenter.    Bring back Bixler!  ;-)

BTW--Moss seems like a good kid and it was great to see him play the way he did tonight (last night?) both offensively and defensively.

The rains of offense have finally come! Lets hope the drought is over. Maybe it was just a bad nightmare and the Pirates have awoken from their lumber slumber and the pitching is back on track. Karstens did look decent his last time out. Maybe he's coming around too. It's only one game but it's amazing how one game like this can lift the spirits.

GO BUCS!

"Those who are late do not get fruit cup."

Well being that this is The Asylum, wouldn't that be fruitcake?

Maz,

This Bud's for you. You stood by Moss when things were down so low they could pass beneath a pregnant whale. Myself,  had him and Bixler both down to their last strike, and was getting ready to book their tickets to Indy. Well, Bix had to go (and for the kid's sake, may he get it together and do us proud the next time we see him). But Moss, out of options, just as the clock was about to strike midnight, turned into Superman for us. Not only did he hit and hit and hit, but he made another spectacular defensive play. Like you said, he won't do this every night. But suddenly every Pirate fan under the sun is believing.

And you were there first, and there all along for the kid, Maz. You can take a bow.

Emoneypitt,

"Well being that this is The Asylum, wouldn't that be fruitcake?"

Good one! I think the Official Food of the Asylum has just been found!

Arriba,

"Wouldn't ya know it, first game back and Jack hotdogs another play which would have been easily handled by any other shortstop in MLB.  The ball carooms off Andy's glove and Jack is there to catch the rebound and throws out Pujols.  ANYTHING to get on Sportscenter... ;-)"

WOO HOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Or to borrow just the last part of Daryle's War Cry / A.K.A "The Asylum's Battle Cry": YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!

Folks, you-know-who, disguised as one of his imaginary friends, might well show up today, afterall. The names may well change, but you'll KNOW who it is, by the content of his remarks. Handle appropriately, that is to say, do NOT handle with care --MU WAH HA HA HA!!!!!!!

Over and out.

Good morning inmates near and far.  Well it was good news this morning. Now let's make it 2 in a row. Go Bucs.

1. The Pirates are putting their best 9 on the field.

2. Management is competent, and has a plan.

3. Everyone in the organisation is dedicated to winning.

4. Bob Nutting would need to add at least $60 million in payroll to make this team a bona fide winner, which would be foolish business practice.

Once all this sinks in, AND you repeat your mantra "The best 9 are on the field", you become enlightened.

You then reach a state - not nirvana, and not happiness - but a state of accepting.

It is neither happiness nor sadness, just being.

To be honest, I preferred the state of "anti". Somehow, it gave me satisfaction to think people were conspiring to lose, to destroy the team, to wrangle every last cent.

"Anti" meant that there was a quick fix, if only one could expose the bad guys.

Sadly, that is not the case. There is no quick fix, no dragon to be slain, no frog to turn into a prince, no Lancelot.

The only thing there is, is is.

Seriously.

72 hours ago, before my enlightenment, I would have been all over this Freddy conspiracy.

I actually like conspiracy theories; they make life so much more interesting.

If only they were true.

Conspiracy theories offer the hope of a quick fix; once the bad guy is found out and dealt to, peace returns to the kingdom.

Unfortunately, there is no second gunman behind the grassy knoll.

The Pirates simply are, and nothing in the short run is going to change that.

Remember your mantra: They are putting their best 9 on the field. Ommmmm...

Summayuns are too funny.

Moss has what - 8 bad games in a row, or whatever, bats like .176, then has one good game - and after that one good game, you give a proper telling-off to the anti-Moss brigade.

You're loyal, I'll give you that.

OK...that's one streak broken. RAISE THAT JOLLY ROGER!

Now, can we try to win more than one game a week...please.

Tonight...let's go Pens!

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  PROSPECT WATCH  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Today’s Topic:  MIDDLE INFIELDERs (stats thru 5/12/09)

[it’s Wednesday….the MIDDLE of the week]

Luis Cruz – Inf. – Indy (minor league free agent)

.294, 1 HR, 6RBIs  **  19 Games, 68 AB’s,  13R, 20H,  11K, 3 BB, 2 SB

Shelby Ford – 2B – Indy (3rd Round, 2006 Draft)

.205, 1 HR, 11RBIs  **  21 Games, 73 AB’s,  7R, 15H,  15K, 1 BB, 3 SB

Brian Friday – SS – Altoona (3rd Round, 2007 Draft)

.412, 1 HR, 4 RBIs  **  9 Games, 34 AB’s,  10R, 14H,  6K, 6 BB, 3 SB

Jim Negrych – 2B – Altoona (6th Round, 2006 Draft)

.355, 0 HR, 9 RBIs  ** 24 Games, 76 AB’s, 13R, 27H,  7K, 13BB, 0 SB

Jordy Mercer – SS – Lynchburg (3rd Round, 2008 Draft)

.241, 3 HR, 19 RBIs  ** 29 Games, 112 AB’s, 17R, 27H,  18K, 9BB, 2 SB

Chase D’Arnaud – SS – West Virginia (4th Round, 2008 Draft)

.281, 2 HR, 16 RBIs  **  28 Games, 96 AB’s,  10R, 27H,  15K, 10BB, 5 SB

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thank you Mr. Frank Coonley for your most common sense reply to silliness.  

