Morning links: A real, live break

I'm angrier than Capt. Rumor Kantankervic on a hot day with no Archie Comics. I just found out that there ain't gonna be no more SportsBeat.

As far as I know, no explanation has been given. But I suspect it's so they can go find Guy Junker, who took a week off to drive the kids up to Geneva-On-The-Lake and hasn't been heard from since.

Like many, I've followed Stan Savran's career since he came on to the Pittsburgh scene hosting an open line sports call-in show from the Winky's in Bellevue. There wasn't much demand for sports-talk radio at the time, but the lack of callers allowed Stan to perfect his "Frite Technique". Something he still employs today.

EDITOR'S NOTE: "Stan's Frite Technique" involves blanching the fries on low heat (325F)  during Sportsbeat, then letting the fries cool on a drying rack during the game, finally Kent Tekulve does a flash fry on high heat (375F). Season, salt, and serve. For more info check this month's Pittsburgh Magazine. On newstands now.

But what made Stan, "Stan"?

For me, it was his connection to the fans. As SportsBeat became more popular, those who couldn't get through by phone could always drop a letter in the mail and Stan would always respond with a handwritten note or a phone call.

WHAT FOLLOWS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES FROM 1998:

"Dave: Thank you for your continued support. Webster's defines Evil as 'The quality of being morally bad or wrong' which for Steelers Fans can have its own interpretation. But to answer your question, Pol Pot will always be, in my book, more evil than Kordell Stewart. While some may question his play-action abilities  and accuracy I'm not sure it can be considered morally bad. I'm not sure when Year Zero will be for the Steelers, but you'll have to endure #10 for the foreseeable future.

On a more personal note: Just because you write Piccadilly Circus in the upper left hand corner of the envelope doesn't mean I'll be fooled into thinking you're in London. Nor do I believe you're writing from Harper Lee's dining room. Your car is blocking my driveway. Please move it by morning so that my wife can go to work without having to call the police again.

Might I suggest: Thor Tolo lives five houses down on your left. You and he will get along great. And please send your mail via the US Postal Sevice. Tuesday's 300 letters that you attempted to slide under my door have lodged it shut. Also the phone bill you included was overdue, so I went ahead and paid it for you."

On the occasion of the last SportsBeat, I wrote this for you.

Stan Savran. Oh, the time has come. And you know that you're the only one to say. Okay. But you're motoring. Yeah, you're motoring.

LMAO...JLP!  Where in the HECK have you been!  

Would I be correct in assuming the very last line of your missive is set to Night Ranger's "Sister Christian"?

@DK...Have a nice break.  I am going to cross my fingers and hope nothing pops up to disturb your time off.  ;-)

"I do not see Young doing anything great--he strikes out more, is not nearly as good in the field.  Young has the same amount of HR but ha shown power.  Young had a hot June but hit in the .270s both May and so far in July.  This month Young has 1 HR and 4 RBI in 22 AB, moss has 2 HR and 4 RBI in 22 AB in July."

JAL I think it would be fair to show Moss's monther to month stats as well and add the ops to the discussion.  

April

Young 5 AB .400 BA 1.000 ops

Moss   59/.203/.525

May

Young  51 AB .275 BA .675 OPS

Moss   82/.305/.796

June

Young   51/.353/.911

Moss     57/.281/.725

July

Young  22/.273/.788

Moss   22/.163/.649

Overall  

Young 131/.313.808

Moss   220/.255/.690

That is a big difference in OPS and I believe that Delwyn should steal SOME starts from moss.

Okay, if I wasn't laughing before, I definitely am now.

Didn't know you had such an aversion to Night Ranger, DK.

Good note to sign out for the night on.  Cheers.

Hey all--

Thinkin' of heading to a Lynchburg game soon, anyone know how the players are with signing autographs there? Much appreciated...

Good!  You deserve it! It's obvious the hard work you put in and it is greatly appreciated.  You deserve a break.  

(I know, I said I was out, but I had one more thing to do and being the licensed lunatic that I am, had to check here one more time.  ;-)

Cute youtube video, but as much as I love Clemente, it's very disappointing to not see Willie Stargell represented...preferably something from the 79 Series.

There's a reason there's a statue of the man at PNC Park...he was a great Pirate.

Good morning inmates near and far. DK, you probably won't see this, but have a great break.You had the best first half of anyone associated with the Pirates. HOF work, every day.

Morning Links Part 2

Straight-out beloved (Tim Wakefield)

www.boston.com/.../journey_makes_wakefields_honor_sweeter

Reds, Pirates, Indians still in the hunt

www.mariettatimes.com/.../514219.html

A Major Minor Honor

www.dailynews-record.com/sports_details.php

Weekend Buzz: Listing best and worst at halfway point

www.cbssports.com/.../11948460

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS:

Rumbunter--Neil Huntington Won’t Be Answering Calls Today for The Pirates. He’s Busy.

rumbunter.com/.../neil-huntington-wont-be-answering-calls-today-for-the-pirates-hes-busy

Why Gavs--Game 87: Phillies 5 PIrates 2

whygavs.com/.../game-87-phillies-5-pirates-2.html

Pittsburgh Lumber Company--Happ, Feliz Help Phils Complete Sweep

mvn.com/pittsburghlumberco

Sandlot Swashbucklers--Indians Slide into All-Star Break with a Loss

mvn.com/sandlotswashbucklers

Raise the Jolly Roger--Give Me a Break

raisethejollyroger.com/.../give-me-a-break-pirates-2-phillies-5

Mondesi's House--Buccos at the Break

mondesishouse.blogspot.com/.../buccos-at-break.html

The Green Weenie--Stuck in a Rut

oldbucs.blogspot.com/.../stuck-in-rut.html

The Green Weenie--Sunday Buffet

oldbucs.blogspot.com/.../sunday-buffet.html

Moskie Madness--Short Update

piratesprospect.mlblogs.com

Pirate Home Page--Vasquez vanishes as Pirates fall

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

Pirate Home Page--Pirates eyeing a fresh start vs. Giants

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

MLB Transactions

www.cbssports.com/.../transactions

Bucco Fans--Pittsburgh Pirates Half-Season in Review

www.buccofans.com/.../pittsburgh-pirates-half-season-in.html

Bucco Fans--Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Watch 7/12/09

www.buccofans.com/.../pittsburgh-pirates-prospect-watch-71209.html

Viva Derek Bell--Well, Here We Are

vivaderekbell.blogspot.com/.../well-here-we-are.html

The Unsportsmanlikes--Walking Off in Grand Style

www.theunsportsmanlikes.com/.../walking-off-in-grande-style.html

MLB Trade Rumors

www.mlbtraderumors.com/pittsburgh_pirates

Play by Play Pitch by Pitch of yesterday's game

scores.espn.go.com/.../playbyplay

First Annual PBC Blog Pirate Season Record Contest Update:

Pirates enter the break with a record of 38-50, a .432 pct.  At that pace the season record would be 70-92.

Six people predicted 70-92--Cincy Bucco,  BringBackBonds, Dan W,.  Joey Bats, Mrs Drew, and Mendoza Line.

Team has hit 62 Home Runs.  That projects to 114 for the season.  That makes Mrs. Drew, with a home run prediction of 120, the current leader.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

LosingStopsHere..100-61 / 164 HR’s

Bucco...............99-62 / 173 HR's

POH..................96-66 / 173 HR's (Proxy vote by Sir L)

SlackBoss………91-71/ 161 HR’s

DMAC................90-72 / 150 HR's

Impliedi………..89-73 /  178 HR’s

BofRedus………88-74 / 185 HR’s

Menkrick……….88-74 / 163 HR’s

BucFanCT………88-74 /  158 HR’s

Sit Lochsby……...87-75 / 162 HR’s

Bjohnson921……87-75 / 144 HR’s

Gio Marsico……..86-76 / 177 HR’s

Groat2Maz.........86-76 / 166 HR's

WhyStanBelinda..86-76 /  156 HR’s

Baywatch...........86-76 / 144 HR's

WabbitSeason….86-76 / 130 HR’s

BillyKidd………..86-76 / 127 HR’s  (submitted by e-mail to JAL)

66 @ Lincoln…….86-76 /127 HR’s

Afail……………...85-77 / 177 HR’s

Heyfred………...85-77 / 172 HR’s

SRQBURGH…..85-77 /  160 HR’s

Diehard..............85-77 / 150 HR's

Luckydog……...85-77/ 131 HR’s

BleedB&G……..85-76 / 146 HR’s

Arriba Wilver......84-78 /  140 HR's

Jersey Joe………84-78 / 139 HR’s

Pirata 13..............84-78 / 138  HR’s

Wagnalls………..84-78 / 124 HR’s

Bloomsday……..83-79 / 175 HR’s

BigPoppaPump...83-79 / 163 HR's

PapaCoach........83-79 / 151 HR's

Pirate Radio…....83-79 / 150 HR’s

MBT…………   83-79/ 149 HR’s

Uncle Dude........83-79 / 147 HR's

Roschke………..83-79 / 143 HR’s

Bugonrug………83-79/ 141 HR’s

Ttoy44………….83-79/ 137 HR’s

Maximus……….83-79 / 129 HR’s’

