My Thoughts According to the Score

Quote of the Day

2008-09-17T20:47:00.002-04:00

Direct from ESPN's Wednesday night baseball.

"What a pick up [Aramis] Ramirez was from the Pirates. If you're wondering why the Pittsburgh is struggling, just look around. [Jason] Bay in Boston, [Xavier] Nady in New York."

-Thanks, as if we didn't know. I'm sure we could find a few more for you, but we'd be wasting our time.

Unpretty Dominance

2008-09-15T10:39:00.005-04:00

Sometimes in Sunday Nights game, you have to thank stupidity when present. Romeo Crenell, we thank you for possibly being the stupidest coach Sunday. With his brain fart at the end of the 1st half and with his questionable use of all 3 time outs before the 2 minute warning in the fourth. Hell, even the possible field goal kick rather than going for the tie. It was obvious, the Browns needed 7 just to have a chance, and they never got that chance. The defense never really let them have a chance. Besides the long drive at the end of the 2nd quarter and the 90 consecutive 3rd down conversions in the 4th, the Browns had nothing to offer. Neither did the Steelers, every drive would have a string of first downs and then sputter near Cleveland territory, but they had 2 good enough ones to make it a "W". There's not even enough game play to even do a full run down, except, Crenell is reatarded, Kellen Winslow likes tattoo's, Derek Anderson never led one receiver to a ball (that'll help out the YAC stat for the Steelers defense), Al Michaels jinxed Pittsburgh by calling them the premiere crop of the AFC, it's windy, Willie Parker can flat out run, what has the offense line done? They're unreal. Big Ben likes to beat around the bush with Andrea Kraemer, Andrea Kraemer just got stood up, Ben has some sort of shoulder problem, and finally everyone on that team...still hates the Browns.

The Steeler "D" looks amazing and the offensive line is making key blocks for Willie Parker and buying time for Ben, a perfect recipe. With Philadelphia playing a mediocre, at best, St. Louis Rams in week 1. We'll have to wait to see what they do against the Cowboys on Monday Night to get an idea of what we're dealing with. Donovan McNabb has no receivers, but that didn't stop him in week 1 from throwing it all over God's creation. Brian Westbrook is still the real deal, as a check down receiver and rusher, but let's see what Dallas can do. If they can rip apart that Eagle defense via run and pass, the Steelers could be in good hands. It doesn't get any easier from here for Pittsburgh, they need to stock up on those wins once that bulk of the schedule hits.

Here We Go!

Welcome to Heinz Field Houston, Next Please?

2008-09-12T11:33:00.003-04:00

I can't get you much of a game recap or thoughts except, the old saying(s) goes in football.

-If you can run the football... [check]

-Defense wins championships. [check]

With operation Deep Throat's QB going down with about 9 different knee problems. The AFC is open for the Steeler's taking. And yes, they will get to see every top competitor, both NFC and AFC this season. 10-6 is not a bad record against this schedule, make the playoffs with moderate injuries and things could look bright. This week, its division play against what everyone believes is the toughest competitor the Steelers have. Well, the Cowboys ripped apart that awful defense, besides the Browns haven't beaten the Steelers in like 4 years, what difference is their now? This could be the last time you see Romeo on the sidelines against the Steelers, if things should go pathetic. And if the Steelers' defense continues to dominate, they may make the Browns look like idiots for resigning Derek Anderson. (The pride of Dublin, Ohio) Brady Quinn anyone? Sunday night, with Al and John. Who here doesn't love to hear John Madden get a boner from the Steelers defense on prime time? Or his referrals; "N-n-n-n-now here's a guy who can find the hole, and BOOM! Aah, smell that October air coming? 8:15 PM be there!

P.S. I think Willie Parker is still running, somewhere. We may need to issue an Amber Alert.

Here We Go! [ 1-0 ]

My Apologies

2008-09-12T11:06:00.003-04:00

Sorry about the over stay on vacation, sometimes you need it. I was getting a little burnt out on this thing. I mean when your blog consists of 3 months on the Pirates, its unavoidable to get burnt out. And the Bucco's wasted no time in finishing off yet another successful season. Happy sweet 16 Bucs! You are now officially the worst baseball franchise over a 16 year stretch, EVER! There's no need to wonder why the Pirates have the 3rd worst attendance in the league. Money produces winners, winners produce money. It's simple chemistry. No one in a Pirate front office since the 1992 NLCS has felt like doing the work and risking their money. Look at the Braves, they went from being some of the worst teams in the league back in the 80's to competing in the early 90's. They spent money to keep it going (roughly $82 million a year), and they reeled off 14 straight division championships and a World Series title. Atlanta isn't a small market like Pittsburgh, but Milwaukee is and CC Sabathia isn't a cheap commodity. Cleveland's done it, St Louis, and Philadelphia too. No so much World Series titles for the Phillies, but at least they compete. There's only about 6 or 7 teams in the majors that could benefit from a salary cap in baseball, Pittsburgh one of them. All of the others are willing to spend, build, and hold onto their star players for a chance to compete. The Pirates continue to be the Red Sox, Yankees, and the rest of the MLB's farm system. This year, Jason Bay and Xavier Nady. Both were acquired as rebuilding pieces for the future. Well, when is the future ever going to get here? I thought 16 years was plenty of time to rebuild the future.

My thoughts exactly.

Vacation!

2008-08-29T18:07:00.002-04:00

Sorry about the lack up updates. It's vacation time and between the Pirates pitching and Steelers offensive line, I needed one. Be back Thursday September 4th, just in time for the first kick off!

Never Say Die, or Swept

2008-08-18T17:15:00.003-04:00

First the Reds, then the Mets. Where does it end? It's like watching Dumb and Dumber, you think you've got something material...then the unexpected. The first joke of this movie is you lose 2 of 3 to the Reds. Both clubs are depleted, but the Pirates lack the pitching to make things interesting. 2nd joke, 20.5 games out of first. Wow. 3rd joke, Aramis Ramirez is a candidate for a gold glove at 3rd base. What has the world come to?! That guy couldn't keep one out of the dirt, or the 3rd row of bleachers in Pittsburgh! Silver Slugger? Possibly, but a GOLD GLOVE?! He's right up there with the annoyance level as Manny Ramirez. Trot around the bases with that cocky step and I'll throw one at your head from the 400 section the next time I see you. 4th joke, the Pirates have a hand to determine the outcome of the Wild Card race over the next 6 days. Get out of town! First, the Cardinals, and lets all hope for another brawl including a hitting coach pointing his finger at Tony LaRussa and his tight ass pants. We all know what Tony's packing and it's not exactly worth my 10 bucks to park. Both on the road in the Gateway city. Next up, Miller Park and the Brewers. Clever team nickname! My choice would of been the "High Lifes". Vegas just issued their latest odd's on Prince Fielder's chances of starting a rumble by the 6th inning on Friday, 10 to 7. I don't question Prince's ability to hit or field, or even run (2 inside the park home runs in his career), but I do have other questions. (1) How does one become so fat when they are a declared vegetarian. (2) How bad did that tattoo hurt getting stamped on his neck. (3) Who the hell gets a tattoo on their neck? Answer: Price Fielder.

Enough about the future, lets discuss the past. First, the Reds----oh, my God. How horrible was that pitching exhibition? Actually, not that bad. Jeff Karsten's made a couple of appearances and his first was in game 1 of the Reds series. Although, he had to go up against Edison Volquez, the Reds only bright spot this season. Karstens gave up 3 runs and the offense struggled, meanwhile Tyler Yates continues to blow up. Ian Snell, got another loss...surprised?

Then came the hard stuff, Pedro Martinez and Johan Santana on back to back days. Karstens, again when 6 innings giving up 4 and Santana had his first CG of the season on a 3 hitter. Tough stuff. The only bright spot of the series was Saturday when the Mets bullpen continues to implode as the Buc's came back from 2-0 to win 5-3 with clutch hitting in the 8th. Freda Felcher anyone?

Beat Down By Buffalo

2008-08-14T19:42:00.015-04:00

1st Quarter

Steelers on the recieving end of the kickoff and Ben Roethlisberger wastes no time.

All business going 4-4 completing passes to Ward, Holmes, and Spaeth.

Brain fart alert, on a 3rd and short 7 year veteren Justin Hartig grabs too much shirt.

Next play, INT. It can go south in a hurry.

Trent Edwards shows why he should be a starter with a 23 yrd. completetion to Lee Evans.

3rd down would come up somewhere on the drive, but the Bills would convert.

Then another 3rd down, inside the 10. No stoppage, 7-0 Bills.

Roethlisberger would come back out for the 2nd drive and things would look like round 1.

Willie Parker had a 7 yard run and Ben hit Spaeth for a 16 yard completion.

3rd & 5 in Bills territory, Heath Miller does something stupid. 5 yards backwards.

No dice, incomplete. Punt it. And a good one too, to the 10 of the Bills.

James Harrison came through in the clutch with a huge sack at the 3 yard line.

2nd Quarter

3rd & 13 inside the 10 and the Bills would do it again. Trent Edwards? 23 yard run.

Then again...3rd down, Buffalo converts.

Trent Edwards to Royal for 6 and just like that 14-0 Bills.

That caps a 90 yard drive in 6:36. Bummer.

Big Ben would show himself for a 3rd drive and man did he show up.

Roethlisberger---->Hines Ward 24 yards.

Rashard Mendenhall got in on the game and poked around for a couple yards.

Pittsburgh was faced with a 3rd & 8....and then a penalty.

3rd & 13, again? Then, Roethlisberger----->Melwede Moore 14 yards.

That's a first down.

Next play, we're going downtown. Santonio Holmes, 40 yard TD reception.

14-7

Just like his days at the O-H I-O

The Bills would poke around on some runs and then JP Losman would drop back.

JP Losman, meet Aaron Smith. Sacked lunch.

The next drive for the Steelers would see Byron Leftwich for the first time.

(Disregaurd picture)

First play, Leftwich------>Nate Washington 24yards.

Leftwich would miss on a 3rd & 2 bringing up Jeff Reed.

Look at that hair!

Reed, from 42 yards....no good.

As the end of the 2nd half wound down, JP Losman, meet Lawerence Timmons.

Since we're in the pre-season, I myself am only taking a couple snaps. A first half analysis, in the way I plan on doing it for the rest of the 08-09 season. With more pictures to work with during the regular season, I'm sure to make it look smoother. Other notes to add, Roethlisberger and the offense looked sharp, but costly penalties quickly evaporated any chance of momentum. Dennis Dixon peeled off a long 47 yard TD scamper. Mendenhall continues to put up consistent numbers, with 11 touches for 30 yards and a 6 yard touchdown run. Byron Leftwich, looked lost and slow, an easy complaint for someone who has 5 days of experience with the playbook. Not to be mistaken with my thoughts of him being a nice addition as a back up. Dennis Dixon, give him a year or two, he may end up being a nice commodity and a different look for the defense should Ben fall off a tricycle again.

Pittsburgh Heads to Toronto; For Football?

2008-08-14T18:26:00.003-04:00

PRE-GAME

This is something I'd like to do (time permitting since I DO work weekends. A little pre-game blog prior to kickoff followed by an amateur analysis soon after. I hope I can still keep things funny and head turning like I have. But, let's get to the real stuff.

Buffalo, has made a nice little 5 year deal to show Canadians that football fields are supposed to be 100 yards and not 110. At least when one of their players' get hurt, they don't have to worry about medical coverage, eh? Oh well, that's nice and all, but the Bills are still taking money away from their fans......then again, it is preseason. Buffalo has been everybodys pick (according to ESPN) to be the sleeper and wild card contender out of the AFC. Due to their easy schedule, they say. Whatev. The ball gets kicked off at 7:30 and I'll be sure to see how the first series for Roethlisberger, Parker, Ward, Holmes, and perhaps Mendenhall (???) do. Then we all get to see what kind of a back up Byron Leftwich is. Let me put this out there, he got pounded and picked off at every opportunity in Atlanta after being cut by Jack Del Rio. Gutsy call by the Steelers front office, but I like it.

Oh! And make it be known, Anthony Smith is not a thug. You can quote Mike Tomlin on that.

Here We Go!

Ted Williams' Son

2008-08-14T18:20:00.003-04:00

Is it possible to hate someone so much, yet seems like he gets better every time you degrade him?

Oh yeah. Right.

Everything About Philly Stinks

2008-08-11T18:30:00.004-04:00

We had it, right in our hands....actually Tyler Yates' hands. What has this guy's problem been? He was an unstoppable flame thrower out of the bullpen with Capps, Grabow, and Marte. His ERA is ginormous and it's getting to be as bad as Ian Snell. Speaking of....still struggling. It's awful and to put it bluntly, they blew a chance at taking 2 of 3. It started off in good vibes for the Pirates when it went 0-0 into the 12th before the Bucco's put up a 2 spot and hold on to win. That would be the end of the good news.

Bad news started pouring in while the team was in Philadelphia when they learned Phil Dumatrait was done for the year. His shoulder is going to need some medical experience applied to it and some serious rehab. Bummer, he was looking like a solid pitcher before the all-star break. Dang. Let's just hope he doesn't flop the the others, including Duke, Gorzelanny, Snell, and Maholm (who's been decent to say the least).

After losing 2 of 3, the Pirates came back from a 5 run deficit and pounded the Mets' bullpen in a make up game Monday at Shea Stadium. Good, I hate the Mets and I hate Pedro Martinez. Basically because he was friends with that bum Manny Ramirez. Does that guy still have a job in LA still? Oh right....they don't have anyone else to play left field. I understand now.

Next up, Jay Bruce, his brother Jesus, and his Dad Ted Williams from the Reds take on the Buc's.

Steelers Pre-Season; How Many More?

2008-08-09T00:12:00.003-04:00

Big Ben is testing a sore groin, the offensive line is all "????", is Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed legit? And finally...what do they do now about Charlie Batch?

Let's start with the first question. Roethlisberger seemed to do well as the Steelers marched down the field 80 yards while Ben threw only 2 passes. One counted for 19 yards, the other counted for 19 more for a Santonio Holmes TD. It was all running from the get go and Willie Parker showed that a broken leg ain't gonna slow him down. Which brings up to the next topic, the offensive line. No one knew what to think after Alan Faneca leaped to, now, the Brett Farve Jets (no longer New York). Parker ran the ball 3 times for 20 yards, peeling off an 11 yard run at one point. This however, was just a warm up for Rashard Mendenhall. By the way, the Steelers have been accused of highway robbery for picking Mendenhall up that late in the draft. Mendenhall, ran the ball 7 times for 34 yards and added a 15 yard run at one point and applauded the offensive line for the holes they opened up. Good chemistry is never a bad thing, is it?

Limas Sweed, had his chance to shine also. He got to see extra playing time and showed up for it. 3 catches for 23 yards showed that the Steelers have some faith in Sweed as a target. Don't forget, the Steelers have slowly but surly put together a solid WR core like back in the days of Yancey Thigpen and Charles Johnson. Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington, and now Limas Sweed. It is only pre-season, but it's nice to see the Steelers start of solidly with all their question mark pieces work out. Then again, these games don't count and the first string plays about 38 seconds out of the game.