It has now been 47 years since I started playing organized baseball and with out a doubt the corniest thing I have ever heard was a major league baseball manager would sit a guy who may have the best hand-bat control in the game to keep his salary down next year.

If DK were not part of this group giving him some air in a bubble, he would be thrashed for such a question.

Just part of the job.

At the special request:

www.youtube.com/watch

HERE YEE HERE YEE

                               ANNOUNCING

 The PIRATA 13 engagement celebration gathering

                                  MAY 31

                     please post RSVP or email                                          

                    tjfran@comcast.net

Time will be 11:00Am  location  Bella Notte on penn ave. in the strip

This leaves plenty of time to be there and be at the game.

Maz, thanks for cleaning that up

I think Dk gets his pass just because so many silly people raise silliness to a self prophacy.

Otherwise, anyone in their right mind would be losing the right by asking a question so farr off to the left.

I have said it, DK has said it, GMAN has said it, DMAC has said it, and now FC has said it, page down.

Sorry to any left off the list.

Morning Links Part 2

LaRoche, Moss went hunting for hits

www.timesonline.com/.../doc4a0a47f5365e3923091413.txt

Pirates bust out, beat Cardinals

www.tribune-democrat.com/.../local_story_132232021.html

Moss, Pirates snap eight-game skid

www.pittsburghlive.com/.../s_624866.html

Draft Preview - Pittsburgh Pirates

www.minorleagueball.com/.../draft-preview-pittsburgh-pirates

Pittsburgh organist was a real treat at games of all sorts

www.alliednews.com/.../local_story_133005510.html

Baseball Today

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../2010.ap.bbo.baseball.today.1915

"and is chosed for the All-Star Game"

Nice English DK... ;)

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS:

Bleacher Report--Pittsburgh Pirates: Monthly Minor League Report

bleacherreport.com/.../173546-pittsburgh-pirates-monthlty-minor-league-report

Bucs Dugout--Minor League Ball Previews Pirates' Draft

www.bucsdugout.com/.../minor-league-ball-previews-pirates

WhyGavs--Pirates 7 Cards 1

whygavs.com/.../game-32-pirates-7-cardinals-1.html

Pittsburgh Lumber Company--Duke's Hurling Snaps Loss Streak

mvn.com/.../duke-hurling-snaps-loss-streak.html

Sandlot Swashbucklers--Red Wings Walk-Off Against Indians

mvn.com/.../red-wings-walk-off-against-indians.html

Raise the Jolly Roger--Pirates Win!  Yes, Really!

raisethejollyroger.com/.../pirates-win-yes-really

Mondesi's House---Jolly Roger Finally Raised

mondesishouse.blogspot.com/.../jolly-roger-finally-raised.html

Mondesi's house--Two Outta Three Ain't bad

mondesishouse.blogspot.com/.../two-outta-three-aint-bad.html

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS: Continued

The Green Weenie--Let the Sunshine In

oldbucs.blogspot.com/.../let-sunshine-in.html

Pirate Home Page--Duke dazzles Bucs out of doldrums

pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

Rumbunter--Dust Off the Jolly Roger: Duke Dazzling in Pirates Win Over Cardinals

rumbunter.com/.../duke-dazzling-in-pirates-win-over-cardinals

MLB Transactions

www.cbssports.com/.../transactions

Bucco Fans--Nice Start to a Long Stretch

www.buccofans.com/.../pirates-notebook-nice-start-to-long.html

A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

As more people join this  community a number of questions arise.  Here are some clarifications.

1) Many of us who post here treat this as a discussion forum, not as a traditional blog.  Dejan's post sets the table but we respond to each other more than we respond to specifics of Dejan's post.

2) We always start the day with two threads--morning links and other stuff.  Morning links is primarily baseball discussion and Other Stuff is non baseball.

3) When some posts "OS" they are referring to the "Other Stuff" thread.

4)  Throughout the day, as stories break, Dejan will upload a new thread.  When you see the term "ants marching"  that simply means a new thread has been posted and most of the posters move to the new thread and start posting there.   Going to a new thread helps keep things flowing as we often have over 100 or even 200 posts on the original thread.

5) Instructions for uploading an avatar can be found by clicking my name, BK's name, or Mad's name.  We all have the instructions on our announcements page.  Many find avatars make following the posts easier.

6)  Sign in w/ Nurse Cratchet for your straight jacket, meds, and room assignment

7)  As Dejan reminded us the other day, this thread is for baseball talk and the OS is for other topics

8)  Please read the 'guide to commenting' before you post" A link to the guide to commenting on the blog is located on the left near the top of the page in the section labeled  "Authors"

9) Do not post entire articles from other sources. - It is an act of illegal copyright infringement.   Just post links to the story

I surely left something out but hopefully covered the basics

Well it's great to get the win, and it's great to se some offense. The losing streak is over, and Moss got some hits (including the long anticipated first dinger). Unfortunately this team has been mostly an all or nothing offensive team from game to game. Remarkably, the pitching has been consistantly good, keeping most games close.

