Pirates vs. Marlins, 7-4-09: Sanchez out

Nice headline--thanks for the pick

                              DUKES GOT HIS JUKE

To see the stats for Pacheco, Reyes, and Perez  go to

www.altoonacurve.com/.../stats

DK--That should be thanks for the pic :)

Doesn't Lynchburg have an h in it?

to see Chang's stats go here

www.minorleaguebaseball.com/.../stats.jsp

JAL -

>>Doesn't Lynchburg have an h in it?<<

This from the man who leaves out the word "not" all the time?

Here's hoping the Buccos provide the holiday fireworks...

Happy 4th of July, JAL! Will you and Mrs. JAL take in some fireworks from our nation's cap tonight?

Gonna repost from my last one - post ants - from the last thread:

"Just watching a little of the Nats-Braves game ... I miss Nyjer a little, and all, but I think we fleeced the Nationals on that trade. Now if we can just help Hanrahan and Throughly Modern Milledge reach their potential."

Those folks in Miami act like they are 20 games better than us in the win column. I know we are in a "show me" situation with 16 losing seasons, but are they talking about the Dodgers or the Marlins?

G-man

One of the basic rules of editing is that you can't edit yourself :)

You just had to know that night after Moss hits a HR he would back on the bench--simply amazing.

Willy Wally,

If we could get a #5 prospect for Adam LaRoche, I'd drive my car to go pick him up!

LaRoche only has 2 1/2 months on his contract, then he's a Free Agent.  No team will give up that much for him.  Mets need him the most, floundering around a game under .500 in an easy division.  Maybe Braves!

Buccos will try to get something for him though, instead of just playing out the season to:  1/ get something, even a AA Minor Leaguer, instead of nothing, and 2/ to save Bobby Nutting $2 1/2 — 3 1/2 million this season!

Expect a return similar to Hinske trade, with Jones sliding in to 1st base.

Bay

We can see the fireworks from near where we live.

From previous thread

@Groat

I don't know what to expect from the Pirates in regards to LaRoche, but I would think he would bring significantly more than Hinske. After all, he's an everyday player with excellent defense, good pop, extreme durability, and is generally very hot down the stretch. I don't expect the world in return if he's traded, but a desperate team looking for a lefthanded power bat might give in at the deadline if LaRoche has a good july.

Batavia

please,. please , please get an avatar

Interesting —— 3rd straight day Vazquez subbing for Freddie instead of Delwyn Young, while Moss is sat down again.

I guess the "Great Experiment" of Young being a 2nd baseman is over!

Jones playing again over Moss:  must be preparing him to play every day replacing LaRoche at 1st.  

Moss played 1B in the minors part time in 2007 so I am not sure why he would not be prepped to play the position if and when LaRoche is traded.  

For the first time in some time, looks like we have a lineup of guys who have some pop, all the way through (I say that, post-Vazquez' home run last night! Honestly, I like Vazquez' approach at the plate, and there's no doubt that the the more you play, the more comfy you get at the plate).

Of course, there will be those "I told you so's" who poked fun at JR potentially benching Moss for hitting his home run yesterday ... but he also looked really, really bad against that lefthander at the end of the game.

Wonder how Garrett will do vs. the lefty? And I guess you can add me to the list of those who wonder what the purpose is of having Pearce on the bench, not getting to play much. Of course, Jones coming up put some hurt on his playing time.

Have we heard from Cave Bonifield post Nyjer trade? Remember he was the one who got the Nyjmo bus going ...

Happy 4th to all!

Willy Wally,

I hope you are right that we pick up more, but we had to pay half of the rest of Hinske's salary to move him.

Huntington has 2 1/2 million — 3 1/2 million reasons to trade LaRoche before July 31.  You're right:  teams might feel the pressure to try and get him; but they also will be picking up a much higher tab.

I think we'll be lucky to get two non-top 10 prospects, like Hinske, unless we pick up part of LaRoche's salary.  Nutting will say no-no.

Oxford,

Garrett Jones was exclusively or predominately a 1st baseman 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008 in minors.  2007 was his first heavy outfield play.  Moss has more experience and probably better outfielder.

russell benched freddy on purpose when he was hot to *** freddy off enough that his back tightened up.  now <i>thats</i> how you prevent someones option from being triggered.

Conspiracy time:

I think Freddy is not playing because a trade is imminent.

If it happens, I'm a genius. If it doesn't, just forget about it.

  GIVE ZACH A BIG MAC!

Moss played the grand total of 41 games at 1b in the minors.

Wish Moss was in there instead of Young.  But of course DYoung will probably go 2-4, with an RBI and run scored.   And he very may well turn a single into a double and misplay a foul pop down the line.

Daryle-I don't think the game is on tv.I went through the channels and it is not being offered.DMac  you are right ..it's not televised by anyone

I don't think they're done with playing DY at 2nd...last weekend NH said that Perry Hill was still working with him.

RE:  Freddy...I don't seriously think JR is benching because of his contract.  

Demery

We had the conspiracy theories on Freddy going last night too.

Paulino catching, wonder if the boys will be aggressive trying to steal second?

Thunder-Young needs to play a lot of games error-free or "adventure-free before most of us have ANY confidence in him.I just hope he doesn't do a Canseco(hit in the head) attempted catch.BTW that ball went off his head for a homer.

Hmmmmmmmmm....Paulino catching I'm saying over/under for stolen bases today is 5. I will take over and say A-Mac breaks out with 3 himself.

;)

@Maz...yeah, I was going to try to watch on mlb.tv via the work network, but it has the blackout box by it.  I hate that.  >:(

State College ahead 5-4.Victor Black 2 IP  1R  1BB  1 K.Bottom of 8.State College is 7-8 going in.Much better team than last year.

DMac-Are you going to do the pbp off the radio broadcast?We all will understand if you don't ,of course.

Since we are all bored and there is no OS I found a joke.____________________________________________A a blonde calls her husband at work one day and asks him, "Can you help me when you get home?"