JBurns………….83-80 / 154 HR’s

Gamer 45………82-79 /200 HR’s

Teddykinz..........82-80 / 166 HR's

TripleG................82-80 / 145 HR's

AusPirate………82-80 / 142 HR’s

PghFanin NH......82-80 / 141 HR's

Bob in FranklinPark..82-80 / 141 HR’s

Pig Legs Robinson…82-80 / 123 HR’s

JHadar.................81-80 / 165 HR's

Pi-Rat……….81-81 / 166 HR’s

Pirates018..........81-81 / 145 HR's

Larry Z...............81-81 / 136 HR's

Geowes………...81-81 / 130 HR’s

JaxBuc………….80-81 / 144 HR’s

JosePagan..........80-82 / 168 HR's

damikmikjeal….80-82 / 160 HR’s

LV Pirate Fan….80-82 / 150 HR’s

DingerBucFan.....80-82 / 145 HR's

jbrindger………...80-82 / 140 HR’s

ForbesFieldMem..80-82 / 137 HR's

Pirate Sun………..80-82 / 135 HR’s

IdahoBucFan…….80-82 / 132 HR’s

ABQ Bucco…80-82  /  130 HR’s

Popsfan………….80-82 / 123 HR’s

Baywatch Jr……..80-82 / 119 HR’s

ForbesFielderProdigy.. 79-83 / 150 HR’s

Manny Sanguine……..79-83 / 145HR’s

CAPN.................79-83 / 134 HR's

BucFan54............78-84 / 155 HR's

PI Stingray...........78-84 / 144 HR's

JL........................ 78-84 / 140 HR's

Indianafanatic......78-84 / 139 HR's

Kragbax...............78-84 / 137 HR's

Longliv3riv………78-84 / 130 HR’s

AlaskBucFan………78-84 / 127 HR’s

WalkyTalky………78-84 / 125 HR’s

CandleArea……..78-84 /  108 HR’s

CecilioGuante21…77-85 / 159 HR’s

Gregenstein………..77-85 / 155 HR’s

UglyKen...............77-85 / 147 HR's

KMRempel............77-85 / 141 HR's

Cullen H………….77-85 / 134 HR’s

Pipecock………….77-85 / 127 HR’s

Egscoach…………77-85 / 122 HR’s

Game 5…………...76-86 / 144 HR’s

Wozzle…………76-86 / 144 HR’s

Yak……………….76-86 / 136 HR’s

BuccoFanforLife…76-86 / 135 HR’s

KooperKid………76-86  / 133 HR’s

NAJE…………….76-86  / 130 HR’s

Ya'Zhynka………75-87 / 166 HR’s

JAL......................75-87 / 162 HR's

Radio Wave……..75-87 / 145 HR’s

Brakeman 8……...75-87 / 144 HR’s

Bizrow…………...75-87 / 136 HR’s

Marty 34156…….75-87 / 135 HR’s

IowaBuc…………75-87 / 132 HR’s

Drew Jr………….75-87 /130 HR’s

G-man..................75-87 / 128 HR's

SavingFace……  75-85 / 142 HR’s

BondsGoat............74-88 / 147 HR's

Shane..................74-88 / 137 HRs

CubReporter.........74-88 / 133 HR's

Duke 84………….74-88 / 128 HR’s

Ndbrian…………..74-88 / 126 HR’s

BayareaBuc..........73-89 / 147 HR's

Emoneypitt...........73-89 / 145 HR's

Drew.....................73-89 / 130 HR's

Juan Pizarro……..73-89 / 129 HR’s

GortRobot………73-89 /  124 HR’s

VT Pirate fan……73-89 / 123 HR’s

Jeffbwi…………..72-90 / 140 HR’s

Iratefan................72-90 / 137 HR's

The Wheelhouse…72-90 / 134 HR’s

BuccoFanWI……72-90 / 128 HR’s

DFlash…………..72-90 / 125 HR’s

Cocktailsfor2…….72-90 / 120 HR’s

A-Ron..................71-91 / 146 HR's

GetYoungTalent...71-91 / 138 HR’s

AllSmilesRanda…71-91 /  137 HR’s

CincyBucco…….70-92 /  171 HR’s

Bringbackbonds....70-92 / 144 HR's

Dan W...................70-92 / 136 HR's

JoeyBats..............70-92 / 135 HR's

Mrs Drew………..70-92 / 120 HR’s

Mendoza Line……70-92 / 99 HR’s

DrewRit21.............70-91 / 119 HR's

BuccoBlues..........69-93 / 131 HR's

Nitro.......................69-93 / 122 HR's

TBD1977………..69-93 /121 HR’s

Hammar………….68-93 / 128 HR’s

Rumbunter……….68-94/ 129 HR’s

Iceman…………..68-94 / 125 HR’s

LeeFoo…………..68-94 / 120HR’s

Stillsmack………..67-95/ 150 HR’s

PDXPirate.............67-95 / 133 HR's

MD3……………..67-95 / 121 HR’s

Dejan K………….67-95

DHARR18……...66-95 / 142 HR’s

Junior Ortiz……...66-96 / 125 HR’s

Demery………….66-96 / 119 HR’s

UtesFan89……….65-97 / 165 HR’s

RichieHP………...65-97 / 148 HR’s

WietersforPres…..65-97 / 133 HR’s

Cave Bonifield......65-97 / 127 HR's

Disgruntled Goat...65-97 / 121 HR's

Frustrated 314……65-97 / 121 HR’s

The Deacon………64-98 / 149 HR’s

Nutting Hostage….64-98 / 131 HR’s

21sthebest..............64-98 / 121 HR's

Yotum...................63-99 / 132 HR's

AmarilloFats.........62-99 / 126 HR's

Jack Sparrow……..63-99/ 122 HR’s

Happyhower……..61-99 / 142 HR’s

STLRFANRC........61-101 / 120 HR's

Cisco Kid…………61-101 / 93 HR’s

Thunder................60-102 / 140 HR's

JuniataKid............60-102 / 139 HR's

Allarmy…………59-103 / 129 HR’s

Bizrow’s Son……58-103 / 123 HR’s

PATM…………...54-107 / 31 HR’s

JayPo……………50-112 /  100 HR’s

Andy Van Slice....10-152 / 3 HR's

Basic Info About the Blog or Rules of the Road

Published on Mondays but available anytime by clicking on my avatar.

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) Many posters ask "why do my posts say 2:30 pm when ikt only 11 am"  To change the time click on your name or avatar, then click on edit your profile, click on site options, about halfway down you can set the time.

3) When some posts "OS" they are referring to the "Other Stuff" thread, which is usually posted during the off season.  The OS is for non-baseball talk.

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.  The photo must be on your computer and the avatar will not appear instantly.

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

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  DRAFT CLASS REVIEW  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Today’s Topic:  2008 Pirates DRAFT Class  (stats thru 7/12/09)

1.    Pedro Alvarez – 3B – Lynchburg – Bats L

17 HR  63 RBI  .241  ** 81 G, 299 ABs,  49R, 72H, 91K, 40 BB, 1 SB *  .325 OBP  .478 SLG ** 18 Errors

2.   Tanner Scheppers – RHP - NOT SIGNED in 2008

3.    Jordy Mercer – SS – Lynchburg – Bats R

5 HR, 47 RBI .245   ** 81  G, 318 AB’s, 43R, 78H,  61K, 24 BB, 6 SB *  .303 OBP  .390 SLG ** 12 Errors

4.    Chase D’Arnaud – SS – W/Va & Lynch. – Bats R

5 HR, 45 RBI .290  **  78 G, 272 AB’s, 42R, 79H,  42K, 41BB, 18 SB  * .398 OBP  .456 SLG  **  12 Errors

5.    Justin Wilson – LHP – Lynchburg

3-6,   6.50 ERA ** 16 G,  63.2 IP  81 H   12 HR  49 K   33 BB  ** 1.79 WHIP  .308 OP.AVG

6.    Robbie Grossman – CF – West Virginia – Bats L/R

4 HR 32 RBI .281  **  71 G,  281 ABs,  55 R, 79 H, 100 K, 42 BB, 24 SB * .377 OBP  .391 SLG **  3 Errors

7.    Benjamin Gonzalez – SS - GCL Pirates - Bats R

0 HR  5 RBI .290 ** 10 G, 31 AB, 3 R, 10 H, 5K, 3 BB, 2 SB * .353 OBP  .323 SLG **  2 Errors

8.     Jeremy Farrell – 3B – West Virginia – Bats R

4 HR  29 RBI  .259  ** 47 G, 174 ABs,  30R, 45 H, 46K, 19 BB, 1 SB * .343 OBP  .368 SLG  ** 16 errors

9.     Matt Hague – 1B – Lynchburg – Bats R

5 HR  34 RBI  .295  ** 72 G,  261 ABs,  31R, 77 H, 39K, 24 BB, 1 SB *  .361 OBP  .410 SLG  ** 5 errors

10.   Andrew Gagnon – RHP – NOT SIGNED in 2008

11.    Dave Rubinstein – OF – State College – Bats R

0 HR  9 RBI  .256 **  22 G, 82 AB, 12 R, 21 H, 25 K, 5 BB, 2 SB **  .315 OBP  .329 SLG **  2 Errors

12.    Calvin Anderson – 1B – West Virginia  - Bats R

9 HR  52 RBI .285  ** 70 G, 260 ABs, 33R, 74 H, 73K,  23 BB, 1 SB  *  .354 OBP .473 SLG  ** 7 errors

14.   Michael Colla – RHP – Lynchburg

4-1,  1.69 ERA **  21 G, 37.1 IP, 31H,  2 HR, 29K, 12 BB **    1.15 WHIP  .221 OP AVG

15.    Chris Aure – LHP -  GCL Pirates

0-0,  1.69 ERA **   3 G,  5.1 IP,  3H,  1 HR,  5 K, 2 BB  **    0.94 WHIP   .158 OP AVG

16.    Wes Freeman – OF – GCL Pirates – Bats R

2 HR  4 RBI  .263 **  12 G, 38 AB,  7R, 10 H, 14K, 5 BB,  0 SB ** .349 OBP  .474 SLG **  1 Error

20. Quinton Miller – RHP – St College & West Virginia

0-1,  4.50 ERA ** 4 G, 16 IP 15 H 0 HR   12 K   7 BB  **  1.00 WHIP    .254 OP.AVG

25.  Brian Leach – RHP- West Virginia

3-0    1.67 ERA  **  22 G,  59.1 IP  43 H  3 HR  46 K 20 BB  **  1.06 WHIP .201 OP.AVG

Note 1:   #18 Jarek Cunningham (3B) injured and is out all season.

Note 2:  Tanner Scheppers was picked with the 44th  selection by the Texas Rangers in the 2009 Draft. (in Round 1A).

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Can't figure out if I agree or disagree with DK's comment that if they trade Freddie it will be about the money.  Part of me agrees because of the fact they don't have anyone that would be anywhere near considered an adequate backup to replace him.  The part of me that disagrees thinks that Freddie is the most valuable 'asset' left and teams will come calling. If the return is very good, the Bucs should at least listen.

On his radio show yesterday NH used the dirty 'R' word : rebuilding

Thundercrack,  Lets remember Jack has been traded a dozen times, yet, Jack is Back.

The word on the street is he has stayed because some think the Pirates have over valued him.

Who knows or who cares which opinion is correct, the fact of the matter is he has not been given away.  Jack is a one I think Time all star.

Freddy has still a recent batting crown, Freddy is hitting as well as anytime next to that year.  Freddy hs a higher average with more pop and is playing a good glove.