One game doesn't mean much, but hopefully Moss and crew will keep the bats alive for a while and we'll put together some wins!

Good morning all inmates far and wide

Where did we hide the fruitcake?

It was good to see Moss smile last night, must have been a while for him

Good morning all.  Can Duke pitch on two days' rest?

Good morning, all.  What a pleasant evening last night.  Granted I was on my sofa, but the TV was showing all kinds of good stuff!  The best was Moss's game - not to short change Duke, but who had been more miserable than Moss?

Tonight I am going to the game.  Terrible conflict - UNLESS you realize that 18 years ago, on the Saturday night of Memorial Day weekend, I sat in 3 Rivers and listened to the Pens win the Stanley Cup - 8 different cheers totally unrelated to the baseball game.  I don't remember if the Pirates won their game or not, but it was a good night.

Therefore, the Pirate game is where I am meant to be.  Here's hoping for good results all around.

I know DMac is going to the game.  Anybody else?  Section 113, Row E.  Come by.

I can only imagine how good Moss feels right now.

For all of the back and forth about who's throwing Moss under the bus... to my recollection most of the posts revolved around the opinion that Moss needed to fix his swing.  Well, he confirmed that himself with his comments stating that he worked with Don Long to do just that.  Find the probllem.  Address the problem.  Great approach.

Capn, your a true fan

Capn and DMac - I'm traveling thru Da Burgh today and tomorrow...very outside chance I'll bring my dad to the game tonight and do the walk-up thing.  If so, we'll stop by.  

Out now for awhile.

Ahoy! and Good Morning,

Great win against the HATED Cardinals...a three run inning and a four run inning.  With the pitching, if they can continue to get two innings like that in every game, they should at least maintain a .500 level I think.  I think it was mentioned that the Bucs are 11-0 when scoring seven or more runs.

It is funny to mention that the STL Post-Dispatch is all over the plunking incidents.  I think that they are trying to blow it up so that it turns into a LaRussa/Russell spat like that between LaRussa/McClendon earlier this decade.

I do not get it really.  Do any of you really think that the Pirate pitchers are actually hitting any of the Cardinals on purpose with an eight game losing streak?  I did not see much of the game last night but I did see a ball thrown behind Sanchez...now that to me is purposeful.

BTW, Maz, do you currently live in IA?

Yes indeed it was a good game.  Maybe just maybe Moss' bat coming alive is the spark we need.  Hopefully he continues.  Like everyone has said he seems to be a good guy.  Could he be our dirty doug this year.  How about I give him his new mickname muddy moss.   You got to wonder if that one play where the ball dropped in front of him  (i believe in Milwaukee).  Has him hustling more in the field.  He really made some nice plays last night with that extra hustle.

I watched the game duke was trying to pitch inside.  The ball got away a little to much inside.  The batters to me don't really try to move out of the way.  Larussa is a whiner always has been.

Duke was masterful again last night. Way more focused.  In a good 'zone'.  He looked tremendously in better shape this year and is somehow back to his 2005 success.  Aweseom.  I'm with Dejan in that I think this season is not a wash yet, if the starting pitching keeps impressing.

Anyone else defying logic and showing their Bucco pride by going to the game tongiht against St. Louis?  Maybe we can meet up for a beer before or during game?

What a HAPPY Morning!  (It was a great game AND WE were DESPERATE.)  Thanks, Joey B, for keeping us "up to date" on the prospects!  If it's not too much trouble, may I request a little MORE information?  For the position players, I'd like to know how many errors they've made, since at least some of them are to remain where they are mastering defense.  (At least that's MY understanding.)

Good Day Matey's

AARGGGH!!!!!

Ahem.... I do not want to be known as a NN, but somebody equated that if you do not show up after a Victory, then you are a NN. EXCUSE ME, I have to work and I cannot always find the time to roam the "net.

Now with that outta the way....

YESSSSSSSSSSS...WOOOHHHH....MUWHAHAHA, That feels so much better, I stayed up and watched the replay on MLB TV got over at 2:30. Just in time for the missus to come out and say "WHAT ARE YOU DOING" I think she thought I was on a porn site I had such a big smile on my face.

I do not believe in coincidences, so I will go out on a limb and say that the reason we won was JACK is back. Again nothing against Brian, I actually see him play in INDY (heck of a lot closer than the "burgh), But Jack just seems to bring something special and it shows on the other 24 guys. I also believe that if Big Bopper comes around it will produce more positives, I think he has the same aura that Jack does and when he speaks people listen like EF Hutton

Now I gotta post and run repeat afer me INDY IS NOT A NN

BUCCO MANIA FOREVER

Caught sports center this morning, three of the top 10 plays were (2), Moss's sliding catch, (3) Jack's pick and throw (BTW -- scoring question, does Andy get an assist?) and (5) something Freddy did that they goofed up the video on and instead of fixing it just said "That was Freddy Sanchez, we shortchanged him."  