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. A miscommunication on a hand off led to Charlie Batch making a dash for it and ending up with a broken collar bone. Now, that leaves the Steelers (and HC Mike Tomlin) looking for a quality, veteran back-up QB. Hey, is Chad Pennington on the market now? I'm sure Tommy Maddox is still looking for work. How fast did that guy's fame fall? Dennis Dixon, on the other hand, stepped in and did a fine job. But, the experience isn't there in case, god forbid, Roethlisberger should come up lame on a play. Charlie Batch did a fine job, if you remember, filling in for Ben after that fateful summer to forget. It's gonna be pretty exciting to see what Pittsburgh does about this void. Batch is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks and I'm not exactly sure what kind of product is out on the market as of pre-season week 1.

Note: Jeff Reed nailed 3 FG, one going for 50 yards. How clutch and consistent has that guy been since he was given an open tryout, after Todd Peterson couldn't hit the side of a barn from 30 in the open end zone. Plus, this guy is no wuss, he sports sweatbands, a mouth guard, some muscles, and some legs that need tailored jeans. If there was such a thing as a bad ass kicker, this guy would rank #1.

Horrible Pitching, Well...Almost

2008-08-06T21:41:00.006-04:00

Only the Pirates can manage 7 runs and lose. 18 hits....in ONE GAME!? Something is obviously wrong when numbers creep towards the vente mark. That's Spanish for 20, for all of those who didn't attend and bilingual classes. Tyler Yates, has officially clocked himself out for the rest of the season. His ERA was one of the best out of the bullpen, that being a sub 3.30. Now, it's ballooned to a staggering 4.86. It's higher than Sean Burnett's, how is that possible?! Somehow, the Pirates managed 4 runs off of Dan Harren's illegal pitching delivery, but it's never enough, is it? Haren threw 97 pitches in the ball game and 71 of them counted for strikes. Crazy. It doesn't matter, Tyler Yates blew it and so did the Pirates. Game 2 was over before it even started. Brandon Webb took the mound and got his 16th victory and basically took the Cy Young award by the balls. But come one, he does pitch in the NL West....then again, they are all "professionals". That last part pertains to everyone, except Manny Ramirez, because we all know that isn't true.

And finally, how about Jeff Karsten's? Shuts down the Cubs and now almost gets a perfect game in his second game with the Bucco's. He went 7.2 before giving up a double to Chris Young. What a shame too, becuase the Pirates needed something to show for their trades. (That was sarcasm by the way.) He's obviously not a flashy pitcher (4 strike outs), and could him being new, with no scouting report have to do with his success? No one's figured it out and let's hope they never do. The Buc's needed some serious pitching when all of their trades went down and they've found something in Karstens. Meanwhile, Craig Hansen (from Boston), has given up a run in each of his first two outings with the Pirates. He carried a 5+ ERA when he walked into PNC, and he continues to struggle in the NL. Word is that he needs some work on his mechanics and location, but on the other hand he has some nasty stuff. Lord knows we hope that's true.

Newly Acquired:

TJ Beam - Called up. Meh, nothing special. He owns a 4.27 ERA and an enormous 6 foot 7 inch frame. He's never been consistent, at least not yet.

Denny Bautista - Picked up on waivers from Detroit. This guys has been solid for the most part lately and I don't see it ending. He's starting to pick his spots and hit them and besides his blow up of 4 earned runs against Milwaukee, this guy has been reliable 95% of the time. Solid move by the organization.

Jason Davis - Called up. Davis (who was in the bullpen for most of his tenure) has now been placed into the 5th spot of the starting rotation, since Gorzelany has forgotten what a strike is and Dumatrait still hurt. Davis has worked 7 innings, giving up 6 hits, 2 walks and striking out 3. It's one of those deals where you hope the best for the kid and hope everything works out. It can't get any worse, being 30th in pitching oughta tell you that.

Andy LaRoche - Acquired from the Dodgers, hasn't done anything besides a 2 run homer in Chicago and a base hit earlier. It's one of those deals where time will tell. He hasn't been in the big's long and there's talk that he's one of the best prospects to make a name for himself.

Scott Pearce - Called up, when Xavier Nady was traded and was declared the everyday starter by John Russell. He's been hanging around with a few hits here and there, but nothing consistent. I like where things are headed, but like all things they need time. Everyone is surely not going to come right in and be the Tampa Bay Rays.

Brandon Moss - Acquired from Boston and has been swinging a very good bat. He had a game tying home run in Chicago and has 3 RBI's to go with his .298 average. I really like this pick up by the Pirates and with Karstens, I think things are in go mode for the next 3-5 years.

Jeff Karstens - Acquired from the Yankees and here's your run down. ERA = 0.00. Enough said. This guy was a 19th rounder by the Yank's back in 2003!

Next up - In Philadelphia for a series against the Phillies. Jason Davis is scheduled to start Sunday.

AFC North, Crazy and Confusing

2008-08-02T19:26:00.005-04:00

While the wife was out, I decided to take advantage of some down time while enjoying some of the X-Games and take a chance on my thoughts of the Steelers coming into the 08-09 season. With all the talk about the Browns being a potential AFC North champ, all I can do is laugh. Cleveland is born chokers (take the Browns 17 point playoff collapse behind Kelly Holcomb's career day). They have the players, but the jury is still out on Derek Anderson. We can sit here and say it was a one year fluke, but some of us caught ourselves saying that about Tom Brady. Then again, Tommy knew what defenses he was looking at via hand signal stealing. Like Barry Bonds' claim, you still have to hit (or in Brady's case, throw) the ball. We'll get into the Brown's later.

Let's start in Baltimore. What a mess. What the line in Vegas on who the Ravens starting QB is going to be? Kyle "overrated" Boller or 2008 1st round pick Joe Flacco? Does anyone remember the last impact player to come out of Deleware? Me either. Then again, not a whole lot of NFL stock came out of Miami of Ohio and we all know how that's turned out, but at least we know who to spell Flacco. Since Baltimore has become a franchise, they have never owned a potent offense. Maybe it's the color purple, but mostly it's the front office. Jamal Lewis was the last thing they've had to a skilled offensive player and Steve McNair was riding out a career since being in Baltimore. I'm a big Ohio State Buckeye fan, but I don't think Troy Smith is the answer either. On the other hand, since Baltimore has been in existence, they've had stout defenses, led by one time felon, Ray Lewis. Lewis, finds himself in the last year of his contract and there's already speculation about him not returning. Whatev, he should be in prison for all I care. Even if Lewis were to be gone next year, the Ravens still won Terrell Suggs and some of the best secondary personnel in the game. Hines Ward's best friend, Chris McCalister, is still hanging around and so is Ed Reed. Samari Rolle was added last year and with his father dying this year, he's still one of the best in the game. They're not on the top of any one's list to make a threat for the playoffs or the AFC North, but they're not push over.

The Cincinatti Bengals are all questions. They're already in full camp and they still don't have their top draft pick of Keith Rivers (LB out of USC). That's never a good start. The offense still has all the pieces and Chad Johnson is playing nice, since he's out from ankle surgery. They still have Carson Palmer, that other guy from Oregon, TJ - something, and question mark Rudi Johnson. All are solid skilled position players and with Chris Henry gone, that opens up a spot for a slot receiver role. The Bengals went 7-9 last year and it certainly due to lack of offense. Sure, Rudi Johnson was out for most of the season with some injury's and Chad Johnson's TD numbers didn't take effect till around week 12, then we got to see his goofy celebrations. The defense, at one time was solid, but went MIA for most of 2007 and it cost the Bengal's dearly. Odell Thurman missed some games at the beginning of the year for being a bad boy and everything else was just plain weird. Let it be known, the Bengals had a bad year, but like the Ravens...they are no push over. The Bengals are legit, adding more to the reason that the AFC North is one of the best in the NFL. Do not, I repeat, do not count these guys out. With that much firepower on offense, it can get scary.

Finally, the Cleveland Browns. As Steeler fans, we laugh. As football fans, we watch. The Browns, have some serious question marks, mostly with Derek Anderson. If he's anything like last year, we will certainly take a second look. If you like stats, then they are definitely on the Steelers side. The Browns haven't beaten the Steelers since 2000! Only, Hines Ward, Deshea Townsend, and Aaron Smith were around for that. Even the NFL looked at Cleveland as a possible contender for the AFC North, and possible playoff spot by scheduling them in Pittsburgh for the final game of the season. Hold on to your hats if it should come down to that game. Besides Derek Anderson, there's always Brady Quinn hanging in the wing. Another question mark, you can't have any expectations for that guy, but you can't over look him either. Jamal Lewis, is another guy who came out of no where. Basically looking for work, he found himself in Cleveland and looked like the old Jamal of old poking out 100 yard games left and right. The Browns are loaded at WR with Braylon Edwards, (FA) Donte Stallworth, Joe Jurevicius, and Josh Cribbs. Don't count out Kellen Winslow, he had a breakout year and is more a receiving target rather than a blocking linesman. Your call on that guy. To me, he's the real deal and a force to be reckoned with. The defense on the other hand, was mediocre. Giving up over 100 yards a game and 280 yards total offense a game. Willie McGinest is at the end of his rope and working his way out of the NFL, that's about the only "name" on defense the Browns hold. Like the Bengals, don't count them out, but they're mostly all offense and we all know, defense wins championships. Besides having to play these 3 teams twice, the Steelers own one of the toughest schedules in all of football and it's sure to be a nail biting ride.

This Is How It's Done, Manny.

2008-08-02T19:22:00.003-04:00

With a gold glove play and clutch hitting, plus a standing ovation, Boston got a Christmas present to why I loved Jason Bay so much. I never enjoyed the crazy antics of the Red Sox, but with Bay Day there, I may have a change of heart. Jason Bay lit it up in his first game in big market Boston and I think left field in Fenway will be patrolled by #44 for a long time to come. With the retarded out and the classy in, Jason Bay will forever be my favorite Pirate/ball player ever. The Red Sox now have their version of a class ball player like New York's Derek Jeter.

Another Series Win; Last Game of the Bay Era

2008-08-01T10:21:00.006-04:00

We never thought it would happen, but we kind of had the idea it could. It's Jason Bay though, he loves the city and the city enjoys Jason Bay. It all came down on one of the Pirates 6 Thursday's off this year, directly after a series win against the Rockies. Hey Bucco's! Thanks for getting some of that respect you lost from me last week while you were in Denver. The offense was still looking sharp and Ian Snell got a win? Somehow Ian lasted 7 innings and gave up 4 runs.....and won?! I guess we'll just leave that as it may and leave Ian Snell alone, because I'm sure he has a rough time sleeping at night with that 6.04 ERA. I think I saw that number as a score during X-Games 14 last night.

Like I said, the Pirates offense continues to shine (although we'll see what happens now that 2 of the top 3 HR knockers are gone) and Nate McClouth now has himself 22 home runs from the lead off spot. That's amazing. Shall I say almost Alfonso Soriano like? Minus the 34 foot bat though. You can't blame the Pirates in game three for putting up 4 runs and not winning. The offense got themselves 4 runs, all off of 14 game winner Aaron Cook. Zack Duke, however, looked like garbage and barely made it 5 innings. Just enough to get himself the loss and put more pressure on the offense and bull pen. The Pirates had to play from behind in every single game this season, with the Rockies scoring runs in the first frame in all three games. Thanks for the pressure pitching staff :). I guess with all these trades of high powered offensive bats, the pitching needs to step up.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Let's see what happens. The Pirates end up with some good young talent, although Andy LaRoche won't be playing with his brother for a while with Adam being on the DL. I have a lot of faith in what Neil Hunnington has brought into the organization and held his ground on these trades for once. Unlike Dave Littlefield, who would wet his pants 4 hours prior to the deadline and trade off hot commodities like they were Big Lots slashing prices. Andy LaRoche, ummm, take it as you want. He's supposed to be a pretty big deal at third base. No one has seen any of that yet. Maybe, a small Pittsburgh market is just what he needs. Then the Pirates get this guy Craig Hansen, who is supposed to be a dominant closer, says Peter Gammons. What happened to Matt Capps shutting things down? I guess there's always room for a another set up man. Let's wait and see how things pan out. It looks like this losing thing will be sticking around a while longer. I thought that's why we got guys like Bay and Nady back in 2004 and last year? I must of been mistaken.

Typical

2008-07-31T17:05:00.003-04:00

Cut your damn hair.

2:45 PM - I'm more calm than ever today. As Peter Gammons announces that the Red Sox, Marlins, and Pirates three way deal had fallen through. That would mean Jason Bay staying put, in Pittsburgh.

4:51 PM - I've never had a problem with Manny Ramirez, mainly because hes in the AL and as far way from playing Pittsburgh as you get. Now, I can't stand the guy. With all the stupid things he does and the media shrugging it off as "Manny being Manny". I got news for you, this is like the popular kid in school getting away with murder every time he talks. He's a joke and now with Jason Bay ending up in Boston, I only wish him the best. I also hope Bay shows Manny how to act like a professional and also hope he puts up numbers Manny could only dream of. We were so close...I guess it's still the typical front office from last year and the offense has been picked apart to the bone. God knows the pitching isn't going to save us and don't tell me we're still "rebuilding".

Now the Padres?!

2008-07-28T21:30:00.005-04:00

So it's official, the Pirates have lost two series' to the two worst teams in the worst division in baseball. First, the Rockies, and now the Padres. The pitching was garbage, yet Paul Maholm has turned the corner now. Let's hope his amr doesn't explode though, he hasn't exactly had this many innings and pitches on his arm before. *Cross your fingers* On the other hand, my brother sent me this article and it lit me up like a Christmas tree. If you don't like Jason Bay after reading this, you need to re-check your thinking.

Bay: Happy to stay in the 'burgh

Sunday, July 27, 2008

By Gene Collier, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Though it's rarely been considered an occupational hazard, that sure doesn't mean it's not hazardous, so, yes, Jason Bay might actually have hit a baseball too hard this week.
Too hard. Too well. Too drop dead perfectly.
And worst of all, too all that to keep it inconspicuous.
This was Monday night in Houston, with the Pirates down a run in the ninth against 6-foot-4, 260-pound Astros hammer Jose Valverde. Interrupting perhaps a mental scroll of his save-celebrating macho gestures, Valverde sent Bay a fastball that flashed onto Minute Maid Park's heat-sensing technologies at a smoke-trailing 98 miles per hour.
Ninety-eight?
Bay murdered it.
High and so deep toward the extreme back yard in left center that you knew no general manager in baseball still desperate to fuel a contending offense could watch that highlight without thinking, "We've gotta have that guy."
Thursday night, Bay launched a shaggy breaking pitch from San Diego's Clay Hensley on a 415-foot arc to North Side Notchville for his 22nd homer, his third in four games, and his 15th RBI in 10. He may have been this hot before, but has he ever been this coveted?
"That's part of the game, part of the game that's not that productive to think about," Bay said in a deserted Pirates locker room as the trade deadline Thursday walked into plain sight. "I think for them to give me up, they'd have to be beyond overwhelmed. I don't know if there's anyone out there who would make that happen."
The trade of Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte Friday night will bring a portion of the template of young talent that makes for more hopeful baseball in the long term, but the kind of trade that would actually accelerate this whole process might have to include the left fielder.
"I'd be heartbroken," Bay said. "Other than my little cup of coffee with San Diego [three games in 2003], this the only thing I've known. My wife and I have a house here and, you know, some guys are from St. Louis and they want to play in the Midwest, some guys are like, 'I want to play in New York.'
"But I don't have anywhere that I want to or have to play.
"This is where I want to play."
This is Bay's fifth full summer of dubious Pittsburgh baseball, and only once has the franchise managed to put a team around him that could win even 70 games. Bay's maintained an easy dignity throughout, and you'd imagine a player of his accomplishments who actually wants to play here could stay as long as he pleases. But the Pirates are so desperate to pull out of a 16-year death spiral that the smell of something really sweet in the trade market might prove irresistible. In their situation, it's not difficult to think you're being overwhelmed by a possible trade when you're really only being whelmed, or perhaps even underwhelmed.
Oakland seems hottest among a group of contenders with intense interest in Bay, some of whom have indicated that the Pirates simply want too much.
If that's true, it probably reflects favorably on the Pirates' new administration, which can't help but notice that No. 38, aside from being durable, professional and even marketable, catches all the balls that ought to be caught, takes all the bases that should be taken and crushes most of the pitches that deserved to be crushed.
To be clear, you don't exactly have to wear out your googlers looking for spirited criticism of Jason Raymond Bay, and some of it might be sourced to this column, which has mentioned that Bay sometimes seems as content to be good as he is capable of being great. Or did I not say that out loud?
But I think most of us have come to genuinely admire Bay's earnest concentration within what is the baseball equivalent of some subterranean mine fire. With that majestic Monday homer, Bay became only the fourth player in the franchise's 122-year history to hit 20 homers in five or more consecutive seasons, quietly taking his place in the short queue behind Willie Stargell (1964-76), Ralph Kiner (1946-52), and Frank Thomas (1953-58). The jack Thursday was Bay's 139th as a Pirate, moving him past Bill Mazeroski in the club's record book.
With the baseball season hereabouts unofficially ending today (the Steelers report to Latrobe at 4 p.m.), it would be a shame if the next time most fans looked at the Pirates with real interest they'd find the club missing its reliable left fielder.
"My wife asks me what might happen," he said. "I tell her I just can't see myself in another uniform. I know that it might happen someday. But, mostly, I just discount the possibility. That's the way I deal with it."