"Sure, " he replies. "What's the problem?"

"Well, I started a really hard puzzle and I can't even find the edge pieces."

"Look on the box, " he said. "There's always a picture of what the puzzle is."

"It's a big rooster, " she said.

The husband arrives home and tells his blonde wife, "Okay, put the corn flakes back in the box."

@maz...that's the plan.  I'm not much for huge crowds and loud noises.  :-)

Dk post on Twitter--Pirates planning to give Garrett Jones lots of time

There is thread up about those well reported Indian pitchers making their debut.  Suggest we stay her awhile and move there if this thread gets too long.

Are these Indian pitchers actually to be considered prospects or what? It's hard to imagine somebody being good enough to play after only one year of learning baseball.

When JR likes someone they play, when he does not like them, they don't play, even if he has to lose, that is my take on Moss.

Anyone have any idea why the club would promote TWO catchers to Indy, with one about to return from Pittsburgh when Doumit comes back? (Diaz or, less likely, Jaramillo -- almost certainly Diaz).    A trade afoot?   Maybe someone looking for a backup backstop as a throw-in to a bigger deal?

2 catchers from Altoona to Indy?  Tony Sanchez gonna skip Lynchburg?

DK, nice picture of Capps. And I really liked the rainbow picture from yesterday evening. Thanks for making this blog the best place to come for Pirates info.

@Baywatch wrote re: Pirates vs. Marlins, 7-4-09: Sanchez out

on Jul 4, 2009 3:03 PM

Have we heard from Cave Bonifield post Nyjer trade? Remember he was the one who got the Nyjmo bus going ...

___________

Last I heard someone was screaming and an ambulance was seen rushing to the scene.  Seems someone wearing a baseball cap crooked and smiling while hurting was saying no, no, no you can’t have him.  I drive this bus and you are not allowed to take my passenger he’s the only one I have.  Crying, kicking and yelling they dragged the man away.  Someone mentioned that he was to be put into the Littlefield wing under lock and key for an unspecified time.  Members of the asylum said that large carts of meds have been delivered and dispensed for an unknown person just brought in.  This could be our very own Cave?

Nice pic of Capps--what a class guy. Stopped to sign autographs the other night after a game. I hear the Marlins and Cubs are asking about him. Also, San Fran is looking hard at Adam. All just talk from what I can tell right now. No buzz on Freddy. I like the speculation that some other team might be interested in a minor league catcher as part of a larger deal. AAA time could be used to evaluate possible prospects....

Nice line up but I still think JR needs to play Moss at least 6 or 7 games in a row for better "groovability."

AWww...thanks Matt...and DK for the photo, of course!  :-)

Interesting on those catchers going to Indy...They've got Lerud and Kratz...and when Ry's read, most likely Diaz.  I think you all are right...something's up.  

@ heyfred  I was puzzled about the 2 catchers to Indy as well since 1 of ours will be going there soon enough.

I guess JR is trying to see if Duke can keep anyone from hitting to RF today.  Young has been slumping but was able to do well in a PH role.  Why oh why not keep that going for awhile?  Or put him at 2nd and see if he learned anything if that is where he may I repeat may play on this team in the future.

Diaz and JJ have both shown their value during Ryan's injury, and that value is at its peak.  Either would be an attractive throw-in if a trade is forthcoming.

Good call mates on the catching issue at Indy, that replaces GJones and Salazar?

I don't understand Moss picking splinters out of his keister again.  Hey, maybe he has some option/bonus if he gets so many atbats??

This must be killing Freddy, but how do you hurt yourself getting out of a cab, unless you slip or something?

IMO if you trade Adam, spend the money saved on SaNO ; }

@Maz

The worst news you could have given me, I cant remember the last time the game was on the Mlb Package..I thought Thursdays game agains the mets was gonna b a blackout, Well I have an I phone and i want to watch the ESPN GAMECAST on it, did it yesterday and we won YESSSSSSSSSSSS

JAL -

>>You just had to know that night after Moss hits a HR he would back on the bench--simply amazing.<<

Say what you will about JR. But his reluctance to play Moss in back-to-back games is the most consistent thing about this ball club.

DMac & Cheese -

>>I don't seriously think JR is benching [Freddy] because of his contract.<<

Maybe not directly. But there's an unsubstantiated report of a guy in glasses paying a Miami cabbie $500 to remove the seatbelts from the back seats and slam on brakes several times between the hotel and Land Shark Stadium.

G-man

Aha

so it one those contrary things--inconsistently is the only consistent thing :)

LOL...G-man, I see you've got your contacts in place again.  ;-)

Former Tennessee QB Steve McNair reported dead in what police characterize as a "double homicide."

non baseball item--Steve McNair shot and killed in Nashville today--not much else reported

Roxtar

Same time, same basic info

Been away for awhile...  

Thought today might be a good day to bring up the 1914 Boston Braves who were in last place on July 4th then went 60-13 through the rest of their schedule to finish 94-59, win the NL by 10.5 games and blow away the Philadelphia A's in four games.

We got a couple young pitchers sorting things out.  Discovering some new hitting talent, Doumit coming back and ... well it's a little optimistic out here on the prairie today.  

BTW let's start calling Nady-Marte trade the Ohlendorf - Tabata - Karstens - McCutcheon deal -- and the other one the LaRoche - Moss - Hansen - Morris deal.  

   I am basically done with the Delwyn-Brandon Saga, its went far beyond maddening.

I think Jones needs some P-T @ 1b, he seems to be a great option there because he has a power bat and his throwing arm doesnt appear to be a strength.

I was thinking what i would do if i was asked to reset the pitching rotation for the second half, i would-------

Make Zach my Ace and pitch him 1st, he has really pitched well.

Make Morton #2, his stuff is electric and once he harnesses his "stuff" there is no reason to believe that he wont be our next Ace.