Since it was top plays instead of web gems I was looking for the guy from the Phillies who stole second, third, and home -- but he didn't make it.

DK -- I was going to mention that the first two games in the minor league report don't mention who won, but since somebody got on you for a typo, I'm going to let it go.  

pghfaninstl-I live in Muscatine Iowa.About 35 miles east of Iowa City.I grew up in West Liberty.15 miles from THE U of I.

"About 35 miles east of Iowa City.

If you build it, they will come.

Maz,

Small world.  I went to high school in DSM, Hoover.  I have many friends that went to U of Iowa.  I attended college in Kirksville, MO - not too far from Muscatine - at Northeast Missouri State.

My parents both were raised in Penn Hills, a suburb of Pgh, so I have black and gold blood eventhough I was actually born in the Philadelphia area.

Raised in MO and IA most of my life though.  I bet you are a Hawkeyes fan as well.  Being a PA native, I support the Nittany Lions.

Ever get a chance to come see the new Busch Stadium?  Of course, not the rest of this year...Bucs do not come back.  Crazy.

Nice game to break the streak. This is the Pirate team we need to show up every night. I still question batting Adam 4th (a solo dinger is a solo dinger and can happen no matter where he bats). I am hopeful that the Moss that played last night shows up more often.

All you guys that threw Moss out with the trash,just give the kid some space.I'm not saying he'll do this a lot,but at least you see he is capable.When this team plays together and stops worrying about the pressure they looked good.You can tell who the haters are....they never commented on the game during and afterward.Me? I get tired of all the attacks and my blood pressure is FOR REAL! Some of you ARE KILLING ME!

                       GO BUCS!!

MAZ , as i have said before you take things too personal, last night you accused me of being a "LURKER" after i made what i thought was a cute comment about you getting dropped to 7th in the BLOGGING ORDER to give me protection in the 6th hole, it was actually a compliment but you didnt take it that way and that's unfortunate.

   Now on to Mr Moss was i critical of him YES i was ALSO CRITICALOF THE PIRATES FOR THE WAY THEY HANDLED HIM!!! IMO his swing was not right and i was consistant with that . Sunday i commented in his pinch hit appearance which was an out by the way i commented that he had his best swing in a month, DMAC remembered that yesterday. I also posted yesterday morning i thought he would have a good game last night and he did and i complimented him  after the game.

            MAZ, it is completely unfair to lump everyone together because we were critical of your boy, i wanted him to succeed and i am thrilled he did but his performance before last night was unacceptable. So to was Adam Laroches  and i have been very critical of him as well.

           But the LURKER comment was uncalled for and yeah i take it personally, most can attest i comment here practically everyday, i dont comment as much as you because i have a dehabilitating illness and i am prone to getting tired quickly. But MAZ i have loved this club since i was a tike and just because your more of a RAH-RAH GUY  doesnt mean you love them more than i do.

                            MAC

Nice win last night, now we need to string a few together, nice to see Mr. Nutting was down on the field with the troops. I would think it would do him some good to get down there more often.

Good to see the Pirates are working on the draft, wonder if their is  someway they could make a deal for the Nats NO1 pick, Strasburg, if they don't get him and they probably won't, they could take anyone of 4 different players, if they take a pitcher, my choice is Aaron Crowe.

Also noticed that Tanner Sheppers signed a release for the Pirates to draft him if they want to.

Maz

All you guys that threw Moss out with the trash,just give the kid some space.I'm not saying he'll do this a lot,but at least you see he is capable.

I can't count the times I have said Moss is a very good ballplayer, as far back as ST, I also thought and still think Brian Bixler is a very good ballplayer, I am probably close to alone on that one now.

I do not tute Adam LaRoach's horn because I think what he does in between homeruns is far to long and far too unproductive for a 4 hitter.

I also think that Alvarez is going to something special, they are changing some things with him now that they want him to adjust to. But the raw power is something to see.

Congrats to...well..everyone.  I saw so many people yesterday hopping on the Moss-is-gonna-bust-out vehicles of choice, it reminded me of why we all need extra meds to sleep at night.  Also, it was cool for those of us that predicted he'd rake last night...I appreciate him backing us up.  I recall, not too long ago, a bunch of us hopping on a rattling old bus to head north with an unknown rookie hockey-player-turned-centerfielder, and now look at us, proud passengers of the luxurious NyjMo Bus, supporting likely NL MVP (so says JL, and I haven't known him to be wrong yet) NyjMo.  It CAN happen people.

Baby Braun update -- Braun plans to keep disrespecting game, whining like petulant two-year old: www.jsonline.com/.../44848367.html

Also, I think that as more of us have tried out Daryle's enthusiasm, things have brightened up around here.  If you haven't done so yet, trust me, nothing feels better.

LET'S GO BUCS! TWO IN A ROW, FELLAS (AND LADIES)!!!