When you average Freddy's better offensive skilss vs.'s Jack playing short, they have to value Freddy as well as Jack.

I think weighing their recent history as partially noted against what others are saying they are doing should give relief to anxiety that they are going to give Freddy away to avoid his toll.  Until this happens clearly to us, I think such specualtion wandering.

I must add that I include the Mr. morgan deal only because so many say Blastings will blow his cap, but until I see that one i am on the fence.

JAL - just showed the First Annual PBC Blog Pirate Season Record Contest Update to Mrs Drew, and she's doing the happy dance, pointing at me and sing-songing "smarter than yoooo-oooouuu, smarter than yoooo-oooouu!"  I can't argue with that, especially when presented so eloquently, but she's going to be insufferable until the next update.

$$$$$  BODY WATCH – ATTENDANCE AT MLB PARKS $$$$$

Thru 7/13/09 …ALL-STAR BREAK …

30. Florida……… 45 dates ** 815,282 total  **  18,117 avg.

29. Oakland……. 40 dates ** 725,096 total  **  18,127 avg.

28. PIRATES ….. 39 dates ** 720,947 total  **  18,485 avg.

27. Cleveland….. 44 dates ** 975,836 total  **  22,178 avg.

26. Toronto…...… 43 dates ** 982,117 total  **  22,839 avg.

2. Philadelphia… 45 dates ** 1,978,406 total   **   43,964 avg.

1. NY Yanks … 42 dates ** 1,901,454 total   **   45,272 avg.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

"Lets remember Jack has been traded a dozen times, yet, Jack is Back."

Joe, as a friend of mine likes to say, we're getting closer to the Third Annual Jack Wilson Final Home Game at PNC Park.

Jack has so much Infield Dirt at his house that he is going to put in a "sliding pit" in his back yard !!

Drew

Long way to go --we have not had the same leader twice yet.  Let her enjoy her moment at the top :)

JAL - easy for you to say.  Now she's sitting on my chest and slapping me around!  

Good morning neighbors.  So even though we've had some horrid losses of late... even though we're creeping up on PAMT's "17"... why do I feel so positive about the Pirates?

Am I completely crazy to actually believe that "The Plan" has some merit and we're actually moving toward building a sustainable PBC?  Again I use the word "sustainable" because one winning season wouldn't do it for me.  We need to have a competitive club year after year.

There are days I question my own sanity on this issue.  So I ask, does anyone else believe as I do?

**  NIGHT RANGER ALERT - - NIGHT RANGER ALERT  **

In honor of how this thread started just after midnight, and more importantly in honor of our Fearless Leader, his vacation and his avowed love of Night Ranger, there is a, ahem, "tribute" to Night Ranger Dejan in my Announcements.  (click on my avatar, go to Announcements.)  

Hint: To the music of the 1980s classic, "Brother Dejan."

I'll post this a couple of more times today, or until Dejan comes back from his vacation and beats the tar out of me.

Morning mates

Thundercrack, thanks for the report on using the R word, guess a 2-7 road trip will do that to you, IMO, its good for NH to finally start using that word.

Quiet for three days in here?  We'll see, what is the record for the least number of posts on a day?

I bet something happens to stir us up these next few days. ; }

I know that song is going to be in my head all day now.....

GGG - i've long said i'm a short term pessimist / long term optimist.  I get your point re sustainability.  i'd still call my optimism cautious.  I'll feel better if:

1) we actually spend in the top 5 of MLB in this draft, as Huntington has said they will...and

2) if they don't do a salary dump with Freddie (because with his salary level it's hard to imagine getting back quality prospects...so I agree with Dejan that if he's traded, it's going to be a dump

I'll also feel better if they sign Sano but I won't use that as a criteria that PBC must hit as some sort of litmus test.  They don't control some of those variables - particularly, where Sano wants to go, and what the Orioles or others are willing to spend.

So I'll hold to the two criteria above.  Don't know what i'll think if they 1) reach the top 5 in draft spending but also 2) dump Freddie's salary.  Probably sort of ok since i've listed them in my priority order of importance.

Biz

Thundercrack, thanks for the report on using the R word, guess a 2-7 road trip will do that to you, IMO, its good for NH to finally start using that word.

______________________________

Thundercrack is not exactly telling it like it was.

Neal was asked the question by Brown about rebuilding and Neal said that in his mind he would concede that they were rebuilding, he said they do not plan to compete in 5-6 years, they plan on competing a soon as possible, rebuilding would be in his mind 5-6 years.

Neal never brought up the"R" word, he had it brought up to him.

anyone want to manage the Nats--local radio reporting the the Nats fired Manny Acta

Re: Manny Acta...

Yeah, it's his fault.  That'll fix things...Not.

Leadoff,

I was referring to the part of the show when Greg Brown ask NH about his working relationships with other GMs.  And NH said something like "it depends if we have the same philosophies or if they are rebuilding too".   It isn't exactly what he said but it is close.  And he did make it sound like he let it slip that we are rebuilding.

The MLB product, as usual, stinks.

The MiLB products, as usual, stink as well.  

The 'prospects' we have acquired have mostly failed to this point in the minors; and have mixed success in the majors.

That one of the 'core' was traded for questionable return was disheartening.

That the Pirates will likely trade or otherwise set free LaRoche, Sanchez and Wilson either during or after this season means next years' payroll will be in the $30M range, which is laughable.

Coonely and Huntington may have a plan, but it is a very long range plan that is probably endorsed by Ownership due to the low cost of it.  

In the meantime, we are subjected to AAA quality at the MLB level without any real hope for improvement.  

Honestly, I don't know why they even bothered bringing McCutchen up this season.  They started his clock at a time when the next 3 seasons are going to be in the tank.

I am not optimistic about anything the Pirates have done or are doing and, frankly, I am ashamed to be a fan.  People laugh when I tell them who I root for.  The only way to shut them up is to drop the Steelers and Pens into the discussion.

It is sad.

Another reason for some optimism is the old law of averages.  Of the Pirates' 50 losses 23 are by 2 runs or less while of their 38 wins only 12 are by 2 or less runs.  Law of averages say that should even up over the course of a season.

@Drew - Great summation.  I'm right with you.  A Sanchez trade would certainly test my patience, but if they also picked up Sano then maybe it would still legitimately fit within the plan.  Sano would go a long way toward adding legitimacy to the plan.  I like your description as short term pessimist and long term optimist.

It's difficult to explain my optimism but if I think back to Saturday night's loss in Philly... if I remove the bottom of the 9th how do I feel about the game?  I thought the team played well.  I liked the idea of Jones for the future, regardless of his age.  Cutch is still Cutch.  So technically it was a loss but it was an entertaining game and gives me hope as we move forward.

Weiters

They did not start the clock on Cutch--at the time he was brought up there were too few days left in the season for this count as one of 6 years.  They can send him down and it would be like he was never here in terms of the 6 years of control.

Good morning, all.  I almost didn't post.  Night Ranger?  I have no idea.  Must be out of my ranger of interests.

The video cited today is very good as far as it goes.  But, come on!  It's almost as if it goes out of it's way to pan the Pirates.  Roberto is the only one they could come up with?  No Maz?  No Willie, as already mentioned?  Nobody from the 90's?  I think they could even have put Freddy's batting title in there if they had tried hard enough.  The black and white pictures of Roberto really drive the point home.

Re:  Garrett Jones.  Someone on this blog - maybe more than 1 person - at the very beginning of the season was supporting Jones and thinking he might have a place on the Pirates.  And stated so here in detail.  Step up and take your bow(s).  You were right on.  Leadoff, was it you?  I don't remember who it was, but I know this:  it sure wasn't me.  He didn't catch my eye.

The thought crossed my mind this morning that the post All-Star part of the season will begin to be written on Friday.  In many years, it has been very different from the first half, sometimes much better.  But again the team heads there well below .500 and no matter how much better they play, it's unlikely that they'll get their heads above water.  [sigh]

Good Morning Asylum!

I guess the best way to describe me would be cautiously optimistic.  I go back and forth (everday it seems) as happy with the plan or disgusted with the plan.  It did bother me last week when Freddy was named an All Star and immediatley the talk was he was being pushed to be traded.  A trade we could will probably see before the end of the month.  To me, that's a salary dump unless they get a bonafide middle infielder to replace him.

But - I am happy with Cutch, I like the Milledge deal, our pitching staff has hope, and Huntington always seems to stand behind his "plan".  

Like everyone, I am tired of watching them lose, which doesn't always help my daily outlook.  No matter what though... GO BUCS!

Jose Lind Pants, well, I'll be a blue nosed gopher, nice to see you drop by and why not stay for awhile this time.

My ciphring abilities need a tune up.

CAPN, It was Irate first to come to bad to the bones jones

Good morning BuccoFanForLife!  So there seems to be a bunch of us who go back and forth from optimism to complete depression.  Would a Sano deal pep you up some?  That one is a big deal to me.  It the Pirates pick up Sano my belief in an actual plan will be greater.  I know there are mitigating circumstances and I shouldn't put too many eggs in one basket, but I can't help it.  Just like Alvarez last year, Sano this year is a big deal.

CAPN,  Lets clean the air, you'll like and know this one

www.youtube.com/watch

of course I remember the coincidence

CAPN how fast you forget, DK is a known lover of strange music.

Back one day I suppose to us that Mick Fleetwood had to be the most influential drummer in rock.  Man oh man  no single drummer has set the beat heard around the world like Mick.

No sooner than it gets posted and DK comes up some obscure guy that only he and Jose Lind Pants and Jose Pagan have ever heard of.

Along with my sspelling and typing

CAPN,

I was in FLA in march and saw two spring training games -and I came back and gave a rave review/endorsement for Jones.  My impression that he was a huge man who could run and really hit the ball.  I think he played first base when I saw him.

I think he should be our first baseman for the remainder of the year.

TripleG!

Hope you are well!  Sano signing would be nice, I think that would help some of my doubts about the plan.  It would certainly speak more to the committment the current FO has.

I guess only time will tell!

You know this Sano thing is a bag of marbles.  On the one hand we are only getting back to the latin talent after a drought from dementia.  On the other hand we are still the home to so many through Roberto.

The only people who do not understand this impact on all of Latin America are those not lucky enought to have been old enough to have seen Roberto, period.

We now have one of the most respected Latin American scouts in our fold.