Let's Go Campin'

2008-07-28T21:19:00.003-04:00

Don't these pictures serve as a nice sight to us down trotted Pirate fans. Or even us die hard Penguin fans who catch ourselves counting the days. Then comes the bad news, Troy Polamalu is hurt...again. Other than that, read this. It should get you all caught up on all things Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Sigh, almost there. I'll be sure to re post my thoughts on the Steelers' schedule.

It's Been Real, Thanks for the Effort

2008-07-26T09:03:00.005-04:00

-The Pirates send Marte and Xavier Nady to the Yankee's for some much needed pitching. Overall, the trade looks "money", but it's one we'll have to wait and see. Xavier meant so much to that Pirate offensive machine and Marte was dominant out of the pen (especially in the closer's role after Matt Capps went on the DL). We knew it was coming, but it was a necessary evil.

Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde and I'm Still Confused

2008-07-24T21:00:00.009-04:00

How exactly do you get swept by the Rockies with a potent offense in that ball park and then, sweep the Astros in one of the toughest parks to hit in? Instead of writing out a huge paragraph, I thought I'd write just short quick tid bits on this past series in Houston. It's baffling how the Pirates can sweep a division foe with talent such as the 'stro's, yet struggle in a ball park when the ball leaps off the bat like a golf ball and an aluminum bat. Colorado, isn't really known for their pitching and Matt Holiday is their offense.

-Combined runs scored for the Colorado series, 6. Astros series, 25 runs. What?

-Colorado's ERA 4.86, Houston's.....4.60. We won't even mention Pittsburgh's.

-Pittsburgh's pitching still sucks. There, I mentioned it.

-Ian Snell needs to demote himself to AAA. And that even may be too hard for him.

-Ever seen the Pirates score 7 runs in an inning? We've seen the pitching give up 7, but never SCORE 7.

-Home runs aren't a bad way to score some runs, not at all. 7 in the series.

-I take it back, the pitching only had one brain fart, that being game 3. Hmm, weird Ian Snell started that game.

-Is John Russell a slight genius with his hitting line up? The pitcher batting 8th has been working for a while now.

-If you're batting 8th in a NL line up, it means you're struggling. What's Jack Wilson thinking when batting 9th?

-How about Paul Maholm going 8 strong? I salute you for not making the staff look like short bus kids.

-How many days until this offense is ripped apart by trades?

-Ol' Mr. Neil is putting up a ransom on Nady. Making up for other people's mistakes, tough job.

-With those 3 wins, that takes us out of the cellar. How's it feel Houston?

-(47-54), who else wishes they were in the other 2 NL divisions?

-Two words, automatic Marte.

-The next time I see "WP" next to Ian Snell's name, I'm going to tell myself it stands for Worst Pitcher.

-Uh oh, have you looked at the batting averages lately? Adam LaRoche (.262), Freddy Sanchez jumped 10 points in the last 3 games (.244), Doug Mientkiewicz (.274).

-The Buc's own Houston, 6-2 this season.

-It takes Paul Maholm 7 innings to allow a run, but only 1 inning for Sean Burnett. Another draft pick gone trash.

-I've got $50 for the first Pirate pitcher to throw a complete game this year.

Joke of the Day

The Braves in Atlanta still think they have a chance to win the division (they're 6.5 back). They have the same record as the Pirates and they want to get either Jason Bay or Xavier Nady. Jason Bay's face in the picture below says it all.

Oh My God, the Rockies?

2008-07-22T20:45:00.002-04:00

[Please refer to title.]

Not exactly what I was thinking after the All-Star break. Nothing new to report, the pitching still sucks.

Shero's Guy; FSN = Garbage

2008-07-19T19:05:00.003-04:00

Let's make it short, Therrien got himself a 3 year extension and has officially been claimed by everyone that he is Shero's "guy". The Pen's are showing that good hard work gets rewarded, while FSN Pittsburgh makes assumptions and well...screws over the good guys. Paul Steigerwald did is annual buff sniffing contest, and he won. By a huge, stinky, brown, land slide. FSN decided that since their ratings had jumped enormously, it had to of been Paula's work. I feel bad for the people who have to watch that guy, luckily I'm out of market and rely on radio mostly. Now, we just have to hope Mike Lange finds it in himself to resign with the radio line up, as we all know Mike deserves much, MUCH better.

Jag Off

The All*Star Game; My Point of View

2008-07-15T20:29:00.020-04:00

Wow! I'm not a huge fan of the whole long played out pregame ceremonies, but this one was well worth it. Forty-nine living legends being announced along with the starting line up of the 2008 All Star Game. Whoever had that idea to pull that off, give him a raise. However, the people of New York showed their sincere hatred for Boston by booing each time a Red Sock (we didn't see any Red Sox HOF being named however, weird?) was named, and it got a little annoying. Not as annoying as Kosuke Fukudome being named the starting center fielder, but what do you expect out of a big market of World Series classes wannabes. Goosebumps to the very end with all the Hall of Famers though. AND You know it's a big deal when George Steinbrenner is wheeled out to the mound sobbing with tears as he delivered the first pitch. It almost made you want to shed a tear, then came Sheryl Crow. Ugh, and you sucked your tear back into your eyeball. Was Ronan Tynan on the DL or something? As I write this, I'm hoping he's around the 7th inning to sing something more "him", if you get my drift. Anyways, I could easily write a blog about the entire pregame ceremony aand go on and on. But, who didn't think in the back of their head as they announced Bill Mazeroski; "1960, heh heh, got ya!"

Now, on the note of the starting pitchers, I feel both Francona and Clint Hurdle, both made solid choices in Cliff Lee and Ben Sheets. All of us Bucco fans know exactly what Sheets is capable of, and it's scary.

1st inning - Cliff Lee, is also scary as he strikes out two of the national league MVP candidates (Utley & Hanley Ramirez). Also, I realized that Lance Berkman and Tony Stewart must be twins, there's got to be scientific proof, there has to. The bottom half of the inning saw Ben Sheet's work his hard throwing magic while Chase Utley needs to critique his infield work, as he took a bouncer off the face. Derek Jeter got aboard and stole second as wasted vote getter Geovany Soto about threw the ball into center field and about 90 years to late. Hand it to Derek Jeter, he's a class act and deserves nothing but the best. Plus, the dude dated Mariah Carey at one point, that's enough to get you into the HOF alone. I think A-Rod's trying to pick up on that theme, although Madonna is both 60 years old and not exactly a hot theme anymore. Get out of the 80's Alex, Papa ain't preaching anymore.

2nd inning- Larry "Chipper" Jones knocks one into center for the NL's first hit of the night. Did someone remind him that the ASG doesn't count towards your batting average on the season? I'm sure he'll find out eventually. As soon as he can get that enormous wad of Skoal wintergreen unloaded from his mandible. Cliff Lee, wouldn't flinch over that as he would take his 2 inning's of All Star start to the bank. 3 K's and only 1 hit, pretty solid, especially when he had to face the Major Leagues top 3 hitter's in the game thus far (Jones, Pujols, and Berkman).

Nate McClouth Update - Man, that black and gold looks good on the bench, but it would look better in the field. Especially better than that guy from Japan or Taiwan or whever that Cub wiener is from.

Ben Sheets show's everyone in the 50 states why we are in fear of this guy as Manny Ramierez breaks his knee's trying to make contact with a curveball. He would walk Milton Bradley, the player, not the board game, right after Ramirez. Then Geovany Soto, still doesn't know how to throw down to second as Bradley takes 2nd and Matt Holiday almost had to make a play in right field on Soto's throw. Ben Sheets obviously got mad at Soto for being voted his starting catcher and throws his best 96 mph fast ball at him in disgust. Oh, and Kevin Youklis tried to catch up with it while he was up there, no cigar. Another walk to Joe Mauer (who suprisingly is a lifetime .315 hitter) and a flyout to center field by Dustin Pedroia would end Ben Sheets' stint, 2 innings, 3 K's and a good amount of walks.

3rd inning - Notice we're at the bottom of the line up for the NL and the FOX crew welcomes Yogi Berra to the booth to distract us from watching the two Chicago butt brothers at the plate. Fox Sports, thinks it would be cool to show Fukudome's name in Japanese, it's not cool at all. Then, we all witness over rated ability as he knocks the crap out of it....a dribbler to the first baseman. Geovany Soto, knew he wasn't welcomed and swung at the first pitch to end his first unwelcomed moment at the plate.

4th inning - We saw Roy Halladay come in and start off all business and a shot off the wall allowed Ichiro to show was he's an 8 time All Star as he threw out Pujols. Albert isn't exactly a jack rabbit, but it was still and impressive throw and a comparrison to Roberto Clemente by Joe Bucks color man (I chose to with hold his name for his safety) makes everyone in Pittsburgh want to puke. However, in the bottom half, the NL got to see a real Chicago Cub pitch. Carlos Zambrano made everyone scratch their heads and every other player smile when he threw a 45 mph breaking ball over Manny Ramierz's head. Also to getting top votes for nose bleed of the week - Hanley Ramirez, E6. Jack Flash could of thrown Milton Bradley out off his knees, but Bradley would soon be done like dinner. Picked off from 1st by Zambrano a pitch later, and Soto praised his 16 gods and children for not having to throw down to 2nd again and embarrass himself.

5th inning - This game is moving really, REALLY, fast. Note: Ervin Santana has a killer barbwire tattoo up his forearm. Does that coincide with Major League Baseball's rules? A 98 mph fast ball, it must help. Physics isn't on Barbwire's side though, as Matt Holiday smokes one to right field to give the NL their first lead of the night and score the first run of the game. Uh oh, Fukudome is getting one to many at bats. Pitch by pitch anaylis for Fukudome - Pitch one: 98 mph, fan on it. Pitch 2: Keep staring at a 98 mph strike. Pitches 3 & 4: Balls. Pitch 5: Pull the cord, sit down , strike 3. Uh oh, Geovany Soto's turn. 3 pitches = strike out. Pathetic for a guy who was voted the starting catcher, have fun in the 9 hole buddy, I hope you're done for the night. The bottom half of the inning comes Dan Harren and his totally illegal pitching set up. In a nut shell, this is Dan Harren's pitching analysis: Lift leg, and pause for about 4 seconds, then delivery. AKA - illegal. Good thing he doesn't do that from the stretch or else grandma's in their 90's would be stealing off of him. But, there's good news, Russel Martin is placed behind the plate and in a throw down to second to get Ian Kinsler, Martin at least gives Chase Utley a chance to make a play. No cigar. Apparently the NL starting pitchers aren't focused on the runners.

Nostradamus Prediction - 10:08 PM. With runners on 1st and 2nd, Derek Jeter is going to come up big for the AL.

Nate McClouth Update (10:10 PM) - There is absolutely no crotch room for that guy on the bench, there's barely enough room for his hair.

Nostradamus Prediction Outcome - 10:11 PM. I wasn't even close to being right.

The end of the 5th comes to an end and the NL has walked about 13 guys already and have allowed 12 stolen bases. Where's the rain? Let's call this a game and end the NL's ASG drought.

6th inning - Jason Varitek is subed in as the AL catcher. I wonder if him and A-Rod sit next to each other in the dugout? Meanwhile, the AL calls on Justin Duchscherer and he doesn't look so hot. The NL adds on another run after 2 hits and a sac fly by Tony Stewarts twin brother (Berkman).

Nate McClouth Update (10:15 PM) - A solid high five to Hanley Ramirez makes Mighty Mouse McClouth look like a stud, and the slicked back blonde hair is bomb. Another hit to Pujols would make it 3 in a row, but thats where it ends. Duchscherer get's out of the inning and only the one run is the damage to show. 2-0 National League.

Nate McClouth Update (10:27 PM) - The new center fielder for the National League and he gets to make a play on Josh Hamilton's single up the middle.

Dan Harren's illegal poise comes back for a second inning and gives up a hit, followed by Josh Hamilton stealing 2nd. Russel Martin throws it 260feet in center where McClouth makes a dynomite drop in to cover Martin's butt. After Harren struck out Sizemore, McClouth takes care of busniess on a can of corn hit by Milton Bradley. Again, the Texas Ranger, not the board game company.

7th inning - Joe Nathan's body and ridiculous ERA is subbed in as the new pitcher for the AL. Not to mention his disgusting curveball that made Ryan Braun fall to his knees. Fox decides to cut it to the dugout and interview Matt Holiday before never mentioning Nate McClouth's name. Instead we're to worried about Johnathan Papelbon warming up and everything else not pertaining to actual play on the field. Thanks Joe Buck. McClouth, though, does get a nice dugout shot of the back of his jersey after flying out to center in his first All Star Game at bat.

7th inning Stretch - Josh Groban sings God Bless America. Fox hates Ronan Tynan, jerks! Nice Chuck Taylors', Josh. You look like you just came off the set of Queer Eye. For my pleasure, if you don't know who Ronan Tyan is, please click here. I'm doing you a favor.

In the bottom half of the inning, Justin Morneau hits a single, until Corey Hart falls over his shoe laces. Good thing McClouth is there to cover his butt and hauls the ball back into 2nd before it gets worse. A ground out to short advances Morneau and Edison Volquez has to make up for Corey Hart's mistake. However, it wouldn't matter. JD Drew would Fed Ex his first All Star at bat to the right field bleachers. Note: Every player in the game from the NL Central (besides McClouth and Pujols), looks like garbage. I'm not putting McClouth in that category because unlike Soto and Fukedome, he got his pitch out of the infield at least.