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Mac

Sorry to here about your illness, hope you get better soon.

PghfaninStL -- Also an Iowa grad, but a long time ago. Went to Mizzou along the way and Ariz. State.  I don't think there was a Des Moines Hoover, or it was very new, when I was in High School.

********************* ANNOUNCEMENT **************************

I HAVE 1 EXTRA TICKET FOR SATURDAY'S GAME AGAINST THE ROCKIES. I SIT IN SECTION 220. THE EXTRA TICKET IS FREE TO ANYONE WHO CHEERS FOR THE PIRATES. PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. THIS IS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

indiana is right.

BLAME JACK.

Leadoff, thank you for your concern. I dont discuss my illness {Parkinsons} much because i want to be treated the same as everyone else. But i was really challenged the day i tried to do PBP and  really struggled so i know i am a little different but basically the same as everyone.

PIRATES GET THIS WINNING STREAK GOING TONIGHT

YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

macs

I wish you the best with your medical issues, but I will reiterate what was said the day you did the PBP:

You came through like a champ that day, and most of us feel that we could not do the same, which is why we're so grateful for anyone who tackles the PBP tasks.  

BAB, you are very kind, i like everyone greatly admire the stellar work DMAC does i just wanted to help, i will continue to try and offer whatever i can to be a part of this great site.

DMac was the first to reply and she gets the ticket.

Sweet!  Thanks, Irate!

Mac

Sorry that you have a illness --hope it goes away soon.

Capn -

Thanks for the stroll down memory lane. Several of my Pittsburgh friends who now live here and Richmond were discussing where we were when the Pens won that first Stanley Cup. You remember where you were - 3RS. I remember where I was: in my living room in my old apartment, just a few days after I quit smoking. Do others remember where they were that fateful night when the Pens beat Minnesota 8-0?

And now I am out of here to get my haircut.

Macs-You can be assured you were NOT  one of the NN.I said I WOULD BE LURKING.aS FAR AS BEING A RAH RAH guy....I was brought with the thought that if you can't say anything nice....yada yada yada.The reason I have so much time to comment is.....I don't have a job,but at times I take care of my grandson to save the kids a few $$.

 From time to time I blog with other teams.I can say without a doubt this blog is waaayyyy more negative than any others I blog with.Is it b/c the Bucs have been bad so long?You could say that and yet there is also the idea that it is easier to all dogpile than it is to be patient.After all the FO won't have been here 2 full years till Oct.We all have our opinions.Mine?....GO BUCS

There is certainly no surprise or comfort in the statements uttered by Bob Nutting last night. In his mind, he had to know that this is exactly what he was going to get when the season started.

Any owner that would allow his GM to trade away their two best hitters for basement prospects, ought to be drummed out of the league.

As far as Frank Coonelly being ""surprised and offended" that writers & fans think that Freddie Sanchez is sitting out games to avoid triggering a clause in his contract for next year....I say this to you Mr. Coonelly.....I'm "surprise and offended" every day as to what you and the rest of the front office have done to a franchise that myself and my family put so much time, money and effort into all our lives.

Get to work....or leave.

Way to go Bucs!  

I love the Zach Duke quality start.  Tip of the hat to Zach and Kerrigan.  

I think Ohlendorf will come through with another quality start tonight.  Just hope the bats show again.

JAL, thankyou for your concern, i am just one of many who suffer with Parkinsons however i am in the minority with YOUNG ONSET PARKINSONS, i have been dealing with it for about 6 years i am almost 43.

One of my Heroes Michael J Fox calls it the "Gift which keeps on Taking"

But there is real  hope that a cure will happen in my lifetime ,as much as i hope to see the BUCS WIN A RING Hopefully a cure for this comes just before we win it.

ok, ok, it' only 1 game, but it sure is nice to hear so many ready to jump on the Moss BrANDon WAGON - YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

hopefully they will keep it up (and it's always nice to have good starting pitching and strong defense to assist, which is our real key to having a winner).

so, same lineup today with Oh on the mound?

MAC

So sorry to hear of your condition. I am well acquainted with Parkinsonism and its' difficulties. You be da man to attempt PBP and will be one of my heroes from now on

MAZ, i appreciate the clarification, we want the same thing we just go about it differently, other than your Multiple Avatars i love your spirit aswell.

Macs -- You do have a lot to cope with, but we wouldn't have known if you hadn't mentioned it.  Keep your spirits up and fight hard.  May the blog bring you some relief.  Our thuoghts and best wishes are with you.

juan

Unless someone got dinged up, or there are some crazy career numbers against Pinero, I would expect to see the same lineup out there tonight. And I would be glad to see it! Give them a chance to get on a little roll.  Nothing like getting healthy at the expense of the Cards. Gotta love it.  

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

mac

Michael J Fox  has done much work to bring more attention to Parkinson's.  Good person top have a as a hero.  Cures for diseases may come at any time.  Your posts always welcome so post when you can.

You are right about the major negative poster--they never show up when things are going well.