As  Triplre G points out we had the Alverez show of shows last year, I interject that before we specukate that Sano is the second coming Lets remember they did draft one who was known to have the evil borass as his mitigator who also is now in our fold.

I see no reason if Sano turns out to be 16 rather than 26 that his heritage will call.

If it is a close call I do not see us losing it.

I never thought this team would come anywhere near competing this year.  I was hoping for over .500 though.

The remainder of the season should be used to see what we have --so we don't have to make those determinations in Spring training.  Can D Young play the OF.  Lastings will be here sometime soon.  Give Moss a bunch of at bats and let him sink or swim.  G. Jones gets regular playing time, pref at first base.  Virgel Vaz is not a major league starter.  Find out if Karstens is a starter or reliever.

As I was watching this video ..I thought the lead singer bears a pretty good resemblance to Moss.

www.youtube.com/watch

Well, Maz, if you say so,na just kidding, i see your point.

For those with that inexplicable feeling of optimism, check out the Marrietta Times and CBS articles from JAL's links.  Thanks again JAL.  I read these every day.

It's killing me waiting for word on Sano.

Thundercrack,  If Adams bar has been set to sell, the sooner the better.  Lets face it if bad to the bones jones is going to stand it will be at first base.

Lets run him and Moss out there everyday< I add to it, for more than a month.

If Bones makes a run of it after the league has the word out and he still is hitting the ball square on the round bat, then he is the leader of the pack going into next year for first base.

If Moss gets a real shot and does produce and with the coming of Blastings and Tabata the writing on the wall is Bones will be close to the chalk line if he gets onto the field.

I agree with you, I think he has earned a chance for another magic karstens ride.

Ok.  On music.

"Sister Christian" is one of the worst songs ever written eclipsed by only the black hole awfulness of "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison.  Gawd!

And just what does it mean to be... "motoring"?  Good Lord, IT BURRRRRRNNNNNSSSSS!!!!!

Oh:  And try out the Airborn Toxic Event song "Sometime Around Midnight."  Fabulous new stuff.

Take "Beds are Burning" by Midnight Oil, or better yet, "Blood and Roses" by the Smithereens as an antidote.

ON BASEBALL

These recent losses have the mark of swoon about them and they've got me worried.  So along comes GGG saying, "am I nutz or is there hope in the bottom of this box of Pirate-flakes?"  I question my sanity every day.  All baseball players are overpriced and so I think the front office's moneyball approach might be the medicine the ailing franchise needs.

You REALLY can't be caught overspending on players like Adam LaRoche - who is ruining us by playing well enough in limited stretches to keep us hanging on.  How is it that a player can only hit after the All-Star game?  What is that about?  And we have to keep trotting Adam out there and pray he comes around or we won't get anything in return at the deadline.

I have this take:  I have heard the new outfielder who hits home runs can play first.  I say sit Adam and cut your losses and stick Delwyn in right and Moss in left.  You cannot trade Jack & Freddy without a big, surefire return.

My Second Half lineup would look like this and it would not change:

1.  Cutch (r)  - cf -         .292

2.  Delwyn (s) - rf -       .311

3.  Freddy (r) - 2b-        .316

4.  Jones (l)  - 1b-         .310

5.  Doumit (s) - C -       . 224

6.  AnLa  (r) - 3b -        .269

7.  Moss (l) - lf -             .255

8.  Jack (r) - SS -          .270

9.  Pitcher

We're going down to #17 unless management puts the best 9 out there every day and this seems the way to go right now.

"Make yourself homely...  Homely?.... HE-HE-HE-HE-HE!!!!"

-Witch Hazel...

Wabbit

Wabbit,

I saw Airborne Toxic Event play at Mr. Smalls a couple of months back.  Very good show.

GGG

You are welcome.  I try to link stories that would have some interest to many who read things here.  

Wabbitt,

I am just so suprised!

Apparently the All-Star Futures Game DID take place in St. Louis after the rain delay.  I had the dvr set but recorded the repeat of last year's game because they showed that during the rain delay.  If anyone hears if/when ESPN will be showing a replay of this year's Futures game, please pass it along!

How days until Spring Training?  I need some, "things are different" or "we have great team chemistry" or "this year is different" articles.  I miss 'em.  

Maybe we can start hearing/seeing them now.  Like a "why should I care about Pirate baseball in the second half?

Wabbit,

Seems like a good lineup, although I can't see anyone wanting LaRoche and more teams wanting Sanchez.  I would make one correction to your lineup that would bring us closer to a MLB lineup.

Substitute Milledge for Moss, and have Moss become a defensive replacement specialist in the 8th or 9th inning. It would cut down on the amount of time we have to see him make outs in clutch situations and he'd be better than Young in the outfield trying to close out a game.  Makes sense to me.

Ahoy!

Wabbit,

Love Midnight Oil's stuff, and my wife is a huge Smithereen's fan.

I read in DK's notebook that Luis Dorante is going to pitch to Albert Pujols tonight at the HR derby here in STL.  Hmm...how long has Dorante been working for the Pirates?  Could there be a connection to how well Pujols hits the Bucs?  :-)

I am still cautiously optimistic as well due to the fact that this team has played above .500 baseball at home.  Obviously, there has not been the same consistency on the road, which is very puzzling...5 games over on the road, and 17 games under on the road.

Which leads me to Adam LaRoche on the road, only hitting a mere .159 with a .556 OPS!  At home, he has a .357 BA with a 1.055 OPS.  I believe that he is a major factor for the Bucs' road woes at the moment.

Some of you may have seen Alvarez and Lincoln yesterday in the Futures game.  Alvarez's single was barely hit out of the infield and was fielded by the second baseman.  The play probably could have been a double play, but the 2B was shaded towards left field a little bit more than usual...probably was the one to cover second on the play.  Lincoln's first batter hit one sharply down the line that the 1B probably should have come up with on one hop for the third out.  The second hit against him was smoked to the wall for another double.

Oops...make that Smithereens' fan.

Wow!  I need an editor...correction:  that is 5 games over "at home,".

Under the heading of Forbes Field's 100th birthday ...

A Facebook friend checked in with me this morning, to share an experience he had at Forbes Field in 1967. Only 11 years old at the time, he was out front with his folks after the game when who walked up to a waiting limousine but Roger Maris and Lou Brock.

He said he went running up to Maris for an autograph, but he "shooed me away like a fly." He said Brock just glared at him for a second, then turned and said something like, "He's having a bad day. If you'll hold my suit bag, I'll be glad to sign for you," which he did.

Kind of reminded me of the story Plenty of Hope shared a few weeks ago, about how Jason Bay ignored a pleading kid for an autograph, after coming onto the field at spring training a couple years ago, THEN Andrew McCutchen running over real quick to spend a little time with the kid.

And I say all this, KNOWING there's a point where a player has to say, "I have to go now."

My friend also shared about the distinct memory he has of the "grungey old smell to it ... 100 year old stale beer that had soaked into the wood (some area's of the stands were wood planked floors---We were close enough that you could smell the pine tar the players were rubbing on their bats. The combination beer-pnuts-pine tar equal Baseball!!!"

Have a great day, All!

After the loss Saturday, a few things.....

1) I've now decided I want no one on this team that has more than 1 year of major league experience.  The so-called "veterans" on this team are so average to bad, the only players worth watching are the ones we know nothing about.  With our "veterans" we know what we get, sub-par baseball.  So....trade Freddy, Jack, Adam, Paul, Zach, Matt Capps, Grabow, Doumit, Ian.

2) Read Bob Smizik's blog post about Matt Capps.  I've never liked him as the closer on this team (too inconsistent and always comes up small in big situations) and Saturday ws the icing on the cake.  Matt Capps cannot be traded soon enough.

3) 38-50 at the break! WOOOOOOOO!

4) How come Garrett Jones isn't in the HR derby???

5) Andy LaRoche has developed into a solid 3rd baseman.  He's hitting about .270 (.269 I believe) with 4 HRs and 34 RBIs w/ an OPS of .737.  These are not staggering numbers, but show impressive improvement from his first taste of big league action last season with LA and Pittsbugh.  I look for him to continue to improve in the 2nd half.  I think we'll see Andy end up with .280-.290 average with 10-15 HRs and 65-75 RBIs.  Again, not eye-popping, but for a guy in his 1st full season, Andy is doing a great job.

6) 17.......HERE WE COME!!!!!

Ross Verlander (10-4) pitches for Leyland's Tigers.  He had a bad last year (11-17).  After his victory over the Indians Sunday, his comments to The Detroit Free Press were reported in the Cleveland Plain Dealer (I follow the Browns) with the advice that maybe the Indians could learn from Verlander:  "Just more aggressive," Verlander said of the difference from last season.  "Trust your stuff.  Go at guys and see what happens.  Last year wasn't the year I would have liked.  This is only midpoint, but it's nice to be there and say the work paid off."             BE AGGRESSIVE AND TRUST YOUR STUFF!!!    Yeah, just like the Pirates nibblers.  Step it up, Morton.  We really need you to be our #1.  We've got enough 3-5's.

"Ross Verlander (10-4) pitches for Leyland's Tigers."

@ gerardsmith

I think you mean Justin...Perhaps Ross will pitch like Justin someday, but don't see that happening anytime soon ;)

For what it's worth, Jorge Arangure of ESPN.com reports that MLB's Sano investigation should be concluded late this week.  So we should know his future pretty soon.

Great former Sox Fan.  I do wish that NH would stop with the "build the farm system", at least for now.  If a team is not going to give you an elite prospect for Freddie, then do not trade him. I've stated since the off-season, you need talented veterans on the team to help guide the young guys.  That is why I hate the McClouth trade much more than the Bay trade (I still believe in Andy).   Leave the team alone-- THAT MEANS DON'T even consider trading Duke, Ad. LaRoche or Sanchez unless the Philles call you with Drabek jr.    

This team just went through a frigid streak but essentially its the same team.   76 to go, and 43-33 is not impossible, especially with our pitching staff.  Eventually this team will hit (WB Doumit and Adam) if held together and not the rebuilding stage.  

The Nats just canned Acta.  I vote that Russell join him in the unemployment line.  The "capper" for me and my hubby was the Capps debacle on Friday.  How on EARTH could Russell sit idly by in his usual statuesque mode and allow this closer imposter to lose this game for us??!!  We are DONE even watching the train wreck on TV for the rest of the season.  My blood still boils thinking about it.