Make Paul the #3 guy, and stress to him when the sinker isnt working, focus on the basics of pitching, work the ball in-out, change speeds, hit your spots and keep the ball down.

Ross is the #4 guy, he has improved but i would work with him on his velocity, he has shown he knows how to pitch but i am convinced improving his velocity would really make him tough.

Gorzo would be my #5 guy, i know Vazquez is the current 5 starter but i would try and package him in a deal as i feel Gorzo is a better pitcher with a higher upside.

re trade value:

hinske: 31 yrs old, 106 hr/3012 ab [1:28ab], obp=.337, slg=.436, avg=.254

adLa: 29 yrs old, 123 hr/ 2600 ab [1:21ab]., obp=.342, slg=.492, avg=.272

given hinske's age, and adLa's slightly higher punch, he is worth more, although neither is putting up stats to scare anyone. adLa to date in 09  is below his career avg in almost all categories. of course we know in the past he has a hot hand at the end, which also raises his value. I wish he had panned out. I wish they both had.

@macsBox- I like your rotation.

I want to buy a moss bus. anyone got the keys to the old nyjmo bus? I can't understand why JR thinks this is a good idea. at this level you have to give the key folks abs. moss has flashed the bat a few times and needs some pitches.

MOSS IS JUST FINE_BUT NOT ON THE PINE

JH

60-13  that is a bit optimistic But on July 4, 1914 the Braves were 13 games below .500,  15 games a out, and in 8th place--so the Pirates have a shorter climb than the Braves did.

We need to move the riders of the Moss-tery Machine to the Nyjmo bus...they need the space.  :-)

They couldn't move Moss to 1st base because then that would give the Pirates no power in the entire infield.  Especially the corners, they need to find a power bat for 3rd or 1st.  Garrett Jones would be a good fit even though he moves well.  I would try Pearce on a consistent basis as well.

@pi-rat wrote re: Pirates vs. Marlins, 7-4-09: Sanchez out

on Jul 4, 2009 5:36 PM

@macsBox- I like your rotation.

I want to buy a moss bus. anyone got the keys to the old nyjmo bus? I can't understand why JR thinks this is a good idea. at this level you have to give the key folks abs. moss has flashed the bat a few times and needs some pitches.

MOSS IS JUST FINE_BUT NOT ON THE PINE

____________

Much agreed,I think you will find the keys in Cave’s clenched fists.  Rumor is he is in the Littlefield wing, heavily medicated and strapped down.

JAL -- After all it was the greatest come back of all time, and if we improve second half over first this season I will be more than satisfied.

We HAD to heavily medicate him...The screams were scaring some of the other inmates.  ;-)

Yeah, DK, it never rains in Pittsburgh!

Sanchez' injured back... may look surprising and may have us scratching our heads, but back pain is directly related to stress...either physical (which, in this case seems questionable), mental, emotional, psychological, financial, spiritual or whatever stress. Just ask DK how his back pain started (I'm still trying to get that info from him, but he hasn't replied).

DK--please get your copy of Healing Back Pain by Dr. Sarno and pass it to Freddy.

As for the Moss/Young situation...could be just a case of a lefty today and an afternoon game tomorrow...let's not get so bent out of shape with Moss every time he's out of the lineup. Yes, Young is a MAJOR liability in the field, but sometimes a guy's gotta play. I'd love to see Moss out there every day or at least 7 or 8 or even 9 out of every 10 games, but tonight just might be an unfavorable matchup in the eyes of JR and the coaching staff.

Catchers---JJ may well get moved...with Ryan being a switch hitter, Diaz stays in the same situation. Though having two switch hitting catchers would be quite a bonus. Any team ever have two switch hitting catchers at the same time?

@ PI rat

               I was a fan of playing Delwyn early but until his glove improves considerably Moss should get the starts assuming he continues to swing the bat the way he has.

Matt!  Stay away from that guy with the camera!  The last player picture DK posted was Nate - "Hey, is this for the blog?"  He's stealing your soul and trading it for Starbucks!  Run away!

JR and GV should platoon as managers to see who to keep beyond trading deadline.  

I'm alittle confused by the Moss-to-first conversation that's bounced around today.  Others have said it, so I'll throw it in as well - Garrett Jones is a first baseman by trade, he's an outfielder by trying to find a spot behind Morneau for the Twins.  If anyone moves to first in the event of an AdLa trade, it would be Garrett.  He moves well in the outfield, but doesn't have the arm for it.  (Which would be why he's been in left.  Every hit to RF would be a 1st-to-3rd for the other team.)

"non baseball item--Steve McNair shot and killed in Nashville today--not much else reported"

@JAL  I am shocked, from all accounts he was a quality individual, what an awful way to pass.

Those catcher moves open up possibilities:

1) Doumit starts playing 1B when he gets back up due to injury, LaRoche trade or OF move, etc. In which case Pearce heads back down.

2) They have a suitor lined up for Jaramillo or Diaz. But is trading either of them safe with Doumit's injury history? If a trade is coming, it would need to wait until Doumit is back in the majors.

3) They could carry three catchers. This would provide safety, allow Doumit to play a little 1B or DH in interleague, and as PH options they aren't much worse than Pearce.

I'm guessing Sanchez is soon headed to Lynchburg (ready or not).

Diehard:

Yeah, it makes little sense.  Pearce is a 1B as well.  Moss would be no better than 4th on the depth chart at this point.

OMG!  Diehard is right!  Nate WAS the last player to pose for the blog!  Ohhhh boy.  Excuse me while I go give Jobu his rum.  With all the firecrackers going off around here, I'd say the bats should be awake already.  :-)

Converting the Nyjmo bus to the Moss bus:  Guess you guys didn't see this

community.post-gazette.com/.../Nyjer-Bus.jpg.aspx

I like the trade, but the bus is gone

Wake Forest Rider,

I didn't understand your comment, "They couldn't move Moss to 1st base because then that would give the Pirates no power in the entire infield."  Whether Moss (or Jones for that matter) plays at 1st or RF or LF, they still have only two and one homerun respectively.  Need HR's just as much in RF and LF as at 1B and 3B.