Indiana, you are too kind, i have not given up on the idea of doing it again, i will just have to figur out how i can "modify" how i do it.

daquido - "Any owner that would allow his GM to trade away their two best hitters for basement prospects, ought to be drummed out of the league."

Well, it's a good thing the owner and GM of the Bucs don't fit that description.  Bay may have been our best hitter, but Nady was only having a good year (not as good as Nate, and about on par with Freddy's norm), and the "basement Prospects" thing probably doesn't fit too much either.

Last night was great (I had to catch the replay on FSN - very glad they do that!), and I hope last night was signs of good things to come from Andy and Brandon.  

Bazz

Two best hitters--Bay yes, Nady no.  Nady was having a career year but history said that would not last--and it hasn't.

Bargain basement prospects--Ohlendorf is looking better as time goes on.  Andy is playing well at third.  Tabata has the tools to be an excellent player.  Bryan Morris is highly rated and his recent injury does look to be serious.  Hardly bargain basement prospects.

MAC

From our perspective there is no need for modifications. I firmly believe that there is nothing in our lives that can keep us from success, if we are willing to just put forth effort. I understand that there may need to be modifications but if one is willing to place effort above comfort all things can be accomplished. Now if we can just get our PBC to understand that, if something is important to you, you will find a way to succeed. I am anticipating your next turn at pbp.

BUCCO MANIA FOREVER

YYYYYYYYEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

G-Man - Stanley Cup finals in 1992, I got to watch alone while house sitting for my sister.  It was awesome - but my brother was out to dinner while visiting some cousins in Minneapolis.  My cousin asked the waiter a few times for score updates, but eventually said "Nevermind!"  My brother was only the only happy person in the place.

I love everyobody, sometimes I am misunderstood, I here what Maz is saying , negativity, I want everyone to know that I dont hate ANYONE ON THE BUCS, I love the bucs , so I want the team to win, But 16yrs of loosing will get to you , so when my post seem negative , its not at any one person..This blog is the best thing to happen to me outside of my kids and the time HALLE BERRY asked me my name in VEGAS(true story)...Anyway it helps to write about it..Alot of people are saying MOSS MOSS MOSS, but from the beginning we all want MOSS to succeed for the betterment of the ballclub..Have some of us, including myself been ruff on him , of course ,he deserved it ...My point is when the product on the field is not performing , I write on the blog, AKA MY DIARY, how i feel...So I hope nobody looks at me as MR NEGATIVE..LETS GO BUCSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

JH, thanks so much rest assured this illness will not beat me, and yes i get relief from the blogs it allows me to express myself without people treating me different.

Macs - sorry to hear about your illness but right with you in the hopes for a cure.  My dad has Parkinsons and I'm quite familiar with the difficulties it brings.  I DID get to take him to a Pirates game last year... first time in 25 years.  We went all the time when I was a child.  He still golfs and brags about which Steeler games he's going to this year, so he's not giving in.  Anyway, sending positive thoughts out to you and my pop.

mac, just joining the others in good wishes.  You know lots more about this than I do, but I'm sure that keeping good spirits is very helpful and I can see that you are doing that.  Count one more supporter out here.

JHadar-

Hoover's first year was 68/69.  I believe my class (1988) was the 20th graduating class.  It is located in the NW part of town - very close to Urbandale.

How did you like Columbia, MO?  My wife was raised in Columbia.  She is a Hickman Kewpie.

Daryle, your spirit motivates many of us

BUCS 6.5 GAMES OUT

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

The trades we made for Bay and Nady were the right thing to do, pure and simple, not all trades work out the first day they are Consummated, some never work out and some work out super.

The trades the Pirates made are working out, we got young major league talent with little pro experience, takes a little longer for them to develop, we traded established major league talent, they should perform at their highest levels, but they don't have that many years left to perform at those levels.

With an organization with so little major league ready depth, the trades had to be made, why is that everyone looks at the players that got traded and evaluates bad trade or good trade on how their performance is going, whom you traded away is supposed to satisfy your trading partner.

@MACSINTHEBOX,

Thank you for being so open and sharing your illness with us, I will say a prayer for you and the fact that you shared it with the whole blog , we have come together and BONDED today..This is not a joke, Not only have we bonded because of your willingness to be honest with us , I respect that and again will pray for a cure for your illness..Keep your head up but I can say to you and all out there , reading the kind words and support  you are getting from the blog, Not only will you be blessed but OUR PIRATES as well so you can see them win a ring and we all can REJOICE...Macs thanks for sharing .

@daquido_bazzini - <I say this to you Mr. Coonelly.....I'm "surprise and offended" every day as to what you and the rest of the front office have done to a franchise that myself and my family put so much time, money and effort into all our lives.>

What have you and your family put into the Pirates? Are you a former owner or employee of the team?

I keep forgetting to welcome BillyKidd back. I guess it's another CRS episode. Anyways, welcome back Billy, good to see you again.

Macs, great attitude regarding your health. A former boss of mine had the same thing. Unfortunately he did not deal with it nearly as well. I have some health issues myself, so I know where you're coming from. Keep your chin up, I feel sure a cure will be found.