Your break, Dejan, is much deserved.  Ours is the result of  "mad as as hell and not gonna take it anymore!"

Late check in, so i guess i'll say good afternoon inmates.

I too would consider myself one of those who has been switching back and forth as to whether i trust this front office. However IMO if they sign most of our draft picks and get the top prospects signed out of the draft, i will be more with them and their "plan". Also if we can get Sano, i would be more than thrilled and would be very excited for the future.

KMRempel,

Even if Hanrahan, Veal or Meek starts the inning and puts guys on base, Capps is still run out there to face Howard. He had gone a few days without game action and had 13 straight saves (although not a save situation Saturday night) at that point. Chalk it up to not enough real work; for that you blame the offense, not Russell.

KMR

I asked earlier if anyone wanted to manage the Nats.  Acta actually told repoerters here that was fired before the Nats announced it.

Capn

i picked Jones as my biggest suprise pirate in the begining of the season. i thought he would be the pirates a lot sooner though.

I read about how my fellow bloggers are ridiculed.However my friends who think the Cubs and Cards walk on water, almost all say the Bucs are finally getting it right.I've had them over a few times to read the blog and watch the games and almost to a man they all say the Pirates are better,and have a future.I recall recently when the Cards barely went .500 and won the series.It's not necessarily how you do 3/4 of the year,it's how you finish up.Look at how the Mets blew it 2 years in a row.BTW there is no need for anyone to call me "clueless"just because I don't subscribe to "some" people's ideas.I have a right to my own opinion without being insulted!

JAL---

Ohhh---Russell would do fine there (managing the Nats)!

Joggin George---

Nope, not gonna let you get away with that one (re Capps:  13 straight saves and not enough work of late).   Matt Capps hasn't resembled a CLOSER all season.  He now owns an astronomical 6.21 ERA.  He has pitched 29 innings, but is entirely responsible for the 51 (!!) baserunners he put on in those late innings (36 hits including SIX homeruns, 13 walks, 2 he hit).  And that string of "saves" is so misleading.  Capps is responsible for SEVEN losses in his closing role---he has LOST five games, while "only" blowing two saves.  

Think about it.  Add those seven games that we should have won, no thanks to our "closer,"  to our record.  It would read at the break:  45-43!  And we'd all be singing a different tune about the Pirates and THIS season, wouldn't we?

Russell's job is to WIN ballgames...so when he trots out his imposter closer and his imposter closer immediately shows signs he's not going to get the job done yet again, Russell's job becomes pulling him and replacing him with someone who can.  That one's a no-brainer.  That loss is as much on Russell as it is on Capps.  I would like to see him go even more than Adam LaChoke. Package them both for a bag of balls.

Ah, the bizarre world we live in.  The Chi. Tribune may have the clubs declare bankruptcy in order to speed up the sale:

www.reuters.com/.../idUSTRE56C41Y20090713

KMR -- Completely agree -- JR has a bad habit of staying with pitchers an out too many.  In many cases he is responsible for a run's worth of a pitcher's ERA.  

Reverse those seven games that Capps has blown and we are all of a sudden 45-43 and  the front office looks like a band of scheming geniuses.

You could see he was losing it before the home run.  I could see it on the internet and feel it in my bones, and knew it from the top of my head to the tips of the toes  And he left him in AFTERWARDS.  

I am strongly rethinking my support for JR.  I don't mind that he's quiet, and I still strongly believe that we need a guy who can motivate the youngsters, which seems to be JR's strong suit, but his tactics have cost us a goodly number of games.  He's like a guy who scores 10% on a True/False test.  

 Didn't see Roberto,

  Saying Andy LaRoche's numbers are an impressive improvement over last years numbers is pretty funny, don't you agree after looking at last years numbers which were perhaps the worst in all of baseball for someone with more than 100 ab's? This isn't a 22 year old fresh out of college or someone who is in their first year above AA ball. The numbers you claim that you will be happy with at the end of the year are still way below acceptable for a corner infielder and they would require him to step it up big time (especially in the H.R. department) I'd love to see it because it would be great to have the 3rd base position filled for the next 5-7 years but i don't see where the optimism comes from. He had a hot stretch average wise from late April to early June (albeit with no power) but has done little or nothing since then.

Re: John Russell

How do you not leave Grabow in that ball game Saturday night?  All-Star break is coming up and he'd just thrown 2 SO innings.  Also wouldn't hurt to get his trade value a little bit higher.

@ KMRempel22

Thankfully someone else shares my sentiment on Capps.  Obviously I'd want more than a bag of balls (b/c he has had some success in the closer role), but his inconsistency and his tendency to be little in big situations, makes it imperative he is moved ASAP!!!!!!!

KMRempel22 wrote:

Russell's job is to WIN ballgames...so when he trots out his imposter closer and his imposter closer immediately shows signs he's not going to get the job done yet again, Russell's job becomes pulling him and replacing him with someone who can.  That one's a no-brainer.

_________________________________________________

Yeah, that stupid Russell.  He shoulda went with Brian Fuentes and then...  what, he plays for the Angels?  OK, but then he could throw Papelbon out there to...  he's with the Red Sox?  Huh.  And Lee Smith is retired?  Really?  Rich Loiselle?

You get my point.  If you don't go with Capps, it's kind of guessing who's gonna be able to get the job done, because it's not like the choice is between Capps and some other lights-out closer.  Guessing might work, but it's not gonna work every time, and any success you get is just pure luck as much as anything else.  And most of the bullpen doesn't have a heck of a track record to demonstrate what you're likely to get when you put them out there.  Closers tend to emerge from a bullpen staff; when the game's on the line, clubs don't wanna risk putting up someone who they don't know much about.  Capps has had a good track record for a couple years now, so he gets the closer role.

Now, if the criticism is that there's something wrong with Capps this year or that hitters are figuring him out or there's something like that that Russell isn't picking up on, then you might have a point.  But to criticize Russell for not going with someone other than Capps when the bullpen is full of unproven guys who are not appreciably better is pretty weak.

Steve -- It wasn't that Russell went with Capps -- that made sense.  At first.  It was that he stayed with him when it was obvious that there was nothing there.  Even after the home run.

I hit the "enter" button before I realized my "package them both for a bag of balls" statement was a bit ambiguous.  I was referring to AdLa and RUSSELL.  I want Capps to go, too, but also throw in some bats on that deal, since he used to be somewhat decent (although I always wondered how he wasn't getting killed every time out with his straight fastball down the middle).

"The numbers you claim that you will be happy with at the end of the year are still way below acceptable for a corner infielder"

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

Dude, he's 25 and he's in his 1st full season in the major leagues.  He played in 75 or 76 games last year between LA and Pitt his numbers were .166/.252/.256 (as you said, pretty bad).  I actually wasn't a fan until he put up those numbers b/c they were so bad.  How can you not love something that bad?!?!?!?!  One point I do need to make here is that he was coming off a wrist injury, which as we know, can take away a hitter's power, timing, etc.  He hit a good amount of HRs in the minors so....I'm willing to give Andy a bit of time.

Now....

This season in 84 games .269/.344/.393.  That's basically the same amount of time with drastically better numbers, and we haven't even seen him play the 2nd half of this season.  Let's see what he does in the 2nd half.  If he hits 10 HRs and ends up with 14 on the season, I'll be more than pleased.  He was also hitting .300 during a short stretch.  

Again, he's a 25 year old in his 1st FULL season in the major leagues as an everyday player.  The kid is more than holding his own, not to mention he's pretty solid defensively as well (thank you Mr. Hill).  

And on re-review, he had a 4 run lead, it wasn't a save situation.

@ KMRempel22

We can trade JR and Adam La for an entertainment book.  At least there should be some coupons in there worth something.

Thank you, JHadar---that was my point exactly!  Russell's job is to know when his players are toast and take them out of the oven.  Everyone else watching that fiasco knew it---why didn't JR??  I repeat---that loss was as much---no,  MORE--- on the manager as it was on Capps.  

@pghboyinca...I do think it partially relevant to point out that Andy was coming off a fairly substantial injury last year when he arrived, and suffered another after he got here.  Those undoubtedly contributed to his subpar fielding stats.  

Actually, the Pirates could use more power from a number of positions.  They have 62 HR.  Take out the players no longer with the team and it drops to 46.  Take out the 12 by Adam and the 1 by Maholm and you have 33 HR from the remaining 12 position players.  The Cards have 32 from Pujols alone  and Ludwick and Rasmus have 26 between them.  

"And on re-review, he had a 4 run lead, it wasn't a save situation."

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

Not directed at you JHadar........

But.......

Why didn't JR leave in Grabow (maybe I'll change my username)?  He'd just thrown 2 shutout innings, he was facing 9,1,2 in the order (which the Phillies have no RH bat off the bench except Bruntlett (so they went with Stairs...hey ex-Bucco), and Rollins and Victorino are both SH who would've been batting RH (and they are both better LH hitters)), it's not a save situation, the All-Star break is coming up, etc. Etc. ETC...................

Again , JR proves that he does not know how to manage at the big league level yet.

As soon as we get rid of these "veterans" and get a real manager, then we can go..........

Sorry if someone already showed this, but here is a link to a cool shot of Lastings Milledge running over the Mud Hens catcher on Saturday.

www.toledoblade.com/.../article

DMac and norseeing roberto,

  He was coming off an injury last season but I seriously doubt that the Pirates would have A) made the trade and B) run him out there if he wasn't deemed ready. Why would you make a guy the centerpiece of a trade involving your most marketable asset in years and then risk injury? But even putting that aside he has shown no power this year or last. I hope the guy lights it up the second half of this year and performs lights out for the next decade. I'd love to see some viable competition either up here or in AAA to motivate him to get to the next level.    

@ pghboyinca

I guess we're just of 2 different mindsets.  You want to see immediate results.  I want steady improvement so when Pedro, Jose, GORKYSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Chase D'Arnaud, Brian Friday, Jordy Mercer, and others (okay had to do it....my boy Mpho "Gift' Ngoepe will be here in a couple years and WILL BE A STUD) are ready to go he is just hitting his stride.  As I've shown, he's put up much better numbers (albeit the power is not there yet) in the half season he's played this year and the half season he played last year.  Andy has a solid career ahead of him, hopefully it's in Pittsburgh.

1 more thing......

I don't think the Andy was the centerpiece of the 3 team deal last July.  I don't think anyone of the 4 players received was considered a "centerpiece", but I'd say that Bryan Morris was considered the biggest return being that LA projected him as a top of the rotation starter and he was only 21 years old.