Right now 2 HR leads all the outfielders!

Naje,

Lefty/righty with Young/Moss apparently doesn't apply to Jones.  He is lefthanded batter and could have just as easily sat instead of Moss.  John Russell must like Jones better, which is surprise because he was in Minor Leagues just a week ago.

Something is amiss.

It's the Fourth of July, so can we all say that ...

DUKE HAS HIS FLUTE!

Okay...Game time!

AMac takes the first pitch, strike 1.  Takes, outside,1-1.  Grounded to 3rd, Bonifacio to Cantu.  1 away.

Jack takes high, ball 1.  Takes, strike 1...1-1 count.  Low, 2-1.  Low again, 3-1.  Fly ball to L-CF...Ross makes the catch.  2 away.  

DY takes a strike on the inside corner, 0-1.  Takes a ball, 1-1 count.  Line drive to RF...Carroll comes on and makes the catch.  Side retired.

Bucs don't score, Fish coming up.

The Baymeister is without TV here today, too ... some crazy mlb.tv blackout because it's Saturday and the game is being played between 1:15 p.m. and 7:05 p.m.

So we Gamecentering and DMackin' like the rest of yinz ...

Three up, three down in the top of the first.

GROAT2MAZ...

I agree, the left/right thing doesn't apply to Jones and maybe that's just a comfort level they have with Jones being a little more experienced than Moss. Again, we don't know what the lineup for tomorrow will look like...perhaps JR's trying to play a hot hand, or wanting to get a few AB's out of Young and bring Moss into the game as a def. replacement. Interesting stuff, to be sure.

Pearce seems to have hit his ceiling at AAA/AAAA level. Never shown me enough to merit him a consistent shot at playing time. Perhaps Jones will have some time at 1B soon enough. Lots of options with this lineup right now....should be fun seeing how things get pieced together in the next month.

Home runs give a quick two runs

I think Morton had the stuff to pitch to Hanley, but Duke soft tossing is not going to work, Duke has to pitch around people like Hanley.

Zach is ready to go.

Bonifacio comes to the plate. He takes ball 1.  Bunted to the right side, Duke fields and turns to throw to Adam, but it's off the tip of his glove and Bonifacio is safe.  Bob Walk  is saying Bonifacio wasn't running in the lane, but no one is arguing.  It goes as a bunt single.

Hermida shows bunt, takes a strike. Swings and misses, 0-2.  He swings and misses for strike 3.  1 away.

Ramirez steps in.  Zach throws to 1st.  Throw to 1st again.  Throw to 1st again.  OOops...Drive deep to LF and it's gone for a 2-run shot.  

Cantu takes, ball 1.  Low and away, 2-0.  Misses again, 3-0.  He takes and it's an Autostrike, ( (c)  Sir L.)  3-1.  Grounded to SS...Jack gets there and makes the stop and throws to Adam.  2 away.   A sparkler...to his right, sliding on the LF grass, making the throw from his knees to Adam, with momentum taking him toward the LF line.  

Uggla has a 1-1 catch.  Fly ball to LF...Jones makes the catch for the out.

Side retired, but the Fish catch the lead.  2-0 after 1.

Mac

By all accounts he was a quality person.  Guess we have to se what the police come up with.  

naje

perhaps JR's trying to play a hot hand, or wanting to get a few AB's out of Young and bring Moss into the game as a def. replacement. Interesting stuff, to be sure.

_____________________________

JR has never brought in a defensive replacement for DY yet, I don't think today is going to be the day.

JR claims that DY plays average defense. JR's standards apparently are not very high.

gameday audio cheap and never any blackouts

Sorry 'bout that, Chief! Butta we havva dem righta where we a wanta dem! HehHehHeh!

Adam leads off the 2nd and he takes ball 1.  Called strike, 1-1.  Takes another called strike, 1-2.  Pitch misses for a ball, 2-2.  Swing and miss, strike 3.  1 away.

Jones takes outside, ball 1.  Takes and it's a called strike, 1-1.  Fouled away, 1-2.  (I could hear the crack of the bat on that)  Just misses and the count evens at 2.  Swing and miss, strike 3.  2 away.  

Andy takes ball 1.  Dropped by Paulino -- surprise, surprise -- 2-0.  Swings and misses, 2-1.  Swings and misses again, 2-2 count.  And he looks at a called strike 3 on the outside of the plate.  Doesn't sound like Andy liked that call at all.  Side retired.

just realized the opposing pitcher has ERA over 4-the type the Bucs make look like Cy Young winners

Well, Miller strikes out our side ... It's early but that cuts both ways if it's yet another guy with a 4.36 ERA carving us up like Sandy Koufax again ...

Ross takes a called strike, 0-1.  Lasers it right back to Duke.  1 away.

Paulino takes a called strike, 0-1.  Grounds the next to Adam.  2 away.

Carroll takes a called strike, 0-1.  Misses high, 1-1.  Misses outside, 2-1.  Fouled away, 2-2.  Grounded to Jack, throw to Adam.  That ends the 2nd.

Still 2-0 Fish.

Happy July 4th, inmates!

I had a wonderful day out and about, selling some of my signature tee shirts that say,

"It's Just G-Manny being G-Manny."

"Well, Miller strikes out our side ... It's early but that cuts both ways if it's yet another guy with a 4.36 ERA carving us up like Sandy Koufax again ..."

@ BAY, maybe it's good we all cant see it if it is going to continue like this.

JAL -

>>just realized the opposing pitcher has ERA over 4-the type the Bucs make look like Cy Young winners<<

Add to that the Bucs scored 8 runs Thursday and 7 Friday. Chances are they will be lucky to scratch out a run or two tonight.