Geez, the silence in here from the Knights Who Say Nay is almost deafening. Keep up the good work , guys

LET'S GO BUCS! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!

(feels better every time)

CAPN, TRIPLE G Thanks a bunch.

TRIPLE G, speaking as a dad who is much looking forward to taking his son to a game in August i can tell you those are things that keep you going during the "OFF TIMES" WITH THE ILLNESS.

@leadoff - <Also noticed that Tanner Sheppers signed a release for the Pirates to draft him if they want to.>

Do you have a link to this?

JHadar-

Thank you for the "heads up" on SportsCenter.  I just caught it, and this time they had Sanchez's stop.

Three positive fielding plays in SC's Top 10, when was the last time that has happened?  Ever?  Good stuff.

No ball practice tonight.  I will be glued to the set and flipping between the Bucs and Pens!

Daryle and Ted, many thanks you guys are part of what makes this community great, different people who really want the same thing.

        A Pirate Championship

YYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS

PFinStL -- Graduated HS '66 -- still live in NW Iowa and am reasonably familiar with Des Moines, but would need a map to find the high schools except for the ones I drive by on my way to somewhere else.

Loved Columbia, but never got back there until about four years ago -- could find a few things, but my how the place has changed.  Not familiar with the term "Hickman Kewpie", but it does sound interesting.  

diehard -

Re Stanley Cup "where were we": By 1992, most of the group I watch with had finally met. We all were watching separately in 1991. Some were out of town in cities that did not even get the game on cable back then.

But in 1992 we all were assembled at Alex's house watching on his big projection TV screen. It was  like a mini Pittsburgh Sports Bar. One of the great sports moments of my life when the clock at Chicago ticked down to zero that night. Everyone at Alex's jumped on top of each other. I am surprised no one was injured. It was similar for the Super Bowl XL and XLIII wins. I'm hoping for a mini-version of that tonight when the Pens oust Washington.

I dont see any reason JR changes tonights line up from last night.

                       thoughts?

JHadar-

Hoover is about three miles or so from I-80 and Merle Hay Road.

Hickman High School and their famous mascot the Kewpie Doll.  I believe it is because the high school was founded at the turn of the century.  You are right.  Columbia has really grown.

You live up near Sioux City?  Storm Lake?

You mentioned in one of your earlier posts something about Jason Werth of the Philliles.  I think he did steal home for their fifth run last night.

macs -

I am happy to read you are dealing with the Parkinson's so positively. My Dad was diagnosed with it about six months before he passed away at age 87 from pneumonia. You have my best wishes and thoughts in your corner as you move forward with this.

I speak for every person and family that have gone to games, bought merchandise, etc. regarding the Pirates.

I have to believe some of you are employed by the Pirates in one way or another. That is the ONLY way that anyone could defend this current regime.

As for those trades, I knew it then...and I know it more now.

We gave away two good hitters, and got nothing.

Pure & simple....Nothing.

You'll see as time goes by....Myself, I don't need time to know.

GMAN,  much appreciate it

should be an all-time low attendance today

pirates continue to be last in major leagues in attendance and it is not even close

lets see if the 1-game win streak or Ross OhInFourDorf can bring the fans out in dozens

@PAMT--<Tonights Attendance>

Forever the optomist. Any friendly wager that you are wrong...

Sorry I am unable to hang around for your pithy reply...

Hello to everyone in the Asylum....

SUPER Special Shout Out to the following: G, JAL, CAPN, Diehard, JHadar, Irate, Tedkin, Leadoff, DMAC, Indiana, Juan, Maz. Keepin it real in the Asylum...Have a great day!

A special hello to DK...

Lets go Bucs...Lets go Pens

GOD, can i ask you for one more cure?

it's for P.A.M.T

PF-StL -- Humboldt, it's about 16 miles north of Fort Dodge.  Lived in Iowa City, well Coralville mostly, from '78 to '97, so our paths might have crossed.  

Couldn't remember Jason Werth's name earlier, was up early watching sports center.  He stole, second, third, and home.  Went home on the catcher's toss back to the pitcher.

DB << I speak for every person and family that have gone to games, bought merchandise, etc. regarding the Pirates >>

LOL -- that ought to get everybody riled up.  Was it a unanimous election?  I have a hat, but I can't recall EVER asking for you to speak for me.  Could you please send me a copy of my consent form.  I think somebody must have forged it, because I certainly do not agree with you and I do indeed have a hat.

Hey BK -- How's life treatin' ya?  Better, I hope.

@daquido_bazzini - You speak for yourself. I do not know anybody on this blog that works for the Pirates. We are a group of people who enjoy baseball and want to see the Pirates become a winning team again.

As DK has said several times, Cashman would reverse the Nady deal in a heartbeat. The Pirates got the better part of that deal whether you like it or not.

The Bay trade is looking like a bad deal for the Pirates. If 2 of those players received achieve all start status, which it is not looking good, then the Pirates will have gotten the better part of that deal.