8th inning - New pitcher, Johnathan Papelbon and the Yankee fans boo to their hearts content as he gives up a hit. The Yankee fans are showing about as much class as a group of Hell's Angel's in your local bar. Then, as they chant "overrated", he strikes out Dan Uggla. Silence. The NL, was obviously taking notes from the AL and send Tejada after he got on base. Then, after Rays catcher Navarro throws the ball to center field, Tejada takes 3rd with one out. Adrian Gonzalez gets himself the go ahead RBI on a sac fly to bring in Miguel.

Nate McClouth Update (11:04 PM) - Clint Hurdle has no more outfield reserves, so it looks like McClouth is finishing this game off.

Paplebon strikes out David Wright to end the inning and the Yankee fans let him hear it. For what? It wasn't his fault, you think Mariano Rivera would of ran into center field after Navarro threw that ball and gotten Miguel Tejada out himself? As John Stossel once said, "give me a break." Brian Wilson comes in to relieve for the NL, with a league leading 25 saves. Yet, has a 4.38 ERA. Scratching your head yet? Whatever. He gets an out on a fly ball to center and Joe Buck has to peer at his roster sheet to see what non Yankee or Red Sock is in center field. Note: It's Nate McClouth. AKA, stud. Wilson, continues to work the count full on Carlos Guillen and is throwing as hard as he possibly can. Topping out at 98 mph a few times. Wilson would get to face two batters and strike out Guillen, until bringing on Billy Wagner. Apparently, Clint Hurdle thinks Wilson wasn't throwing hard enough.

Billy Wagner's pitching breakdown in a nut shell: throw as hard as you effing can.

Wager gives up a hit to Grady Sizemore and then lets him walk to second on a steal. Then comes the emotional breakdown. Wagner gives up a double to Evan Longoria (no relation to Eva), Sizemore scores and it's a tie ball game. Looks like McClouth is going have to stay in for Clint Hurdle.

Nate McClouth Update (11:21 PM) - He's due up 4th in the top of the 9th. I smell heroics. 9th inning - A lead off walk by Aramis Ramirez means unless Hurdle pinch hits for McClouth, he should get an at bat. Corey Hart (the worlds ugliest man), flies out to right and Ryan Ludwick comes up to bat. Francona makes the nod to the bull pen for Mariano Rivera. Is this shaping up nicely for McClouth or what? Think he's getting nervous down there in the dugout? The more I start to think, the more I come to the reality that, there's no way Hurdle can pinch hit for Nate McClouth with Brian McCann left on the bench. I really don't think McCann could ever, in his life play in center field. He runs about as fast as Kermit the Frog and there's no one else left to put in the outfield. Unless you move Christian Guzman out there, but with home field advantage on the line, I don't think so. Note: Mariano Rivera continues to slap Jackie Robinson in the face every year by wearing #42.

Nate McClouth Update (11:31 PM) - Oh my, I'm getting nervous...and I'm not even Nate McClouth.

Nate McClouth Update (11:32 PM) - Go get your glove, the hit and run doesn't work and the NL Central's "All Stars" continue to embarrass themselves. Thanks to Ryan Ludwick.

That all comes to an end when Rivera strikes out Ludwick then they get Guzman stealing second. So much for this blog's happy ending.

Bottom half of the inning, who feels like giving this a good attempt at blowing this one? Or, should I say...who was scripted to lose this one? It seems like it, just saying. Oh Look, Ryan Dempster, fellow NL Central competitor, this can't be good. Note: What the hell is Dempster doing with his glove on his delivery? Whatev, it works on Ian Kinsler, strike 3. Then we come to find that Ryan Dempster does't have a life in the locker room and walks around doing Harry Carray impressions. And he's "good at it" says Joe Buck. Whatev, it works on Navarro, strike 3. Then comes the 3-1 count, crap. Whatev, it works on JD Drew, strike 3. Thank you red haired Ryan Dempster for not continuing to embarrass the NL Central, that was clutch.

Nate McClouth Update (11:42 PM) - This may be the longest change of innings in McClouth's life.

10th inning - McClouth is up and my nails are completely gone, he looks really uncomfortable as he fouls off pitches left and right, and one off the foot. Ugh, stare at it, strike 3. So much for my happy ending....again. A Russel Martin hit and a hit and run for Miguel Tejada gets a runner on 3rd with 1 out. Mariano Rivera, slapping Jackie Robinson and all, gets luck on his side and rolls a 4-6-3 double play from Dan Uggla. The rich, get richer.

The American League leads off with Michael Young and he gets lucky by Dan Uggla making a wasted attempt on the ball. Then Carlos Quinten smokes a ground ball to Uggla, again, and Dan forgets all basic fielding. GET YOUR GLOVE IN THE DIRT! E-4 for the 2nd consecutive play. Clint Hurdle's move, load the bases for Grady Sizemore. Note: This is not Aaron Cooke's fault. Bases juiced full of 3 different teams. Sizemore, hits a ground ball to Uggla....oh crap. Uggla, takes 3 years to make the throw to the plate. 1 out, and Russel Martin tries to get Sizemore out at first, no dice. Evan Longoria comes up with the bases juiced. Ground ball, 3rd base side to Christian Guzman, the throw home...2 outs. What is going on here? How is the NL escaping this?

PLAY OF THE GAME - Justin Morneau hits a slow bouncer to Miguel Tejada. A barehanded pick up and a diving throw onto first...in time for the 3rd out. That saved the day for the National League (and Dan Uggla for the most part) and Tejada has my vote so far for ASG MVP.

11th inning - Adrian Gonzalez, starts things off with a single off of a Kansas City Royal. No biggie there. However this Soria dude, has a disgusting 68 mph breaking ball. Then again, David Wright makes him look like a Cy Young winner by striking out on 4 pitches. Christian Guzman flies out to center and its up to the fans vote of Corey Hart, and he looks confused at the plate. Oh wait, that's just his normal face. It's 12:12 AM and there's no end in sight. Ian Kinsler starts off the bottom half with a single to center, and for a second I thought we were about to see a web gem out of Nate McClouth. Clint Hurdle, then makes a dynamite move for a pitch out on Navarro to get Kinsler trying to steal 2nd. Replay, would show that Miguel Tejada deserves an Oscar for attempting to tag the runner, but gets the call. Didn't matter, Cooke puts the winning run back on 1st by walking Navarro and then moving him into scoring by giving up a hit to JD Drew. Next, Michael Young, who owns a .357 avg. with runners in scoring position. That equals, ridiculous. The National League is staring death straight in the face. Then, rays of sunshine....Young singles to center...Nate McClouth says, "WHERE ARE YOU GOING MR. NAVARRO?!" McClouth comes up firing to nail Navarro's fat butt at home. Wow, new PLAY OF THE GAME. And what a scoop by Russel Martin! Amazing! Anyways, Carlos Quinten proceed's to ground out to Guzman to finish off the inning. Nate McClouth Update (12:24 AM) - .....I'm the man! (to himself)

12th inning - McClouth, due up 2nd. But first, we've got Ryan Ludwick, who's no slouch at the plate in St. Louis. Ludwick, walks. McClouth lays down a bunt? But, have no fear. Nate hussles down the line and beats any sort of effort to first. Runners are at 1st and 2nd. Nate McClouth could soon become the MVP. Russel Martin advances the runners to 3rd and 2nd on a bunt and Miguel Tejada is up to try to put the NL up with a sac fly. The AL says "ney" to that and walk him. Now it's time for Dan Uggla to redeem himself.

DAN UGGLA IS A HACK! Who strikes out against a Kansas City Royal? Especially named Wakeem Soria. So far, Danny has had 2 errors and 2 chances with 1 out and a runner on 3rd, to hit a fly ball....he failed.

Adrian Gonzalez could save Uggla agai-.....nope, he strikes out to. This is starting to get stupid.

The bottom half of the 12th, is already getting scary. Carlos Guillen starts things off with a double that could of went yard. Grady Sizemore, next up, hits a rocket to Dan Uggla...and I close my eyes, he knocks it down to get Sizemore out at 1st, Guillen to 3rd, one out. Aaron Cooke, then steps up to that table again and strikes out Evan Longoria to make it two outs. The NL decides to then walk Justrin Morneau to get to Ian Kinsler. At this point, any move makes your gut wrench if you're pulling for the National League. Kinsler, proceeds to ground out and keep the marathon going.

Nate McClouth Update (12:49 AM) - He could possibly miss his flight back to Pittsburgh. 13th inning - David Wright about kills someone with his maple bat shattering. He gets a hit out of it though, so good news for the NL, bad news for whoever was on the short end of the maple bat. Christain Guzman was next up and he obviously has missed the last few days of sac bunt 1-0-1 as he bunts a laser back to the pitcher and they get Wright out at 2nd.

Note: Yankee Stadium is about half empty. I know of at least 10,000 people who would of died to had those tickets you rich snobs left open after the 9th inning!

Ugliest man alive (Corey Hart)....strikes out on 3 pitches. Nice vote Milwaukee, you've lost everyones respect.

Ryan Ludwick now up, means McClouth is on deck. The count is 3-0 as I speak at 12:54 AM and Nate McClouths chances are getting better to be a hero. Too bad Ryan Ludwick is an idiot and pops out to Kinsler at second. Thanks jag off.

In the bottom half now, Navarro, still in the game mind you, starts things off with a ground out towards second. Exscuse me while I go throw up.

....

....Dan Uggla comes through, with a throw over to first.

Update: Brian McCann has got to be the loneliest guy on the bench, he's the only position player for the NL not to get into the game and it's now 1:00 AM.

JD Drew is up, and hits a soft bouncer to Uggla...you've got to be kidding me. Can someone remind me how this guy is an All Star? Uggla makes his 3rd error of the game and continues to look like a tee ball players first time out. JD Drew, then steals 2nd...thank god Dan Uggla kept it in the infield on Martin's throw.

Update: Madonna has been calling the dugout to see when A-Rod plans on leaving the ball park. I can't believe I've been doing this stupid blog for the last 5 hours, thank goodness for Dorito's and Vitamin Water.

Carlos Marhmol, who started the inning for the NL, get's Carlos Quinten to stike out...and it's onto the 14th we go. The pitching is running thin for the AL and all they've got is Scott Kazmir left (and he threw 104 pitches Sunday).

Nate McClouth Update (1:07 AM) - Be a hero. Be a.....hero!

14th inning - Nate McClouth, in his 4th at bat, leads things off for the NL.

All I can hear in the back of my head as the ball is hit by McClouth; "Go on ball! Get out of here!" Oh....my. He needed 330 feet. He got 329. So, close. Now it's Russel Martin's turn and he hit a bullet to right center, but luckily for the AL, JD Drew was on his horse to make the play. Tejada ends the drama with a ground out to Michael Young and that means it's up to the AL now to try and win it.

Nate McClouth Update (1:12 AM) - "Why didn't they ask me to be in the HR Derby?"

Update: I have a feeling we're going to see a tie, because we're close to having a game without any pitchers. Brandon Webb, now comes into the game for the bottom half of the inning. He threw 109 pitches Sunday and the pitch count is being watch by Clint Hurdle like a hawk.

Someone for the AL, hits a rocket to short, but Tejada makes a sick play to deny the runner. Brandon Webb, now working on Sizemore, looks like his arm is good to go another 109 pitches. We all know that isn't true, but he looks good after 1 day of rest. Then comes the knees buckling on Sizemore for the 2nd out and Webb's first strike out. Evan Longoria is up next and stikes out as Webb is making a case for Man of the Year.

15th inning - The AL makes their case for a 100 pitch starter in Scott Kazmir. His first batter, Dan Uggla. Uggla....strikes out, go figure. He's my candidate for the ASG Most UnValuable Player. Joe Buck and company are talking about how Kazmir has a certain number of pitches in Francona's mind and I'm starting to think. What position player is soon to take the mound? Whatever the case may be, Kazmir, soon gets Adrian Gonzalez to fly out to left field, followed by a 4 pitch walk to David Wright. Heh, then on the first pitch, Christian Guzman hits a rocket to first where Justin Morneau is waiting, like a hawk, and steps on the bag. Side retired.

Update: Brian McCann, now finally in the game, 5 1/2 hours later behind the plate.

Brade Lidge, the NL last pitcher in the cupboard, is now in to pitch for the 15th. He would give up a hit to the first batter, Morneau. Ian Kinsler, from the Texas Rangers, has taken two big swings at two sliders and hasn't come close yet. Then, Kinsler gets a hold of one to left and Ryan Ludwick is going to find himself on the high light reel with a diving catch. Lidge, feels like making this a heart attack sort of game by allowing Navarro a hit, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with one out, JD Drew at the plate.

Nate McClouth Update (1:34 AM) - "Just give me one more chance..."

No wonder why Philadelphia boo's everything. These guys don't make this easy to watch. (Brad Lidge is the closer for the Phillies.) Lidge, walks Drew to load the bases for Michael Young. Young, if you remember, has that ridiculous BA with runners in scoring position.

First pitch....fly ball to right. And Corey Hart makes a pathetic throw to the plate. After it bounces 9 times before reaching McCann. McCann makes a great effort to getting Monreau with the tag, but it's not in time. God's ugliest child on earth fails and the fans of Milwaukee should feel guilty for voting that noodle arm into the ASG. Game over, 15 innings of baseball comes to an end. The last ASG at Yankee Stadium couldn't of ended any better, I don't think anyone will deny that.

Nate McClouth Update (1:39 AM) - ....next year.

Bud Selig handing out the MVP Award, is not the way to end my night at 1:47 in the morning. This guy's wife, obviously does not set out his clothes each day.

ASG MVP - JD Drew (much deserving)

For the Record - The play getting some of the most credit during the game...McClouth's thow home to get Navarro. Doesn't show though, it's still an "L".

Not What I Was Thinking Exactly

2008-07-14T13:40:00.002-04:00

Hey, I got news for ya! The pitching stinks sooooo bad, the offense is running out of innings to put up as many as they can. Oh my goodness! Have you watched this lately? To be honest, I would much rather was this team lose 94 games without having a prayer from both sides of the spectrum. I really hurts to see Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Nate McClouth, Ryan Doumit, and even Jack Wilson having successful years at the plate. Meanwhile, every person who steps foot on the rubber 60 some feet away makes Bill Hall look like Babe Ruth and Pete Rose rolled into one. Don't get me wrong, there are few bright spots. Phil Dumatrait, before going on the DL (twice), was having a pretty solid year. For his first year, prior to him landing on the DL, Phil soon turned into one of the best in the rotation. His first few outings looked like garbage (which led to his enormous ERA), but soon after that, he was working into the 6th and 7th innings with ease against the better part of the division, like the Cubs and Cardinals. Tyler Yates, has held down the fort for the most part with John Grabow and Damaso Marte out of the bullpen. All hold decent ERA's under 4.00, especially with the amount of work they have done (137.2 innings combined). Also, they're almost unhittable with a combined BAA running around the .229 mark, very respectable. Then, there's Matt Capps, who before he on the DL was about as automattic as Mariano Rivera. Ok, so comparing him to Mariano Rivera isn't fair, but he was pretty lights out. He blew his last two save opportunities before we found out, he wasn't struggling, he was hurt. He's still on the DL as we speak, but I don't think anyone is worried about his ability when he comes back to the bullpen. But, let's keep this short. Game 2 of this series, was one of the best we've seen all year, and the offense just kept coming. Jason Michaels, thanks for being waived by Cleveland. They're known for stupid stuff like that anyways. Brian Giles? For a 1st half, the offense was amazing and the pitching was pathetic. The first half is in the books, I can't wait to see what the trade deadline and the rest of the season brings. 6 back of .500, let's make '08 special! Go Bucs!