G-man

Sounds like you have winner on your hands :)

Diaz leads off and he bunts!  O. M. G.  Miller fields but the throw is late and Diaz is SAFE!    Dude!  They gave someone an error on that play!!!  

RV hits a drive to RF.  Carroll loses track, but he recovers and makes the catch for the out.  1 away.

Zach bunts to the 3rd base side, moving Diaz to 2nd.  2 away.  I know that's the textbook play, but Zach can hit!

AMac takes ball 1.  Takes again, 2-0.  Takes and it misses again, 3-0.  Autostrike, 3-1.  Bounced foul, and the count goes full.  Fly ball to RF and it will drop in foul territory.  And the pitch is high, AMac draws the walk.

RUnners at 1st and 2nd, 2 away.

Jack takes and it's strike 1.  Fouled away, 0-2.  Slowly hit to the right side, Cantu fields and throws to Miller who beats Jack to the bag for the 3rd out.

@G-man...You forgot to add that Zach is pitching and they don't usually give him a lot of runs anyway.  :-)

@Macs - "BAY, maybe it's good we all cant see it if it is going to continue like this."

A big AYE to that, me hearty ... Methinks I'll go out and cut some grass ... once it cools off a bit more. Probably gets hot over there where you are, too, eh, Macs? I used to get down to Tupelo every week when I lived in Memphis.

I did pull up the WPGB broadcast via mlb.tv ... Greg and Walkie ... sounds like they have quite a few more people at Land Shark tonight.

Sounds like Andy may have gotten a little "ouchy" on his sliding attempt to get Hermida's foul ball.

Duke walks Hermida, and here comes the man-child, Ramirez ... probably upset we broke his RBI string yesterday.

DMac & Cheese -

>>You forgot to add that Zach is pitching and they don't usually give him a lot of runs anyway.<<

That's definitely the coupe de grace. We can shut down and go home right now.

Bay - They said on TV there should be more people there tonight.  The game is followed by KC and The Sunshine Band.  They're at PNC later this summer.  How many ballparks are they playing in?

Why doesn't JR help Nutting save money: just don't take Moss on road trips.

Miller leads off and takes, strike 1.  Bunt attempt, he misses, 0-2.  Swings and misses for strike 3.  1 away.

Bonifacio takes low, ball 1.  Bunted up the right side and he's safe at 1st.  :-/

Hermida steps in and Zach throws to 1st.  He takes ball 1.  The runner goes and the throw doesn't get him, SB for Bonifacio.  Count to Hermida is 1-1.  Tapped foul, 1-2.  In the dirt, 2-2.  Fouled away.  Runner takes off for 3rd...Diaz makes the throw and it's a strike to Andy at 3rd to get Bonifacio!  SWEET!   2 away.  It's a 3-2 count to Hermida.  Popped to the left side, Andy makes the sliding attempt, but it bounces out of reach, foul.  The next pitch is in the dirt and goes to the backstop for ball 4.  

Ramirez takes ball 1.  He takes a called strike, 1-1.  Low and it's 2-1.  Popped up in foul territory, out of play behind the plate, 2-2 count.  Just a bit inside, 3-2.  Lined off Vazquez's glove and into RF for a single.

Runners at 1st and 3rd, 2 away.  

Cantu takes a strike on the outside corner, 0-1.  Inside, 1-1.  Cantu takes and it's a called strike, 1-2.  Bounced foul.  Grounded to 3rd, Andy goes to his left to field, makes the throw to Adam to retire the side.

We head to the 4th, 2-0 Marlins.

D Mac and G-man

also didn't mention we have 4 gray man post with the bad karma that brings on game threads.  

ON PAPER, I like this lineup but after Adam's first two strikeouts, I'm thinking if they sit Moss vs. the lefty, why not give Adam a break and let Pearce play??

diehard -

>>The game is followed by KC and The Sunshine Band.  They're at PNC later this summer.  How many ballparks are they playing in?<<

One too many. Rimshot!

DY leads off and takes ball 1.  He takes a called strike, 1-1.  Down and in, 2-1.  High, fly ball to LF.  Hermida makes the catch.  1 away.

The official scorer refuses to change Diaz's bunt to a single...it's still an error.  

Adam takes a called strike, 0-1.  Swings and misses, 0-2.  Checks his swing, the pitch is low, 1-2 count.  And he swings and misses for strike 3.  Crap.  2 away.

Jones takes ball 1.  Takes and it's a called strike, 1-1.  Popped up, it goes foul...omg...Paulino actually makes an effort to go after it.  (Sorry, that was mean...)  1-2 count to Jones.  Down and away, 2-2 count.  In the dirt, 3-2 count.  Boucned fair to the right side, Cantu takes it and steps on the bag for the 3rd out.

Bay - Agreed there.  Play Pearce at least once against a lefty.

G-Man - You are in rare form tonight sir!

in other baseball news, Jamie Moyer just won another--ties him with Carl Hubbell for 42 in all time wins at 253

@JHadar wrote re: Pirates vs. Marlins, 7-4-09: Sanchez out

on Jul 4, 2009 6:03 PM

Converting the Nyjmo bus to the Moss bus:  Guess you guys didn't see this

community.post-gazette.com/.../Nyjer-Bus.jpg.aspx

I like the trade, but the bus is gone

______________

Told you Cave wrecked the bus when he heard they traded Nyjer.

4 innings without a hit--or anything close to hit from what i can tell

JAL,

I'm listening to the gameday audio, and both Brown and Walk are saying Diaz's bunt should have been ruled a hit.

Uggla leads off and takes a called strike, 0-1.  In the dirt, 1-1.  Misses, 2-1.  Fouled away, 2-2.  Low, 3-2.  Fouled away.  Grounded to the left side and it goes between Jack and the 2B bag.  Uggla is in at 1st with a single.

Ross takes in the dirt, 1-0.  Line drive to R-CF.  DY makes a "stumbling" stop to hold Ross to a single.  Walkie says that DY doesn't look comfortable but that was a nice stop. Uggla goes to 3rd.