The current FO is about to have it's 2nd draft.  You want to get rid of them based on trading 2 players. Nady was having a career year. He will not reach those levels again. There is no guarantee Bay will stay with Boston, and I doubt he would have stayed in Pittsburgh at a reduced price. So we lose both players at the end of this year to free agency and we get 2 draft picks. Draft picks that may or may not develop into great players.

Be careful about wishing Bob Nutting would sell the team. If this team is sold, it is moving out of the city.

I have hats,shirts,pillows a blanket etc.YOU ARE NOT SPEAKING FOR ME!!! We have all read Dejan saying the Yankees would LOVE TO REVERSE the trade.I guess we're NOT ALL in agreement on that trade.BTW last year was a career year for Nady.Not so this year.You must have inside sources that not even the Yankees are privy to!

JH-

I know where Humboldt and Coralville are.  Hoover played Fort Dodge in the Boys HS BB tourney one year during my tenure.  We beat them too.

I do not remember encountering even one Pirate fan in Iowa besides myself, my father and my brother.  There were many Cubs, of course, Cardinals, Royals, Twins and even White Sox fans, because of the Iowa Oaks...where our good friend LaRussa started as a manager in 1979.  As I say that though, it was cool being a nonconformist.

I think it is even more amazing that there are two Pirate fans on this blog that reside in IA.  Are there any others out there?

Kudos to you.

" If this team is sold, it is moving out of the city. "

How will they break the lease?

The team has many many years left on the lease.I believe someone said it was a 30 year lease.So probably not in daq bazzinni's lifetime.might as well get used to it.

@JH--<Doin??>

In and out between meetings...Doing great (as good as that is)

Thank you for asking. See everyone tomorrow! Bringing home TWO WINNERS TONIGHT!

No lease is airtight and there is probably a way they can get out of it.

There may even be an escape clause that we don't know about.

macs -

>>GOD, can i ask you for one more cure? it's for P.A.M.T<<

I generally stay out of the interactions involving UDN, PAMT and such. But your reply above is just too funny. Please have a Hap Cap.  __/_H_\

Correction:  it is JaYson Werth.

@PAMT - to continue our discussion from the other day.  Everybody here gets it.  The Pirates are not as good as they should be.  Mr. Nutting is not here, we are.  Just blurting out hurtful statements about the team will do nothing but make your fellow bloggers feel bad.  It will accomplish nothing.

Why don't you join us in actual baseball discussion instead?

PF-StL -- Iowa Pirate fans, I think there are about ten that have showed up at one time or another on this blog.  Me and Maz, GGG, Amo, and IAPirateFan spring to mind -- but others have mentioned it in passing.  I think we all thought we were the only one.

Please pardon my comments, but I for one do not believe anyone posting comments on these posts hold any purse strings to the Pirate organization.  We have NO CONTROL.

Negativity gets me riled up.  It is negativity that keeps people from buying tickets to a game at the MOST beautiful ball park in the majors.

If you have negativity, stay away, far away.  IMO, if you have it, you are not a true, passionate fan of the Pirates.

I can deal with frustration and disappointment because I have been dealing with that for sixteen straight years, but negativity I cannot.

Also, I see a difference between negativity and pessimism.  Believe me, I am a pessimist in most cases.

And time for the ants to march

==================================================

I havent heard Jack flash getting any credit, What I mean is when he went out of the lineup , we were 11-7 , I know he didnt do anything spetacular but just having him in uniform sures up our Middle Defense and I think I have underestimated his importance to the club,,,,,,,,

Current Pirate Standings

6.5 GB STL NL CENTRAL

5.5 GB  MIL AND CIN NL WILDCARD

ants marching=========================================

Irate fan isn't too irate....Is he/she?

No need to tell me who to speak for, because plenty share my opinion.

Most do not even bother to fight this regime, as I have chosen.

I don't agree with DK's opinion that Cashman would take back the Nady trade in a second.

Why? Because Nady is hurt? Because Ohledorf has 3 wins in a month and a half?

As much as I dislike the Yankees, they won't even bat an eyelash at the Pirates. They love having team like the Pirates around, so that they can pilfer them anytime they please.

As far as someone moving the team, I was totally against that in the 90's.

But you have to look at it logically now.

There is no MLB team in Pittsburgh.

What you have, is just what you'd have if they moved....A Triple A team.

Frank Coonelly has the credibility of Roger Clemens. They both see baseball fans as complete morons. They share the tactics of deflecting attention by keeping a straight face, showing passionate indignation and denying the obvious. Of course they are keeping Sanchez out of the lineup so that he won't quality for a performance bonus. Everything he has done since he has rode in on his white horse is to tell the Pirate fans that things are different when in fact they aren't. Everything he has done as CE0 has been protect the revenue sharing for the owner's hope chest. He hired the fourth place assistant from Cleveland and a manger otherwise unlikely to get to the Big Leagues with a .500 managerial record in the minors. They sign the few fan favorites to "long-term" contracts, back load the highest salary, then dump the player for "young depth" as soon as the established player reaches the later and higher salary numbers.