@pghboyinca...I am not disputing that.  My only point was that coming off the injury had to have an affect on his performance on the field and at the plate.  And he acknowledged it during the off-season.  He was fully healed, but it did affect his performance.

Were Capps' deficiencies so "obvious" and did "everbody" but Russell know it?  Maybe.  But to be honest with myself, I can't evaluate how Capps was doing without a voice in my head telling me that hindsight is 20/20.  Just be sure that y'all who are piling on aren't ignoring that voice is all.  I'm guessing, based on Capps's statements after the game (that I only half-remember) that  Capps kept making mistakes.  That's not something I expect from Capps, and I don't think JR should be pilloried for not expecting it as well.  If y'all are so sure about what you perceived, so be it; but I'll give JR the benefit of the doubt.

But the critcism still ignores the large point:  what top-notch talent can Russell call on in any situation, either pitching or hitting?  He's not playing Delwyn Young in favor of Pujols here; he's not skipping Greinke's start in order to get Gorzelany some work.  I say give JR a chance for a couple years and see what he can pull from a young team with a little more talent.  Getting rid of him now I think sets back the development of the young guys and does more harm in the long run.  Could he coax a few more wins from the current roster if he did what everybody on this blog yells at him to do?  Most certainly.  But is that gonna get the team realisticly competetive this year or any other?  Probably not.  So why upset the apple cart?  Y'all do realize that Russell twice was named by peers (I think) and other baseball people as the best future manager in all of baseball, right?  I"ll give a guy with those credentials some time to put it together with the right players; if it doesn't work out then, so be it.

Andy and Moss will have monster second halfs.

I'm still sticking to my 60-102 prediction, however.

@pghboyinca

I love your thoughts, but come on man what do you have against Andy Laroche, you know baseball, you see his swing, he has the FAVORITE WORD IN THIS BLOG, POTENTIAL,to say you are not satisfied with his whole portfolio would not be giving him his due, I am not saying he is Brooks Robinson but you checked me the other day about me saying ANDY was a cornerstone, I watched him SMACK the hell out of the ball in PHILY on SAT NIGHT, Those would have been homers anywhere else, My point is give this guy some time, I see why he was rated as high as he was with the DODGERS, he unlike his brother gives you a good ab, fooled sometimes but who is not, also he gets everything out of his cuts and thats what i like, once he learns the POWER METRIC of his swing this dude can give you 30hrs and some damm good defense...So give him some time and watch , because I look around the league and am not impressed by to many 3rd baseman, going out on a limb here but he can be ARAMIS RAMIREZ

Good day inmates!

StevePegues: you last post about Capps I sort of agree with. I got yelled at by BillyKidd yesterday via phone (because he can't vent here) that John Russell should be sent to Alcatraz for keeping Capps in when Capps has been nothing but "bad" in BK's assessment. Capps hasn't been the "slam the door" guy we came to know, but he's had good games this year, so I'm really, really, REALLY tired, personally, of hearing people - or reading - that Russell put Capps in to finish off Saturday nights game like Russell was thinking in his head "he'll probably lose it for us."

That belief, I don't get.

Capn - I believe they can get above .500 by season end. I really do.

JAL - your post about HRs depressed me. Thanks so much.

As for Jones - I posted in here Saturday night that he's been a bright spot and someone scoffed me, saying how pitiful it is that a Rule 5 guy is a bright spot.

Sometimes, Rule 5 guys aren't worth much. Sometimes they are. Shane Victorino is a rule 5 guy. Yo.

@ KMR  "Package them both for a bag of balls" ..

Lol... I've said that before also. And I agree, JR should have seen that Capps didn't have his stuff and yanked him Waaaayyyyy before the game was lost. What was the point in leaving him in there? He was getting pummeled. If pitcher "A" isn't getting it done, you put in pitcher "B". That was rediculous!

Just to correct a poor choice of words:  Russell was not voted the best future manager in all of baseball (would so that it were true, though).  He was named the best managerial prospect in all of baseball.  A pretty big difference, but I'll still give him some time; but I have a soft-spot for catchers, goalies, and others that don the "tools of ignorance."

@ StevePegues,

Capps very first batter hit a HR! Not the end of the world when you're up 7-3, right? But when 2 of the next 3 get on (and the one who didn't hit it to the wall) you need to get someone up, right? When the following batter hits one out to tie it up, it should have been blatently obvious that Capps didn't have it. Bring in Hanrahan. Bring in Veal. Bring in a little leaguer. But no - no move. Load the bases. Still only one out. Allow a single to lose it. Unacceptable on the managers part to allow his team to lose. It's his job to see what's going on and make adjustments/changes. Those glasses he wears must have welders lenses, because he was pretty much blind if he didn't see that.

@Roberto

I'm having a hard time grasping why you think Andy LaRoche has played well enough to excite you, but you're quick to dump Jack and Freddy.  All Freddy's done is hit over .300 his entire career.  His numbers are actually great to excellent for a second baseman.  

I wonder why you want to get rid of names like Duke, Maholm, and Doumit in favor of a bunch of guys who likely will crap out like all the rest of our prospects?  At some point, you need to stop screaming for every Adrian Brown or Tike Redman or Chad Hermanson or Graham Koonce in the system and go with the proven talent you have and add to it, not replace it.

Hey for some optimism.....

Latrobe in about 2 1/2 weeks Wooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Daryl,

 I hope he does hit 30 H.R.'s consistently, it would certainly make 3rd base a position of strength. You are right in stating that An La was once a highly coveted prospect in L.A. but something soured them on him early last year to the point where they started Blake Dewitt ahead of him and then traded for Casey Blake instead of using him. I also heard a lot of baseball talk show hosts here laughing about the heist the Dodgers lulled off by getting Manny and giving up virtually nothing. On one Dodger postgame show the host said something to the effect that the Pirates were one of the only teams out there who weren't aware of how far LaRoche's stock had dropped. So maybe I was looking at it from a different prism than fans in the Burgh.

    I think our outfield potential and starting potential potential is solid but like everyone I think our infield candidates are lacking. Also it seems like a lot of guys the new regime identified as crucial were either misevaluated or overpaid. In all hte trade talk surrounding Jack, Freddy and Ad La it is stated how htey are already overpaid and the options and or remaining years are out of line for what they produce. I say go young but take  achance on high upside guys. Guys like we are currently shedding are good enough to win 70 games. Take a chance on guys like Tampa Bay, all around athletes who pressure the other team. Speed kills when it comes with the other baseball skills.

FinerKiner,

Thank you for the link on Milledge.  He also threw someone out at home plate as well...nice.  Get Blastings up for Friday's game!

POH

Sorry, did not want to depress anyone

Kragbax wrote:

When the following batter hits one out to tie it up, it should have been blatently obvious that Capps didn't have it. Bring in Hanrahan. Bring in Veal. Bring in a little leaguer. But no - no move.

_________________________________________________

You're entitled to your opinion on this point, but it reminds me of a little anecdote I once read that I now only half-remember.  When he fired Lou Boudreau as manager of the Indians, the GM got a lot of heat for it.  In explaining himself he said, "If you ask Casey Stenghal why he did something, he'll tell you that this player or that pitcher reminded him of his guy he played with in 1927 and how he played in this or that situation and it worked before.  Casey had a story about it, but it was always a reason.  You ask Lou the same question and he'll say 'The way things were going, I had to do something.'  I can't think of a better way to take a bad situation and make it worse."

@ Dan1283

Yeah, what's exciting about a guy who's 25 and has shown great improvement (.166/.252/.256 to .269/.344/.393) just through 1 off-season (and he hasn't played the 2nd half of the season yet)?  

I want to dump Freddy and Jack so the Bucs can get something in return.  They'll hit FA (and maybe Freddy will be a type B, but Jack won't be squat so...)  and you know the Bucs aren't going to reup with them.  They are both over 30 (albeit 31, but still over 31) and most GMs in baseball think they are well overpaid.

I refuse to go with the "proven" talent we have in the PBC right now b/c it is soooooo mediocre (to plain bad).  The current group of "proven talent" the PBC has will never win anything (a division, pennant, or WS)...together.  They maybe able to help contenders iwn, but together, this group is about a 38-50 team, O, wait, they ARE a 38-50 club.  

I was down to build around Bay, Nady, McLouth, and figure the pitching out, but Neal & Frank wanted to blow it up, so I say BLOW IT UP.  The only players I want to keep are ones with 0 or 1 year of major league service.  All the rest can go.  If mgt. stays up with draft signings and int'l signings, and they can get good (and by good I mean 2-4 players for each player we trade) return, I think we'll be out of the desert soon enough....

And again I'll pose this question....

Would Freddy Sanchez be a 3-time All-Star if he was on any other team in the majors?

.......................Exactly.

@ StevePegues

Look at what the Pens were able to do after Michel Therrien was fired, and Dan Bylsma replaced him.  I'm not trying to compare the Pens and the Pirates (and the Pens did make some player moves as well), but just showing that sometimes, a coaching change is needed.  Heck, look at Colorado.  Hurdle out, Tracy in, wa-la.  

I also don't want it to sound like I'm saying if we bring someone new in it'll turn this team around this year, WC birth, Pennant, WS run, but sometimes a new face, new attitude, and new philosophy can have a profound effect on athletes.  I can't explain it, I can just tell you what I see.

@pghfaninstl

How in the world do they not bring Milledge up for Fridays game,an excellent way to bring excitement for the 2nd half.

@Plentyofhope

I for one am excited about the 2nd half ,I mean with Jones,Doumit,Milledge think we can make up 9games.Been done in a months time if you look over the history of baseball....GO BUCS

It's alright, JAL. Perfect case of truth hurts.

There seems to be an almost even split on the two theories: Take out the closer once he's botched it, and leave him in because he's the closer.

I heard that on the Huntington show before the game Sunday, on the radio (I heard it second hand, I don't get the show) that there may be flat out cuts to the roster - either flat firings or options/waivers - at the end of July is some performances don't improve. Anyone else here happen to hear the show? Got any ideas?

Could management be anywhere close to paying Adam LaRoche to go away as they did Matt Morris? I'm not advocating, I'm conjecturing.

No offense intended to anyone, its a quiet day, but didn't we get G Jones as a minor league FA and not through Rule 5 draft?