Paulino grounds it to Jack, throw to RV relay to Adam, to complete the DP.  Uggla scores.

Carroll hits a fly ball to RF.  DY is there to make the catch and end the inning.  

The Fish add another and lead 3-0 heading to the 5th.

Hey Young stumbles in front of a ball to keep it a single.  Hip hip hooray!

diehard -

>>G-Man - You are in rare form tonight sir!<<

Thank you. But I'm sure there are some out there who wish I would be even rarer - as in not making all these bad jokes.

As an aside, been meaning to say how much I enjoyed the conversation as I sat out the rain delay with you and your daughter last Sunday.

@diehard - "G-Man - You are in rare form tonight sir!"

It's just G-Manny being G-Manny, Diehard! LOL! Forget the Hap Cap ... I want that T-Shirt!

Going into the fifth, being shutout yet again by a bum! (He said with his best Brooklyn accent)

WOOOHOOO!  Line Driver HR for ANDY!  

Andy! Way to break up that no-no and shutout at once.

La La La La!

Maybe this being no-hit by the bum is a sort of old Muhammad Ali "Rope-a-Dope" strategy ... give 'em that sense that they've got something going, even let 'em get you on the ropes ... then come back with "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, double-clutch shuffle!"

Really Young did stumble on the play.  To hear the game check out this free radio link. The game is on 1270 tonight.

freebaseballradio.com/Pittsburgh.html

Andy just hit one out!  4th of the year, and it's on the 4th.  Is that an omen?

JAL -

>>4 innings without a hit--or anything close to hit<<

Those words were barely out of your keyboard and LaRoche hit a homer and Diaz singled.

Can I convince you to type something like "G-Man has never wond the lottery"?

photoby  

Thanks

Diaz singles on the first pitch.

RV takes low, ball 1.  He takes and it's a called strike, 1-1 count.  In the dirt, 2-1.  Bounced to the right side, Uggla to Ramirez for the force at 2nd.  Diaz is out, but RV is safe at 1st.  1 away.

Zach takes up and in, 1-0. Popped up a bunt and it's caught by Miller.  2 away.  Great, I applaud Zach's hitting and he does that.  Geez!  

AMac takes in the dirt, 1-0.  In the dirt, 2-0 and it gets away from Paulino.  RV goes and Paulino throws him out at 2nd.  Crap.  That retires the side.

But Andy breaks up the no-hitter and shut-out with a swing of the bat...3-1.

Does ESPN pay someone to do the pitch by pitch?  What does this mean:

R Vazquez out at second on runner's fielder's choice

Bay-bee,

Adam LaRoche will play almost every game until August 1——forget Pearce and Jones getting significant time there——to build up his HR and RBI stats for upcoming trade.

The more HR he hits, the more likely we connect on a deadline trade and relieve ourselves of 2 months salary ($1.25 million a month).

Saving over $2 1/2 million big ones will make Nutting sing soprano!

Miller steps in and takes a strike, 0-1.  Misses, 1-1.  Fouled away, 1-2.  Misses, 2-2.  Inside, 3-2. Swings and misses for strike 3.  1 away.

Bonifacio takes strike 1.  Fly ball to shallow LF...Jones comes in, dives for the ball and he can't make the catch.  Bonifacio is in at 1st with a single.  

Hermida takes a strike, 0-1.  Throw to 1st.  Check-swing and they say he doesn't go, 1-1 count.  He takes and it's a called strike, 1-2.  Throw to 1st.  Check-swing foul, count still 1-2.  Pitch is low, 2-2 count.  And it's a called strike 3.  2 away.

Ramirez hits a fly ball to L-CF.  AMac gets there to make the catch for the 3rd out.

They've completed 5.  Marlins lead 3-1.

@JAL...lmao!  It was a simple "Caught STealing".  

Andrew on 1st, Ronnie behind the plate.  RUN!!!!!!!

Delwyn gets a hit and RBI!  Good to see (it's been a few games).

D  Mac

I figured that out after you posted the PBP.  

AMac steps in and takes low, ball 1.  He takes a called strike, 1-1.  Takes and it's in there, 1-2.  Upstairs, 2-2.  He smokes it back up the middle for the leadoff single.  

Jack pushes the bunt up the 1B side.  He's called out running outside the baseline, but AMac moves over to 2nd.  1 away.

DY takes inside, 1-0.  He hits it to CF and it drops in for a single!  AMac heads to third, rounds it and heads for home and is in standing!  RBI single for DY!  WOOHOO!

Adam fouls the first pitch off, 0-1.  Misses outside, 1-1.  Throw to 1st.  Takes and it's outside, 2-1.  Hammered foul, 2-2.  Grounded to 3rd...Bonifacio for 1, relay to Cantu for the DP.

They draw within a run...now 3-2 Fish

Justice Action League,

Ball bounced away from Paulino (surprise) about 4 feet, and Vazquez took off for second.

Bigger surprise:  Paulino jumped on ball quickly and threw Vazquez out at second,  Announcers seemed not able to believe Paulino got him.

Thus:  caught stealing

Groat

I get the CS--but where the poster come up runner's fielder's choice?  Weird :)

It isn't appearing as a CS in the box score. I guess they are saying it would have been a WP if he had been safe since it was a ball in the dirt?

Not to be overly critical (never may that happen on this blog!), but I don't understand why Wilson was bunting last inning -- playing for one run when you're down two and wasting the second out doesn't strike me as the best strategy in the world.  One down or no out, ok (just ok).  Yeah, it worked and at least Jack didn't GIDP, but . . .

Cantu takes a called strike, 0-1.  Line drive to LF...it's off the wall AMac fields and Cantu is in at 2nd.

Uggla is high and away, 1-0.  Swung on and grounded foul, 1-1.  Fly ball towards the line in LF.  Jones gets there and makes the catch for the out.  Cantu has to hold at 2nd.  1 away.