To Whom It Should Concern

2008-07-12T23:06:00.006-04:00

Dear Mr. Hunnington,

It's nice to see a new face in the front office instead of that waste of life Dave Littlefield. Thank God, that guy got canned this year. I hope you're not feeling any sort of fear though, because you shouldn't. You'd have to screw up a lot of deals in order to be hated more than that guy. (Although, I got a few good idea's how you could, come July 31st.) I'm sure you're not dumb enough to send a future power hitting 3rd baseman to a fellow NL Central rival for Bobby Hill and Jose Hernandez. If Mr. Littlefield was going for the kind of player looking to break the all time single season record for most strike outs.....batting, he would have succeeded. But, I have faith in you Neal, you're my dude.

Now, let's discuss this whole July 31st thing. Everyone is writing us down to have our annual fire sale of high priced young/old talent for diamonds in the rough. I mean, we obviously can't draft, with Brian Bullington (1st overall pick in 2002) put on waivers. So, lately we've been trading off for prospects my grandchildren may never see. Freddy Sanchez, club foot and all, for Scott Saurbeck in 2004 was about the only thing we have going for us. However, the former batting champ can't even get out of the .230's. These are all obvious points I've made, that the entire Pirate fan base scratched their heads and left us wondering why ownership wouldn't spend any money. So this let's me make my point during this letter. Why do it? Why not just tell the ownership, "Just spend the money." Jason Bay is still young and has shown he can hit 30HR/100+RBI more than one time. Xavier Nady is also young and a proven threat at the plate. Jack Wilson is a stud at short and his bat is playing back to the way it was 2 years ago when he hit for more than 200 hits. Damao Marte...bid him adu. He's old, and there's a lot of front runners who would like to add that lefty in the bullpen. I'm sure you were well aware of that. Let's be honest, this season is more than "rebuilding" for the 16th straight year. We should have the tools already and as a fan who is fed up, I'm crossing my arms and holding my breath. This may be one of the best offenses Pittsburgh has seen since the days of Bonds, Slyke, Bonillia, Merced, and Bell. When was the last time we've seen the Pirates average 4.75 runs per a game!? We've been trying to rebuild this offense for years and we were never really concerned about the pitching because of the young talent we had. My, how the times have changed. The Pirates offense is just good enough to offset it's pitching. However, the stats don't back that up. Especially with the average ERA hovering just over 5.00.

Now, here's what US Pirate fan's are going to expect. First, you're going to trade Xavier Nady to Atlanta or Tampa Bay. For what? Their talent is all tapped out. Hey, you might get your hands on Jeff Francouer, that guy couldn't hit his wife. Then again, that would negate the whole reason they wanted a power hitting left fielder. Neither teams have solid young pitching available, because with the Braves rotation hurt, they're using all of their young arms and nothing is impressive. Same goes for Tampa Bay, however, their pitching is extraordinary. Now, ESPN says Tampa Bay have prospects left, especially according to Peter Gammons. But honestly, who can understand that guy at all when he talks?

Second, you're going to trade Jason Bay. SEE ABOVE. He'll end up where ever Nady didn't, otherwise the Yankee's are always looking for a bat. Who the hell knows why though. You, Mr. Hunngton, had some serious balls when turning down the Cliff Lee for Bay deal early this year. Now, with the Indians without Sabathia and trying not to embarrass themselves every night. I'm sure you know that Cleveland is going to hold onto that guy like there's no tomorrow.

Next, you're going to ship out Jack Wilson to the Dodgers for some spanish kid we've never heard of, yet when we look him up his stats will be classified as "acceptable." We're sure to fit him in the rotation immediately, with all the injuries and nose bleeds appearing on the mound night in, night out. How about a kid who actually has a shot at the Cy Young. We've never had one of those guys in our lifetime, and Doud Drebek doesn't count. One and done is not how I roll.

Lastly, Damaso Marte, I honestly don't care. If you can manage a Saurbeck for Freddy Sanchez type of deal. Or perhaps a Jason Bay and Oliver Perez for Brian Giles. Or EVEN an Oliver Perez for Xavier Nady type of deal on this one, that'd be just fine with Mr. Watkins here. (I guess Dave Littlefield had some bright spots, huh?)

In closing, Mr. Hunnington. This isn't about "making a run." It's about holding onto our dignity as Pirate fans and shooting for our best opportunity in years to finish out the season with an above .500 record and end the drought. Our offense is amazing and our payroll is 3rd to last in the league, manage something. Tim Kirkjan of ESPN says that we should auction off each and every guy we can for young talent and "rebuild." But, that's the thing. There's nothing to rebuild on. It's like the economy every 20 years. It gets real good (like now, and a .500 ball club for us IS good) for a short period of time then goes down hill (where we sell off all of the high priced players we have). It's a common theme, but this means more than just money and young prospects. This is our chance to watch something we haven't seen in 16 long, long years. We just want to win.

Sincerly,

The Pirate Parrot's Biggest Fan

A Series Win, Plus the Yankee's, but the Pitching Still Sucks

2008-07-10T11:04:00.007-04:00

The Bucco offense can still give you a good opportunity to win these days. As long as your pitching doesn't give up more than 6 runs a game you should be fine. Too bad that's what the Pirates get out of their staff. It took them 10 runs Monday night to get the win and they lost the 3rd game of the series when they lost 6-4. Phil Dumatrait was activated off the DL Monday night and it looked like he needed to go back to it. 3.1 innings of work and he gave up 9 hits for 7 runs and all the scoring from both teams took place in the first 4 innings. This series has been the same result, different team, when it comes to the offense putting up solid numbers, while the lack of pitching is killing the team at times. The Pirates are basically a spitting image of the Marlins ball club down in Miami, except they have the pitching to match their offensive push. The Pirates are placed in one of the best divisions in baseball this year and that makes it that much harder to trying to put together a winning season and with the trade deadline approaching, who knows what that means for present Bucco's. However, the Pirates did beat the Yankee's (finally) in this years series at PNC. Paul Maholm was the only bright spot in the pitching department for that last game. He went 8 innings and it was the first time a Pirate had made it past the 6th in like a century. Let's get this out of the way though, we keep looking for the bright spots in the Pittsburgh line up and there is a lot of talent. The offense has carried them this far, but there's no way it's going to bring us a post season berth. As Pirate fans, we're simply looking to end this miserable drought of win less seasons and the front office have made statements to help follow up that cause. I'm not bickering, not complaining about the season, but as a fan of the Pirates I'm pulling for the Bucco's to pull of a winning season. Which leads on with my problem with the pitching staff. Is this really what we have to look forward to for the next, I don't know...3-4 years before the get traded off or whatever? Tom Gorzelanny and Zac Duke were supposed to be the next best thing with their enormous rookie campaigns. Paul Maholm was supposed to cap off the rotation by giving that etxtra advantage with that 3rd lefty in the rotation. I got news for you, Gorzelanny is in the minors working on his "stuff" (what they meant was confidence and location) and the other two aren't even close to own a sub 4.00 ERA. On the other side of the rotation, we have Ian Snell. Snell is in a world of his own. I'm not sure how to explain his fall off from his outstanding season last year. Sure he didn't win a lot of games, but he had some great stuff and a killer fastball. This year, the fastball has faded away into the high 80's (down from 95-96 mph) and he's getting lit up like the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. Let's just say it's a good thing Billy Crystal didn't get a chance to face him in spring training, god knows we would of hated to have seen Crystal go yard on Snell. I'm sure if that happened, that would of been the end of Snell as we know it. Yet, if we knew this was what we were going to get out of him...maybe, it should of happened. He's seen time on the DL and acknowledge the life on his fastball is not was it could be and he's also been stated to say that he's flatout sucked in each of his outings. Well Ian, that doesn't make you a big leaguer, we kinda need your stuff to show up too. It was nice though, to see Ian march off the mound mad as hell when John Russell pulled the plug on him after 60 some pitches fresh off the DL. He did look better, but the rotation needs to leap hills and mountains before the club can rely on the staff for wins. Thank god for Nady, McClouth, Bay, and Doumit.

Speaking of Nate McClouth, he racked up 3 doubles in the 2nd game against the Astros and has been declared by other players around the league as one of the best center fielders in the game. Good thing there's the reserve vote by players and coaches, otherwise Nate would have never made it to the ASG Tuesday. Now, Mighty Mouse McClouth has a chance to show his stuff in front a nationwide audience and help his cause for appreciation. For a lead off batter (for the most part), he's been putting up big numbers and powering a Buc's offense that has boasted one of the best run production units in the first half this year. It's also good to know he only costs $312K. Sorta like the deal we have on Ryan Doumit. Our time is limited with the cheap priced talent we got, soak it in.

16th Annual Pirates Bake Sale

2008-07-09T19:48:00.008-04:00

Here we are, 21 days away from the trade deadline and some big blockbuster deals have already been dealt. Sabathia to Milwaukee and Harden to the Cubs. Both big deals are within' the division, as if it weren't hard enough. But, like every year the Bucco's are sure to have someone on the roster who makes to much for the club to resign, while some other city would love to have. This years big candidates are Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, and some how Jack Wilson got thrown in there. Where did that come from? Today on the Dan Patrick show I was listening as Dan had Sports Illustrated writer Tom Verducci on the show to talk about the All-Star game and the deal with Sabathia and Harden. They some how got on the topic of Sabathia and what not, then out of right field came the talk of the Dodgers needing some sort of a good defensive short stop and Jack Wilson's name was thrown out there. That was a low of the interview after her noted Nate McClouth is the best NL center fielder and that he should be starting. I've heard from other sources that Wilson is on the move out of Pittsburgh and it sort of stings. It's not like he's been solid every year, but hs defense makes up for everything the bat can't. In my life, I think I've seen JW boot one ball that would be an every day can of corn for him on any other 364 days in the year. He did however, throw up 200+ hits about 2 years ago, which means he has the offense in him....somewhere. "This is where I want to be." That's straight from the horses mouth, Jack Wilson. That's good to know, knowing that his contract has 2 years left after 2008 and due to make another $7.25 million and a 2010 option of $8.4 million. The reason the Buc's are willing to keep Wilson? Name someone else worthy of taking the short stop spot and able to be as solid defensively and perhaps offensively as JW. You can't. It's a gaping hole and the Pirates aren't willing to throw anyone else in that hole yet.

However, what does that mean for Jason Bay and Nady? Who knows, but the cupboard of talent is running thin for the Bucco's and the promised young pitching core is looking like a slop. Just like Kris Benson was, it's a common theme. As for Nady, there's a calling for him in Tampa Bay (who own the leagues lowest combined salary for the entire bigs) and somehow Atlanta is shopping for a power hitting corner outfielder. The Braves are 5 under .500 and 5 back of first behind the Phillies and are behind 3 other teams in the division. Who knows, the jury is still out on Mark Teixera staying or going by July 31st. The word out of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is, they're going to make a run at the division. If that's the case, you can count your nickels Nady will be in Atlanta. However, the talent isn't quite there like Tampa's is. This is where Jason Bay comes in. The Pirates turned down a deal with the Indians for Cliff Lee during the GM meetings, does that mean the Pirates intend on holding onto Bay? Nothing would make me happier, but that's not exactly what the organization is after is it? Making fans happy? What is that? Bay has been quoted to say he wants to win here (Pittsburgh). Apparently, the Pirates are saying they would like to keep Bay a part of the future of the team and the asking price for Bay over Nady, way higher! If you're a die hard Xavier Nady fan, feast your eyes on this piece by the Gazette. "Nady appears to have become plenty attached to the team and city and might listen if management were to approach him." On the downside though, he's represented by Scott Boras. So whatever he's actually worth, multiply that by 300 and there's you price. Plus, the name Scott Boras is plenty to intimidate any GM, let alone the weary Pirates front office.

Also, the world around 3 rivers is that Damaso Marte is available and there's is a stack of teams looking for left handed relief. Rays, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Florida Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are seeking left-handed relief and John Grabow's name has been thrown around. The more likely guy to be dealt though, is Marte. He's making $2.2 million this year, double what John Grabow is making so in the long run, it's a better cut for the Buc's. At least it's not looking like bake sales of years past, but to be honest, the Pirates could use some young talent....preferably, arms.

The Bolts Are Coming Loose

2008-07-06T20:58:00.003-04:00

"2 out of 3 there would be a nice stamp on that city for this time of year. "

-July 3rd, 2008

Sometimes, you need to just bite your tongue. I just learned that. The Pirates didn't stand a chance in Miller Park the moment they stepped foot off the plane. What made it even worse was the fact that the Bucco's had to wear these "patriotic" blue hats with the emblem laced with stars and stripes. It was a clash that would of made The Cure and the clashing in the 80's proud. It's been 30+ years since the city of Pittsburgh has witnessed their team sport a blue and it wasn't the best looking since then. It was a nice thought by Major League Baseball, but certainly wasn't thought out by teams sporting black and yellow.

Anyways, like I said. The Pirates were taken to the woodshed and back, except for the 2-1 heartbreak in the 9th on Saturday. Outscored 22-8 for the series, the offense struggled and the pitching looked like something out of the class A minors. Tom Gorzelanny continues to look pathetic, like he has all year and Zac Duke couldn't make it past the 3rd. Duke, luckily, was able to have some offense backing him up through the 2.1 innings he pitched. However, Danny Bautista, no relation to Jose I'm sure, threw 16 pitches in game 3. 15 of them were strikes and 2 of them never came back inside the field of play. You know your pitching is bad when Bill Hall's .217 average jumps 10 points and goes 7 for 11 in the series that makes him look like a Silver Slugger candidate. Hall somehow, with that average has managed to hit 11 home runs, however his 31 RBI's aren't all that impressive, meaning he lacks the nuts and bolts to come up with clutch hits with runners on. He's sort of like the Brewers version of Adam LaRoche, you know?

The Bucco's starting rotation has started to take a horrible form as they continue to spiral downwards. Ever since interleague play has been over, the starting rotation (besides Saturday's game) had put up a decent start. Paul Maholm went 8 strong that day giving up 1 run on only 4 hits. This may have been the best outting by Maholm this year. His ERA is still just above a 4.00 and after Zac Duke's last outting, he's sure to take over the lead in ERA for the Pirates starting rotation. That's not exactly stellar in the "bigs". The Pirates are DEAD LAST in ERA, hits given up, and WHIP rating. Meanwhile, the batting is still present and the Buc's rank in the top 7 in most offensive category's. Can someone tell me where this great young pitching staff we have is? We were told year after year that we were soon to have one of the best young rotations in the league and they're getting slapped around all over the place this year. Meh, whatever, they need a sweep at home against Houston for any hope, then host a make up game with the Yankee's.

Buc's Puke Game 1; Take 2

2008-07-03T15:45:00.007-04:00

It's simple.

Game 1 - Blew it. Period.

Game 2 - About blew it. Got lucky.

Game 3 - No chance to blow it. Breezes.