We're 12 game under, folks, and we always seem to have a mid season swoon that lasts for 2-3 weeks, I fear we're in the middle of it right now.

And the trade deadline hasn't hit yet, this may have been discussed yesterday, but was reading rumors that Zach is being packaged with Freddy (oops, packaged is a bad word so included) for a trade to Frisco?

You know sure as heck, Maholm/Duke/ anyone but Ross O is a possibility to be moved come end of the month.

IMO 90+ losses is a good possibility, and before I get shot for this statement, I would like to say I truly bleed black and gold, it kills me to see them like this.

But it ain't gonna be pretty again this year.  IMO of course

@daryl

I love your optimism!  I don't know how you always manage to do it but you still have hopes for this season.  I am impressed!

POH

The answer is no if they have any sense.  They got rid of Morris because he had nothing left.  He had no value on the team or in trade.  

Adam has some value--he is average at bat and above average in the field.  In all MLB he is 16 in HR for 1b,  22 in RBI at 1b,  18 in SLG and 19 in OPS.  

If they have no desire to resign him they should try to get something in trade.  If no takers then keep him til season end--they have to pay him anyway.  If they feel they have a better option at 1b then use Adam off the bench as a PH and late inning defensive replacement.  

Steve---

You must be related to John Russell, because you and the rest of his relatives are likely the only people on the planet who refuse to recognize the huge managerial gaffe Russell made (by not making a move when he absolutely should have) Friday night.

Anybody else agree with StevePeagues?  Anyone?  Bueller??  Bueller??

Biz

See the prediction update above--as of today they are pace for a record of 70-92

Bizrow - I don't know how we got Mr. Jones - I was told Saturday night on this blog that the fact we have a highlight performance out of Jones, "a Rule 5 guy" shows how far we have sunk.

I don't care if we bought him with a box of twinkies, he can keep playing just like he is, as far as I'm concerned.

If I pointed out incorrectly that he was Rule 5, my bad for passing on wrong info.

OOPS...PoH---I think it's just you and Steve in JR's corner...not a 50-50 split.

But I don't think you're related to him...you just see the silver lining in everthing...thus, your name!

KMR

I don't--I am in the camp of Capps should have been relieved.  It was clear he was not pitching effectively.  Stairs HR--OK--that happens.  Then a walk and single --maybe then but certainly after Howard hit one out.

"No offense intended to anyone, its a quiet day, but didn't we get G Jones as a minor league FA and not through Rule 5 draft?"

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

BIzrow,

You would be correct on that.  And again, I'll ask....

Why isn't G. Jones in the HR derby?????

@JAL

I was going to say I worry about 100 losses, but I can't go there right now.

Whats our 54-54-54 looking like?  A lot of discussion on JR today, wouldn't his management/mis-management (taking no sides on this) contribute to the final 54 pile the most?

Biz and POH

Jones was signed as a free agent to a minor league contract

I saw some limited comments from JR after Saturday night's debacle.  He commented that Capps was missing his spots and The Phils took advantage of it.  

Did anyone ask him specifically about leaving Capps out there? I haven't seen anything addressing it.  Thanks.

Just curious as to what alterior motive he might have had.

@ Roberto,

Right, but Freddy's numbers are much better and more consistent than Andy's, and Freddy plays a position where you can tolerate those numbers.  When you already have no or minimum power from your CF, SS and 2B, you can't afford to have a 1B-3B combo that has only 16 home runs between them at this point.  That's pathetic and a big reason why the Pirates have lost so many games by less than two runs-they don't have any power to put them over the top.

I also don't get your beef with their ages.  Baseball is not hockey or football.  It is not a young man's game.  There are plenty of players who come into their own after their "prime" years, and Freddy isn't facing any sharp decline in his hitting skills.  Guys like him could hit for another 5 years without starting their decline.

The problem is Andy places third base, which means if he's gonna play there he needs to hit for power.  If he won't, he'll be gone just like Nyjer Morgan, whose number are fine if he can play shortstop or center field but not worth it anywhere else unless you have a plethora of power elsewhere.

As for Doumit, we waited long enough for the guy to get here, and he's a good catcher and he's young.  No reason they can't keep both him and Jaramillio, and no reason they shouldn't.

@PoH - re -rule 5, no harm intended on my part, and yes, no matter how we got him, so far its looking good.

JAL thanks for the clarifier, a few days ago someone was talking about what Jones becomes next year?  Arbitration eligible or a FA again?  Sorry if this is reiterating a previous discussion, some days I don't get in here as long as I'd like to.

I don't want to keep this JR thing going because I've already said my piece, but fact is

(1) The situation did not call for a closer

(2) Capps was indeed showing unmistakable signs of not having it -- read through the game thread and see a number of people calling for him to pull Capps before the homerun

(3) he didn't pull him after the HR

(4) this is a an ongoing problem with the way JR handles pitchers.  He leaves them in to take a pounding when there's nothing in the tank -- and it's cost us enough games to make the difference between a winning season to this point and a losing season.  Our record with the run differential we have is not a matter of a few bad breaks, it's a matter of breaking down in crucial situations.

OK, the team is young and they are going to be making mistakes and stupid ones at times.  JR's strength is in handling the youngsters.   I credit Andy settling down after that horrible start, Capps first comeback from the edge of the cliff, Moss coming out of his season opening slump, and quite a few other good things to JR.  But his tactics have cost us a great deal.  Maybe he's learning, too.  But it's not what I expect from a professional manager.  Just venting.

Bizrow

Well, if go by games that could have gone either way they are 12 and 23.

That is not the true meaning of the statement.  The statement simply means that you will win 54 but some means and lose 54 by some means--the other 54 make the difference.  Last season the Pirates were 67-95 so in the other 54 they were 13 -41.  

JAL (or other knowledgeable person).  What is the import of Jones being signed to a minor league contract?  If he makes the team, which he has, does that mean that he signs a standard MLB and goes through the six years before he becomes a MLB free agent, or is a minor league free agent just like a MLB free agent without the perks.  Or is there something in the middle?

Interesting stat on G. Jones.........

8.4 AB/HR.....not bad, not bad..........

Although it is only an 11 game, 42 AB sample soooo.........

Maybe too early to get the hopes up?

Nah, not in the ASYLUM!!!!!!!!!

@JAL - ok, I get it, I thought the last 54 its talent for sure in those and I guess good/poor managing can affect the first 54 piles.  The one thing I don't like about JR is the Moss handling, the other stuff, other than that as some have said, its 20-20 hindsight.

I'm not sure what I came across as believing...

My family can attest that Saturday night, when everyone but me was trying to sleep, there was screaming from the family room...

"Take him out! Get him out of there! For the love of God someone else get on the mound!!!!!!!!!!!!""

After which I heard, "Hey, we're trying to sleep up here!"

and "Settle down Mom!"

Biz

we had varying positions on Jones' status and no one knew for certain.  

Oh, two very scary words regarding Garrett Jones--

Chris Shelton.

JH

See my answer to Biz--don't know.  The import of him being signed to a minor league contract is that he did not automatically go on the 40 man roster.  He did have to be added to it once they brought him up.  His contarct is $400,000 for one year and that is what he will stay at without signing a new contract.  Technically, what the Pirates did is purchase his contract from Indy.

"I also don't get your beef with their ages.  Baseball is not hockey or football.  It is not a young man's game."

Hey, I'd just rather watch guys who are 24 or 25 who actually have an upside rather than a 31 yr old 2B who is good, but has peaked in terms of development.  I don't want good.  I want great, and Freddy isn't going to give that to us.  He has been solid in his time in Pit, but he needs to go.

BLOW IT UP NEAL!

FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THIS EARLIER TODAY...

In honor of how this thread started just after midnight (see WAY above...the first post from Jose Linds Pants' and Dejan's reply), and more importantly in honor of our Fearless Leader, his vacation and his avowed love of Night Ranger, there is a, ahem, "tribute" to Night Ranger Dejan in my Announcements.  (click on my avatar, go to Announcements.)  

Hint: To the music of the 1980s classic, "Brother Dejan."

PoH -- I have learned to scream silently to myself.  All Mrs H. heard was a snorted "They blew it!  That idiot!" and we're an hour earlier than you, so that didn't wake anybody up, but Sport kind of stared at me funny.

Now that I think about it WTM did explain that --Jones signed a 1 year FA contract so he will be an FA at the end of the tear

@Dan1283 - "Chris Shelton"

Somewhat oddly enough, Dan, he was just called up last week by the Mariners ... He's still getting his chance, but I'm afraid he's missed his good window of opportunity.

@Roberto,

The only thing I guess I don't understand about your beef with Sanchez in particular, and generally with Duke and Doumit (barring Doumit's injury history), is what more you want out of those players given their performances and the positions they play.  Are there really that many second basemen in the game better than Freddy all-around?  And is it realistic to expect one of the middle infielders in the system now to exceed, let alone match, his production?  Because if they can't out-perform Freddy (and not many second baseman in baseball do), there's no sense in cutting him loose.

No, I'm not related to JR.  As I explained above, I have a soft spot for catchers, I think he does an overall good job considering what he has to work with, and I think a lot of the reaction to his mistakes are along the lines of "hindsight is 20/20" and Monday-morning quarterbacking.  I won't criticize him for something I only realized after the fact; maybe y'all saw Capps's meltdown coming, but I didn't.  Capps's history says he doesn't miss his spots very often.  All other things being equal, I'd asssume he'd go out there and hit his spots, not go out there and miss 'em (although this years, he's had a few more problems than in the past).  Even after missing a few spots, I don't expect Capps to KEEP missing them.  I gotta guess that's what JR was assuming as well; but it's just a guess.

Please keep in mind however, that the choice is not to either (1) leave the pitcher in or (2) win the game.  You pull a pitcher, you take your chances with the next guy you put in.  Honestly, I don't feel all that comfortable with the guys in the bullpen who aren't named Capps, Grabow, or Karstens (and Karstens just made that list last week).  The bullpen is a heck of a lot better than I thought it would be going into the season, but I'm guessing that JR has some reservations about it.  So you get what you get.  If you're just gonna guess at who's gonna be able to do the job on any given night, I suspect that strategy will fail more often than succeed in the long run.

Well, I gotta go for awhile.  Good points and counterpoints from the anti-JR crowd.  If y'all can honestly say that none of these attacks on JR have anything to do with hindsight being 20/20, then I commend you.  I can't do that.