Ross takes a called strike, 0-1.  In the dirt, 1-1 count.  Low and in, 2-1.  Misses inside, 3-1.  Inside and low for ball 4.  

Runners at 1st and 2nd, 1 away.

Paulino steps in and its fouled away, 0-1.  Check-swing, they appeal and it's a no-swing, 1-1 count.  Popped up on the right side, Adam goes out, then back peddles and makes the catch in foul ground.  2 away.

Carroll steps in and takes outside, ball 1.  Takes and it's a strike at the knees, 1-1.  Down and in, 2-1.  Low again, 3-1.  C'mon, Zach!  Outside ball 4. Bases are loaded.  

Miller swings and misses, 0-1.  Swings and misses, 0-2.  Fouled away, still 0-2.  And the pitch gets away from Diaz.  Cantu comes in and scores.  Crap.  1-2 pitch is fouled away.  Swings and misses for strike 3 to end the inning.

However, they add a run, 4-2 Fish.  

JHadar - Especially on the first pitch.  Did they really think Ronnie would throw AMac out?  Should have gone for the steal and take it from there.

If we trade a catcher or demote one it will/should be Diaz.  Baywatch needs to give him his glove since it's bigger.  Diaz needs to learn how to catch a ball and block the balls coming in.He misses just way to many.

I guess Scorus is right.  They don't have it as a CS.

WOOHOOO!  Jones hits one deep to LF and that one is GONE!  

JHadar -

In my mind, JR's choice of having Wilson bunt in that situation is one of the least puzzling things he's done this year. Begin with the handling of the pitching staff, move next to the starters he puts in right field, finish it off with an attempted steal by Adam LaRoche last Sunday. Heck, bunting with the bases empty and two out wouldn't be as puzzling as that stuff.

That's twice for the first pitch HR!  Should we just be jumping at the first pitch all the time from Miller?

It is going to be hard to keep G. Jones out of the lineup with that kinda pop.

Jones hit that one too fast...

I'll bet Jack wasn't sacrificing though...he was probably bunting for a single.  That's usually what he does when he's bunting on the 1st pitch.

Andy takes a called strike, 0-1.  Misses, 1-1.  He lines it to CF and it drops for a single!  

Diaz takes a called strike on the inside of the plate, 0-1.  Lines it back to Miller, throw to Miller for one back to Cantu for the DP.  2 away.

RV swings and pops it foul on the left side.  It goes into the seats, 0-1.  Outside, 1-1.  Called strike, 1-2.  Low, 2-2 count.  In the dirt, 3-2 count.  Bounced over the mound toward 2nd.  Uggla fields, throws, but RV beats the throw for an INF single.

Pearce is PH-ing for Zach.  

There will be a pitching change for the Marlins.

@DelusionalBuc wrote re: Pirates vs. Marlins, 7-4-09: Sanchez out

on Jul 4, 2009 7:54 PM

It is going to be hard to keep G. Jones out of the lineup with that kinda pop.

__________

I know this will be food for fodder for the Pearce haters but he and Jones are similar in that when they connect it will go out.  Jones is better at least making contact on the low stuff though.

Gee when I hit add they put pearce in to PH.  That's one way to get Miller out of there.

Jones handles the bat like WILL CLARK from the SF GIANTS..

Brian Sanches is on to pitch now.

Pearce has been recalled.  Moss is now PH-ing for Zach.  Pearce was announced, so he's done for the day.  Moss takes a strike, 0-1.  Swings and misses, 0-1.  And he swings and misses for strike 3.

Stretch time in Miami....It's 4-3, Florida.

I hate the matchup crap sometimes ... give me Pearce in that situation anytime over Moss. Of course, hindsight ...

Well there goes the defencsive replacement with Moss he is now in place of Pearce.

ah that was to be defensive but I was thinking and hoping for one over the fence when typing that.

@Daryle...NOt just yet, besides his swing isn't as pretty as Clark's was.  :-)

Mad

Maybe not--might do a double switch

Mad

ob 2nd thought that would not make sense as the pitcher spot is 9 away.

DMac -- Bunting for single -- only explanation that makes sense would be Wilson doing it on his own -- but as GMan et al point out, not everything JR does makes sense.  

I like the fact that Jones is doing well.Tell me...what kind of pitch did he launch?I remember the no fastball diet Pearce went on last year.We all know the scouting reports will go out on Jones and I'd like to know if he hits offspeed  stuff and is good on inside stuff as well.Moss has tons of problems on away pitches.

I think, with Delwyn Young, I take back my philosophy of "If he can hit, gotta find a place to play him." Where is it going to end with him? He's just too much of a liability in the field. We bring enough stick tonight ... but are still playing like losers.

Ball gets under Delwyn Young's glove for triple, according to announcer.

Defense!  Defense!  Defense!  That's what wins games!  [and loses games—see passed ball/wild pitch from last inning]

When we have to clear space again on the 40-man, I think Meek's going to be going bye bye.

Maz from Muscatine,

Is your new avatar a dance-step-chart or a picture of questionable taste?

Meek is on the hill now for the Bucs.

FYI...that WP was Zach's first of the year!

Bonifacio show bunt, but takes inside, ball 1.  Called strike, 1-1.  In the dirt, goes to the backstop, 2-1.  Swings and misses, 2-2 count.  Grounded foul, count stays 2-2.  High and taken for ball 3...3-2 count.  Chopped foul.  Roped to RF for a single.  It goes under DY's glove and rolls to the wall.  Bonifacio is in at 3rd with the leadoff triple.  According to Wehner, DY was playing more toward R-CF and couldn't get over in time to cut it off.

Both IF and OF are shallow.

Hermida takes a called strike 1.  Misses, 1-1.  Swings and misses, 1-2.  Bounced at the plate and Diaz blocks it, 2-2 count.  Inside, 3-2 count.  Swung on, lined foul, the count stays 3-2.  Grounded foul again.  And the pitch is low, ball 4.