At first, we all jumped on Matt Capps for blowing his 4th save of the year in game one when "Jr." took him yard. The next night, we got a little worried when he blew his 5th save in the 10th after Brandon Phillips singled in the tying run. Uh oh. Then we got our answer less than 24 hours later. Capps hit the DL with right shoulder bursitis and expected out 6-8 weeks. Ouch, I guess we can easily point the finger at the problem. It's a big hit to the Pirates bullpen, because there really is no other standout gas thrower with the ability to shit it down come the 9th inning. Other than the ability to throw a hard fastball, the Pirates lack a pitcher who has been as consistent as Capps in order to feel some sort of comfort going into that last inning with a lead. John Grabow and Tyler Yates are the only likely candidates and as I mention that, Yates may be the best candidate. Yates is the only other pitcher coming out of the bullpen that can top the high 90's with his 4 seam. Yates can throw some serious gas in the range of 97-98 mph and has some decent off speed stuff that may keep desperate hitters off balance. Yates has had a solid year except when the enire 'pen got the ERA flu during the White Sox series and Yates was in it. It's a problem the Pirates are going to have to face and Matt Capps is going to sorley miss having a good impact on the Pirates season. What a shame.

Hey good news! The Pirates finally have a leading pitching with an ERA under 4! Amazing! Zac Duke held a solid outing during game 2 where he went 5 innings and gave up 1 run. His ERA dropped to 3.88, putting him atop the Pirates pitching staff, who would of thought? Let's hope Duke's good charm rubs off on Tom Gorzelanny. God knows that kid needs it.
The Pirates offense showed no sign of being in a slump as they piled on 18 runs over the 3 games (one did go 11 innings) and some soft spots are starting to shine. Adam LaRoche went 7 for 11 with 6 RBI's. LaRoche went perfect Monday night when he went 3 for 3, then added 2 more hits the next night. LaRoche had a hand in all three runs scored Monday night. That rubber buggy, lag swing takes a while to warm up and that diesel engine of his has been stroking it. The offense got an extra surge during game 3 when Xavier Nady continues to have a solid season when he homered twice, pumping in 3 runs. Sigh, what do we do? We all Nady is a hot crop for the trade deadline and the Pirates are having a good season in terms of what we've had in the past 15 years. A legit chance of a winning record may hold the cards with Nady's soon to be departure and a depleted offense. Nate McClouth and Nady led the Pirates led the offense early on in the season. Since then Nady's been hurt (and helpful when in the line up), McClouth has fallen off, while Jason Bay and Ryan Doumit pumped in the run production. Well, Doumit got hurt and Jason Bay took over the reins. Now we revert back to the Xavier Nady days and hope every night that he shows up at the plate.

This series had a chance of getting the Pirates off to a nice hot start going into the All-Star break and it helped set them in the right direction. It was a good series, but nothing in the likes of a blazing start. After the series the Pirates had a serious shot of leaving the Queen City with a sweep and a good push towards getting back to .500. Which by the way, seems to be a number laced with STD's or something. Now, the Pirates head to Milwaukee to play a team that is over achieving and playing good baseball. 2 out of 3 there would be a nice stamp on that city for this time of year.

Joke of the Day

2008-07-02T14:31:00.000-04:00

SELL OUT

Day One of Free Agent Feast Over

2008-07-02T00:23:00.009-04:00

Man, were we ever in for a treat of day one for free agency? Some big names were on the move, some even bigger ones that matter most for the city of Pittsburgh, were not. It was one of those days where you wore the hell out of your refresh button and had 16 sports site windows up all at once on your desktop. For me, it was all about the Canadian web sites and fellow live blogs. Needless to say, my 11 month old daughter didn't get much attention today. Overall, as Penguin fans, we had some disappointment, but nothing over dramatic that would lead to turmoil. Ray Shero knows what he's doing, but some things can't be explained. The Penguins were on the board early Tuesday morning when they announced they had resigned Pascal Dupuis to a 3 year deal worth around $4.2 million. Good. That guy was a pretty nice commodity during the Pen's Stanley Cup run. The points may not have been there (which you would think with being on the same line as Crosby), but he's sort of like that Mark Eaton type of role player. Doesn't really light up the neon's nor the stat charts, but he sure does play his part for the team. Speaking of Mark Eaton, he was next on the TSN Free Agent tracker. At 2:02pm Mark Eaton had resigned with the Penguins for a 2 year deal worth $2 million a year and a key role to the Pens defense had been filled. We really haven't been able to see what Mark Eaton is really capable of since taking a cheap shot into the boards and Cam Neely'd this season, requiring season ending ACL surgery. It's a good move by Ray Shero and the front office. IF the Pens are unable to resign Brooks Oprik to some sort of deal in the free agent market, circle the signing of Eaton on your depth chart. He simply hasn't gotten the chance to show his talent as a DEFENSIVE defencemen and what it's like to watch a brick wall on ice.

Nothing really was sparking that morning, except Washington jumped on resigning one year wonder Mike Green, who had 18 goals. It's hard to imagine Alex Ovechkin even allowed him to shoot the puck enough times to even notch 18. Detroit kept a loaded roster by keeping Brad Stuart around for at least 4 more years and then Washington was in the news again when they apparently gave up on Christobal Huet. Jose Theodore cashed in on his bounce back year with Washington for $9 million over 2 years! That's $4.5 million a year, more than double of what Martin Brodeur makes.

Then a kick in the sack came during the 3 o'clock hour when two Pens made moves outside of the 'Burgh. Ty Conklin felt he was to old to play for most NHL teams, so he went to Detroit to retire for a 1 year deal at $750K. Don't fret over this one though. At first, I was kinda upset to see a big key to the Penguins having such a successful run during the high ankle sprain crisis. Stop, and think...so what? He had a good run, but be honest to yourself. Conks was kinda slipping up right before Marc-Andre Fluery returned to the line up where he was giving up around 4 goals a game and if he was such a break out player, I'm sure he would of gotten a little more than $750K a year. Then again, Detroit sucks all of their players into a dark room, interrogate them into believing they're worth chicken feed and sign for dirt later that afternoon. Example: Pavel Datsyuk & Henrik Zetterberg, neither make over $3 million a year. It's not a huge loss overall to Pittsburgh, Shero found a diamond in the rough when he signed Conklin to a minor league deal last year. What makes you think he can't do it again? Jocelyn Thibault is back on the market again. Just saying.

Later that afternoon, Adam Hall decided that the Penguins bending over backwards for him didn't matter anything to him and he jumped ship to what seems to be the NHL new money corral, Tampa Bay. The Lightning gave Hall a 3 year deal worth around $600K a year and we were all left wondering how Shero couldn't match this offer. The only reasoning we have really is, the new owners of the Lightning have taken Detroit's free agent tactics and ran with it. Except, there's is vice versa-PAY OUT THE ASS! Adam Hall wasn't exactly the game breaker for the Penguins, however he did have that one shining moment when he got a lucky carom off of Matrin Biron body during the Eastern Conference Finals. Other than that, the only thing we referenced to Adam Hall all year was "the guy who made it on a try out." He did though, have a nice impact on the Pens fourth line when Coach Therrien would call for the cycle. The move of Hall kind of had that; "Well, your welcome for rejuvenating your minascule career. This is how you thank us?" Say hi to over payed Ryan Malone while you're there. I'm sure he's gonna miss Malkin burring those goals for his stats.

Back to the other markets for free agents. Christobal Huet, after being obviously replaced by Theodore, was on the move himself. Chicago made a nice investment of 4 years just under $17 million and the Blackhawks now had a definite threat in the pipes. But, worth the money? Again, Martin Brodeur may give the Devils a discount, but none of us really know and it is a whole different market with the cap rising. We'll see how this one turns out, Chicago seems to be in the seat Pittsburgh saw themselves about 3 years ago. Other than Huet, Corey Stillman went to a talentless Florida team where he wont have to worry about his jugular being sawed off since Jokinen is in Pheonix with Wayne. Hand it to the Panthers for at least trying this whole free agent stuff. I'm sure we'll hear from them come trade deadline time when all the talk is on who's available.

Pittsburgh drops a weird one. Eric Godard, goon dude. This one came straight out of right field. Were the Pens trying to tell us something? Like no more Georges Laraque or Jarkko Ruutu? But wait, this guy hasn't put up more than 8 points in a single season and he had 177 PIM alone last season in 74 games. That's more than 30 minutes than Laraque did while leading the Pens in penalty minutes. At one point during his minor league career, Godard recorded 295 PIM in 75 games! This wasn't all that long ago, 2004-2005. That's just a shade under 4 penalty minutes a game and that many minutes shorthanded, unless it's during one of his 60 fights a season. Not exactly sure what to think of this, nor do I think anyone does. Let's hope Ray Ray has an explanation for this one.

With the Tampa Bay Rays catching every ones eyes in Major League Baseball, the Lightning are getting jealous. So they went ahead and added Olaf Kolzig when they over heard he had made reservations at the local retirement facility the Villages. This is what we call, killing two birds with one stone.

Mike Commadore signed an overpaid contract in Columbus, but then again, it is Columbus and this explains why they're in the cellar every year and why they named a silent Rick Nash team captain. However, this all happened right after the bomb of the day was dropped during the 5 o'clock hour when Brian Campbell made up his mind. He had 57 million reasons to help his decision when he went to Chicago. This automatically makes Chicago a team to keep an eye in the Western Conference. Hey, I guess Tampa Bay can't sign everyone. (Thanks to Steve Levy for that sentence.) And New Jersey reverted back to mid-90's mode when they signed a top free agent in Brian Rolston for around $5 million a year and then snagged square head Bobby Holik for a year. Rolston will be a nice compliment to Patrick Elias and maybe the Devils will score more than a goal a game and win with more than shut down defense. Not that it doesn't work, but it hasn't made it to the Stanley Cup Finals yet. Next, it would be fellow Atlantic Division rivals in the Rangers turning some heads. New York would resign Michael Rosival to $5 million a year and Wade Redden to even more than that a year. Typical New York signage, thanks for exiting the Marian Hossa Sweepstakes, same to you Chicago. The final move of the day would come from Boston who officially crossed themselves off of Marian Hossa's list when they signed former Canadien Michael Ryder to a 3 year deal worth $12 million. According to the Boston GM, that was exactly what they were looking for in the free agent market. Before July 1st, for the most part, they were the head hunters for Marian Hossa but when the money got thin, they officially threw themselves out of it and made note that they were looking for a solid free agent in the $2-$4 million dollar range. They did exactly that and the northeast still looks as even as it always has.

Overall, Campbell and Rolston are finally landed which means all eyes now turn to Marian Hossa, the Penguins, and whoever else has $$$. The rumor is that Shero hasn't changed the money side of the deal, but has added some years which Hossa was interested in. Also, nothing new on Brooks Orpik and the same for all the other Pen's FA. The only other news out of Pittsburgh is Malkin's agent JP says they're close to getting a deal done that would be about the same amount and structure has the contract Sidney Crosby signed. Steeltown discount, but who's complaining? Other than rumors, the Pens made some good moves and one thinker for the rest of the Free Agency period.

Rumor Central - Naslund and Jagr are the big names with black and gold laced to them.

Let the Games Begin

2008-07-01T12:10:00.026-04:00

July 1st marks the first day of free agent signing and Christmas Morning has begun.

Penguins Free Angent List

-Marian Hossa [ Signs / Detroit 1 year, $7.4 million ]

-Pascal Dupuis [ Re-Signed 3 years, $4.2 million ]

- Brooks Orpik [ Re-Signed 5 years, $22.5 million ]

-Jarkko Ruutu [Signed w/ Ottawa 3 years, $3.9 million]

-Kris Beech [ unsigned ]

-Ty Conklin [ Signs w/ Detriot 1 year, $750K ]

- Mark Eaton [ Re-Signed 2 years, $2 million ]

-Adam Hall [ Signs w/ Tampa Bay 3 years, $1.8 million ]

-Conor James [ unsigned ]

-Georges Laraque [ Signs w/ Montreal 3 years, $4.8 million ]

-Gary Roberts [Rights Traded to Tampa Bay; Signed 1 year, $undisclosed ]

-Ryan Malone [Rights Traded to Tampa Bay; Signed 7 years, $31.5 million]

-Alain Nasserdine [ unsigned ]

-Nathan Smith [unsigned ]

-Jeff Taffe [ unsigned ]

**Additions**

-Eric Godard [ 3 years, $undisclosed ] Played 74 games for the Calgary Flames last season. +/- -8 with 2 points and 177 PIM. GOON

-Miroslav Satan [ 1 year, $3.5 million ] Had a solid year for the Islanders and the Pens made a solid move to fill a wing spot voided by Marian Hossa.

-Ruslan Fedotenko [ 1 year, $2.5 million ] Another solid winger added to the Pens line up. Shero hasn't steered the club wrong yet, good moves.

-Matt Cooke [ 2 years, $2.4 million ] The best thing about this guy was a missed check by Alex Ovechkin and Cooke responding, "Not today buddy."

-Marc-Andre Fluery [7 years, $35 million ] gives the Pens a good price for an extension. Can you say that this was more than perfect?

2nd (Now 1st) Place Surprising Rays Visit

2008-06-29T15:16:00.010-04:00

The last interleague series of the year came in this past weekend as the Rays visited PNC. Tampa Bay has been one of the surprising teams this year in the majors with a 47-31 record entering the 3 game set with the Buc's and within a game of the Red Sox for the division lead. 3 games later, the Sox struggled in Houston and the Rays would take 2 of 3 from the Bucs and leave Pittsburgh with a half a game lead on the Sox. The Pirates looked moderate in a 3 game series that could of seen a sweep by the Rays if it wasn't for extra inning heroics by Jason Bay (AGAIN) and then were able to tie the ballgame on Sunday before losing 4-3. It wasn't much about the Pirates ability to lose this series, but the fact that the Pirates made some big changes in the rotation and bullpen when Osoria, Snell, and Dumatrait went down with injuries. The Bucs call up TJ Taubenheim who worked game two of the series and threw 6 innings of work, only giving up 2 earned runs. Now is not the time to worry about our .500 run for out Bucco's, do you remember when Zac Duke first came up in mid July back in 2005? He was talked about as a possible Rookie of the Year candidate. Jason Bay took those honors and the Pirates were riding high on talent. 3 years later, here we are in the same position. Except 3 years ago, it was the same Tampa Bay team that came to Pittsburgh in mid June and left after a Sunday afternoon with the Pirates reaching the .500 mark during mid season. Self destruction took care of any talk about a winning season run and the Pirates like every year played seller at the trade deadline and let players like Mark Redman and Dave Williams in what was a lob sided left handed rotation. Sort of like what it is today with Maholm, Duke, Dumatrait and Gorzelanny. That really doesn't have anything to do with 2008, yet those 2005 Bucs did lose 93 games that year and lets hope there is no comparison to this season.

The Pirates got slammed to the turf in game 1 as the starting pitching was flawed and the offense, desite making a nice run at a tie ball game came up short and the Rays would tag the bull pen for some runs and win 10-5. The highlight of the series was on Saturday night when the Bucs would win a 13 inning thriller that was capped off by Jason Bay showing more emotion rounding first base than he has for the past 4 years he's been in Pittsburgh. The Pirates went for the series win on Sunday afternoon bring the game to a tie twice before giving up 2 runs in the 7th after Xavier Nady threw a ball into the 3rd row bleachers along 3rd base. Interleague play is over (except for the Yankees make up game), and to be honest about our Bucco's, they really didn't do all that bad. Let's just throw out the White Sox series and look at the other 9 games. They had a chance to win the series against both the Rays and Orioles and took 2 of 3 from the Blue Jays. They split the 2 games played with the Yankees with a game pending and the AL East isn't exactly the low point of the American League. Every team they played during the inter league series basically held a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of the teams payroll compared to the Pirates. It's nice to see some of the talent the Bucs own showing up at the ball park and putting up some good numbers. Keep your eye on Nate McClouth though, his batting average and production has really fallen off. It's almost scary to see that he once held a solid .300 average and was poking out his share of dingers, and now...well, it's in the high .280's and we've yet to see the power we saw during the months of April and May. They open back up post inter league play against the Reds and return to NL Central division ball, let's see if the Pirates can pick up the slack and pull back within the range of the .500 mark. They currently sit 5 back of reaching .500 and travel to Cincinnati and Milwaukee before coming back home for 3 game sets with Houston and St. Louis. Major League Baseball has thrown in the Yankees make up game for July 10th, that makes 10 straight games without a day off before heading into a much needed All-Star break.