@Baywatch,

I noticed that last week and that's how his name popped into my head.  I also couldn't think of another propect who came whammin' and slammin' out of the gate quite like he did that also flamed out as badly.  It just goes to show that even though Garret Jones is definitely showing something worth getting excited about, he needs to be consistent for another calendar year for me to be sold.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, it's just that guys like Shelton are a stark reminder to not pencil in a guy for the cleanup spot for the next few years a few weeks into his career.  I really hope Jones can keep it up though, like I said I am not the kind of fan who holds his age against him.  I don't care if he were 32 and just starting to show that ability, sometimes something clicks and you're off for good no matter how old or young you are.

Dan1283,

You said "I also don't get your beef with their ages.  Baseball is not hockey or football.  It is not a young man's game.  There are plenty of players who come into their own after their "prime" years, and Freddy isn't facing any sharp decline in his hitting skills.  Guys like him could hit for another 5 years without starting their decline."

According to Bill James and others, most players without PEDs start to decline in their early to mid-30s.  There are anomalies to be certain, but I'd rather stick with the rule of thumb that a player's prime years are from his mid-20s to early-30s with a notable drop soon after.  

My G-d, can you imagine what Jack Wilson will play like after age sets in?  He might not be able to hit off a tee.  Did anyone happen to see his bunt attempt in the 8th on Saturday night?  Highest of high comedy.

KMR,

Not to be nitpicky, but the game in question was Saturday. Duke pitched a complete game on Friday. As to Steve's point, who else pitches in that situation? He was the best option at that point. Russell's gaffe in hindsight was not getting someone up sooner, but how many managers have people warming up in the 9th with their closer on the mound and a 4 run lead?

@KMR...You can put me in JR's corner as well.  I think Capps should have been pulled, but I don't fault JR for putting him in in the first place.   Grabow rarely pitches more than 1 inning and Capps hadn't pitched in a few days...makes sense to me.  But JR should have recognized that Capps didn't have it.

Oh, and I do believe it's Saturday's game you're referring to, not Friday's -- that was Duke's wasted gem.  :-)

Dan -- I don't know if I'd pencil Jones in as the cleanup hitter for the next few years, but I'd be thinking hard about getting him signed to a longer term deal just in case he might be.  Five HRs in 11 games may be a rookie fluke, but it is certainly a noteworthy one, eh?

@Fuzzy

Good counter-point, and I respect Bill James a lot.  But I would like to take a closer look at the types of players who experience the sharpest declines.  Freddy is a line drive hitter whose game doesn't rely on much speed (he's not a bse-stealer or playing SS/CF) or power.  I also think you have to factor in the guys behind him in the system.  If there was a kid in AAA knocking on the door (sorry, Shelby Ford is not a legitmate talent) then I'd say trade him while he's hot too.  

You just can't endlessly replace every piece on the ballclub.  That's how you get to the point where a guy like Alvarez is eligible for free agency and you're still two years behind your rebuilding plan (see Jason Bay) and now he won't stay for anything less than a king's ransom, which the team will not pay.  

You must work to keep the parts that work, and Freddy and Jack are parts that could work on ANY championship-calibur ballclub, and I truly believe that.  You just need to also have a few power hitters around them like every team needs a few around their middle infielders too.  Guys like Chase Utley, Hanley Ramirez and Jimmy Rollins who hit bombs are the anomalies.  Guys like Freddy and Jack who give you stellar defense, excellent fundamentals, and good contact bats are the best of the rest.

JHader-

I certainly agree it's a noteworthy accomplishment.  The big guy shows a big stick.  I'm interested to see what happens when he starts getting pounded with breaking balls, even weak ones.  But he is without question the best potential answer for first base if he stays consistent until Pedro Alvarez is 100% ready (and he Pedro moves to first.)  

I have been impressed with his ability to make good contact against southpaws, which to me is also at least "noteworthy."  Whether or not he keeps that up remains to be seen.

I'm in the oddball camp...I don't pull my closer IF i have confidence in him (and i do in Capps).  I may lose one game but there's 162 in a season.  I dont want to put any thoughts in his head other than 'you da man.'  Even at the expense of a loss.  

Good evening asylum, I thought of this today say its tomorrow night, top of the 7th, game tied 3-3 and Zachary enters the game, he tosses a 1-2-3 inning. Then in the bottom half of the inning Freddy comes up with a man on 2nd and two outs and doubles him home, the N.L. wins 4-3, Zachary gets the W, and Freddy is MVP!! How sweet would that be!!!

Dejan - I thought you were spending the next 3 days on your hammock completely unplugged?  Actually, that sounds good to me. I work from home when not traveling and do the same (hammock, etc) most days.  Dont tell my boss.

@DK

For all the hard work you do this is a break you truely deserve...............you just better hope there isn't a repeat of last Thursday over the break :) hahahaha.

Drew - I respect that opinion, I really do.

I was thinking about the other 24 heads on that team that need some Ws going into the break, in this instance.

Did Night Ranger sing Sister Christian?

I posted at length on Sunday's blog what I thought about JR leaving Capps in so long Saturday night. I won't rewrite all of it but will recapp (pun intended) my thoughts.

1) Using Capps in a non-save situation was fine because he needs to pitch sometime. Bucs are what, 3-11? Not many save opportunities so use him.

2) Capps has been shaky much of the year but had a big lead. Still okay with using him.

3) Capps was behind in the count on every batter. The fact he was off that night was obvious long before the bases loaded single.

4) Capps is a teammate. He's human and he's going to have a bad night. With such a big lead, there was plenty of time to warm up another guy and bring him in. Game was conceivably lost by not doing that.

5) Capps is a pro. If his feelings get hurt by being pulled, what will happen to them if he loses? Read Sunday's paper.

I would not call for firing JR over this because so many managers have that same stupid deer-in-the-headlights view of not pulling their closer. But it was a bad move. He sold Capps down the river and conceivably lost the game for his team. Wins for the Pirates are like rare diamonds. The manager cannot afford to give games away.

There was nothing I can figure to be gained by leaving Capps in there.

Just my opinion.

DK -- Thanks, saves a lot of speculation.

PoH -

>>Did Night Ranger sing Sister Christian?<<

Don't know. But I'm pretty sure the Lone Ranger drank Christian Brothers (wine).

DK - Thanks for the info on Jones. I thought he signed a one-year contract ... which he may have ... but it's minor league. It's nice to know they control his rights for five years.

So eve though Jones signed a one year deal, we still control him for 5 years after this season?

One other thought on not pulling the closer to show confidence in him and/or to avoid destroying confidence. And I do respect that opinion though I 100% disagree with professional athletes.

- In game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was pulled from the game after giving up 5 goals en route to a 0-5 loss to Detroit and putting the team in a 2-3 hole in the series.

He came back in Games 6 & 7 to play two of the finest of his career each by a 2-1 score and win the Stanley Cup. Several people felt he deserved the playoff MVP for that.

So, sometimes pulling a guy after a rough performance does not destroy his confidence and leads to GOOD things.

I'm hoping Jones turns out to be a regular Roy Hobbs for us (from The Natural, a guy who came out of nowhere).

Actually, I was thinking back, wondering who the last impact player was we got, like that. Was Kevin Young a minor league free agent deal, or did he come in a trade?

I'll race you guys to find out ... ready, set, go!

OK, looks like he was released by the Royals (he actually came up in the early 90s, with the Pirates) in December 1996, picked up by the Pirates in March 1997 - signed for the minimum $400,000. But the next year he signed for $1.6 million. Guess it made all the difference that he had all that time in with the Pirates and Royals.

But clearly his best years were the next couple with the Pirates. 27 and 26 home runs after his first year back, and 108 and 106 RBIs, respectively.

Bay

We drafted Young in the 7th round of the 1990 draft. Did I win!?!?

POH

JR found Jones, Jones was playing for Syracuse in the Twinkies org.

When they played JR's team, Jones pummeled them and JR never forgot it, when Jones was released after hitting around 203, Jones tells the story that he is in Pittsburgh because JR remembered him.

Bay

I'm hoping Jones turns out to be a regular Roy Hobbs for us (from The Natural, a guy who came out of nowhere).

______________________________

We must be on the same wave, Sunday when I was watching the game Roy Hobbs came into my mind when Jones came to the plate in his last at bat.

At first I started thinking about Major League when Cutch got picked off, then later when Jones came up I started thinking about Roy Hobbs.

leadoff

Getting Jones might be the only good thing JR has done for the Pirates!!

The more I think about it, it's quite a testimony to Pirate fans to post 166+ comments about a team that's 10 games under .500, heading towards their 17th losing season in a row, with absolutely no reason to believe they can end that streak at anytime, while watching the 5 teams in the division continue to get better and have strong farm systems to support them.

It's either a case of the blind leading the blind or people REALLY thinking the Pirates can recapture the magic of the late 70's or even the early 90's.

The problem with all of your passion is you have an owner who could carealess about your passion, so long as you are funneling your attention (and, MOST IMPORTANT, YOUR MONEY) into the games, merchandising and the other sources of revenue for the Pirates.  As well as the economic makeup in MLB, which funnels even more money to the small market teams (like the Pirates).

You're fooling yourselves if you don't think the Nuttings are getting rich off YOUR optimism.  YOUR devotion.  YOUR dedication to the PBC.

Until YOU AND ME, the fans of the Pirates, finally turn their back on this team and FORCE ownership to make the decisions necessary to field a competitive lineup (and NO, 10 games under .500 is far from that, would the Steelers be competitive at 5-11?) and/or attract quality FA to our team.

Otherwise you are truly hoping against hope that this team will ever turn things around.

Well asylum I am off to watch the Sportsbeat Fianle =( be back later tonight.

As far as Saturday nights debacle, I can honestly say I had to take a couple of aspirins after that. I felt sorry for Capps, if the Bucs would have been ahead by 10 runs, Capps was going to be out there even if he blew a ten run lead.

All pitchers want to stay out on the mound, but there is a time when the manager has to take the embarrassment away from the pitcher, you can't let stay out there and be a joke, to say Meek could not have come in and done the job just because he does not have the label of "Closer" is absurd.

A pitcher does not come from the bullpen with a label on his back. The term "Closer", Set-Up Man" are just places in the game where certain managers like to use certain pitchers. Modern baseball has manufactured the "Closer" role as someone that can pitch under pressure. I think if you can't pitch under pressure, I don't want you. I wan