Runners on the corners, no one out.

Middle IF'ers move back a little.

De Aza is PR-ing for Hermida.

Ramirez swings and it goes right back to the mound.  Meek to 2nd, throw to 1st for the DP. Bonifacio scores.  Why didn't he throw home?

Cantu takes ball 1.  Swings and misses, 1-1 count.  Swings and misses again, 1-2.  Swings and misses for strike 3.  That retires the side.

We head to the 8th, 5-3 Fish.

Bay - So far Delwyn's bat has won us one game, the glove has cost us three.  Hoping for a comeback, but tonight could be #4.

I have posted many times--DY is a liability in the field.  That's another run his defense cost.

Bay

Not a bad outing by Meek--with a RF who could field probably no runs.

Dy has DH written all over him--wrong league

AMac leads off the Pirate half of the 8th.  He takes a strike, 0-1.  They're doing a recap...count is 2-1.  Outside, 3-1.  Big swing and miss, 3-2 count.  Swings and misses for the K.  1 away.  

Jack fouls the first pitch away, 0-1.  Popped foul, out of play, 0-2.  Fouled away again.  Swings and misses for strike 3.  2 away.

DY drives one into the gap in R-CF.  And he dives in, safe at 2nd with a double!  

Freddy Gonzales comes out to make a pitching change

What kind of a monster is Young making me? The guy hits a double and I can't cheer for him ... It's like, "NO! You've got to hit at least a grand slam to make up for that last right field gaffe you made!"

DY doesn't get off scott-free, but the way I understood Wehner, he had a bit of a run to get near that ball.  This is partially on the positioning too.  If he had been playing closer to the line, he may have had that ball.

Come on, Adam. Take a walk, and let Garrett hit!

@JAL: I was trying to type the same thing. Maybe we ship DY to he AL.

How dumb a play is it to allow the run to score on a comebacker to the pitcher in the bottom of the 7th?!?

I agree, Bay-bee.  I wouldn't take him off 40-man, but Meek should be one to go to Indy with next pitcher move [Veal must come off DL on July 7-8].  Not throwing strikes consistently, and poor judgment on comebacker with infield up.  GOT to cut off the run!

Come on, Adam LaRoche!!

If Young has played hand grenade again we've gotta stop it NOW.This  is way out of control.For Christ sake the guy has 6 extra base hits.If he had 10-12 2Bs maybe,but 4 doubles?I've heard the complaints about Moss,but at least he has 15 2B and 2 3Bs AND ZERO  errors +7 assists.

While I don't keep a scorebook at home, my memory suggests that Young has done well as a pinch-hitter.

Renyel Pinto now pitching.

Adam takes ball 1.  Fouled away, 1-1.  Takes on that catches the inside of the plate, 1-2.  Down and in, 2-2.  Grounded foul.  Crap.  Swings and misses, strike 3.  

JAL - I was reading an article earlier about how the DH has changed from the power guys who can't run (like Edgar Martinez, Harold Baines, David Ortiz) to on-base guys who can't field (like DY).  So there may be something there.

Sorry, DMac, he's hurt my feelings one more time ...

If Neal gets a deal on Adam B-4 trade deadline, I wouldn't argue ... tired of all the strikeouts.

Buccos use pinch hitters in 140 games a year.  No need to trade him to American League——just put him on the bench, as far away from the field as possible, and let him pinch hit 100 times a year.

Really rough night for Adam.  He might be wishing Pearce had played tonight.  And to be honest, I like Adam.  I think he's a good guy and a great fielder, but some more frequent hitting when we need it would be nice.

Chavez is now pitching for the Pirates.

Uggla grounds the first pitch to SS...Jack to Adam.  1 away.

Ross takes ball 1.  Misses again, 2-0.  In the dirt and it's 3-0.  Misses for ball 4.

1 on, 1 away.

Paulino steps in, the pitch was outside and gets away from Diaz.  Ross moves to 2nd.  1-0 count to Paulino.  Diaz drops the next one, 2-0 count.  Chavez can't find the plate, Diaz can't block them...Oy! Misses outside, 3-0.  In there 3-1.   Swung and hit to CF.  AMac makes the catch for the out.  Runner holds at 2nd.  2 away.

Carroll takes a called strike, 0-1.  Pops up on the right side, foul.  It bounces into the Marlins' bullpen.  0-2 count to Carroll.  FLy ball to shallow RF, DY is there waiting for it, makes the catch and retires the side.

After 8, the Fish are still up by 2...5-3

Dan Meyer pitching for Florida.

Jones leads off and takes ball 1.  Big swing and miss, 1-1.  Pops it to shallow LF.  De Aza makes the catch.  1 away.

Andy takes a strike, 0-1.  Upstairs, 1-1 count.  Swings and misses, 1-2.  Fouled away.  And he goes down swinging.  2 away.

Diaz takes ball 1.  Fouled back, 1-1.  Swings and misses, 1-2.  Fly ball to RF.  Caroll makes the catch to end the game.

Final score 5-3

Cra-a-ap!  We gave this one away.  Bad baseball doesn't always show in boxscore.  We should have won this!

bah... any loss is a bad loss. That double play Meek made (without getting the out at home - or keeping the runner on third) didn't matter. Neither did the errant play by Young that put the runner on third.

Ah well..... There's always tomorrow.

Was going to "cut grass to a happy ending." Just came in ... guess not. Looks like enough blame to go around ... or maybe a good win for the Fish??

Ugh

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

Kraggie,

You have a better constitution than I do.  Tomorrow is not here until tomorrow!

Unearned run on error by Adam in 1st; at least two balls counted as wild pitches that weren't blocked by Diaz (shades of hustlin' Ronnie Paulino; Young in the outfield; and Meeks having an air bubble in his brain on allowing the last run to score .  .  .  all of those lead not only to a loss but a losing team.

Could have cut it to 5 back!