Split the Two; We'll Play the 3rd Later

2008-06-29T13:00:00.008-04:00

The Pirates welcomed the Yankees to PNC for a 3 game rematch of the 1960 world series. The Bucco's would have to do with out Bill Mazzeroski, but I think they handled it just fine. Before I go any further, if you read some of my previous blogs from Pirate recaps, they're just recaps. You can just go to ESPN or any newspaper to find a recap and I don't own a degree in journalism (however, I minored in it during college), I don't think my recap bias will draw any readers. So, how about if I do what a blog is SUPPOSED to be used for. Opinion and thought. Is there any set of a games to start that better than the Yankees rolling into "small market" Pittsburgh?

Let's start off by saying, there were supposed to be 3 games, they played 2. And the 2 key players on the starting rotation found themselves on a 2 week vacation via the 15 day DL. Ian Snell is suffering from a strained right elbow. I hope that injury has been looming in his past 9 starts where Snell has yet to find a solid outing. That real big miss will be Phil Dumatrait, who sits for 15 days with some left shoulder bursitis. Dumatrait had been putting up some noticeable and solid numbers for being a rookie who found himself in the bullpen at the beginning of the season. Well, the Pirates can't make it on a 3 man rotation. They can barely make it on a 5 man rotation as it is, so two new comers from Indianapolis found themselves on the starting rotation. Ty Taubenheim and Jimmy Barthmaier made the trip to three rivers for the Pirates series against the Rays and to give the 3 original pitchers in the rotation a break after the current Yankees series. Other than the NY millionaire's rolling into the Pittsburgh, those seemed to be tops in Bucco news. That and; “This Cubs fan sent me an e-mail and said, ‘Big deal. You beat the Pirates.’ I was, like, ‘Wait a minute. Every time I look on the scoreboard the Cubs are playing the Pirates. I think they play them every other day.”—White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, during his team’s three-game sweep of the Pirates. I think Ozzie's right, it does seem like were playing the cups every other day. Then again, it is nice not to see the Cubs for a while as the Pirates are on the verge of leaving the interleague series of 2008 at a .500 record against the AL East. That's not too bad if you ask me.

Anyways, the buzz was in Pittsburgh on a Tuesday night, of all nights as the Goliaths of Major League Baseball walked into the house that tax payers built. Stop, how can you possibly compare a team in the Pirates to a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, MVP, All Star caliber NY Yankees? You can't. Alex Rodriguez alone makes in one year as the entire Pirates pay rolls makes. I'm sure the city of New York would downgrade any idea of a salary cap in baseball. And the Pirates small salary team put up a bunch of hits and some good pitching in a 12-5 thumping of the Bronx Bombers. Ryan Doumit continued his hot hitting ways and Jose Bautista since being benched for a hitting slump has brought his average up over 30 points and added some power. 19 hits later, the Buc's had taken game one of the David and Goliath match-up. Game 2, was a different story. This Joba guy, he's may just be the real deal. With the bill on his hat freshly ironed to horizon flatness, he came out throwing. 6.2 innings and 7 stike outs threw the Pirates off balance and the Bucco's were shut out 10-0. Bobby Abreau and Derek Jeter (who extended his hitting streak to 13 games) each had 3 hits while Abreau pumped in 4 RBI's. We never got to see what the Pirates would do against Mike Mussina, but we seen what they couldn't do against a sports media superstar Joba Chamberlain. The win for Joba was his first as a starter in the bigs and his 2.03 ERA is just about as stout as you can get. Zac Duke on the other hand went 5 innings giving up 4 runs and somehow, still leaving the Buc's within a distant reach of making it a ball game. TJ Beam, who had just arrived from AAA Indianapolis, gave up 4 more in the 6th on a Robinson Cano solo shot and a Bobby Abreau 3 run homer. Welcome to the bigs, TJ. That put an end to any thought of a comeback and the Yank's would tag on 2 more in the later innings and that would officially ink in the return of the shelling from the previous night.

The game 3 winner-Mother Nature. It's gonna be a make up game on either a

Monday or Thursday night when both teams have a day off. It's sure to be a sell out for PNC on a make up game. I wonder what the front office is going to do with all of the money the Pirates pulled in from this series?

So I Forgot A Series Recap; Get Over It

2008-06-24T22:21:00.005-04:00

Hey hey, the Bucco's took 2 of 3 from the Blue Jays. Woo woo, it is the Blue Jays, you know? Who cares though, us Pirate fans will take wins in any shape, way, or form. Now, as for the series the Bucco's are currently in..heh, let's just say 38,000+ showed up for Jeter and A-Rod. They saw this guy instead come back and continue doing what he does. The Pirates were 3-3 in interleague play heading into the 3 game set with the Yankees.

Heeeeeeee's Back!

P.S.-We're gonna try something new for out next recaps.

It's been 48 years since the pinstripes have visted the Steel City.

Here's How Competitive They Are

2008-06-20T08:26:00.003-04:00

You want a White Sox series recap? Here you go, the White Sox had 22 extra base hits, the Pirates alone managed just 21 hits. The Sox score 37 runs in the 3 game series, thats 2nd most ever in a 3 game set in interleague play. The Pirates blew a 6 run lead after the 1st inning in the very next inning to the White Sox. Oh, and my favorite stat, the Bucco's ERA - 16.00! Amazing, so much for thinking our guys were competitive. 500, is starting to slip away and it's not going to get any easier, next up are the Blue Jays and Yankees. Both series are at PNC, but who cares, we'll be praying the pitching isn't escorted off the field on stretchers. It's not like heads are gonna roll if the Pirates were to lose 9 games in a row. The GM will still hold down the fort on the Allegheny and John Russell should get a 3 year contract extension while Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, and more than likely an arm out of the pen will go by the trade deadline. Next year, we should see Jack Wilson, Nate McClouth, Curlin, and Big Brown will all be traded by the Pirate organization. Tired of all the negativity yet? Ok, it's good to know that both the Cubs and Cardinals got swept by the Rays and Royals respectively, however that does leave the Bucs 35.5 games out still. Just think, the Pirates only heartbeat in the Pirate offense come the next 2 years is Freddy Sanchez. Soon we'll be going back to the days of Kevin Young and Jeff Rebolet, because the Pirates are known for making up their players with good prospects. The only guy who's made something of himself, that Sanchez guy. Good Luck Bucco's! These next 7 days are going to hell and a blood bath in the making. I wonder if Jay Bruce will be avaiable at the deadline?

The Steelers Are Smart Investors

2008-06-19T00:27:00.008-04:00

Every time you seem to turn on Sports Center, there's another wide receiver on some team who's pissed about his contract. Then, those players use the media in an effort to either be released, traded, or offered a new contract, other wise they'll cross their arms and stomp their feet. In other words, they're opting to not attend training camp or sit out an entire season in order to show the organization how serious they are. That leads me to my next question. What the hell is the purpose of a contract then? Don't you sign these things in order to give an organization your word that you will fulfill your contract to it's full extent? Heck, sometimes those franchises are nice enough to thrown in some incentives if you pass certain criteria during the season. Terrell Owens pulled his crap about 2 years ago when he decided his drive way was the best place for a nice ab workout, and then his agent couldn't seem to find the right question ("Next question, please"). That same year, the Steelers got a scare out of Hines Ward when he started chatting up talk of skipping camp. Well, he shut himself up, went to camp and got a new contract. Result: Super Bowl XL MVP. I'm not saying that if these guys who don't hold out for demands are going to go on and win MVP's, but it certainly is less of a distraction to the team. So far this year, we've gotten word from upset wide outs such as Chad Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Marques Colston, BobbyEngram, Terry Glenn (he's got a different situation), and even the most recent Super Bowl champion Plaxico Burress all unhappy. Wow, this isn't a crisis, it's an EPIDEMIC. Is it irony? No, not really. Look at all of your jag off's that do their little celebratory end zone dances. Tell me the first three that come to your mind. Done? Ok, now tell me how many of those aren't placed in the wide receiver position. Even though I'm not David Copperfield, I can still guess that your answer is zero. You could easily see that these media freaks need the serious attention. They're money hogs and they couldn't live without the attention from all media sources. Is anyone still waiting on the guy who actually holds onto his words and sits out an entire season?

The Bengals have told Chad Johnson to stay at home if he doesn't feel like playing. Hmm, that's nice. Getting paid while you sit at home? Can't beat that. Ohhhh, but look at who showed up to mini camp last week! Laces untied, crossing his arms, and stomping his feet in front o f every camera available. Change your diaper Chad. Go have your ankle surgery and let us know when winning a ball game means more than your "value". Hell, you'd probably buy more grills and gold teeth while working on new touch down celebrations rather than winning a football game. You're a joke.

What about Plaxico Burress saying he doesn't like the direction the NY Giants program is heading. Dude, you just won the Super Bowl. How can you go in the wrong direction when the entire championship team (besides Michael Stahan) is mostly in tact. As John Stossel would say, "give me a break." Oh, time out, Sports Center has just reported Plaxico Burress will attend trianing camp. So much for that hold out, he really gave us all a show with his little media conference. Hold on for a second, can anyone understand anything that guy says? Here's a Plaxico quote "blah, bhke, abau, mmuer, you know what I'm sayin' man? ahuyr blur blah, sushr." And you can take that quote to the bank.

Who else do we have on taps? Oh yeah! Terry Glenn apparently has a conspiracy working against him. Jerry Jones must HATE Terry Glenn. Word is, they want Glenn to sign a little post-it note that says the Cowboys don't owe him money because of his injury last season. Terry's response to signing the dotted line, "ney". Good stuff down there in Dallas. They keep Terrell Owens out of trouble (and relatively happy) and then, this stuff.

35 year old dinosaur by NFL means, wants a new contract. And by dinosaur, I mean Bobby Engram. He feels that after his surprising fluke year, that he deserves more cash in order for the Seahawks to keep him a round as the only wide out threat for Seattle. Heh, I guess the front office over their is really reconsidering their draft picks. Look at it like this Steeler's fans, we've got one of the best ownerships and front offices in the league. They don't put up with the crap that these players dish out and they're smart about the players they draft and pick up. Just ask Bam Morris how his days ended in Pittsburgh. I'll give you a hint, it was the powder white line.

So Much For That; Buc's & Baltimore

2008-06-16T16:54:00.005-04:00

Ugh! A chance at .500, heh almost if the leads could of been held up. The Bucco's had a total of 6 leads combined for all three games, and they blew them all. None were as amazing as the 5 run give away in game one. Brian Roberts scored in the first on a double play ball to make it 1-0 Baltimore. The Pirates shot back with 2 in the top of the 2nd when Jack Wilson drove in 2 on a single into center. Doug Mientkiewicz would single in Jason Bay in the top of the 3rd and Jason Michaels followed that up with a 3 run homer and the 5 run lead was set. Phil Dumatrait had a solid outing until he gave up 3 runs in the 5th, giving him 5 earned total. Fernando Osoria and Sean Burnett would both give up two runs a piece on a total of 2.2 innings combined. That raised both Osoria and Burnett's ERA's to an enormous 5.01 and 7.53 respectively, I'm sure that'll win you 82 games. The offense came out like wild fire before being extinguished and the Orioles took it right back at the Bucco's. They came back so big, that they even got a save out of it! Winning 9-6.

In game 2, the Bucco's hels the lead 4 times, only to let it slip away each time. None hurt more than when automatic Matt Capps blew his 2nd save in less than a week. Yet, somehow things were even stranger when all of the Pirate runs were scored via home runs. The Pirates got 4 home runs coming from Xavier Nady, Freddy Sanchez, Jose Bautista, and Adam LaRoche. Yet, with a 2 run lead headed into the ninth, Capps gave up a home run to Oscar Salazar to tie the game at 7 and then allowed Ramon Hernandez to drive in Freddi Bynum to cap off their 4th and final come back. Zac Duke would throw 86 pitches over 6 innings giving up 4 runs on 9 hits. John Grabow surprised even more people when he would allow 2 runs on 3 hits in 2/3 innings of work, showing that even the best part of your bullpen will sputter at times. Buc's lose, 8-7.

Sunday afternoon was another example of how fragile this Pirate team can be when Matt Capps struggled in the 9th again giving up 2 more runs on a Brian Roberts home run. Nate McClouth added a solo shot in the 3rd and Jason Michaels added 2 more RBI's later in the inning. Jose Bautista would add an RBI single of his own when he drove in Jason Bay in the top of the 5th. Besides Roberts' 9th inning heroics, the Orioles would get some offensive punch in the 5th when Guillermo Quiroz would homer and Aubrey Huff would add his own solo shot in the 6th to make it a one run game. The Buc's would hold on to this game though, when Adam LaRoche (of all people) would single to center allowing Jason Bay to score and Matt Capps would shut the Orioles down for a second chance in the 10th, Buc's win 5-4.

The Pirates may have lost the series, but if you look at all of these games....man, the Buc's had an obvious chance to sweep the AL East Orioles and what should be a happy day in Pittsburgh. Celebrating .500 will have to wait, but this was a great opportunity blown by the Pirates.

Bucco's & .500

2008-06-13T13:03:00.008-04:00

A Little Belief Never Killed Anyone

No, you're not dreaming if you did a double take on the Pirates current season record. The Pirates are 32-33 and I have been covering them and watching them all season. I'm still left with questions as to how they're on the verge of a winning record. But stop, and take a minute to think. If you're at .500, that means you've won as many as you've lost. Simple chemistry, huh? The Pirates starting rotation has been garbage, but at times the bullpen has been stout thanks to the addition of Tyler Yates and John Grabow's outstanding pitching. Grabow carries a 1.93 ERA in 32 appearances and Matt Capps is among the leaders in the NL for saves. It's good to know that if the Pirates carry a lead into the 9th, the Buc's can close it out 95% of the time. At times though, the bullpen has been slapped around a couple times, but they really haven't been costing the Buc's a lot of games. The entire pitching staff (starters & bullpen) combined ERA amounts to a staggering 4.76. Not exactly tops in the majors, but most of that has come from the starting rotation and 3/4 of the starting pitching ERA came from Matt Morris' 5 starts before calling it quits. Tom Gorzelanny's 6.65 ERA catches your eye out of the starting rotation. He's walked 46 batters in 65 innings of work. He's basically the offense for the opposing team each time he pitches. Just ask Dontrelle Willis how his ERA has ballooned this year in Detroit, it's called control and Gorzo is struggling heavily with that. With the bad though, comes the good, and Phil Dumatrait since being converted to a starter since the departure of Matt Morris has been solid. Dumatrait hasn't been pitching deep into ball games but has been very effective in his 8 starts. He carries a 3.44 ERA in 65 total innings (ERA & Innings include relief appearances) and has been pitching with the chances of wins in his past few outings. The pitching for the Pirates at home has been a respectable 3.79 ERA while on the road the Bucco's carry an atrocious 5.99. Not one guy from the starting rotation carries a winning record on the road and Dumatrait's 1-1 record is the best in only 4 road starts. That's sure to reflect the 12-19 road record for the club while being a successful 21-15 at home.

Then there's the other side of the team, hitting. The hitting has been pretty solid lately and Nate McClouth has been having an outstanding season, however, he's fallen off lately. He's still putting up some good numbers and still has putting up some power on the boards. Xavier Nady is still holding down a .312 average and has been crucial in the Bucco's middle of the line up. The Pirates middle of the line up including (and excluding Ryan Doumit) has a combined 37 HR and 149 RBI of the 311 runs produced by the ball club. Jason Bay has pumped in 14 HR, same as Nady, and has punched in 45 RBI's. It seems like he's returning to the Jason Bay that won the NL Rookie of the Year award. If you couldn't tell, I'm pointing out that the Pirates are getting some solid batting from key players up and down the line-up. Jack Wilson has returned from his calf injury and is still batting over .300. Is he going to return to his 200 hit season form? It's hard to tell since he's only played 18 games this season, but it looks promising. Freddy Sanchez on the other hand, was caught in a serious early season slump, but has pulled his average from the Mendoza line up to .240 and has been hitting the ball more consistently since being moved to the lead off spot. He has since been moved around in the batting order, yet he's still producing at a consistent rate. When Wilson went down with an injury the Pirates were moving Luis Rivas, Chris Gomez, and Brian Bixler into the line up for some sort of an offensive punch. They had a hard time finding the batting and the fielding liability they get from Wilson. All three have helped in certain situations, Bixler being the weakest of the links. Bixler had a couple 2 hit games and Luis Rivas had himself a multi-home run game. Chris Gomez would be the guy to go to, as he has carried a .313 average and has still been used since Wilson's return in order to give players some days off. The credit and gold medal of the Bucco line up has to go to Ryan Doumit. The guy was having an outstanding season before fracturing his thumb and finding himself on the 15 day DL. He has since returned where he found himself struggling 1-12 in his first 3 games. That ended quickly when he caught fire and is 9-11 with 4 home runs, 2 doubles, and 7 RBI's in his last 3 games. He's brought his average back up to the .360 range he was at before getting injured and with him being a power, switch hitting catcher, how can that hurt your line up? Doumit has been placed in the clean up spot in the order and it seems to be working out quite well for John Russell. The Pirates offense is 14th in BA, 10th in runs, 15th in HR, and 5th in RBI's for all of baseball, not just the National League. That's pretty impressive. They only trail the Red Sox, Phillies, Cubs, and Rangers in RBI's produced. All 4 of those teams lead their respective divisions.

I'm here to say, that if the Buc's can get some quality starting pitching (which they have lately), the Pirates could find themselves above .500 for good and moving up the standings. Have some faith, the Pirates have the pieces to make a run at something special in this 2008 season where they find themselves on the verge of holding a record no one wants. Most consecutive losing seasons. They have made some moves in the off season, like picking up Tyler Yates, while also picking up a nice commodity in Jason Michaels. A winning season CAN happen, it's just a shame we find ourselves in one of the best divisions in all of baseball with the way the Cubs and Cardinals are playing.

Buc's Pull Up To .500's Mailbox

2008-06-13T10:42:00.002-04:00

Wow, we got a lot to catch up on. In a good way this time though. First off, let me say that I was mistaken that about the series with the Diamondbacks. It was a 4 game set, rather than the 3 that I previously thought. Whoops.

Let's start it off with the Bucco's taking the 4th game of a 4 game series with the Diamondbacks, that win would split the the series at 2 games a piece. The Buc's would get some solid pitching out of Zac Duke through 5 innings and the Pirtaes started the offense machine early. The Pirates were going up against crater faced Randy Johnson and an all star arm. Not on this day apparently, Johnson would walk Luis Rivas in the 3rd with the bases loaded to bring home Doug Mientkiewicz. Side note: Every time I have to type Mientkiewiczs' last name, I have to copy and paste it. You try speling it! The D-backs would come right back in the top of the 4th with a Mark Renyolds solo home run, his 87th of the series it seemed. Who is Mark Renyolds any way? The Bucco's would come right back in the bottom half after Jason Michaels walked, Dough (copy & paste) Mientkiewicz singled to push Michaels to third. Jose Bautista's mendoza line batting average came through with a sac fly and the Bucco's put another run on the board. They would lead going back into the bottom half of the 5th 2-1. The Bucco's would tack on 1 more in the bottom of the 5th when Xavier Nady singled in Jack Wilson to make it a 3-1 lead. Then came the 6th, what a crazy little inning this was. Doug (copy & paste) Mientkiewicz would walk and Jose Bautista would single, moving Mientkiewicz to 2nd, and then 3rd on a throwing error by Mark Renyolds. Bautista would also advance to 2nd on the error. After Zac Duke made a horrible attempt at a deep fly ball, Luis Rivas singled to left. Mientkiewicz would score easily and Bautista would try to stretch it out and score. He wound up out at the plate and Rivas would advance to 2nd on the throw home. That would end crater face Johnson's day and the bid at whatever hes pitching for would end. I'm guessing 300 and he's being a thorn in the Diamondback's side. Jack Wilson would come through on the D-backs relief effort with a single to right that would drive in Rivas and the Bucco's extended their lead to 4 with a 5-1 score. That would be it for the Bucco offense as Arizona tried to turn on the kitchen stove for some offense. They would get a RBI producing ground rule double from Chirs Young that scored (there's that guy again) Mark Renyolds. In the top of the 8th the Diamondbacks would get a solo home run from Stephen Drew to bring the score to 5-3. But that would be it, Matt Capps would come in and close all remaining doors off, game. Zac Duke would get his 4th win and the starting pitching would start to turn around from this game. Bucco's win 5-3.

In came the Washington Nationals next for a 3 game set to finish out a homestand for the Pirates at PNC. The series started off in a sour tasting manner when the Bucco's would decide to lose this one. This series also started off Ryan Doumit's insane 3 game series. Paul Maholm got the start and he did a very satisfactory job with it. He would however get some shelling in the 7th but over all he didn't do a typical Pittsburgh start. The first run against him didn't come until the 5th when Ronnie Belliard would hit a solo shot to left. But, it would be the Bucco's getting on the board first again when the Bucs put 3 on the board in the first. Freddy Sanchez would hit a a gorund ball to the shortstop allowing Nate McClouth, who doubled and advanced to 3rd on an error, to score. Jason Bay would single after that and Ryan Doumit would hit the first of his two home runs on the night to put the Bucco's up 3-0. Belliard's solo home run in the 5th would cut the lead to 2, but Doumit would come up in the bottom of the 6th and hit his 2nd home run of the night to take the 3 run lead back. Then came the 7th, an inning that would of made you want to punch yourself. 3 of the first 4 batters in the 7th for Washington would hit solo shots off of Maholm. Maholm's night would be done after throwing just 88 pitches and allowing 4 runs on 10 hits. The Nationals would get another RBI out of Belliard in the 8th giving the Nationals the lead for the first time that night 5-4. Not to be outdone, the Bucco's offense came right back in the bottom half of the 8th with a Nady single to center that drove in Jason Bay and moved Ryan Doumit to 3rd. Doug Mientkiewicz would bring Doumit home on a sac fly to deep right and the Pirates would storm back to take the lead 6-5. Time to bring on Matt Capps, who is about as automatic as they come this year. Not this night though, Lastings Milledge would hit a 2 run home run and the Nationals would take game 1, 7-6. Matt Capps' first blown save this season, he has previously been 15 of 15 in chances.

Game two belonged to Ian Snell who finally pitched like an opening day starter. Snell was the best he's been in his past 5 or so outtings as he went 6 innings giving up one earned run on 6 hits and carded 6 strikeouts. The Pirates would get the offense they needed in the first inning for the 2nd consecutive night. Jason Bay doubled to deep left driving in Nate McClouth. Ryan Doumit would add a solo shot in the 5th, his 3rd in 2 nights, and the Buc's would extend their lead 2-0. The Nationals would get their only run in the 7th when Ellis Duke drove in Felipe Lopez on a single to center field. The Bucco's would tack on some inssuranance and the 2 run lead again int he bottom of the 7th when Xavier Nady lined a single to right scoring Freddy Sanchez. Matt Capps would come to work in the 9th and close it out for his 16th save of the year. Game, Bucs 3-1.

The Pirates would make a charge at .500 after taking the series against the Nationals after dropping the first game. The Pirates would win game 3 of the series Thursday afternoon and push their record to 33-34. The Pirates offense would come alive again and Tom Gorzelanny would put up some solid pitching numbers for a staff that had previously been struggling. Ryan Doumit (of course) kept the fire burning as he led off the scoring in the 1st with a 2 run homer that would also score Freddy Sanchez. Gorzelanny would help his own cause in the 2nd when he drew a bases loaded walk that would score Mientkiewicz. Nate McClouth would follow that up with a sac fly driving in Chris Gomez and the Bucco's were on top quickly 4-0 through 2 innings. However, Ellis Dukes would triple in the top of the 3rd driving in Christian Guzman to make it a 4-1 game. The Bucs would get 2 more runs in the 5th when Jason Bay would hit a sac fly to bring home Gorzelanny and Ryan Doumit would back that up with a single driving home McClouth and the Pirates were in serious command at 6-1. The Nationals would claw back with 3 runs in the top of the 6th when Christain Guzman had a 2 run single and Ellis Dukes drove in Dimitri Young. Ryan Langerhauns would score to make it a one run game off a single from Guzman again but the Pirates would add some Progressive to their lead in the bottom half of the inning. Jason Michaels doubled to deep left to bring home Chirs Gomez and the Pirates would have a 2 run lead heading into the 9th. Matt Capps would get the day off and Damaso Marte would close it out and the Pirates are one win away from .500. They made it tough for them as the Pirates head to Baltimore (32-33) Fathers Day weekend for a three game series. From there, the Bucco's head to Chicago for a series with the AL Central leading White Sox. Winning, doesn't come easy.

The Bucs Swing and Miss at .500

2008-06-08T20:36:00.006-04:00

The Diamondbacks rolled into PNC this past weekend for a 3 game set with our Bucco's. It was going to be a tough test against the NL West division leaders. To make things worse, it didn't start off with the best vibe either when Brandon Webb was scheduled to start the opener Friday night. Good luck beating that guy.

Friday night soon came...what a bummer. It was a flawless Webb against a struggling Ian Snell, this had the makings of a "turn off the TV" situation. Well, it wasn't. Ian Snell had a very confusing outing. It was productive to an extent, but far from efficient. Snell lasted 5 innings on 107 pitches and giving up 2 runs, 1 of those earned. Take it as you wish, but at least he didn't surrender his 6+ ERA. The D-Backs would tag Snell with a Stephen Drew RBI double and an Orlando Hudson sac fly. 2-0, Arizona through 4.5. To bad it was ALL Brandon Webb though. He was unreal and perfection at it's finest. He would even help his own cause in the 6th with a run scoring single. He would be in the game only one more inning after that, pitching 7 innings and giving up 3 hits and 1 ER. That one run would be the only Bucco run of the night that was credited to a Jason Bay double, driving in Freddy Sanchez. The pirates would muster 3 hits in their final 3 innings, but no dice. Brandon Lyon would close it out and hand the Pirates another digit for the loss column. It's hard to get to Brandon Webb, but he was all business.

Game 2 started out as a classic Tom Gorzelanny outing, giving up 3 runs right out of the gate. Gorzo gave up 3 runs in the second by walking 2 and giving up 2 hits. Both Conor Jackson and Chris Young has RBI producingg singles and Mark Renyolds hit a sac fly to put the D-backs up 3-0 through the first. The Bucs were going to have to play catch up....again. Well, they did just that and it's starting to become very impressive. It would start in the 3rd when Nate McClouth doubled to drive in Adam LaRoche. The Buc's would ass two more runs over the next two innings starting with a Jason Bay home run in the 4th and Nate McClouth home run in the 5th, both their 14th of the year. After 5 innings, the Bucs had clawed their way back to a tie ball game. And Slowly but surely, Gorzelanny kept the Pirates in the game by giving them 7 strong innings and only giving up the 3 runs from the 1st. All the fun would end when automatic John Grabow stepped in to pitch the 8th and then came back in the 9th. It would be the only hit Grabow would give up in his outing, but it would wind up being the game winner when Chris Snyder would hit a solo home run to lead off the 9th. Brandon Lyon would break out his mop and clean up the bottom of half of the inning for his 14th save. Game, 4-3 Arizona. I'm starting to think we need Ozzie Guillen to have a chat with our starting rotation.

Game 3, trying to avoid a sweep and the Pirates would get it done. The chance to welcome the Washington Nationals into PNC with a winning record was not to be. Instead the Pirates were just trying to keep things close for a change. Phil Dumatrait took the mound and added himself another solid outing. Dumatrait went 5.2 giving up 2 ER on 4 hits and he seems like the only guy who feels like winning out of the Pirates rotation. Now if we can just get Ozzie to talk to the rest of the rotation, since John Russell doesn't care to bring it to any ones attention. Conor Jackson got things started in the first by scoring on a passed ball. 1-0 Diamondbacks. Then came the 4th when Ozzie Guillen rang the Pirates dugout. They had themselves a good heart chat and the Buccos came out and put 5 on the board. 5 runs on 5 hits that included 3 doubles coming from Adam LaRoche, Jose Bautista, and Jason Bay. Mark Reynolds would hit a solo shot in the top of the 5th to get some offense on the board for the D-backs, but Jack Wilson would get that run back on a RBI single in the bottom half of the inning. Mark Reynolds would add his second homer of the game in the 8th, it also brought home Conor Jackson, and just like that it was a 2 run game. Top 9 called for Matt Capps. Result: Save. Game, Bucco's 6-4 and the Pirates have won 30 games. If they weren't in the same division as the Cubs and Cardinals. People might actually be talking about the Bucs. Sadly it's not so, as usual.

Hangin' In There; Buc's Take 2

2008-06-06T14:41:00.005-04:00

Our attention for the summer, until Steelers training camp and the free agant deadline for the Pens, will be on our battling Bucco's who sit at 28-30 (9 games back of Chicago). Our chants now shift from Let's go Pens to Let's go Bucs!

After a road trip that saw the Pirates struggle at times and the pitching deteriorate, the Bucs returned home. It didn't get much better from the start of their first game against the Astros. they would drop game one of the series 2-0 and Phil Dumatrait, who seems to be the only pitcher worth starting lately, pitched 6 effective innings. Dumatrait gave up 2 runs over 6 innings off of 7 hits. The offense sputtered and the Astros' Wandy Rodriguez was as sharp as a tack going 6 innings giving up only 5 hits. It was a quiet game and the Astros got their offense from the usual suspects of Miguel Tejada and Lance Berkman. Both had a double and an RBI each. Game, 2-0 Astros.

Game 2 of the series saw an unexpected hero step up. The Buc's got help from catcher Raul Chavez who drove in 3 runs as our Bucco's cruised to a 5-2 win. Zac Duke went a good distance as he had one of his best outings in a long time. Duke went 7.2 giving up 2 runs in a strong outing. Matt Capps got his 12th save and the Pirates also got some help from an Adam LaRoche RBI single and a Nate McClouth single. But, it was Chavez's night, going 1-3 and adding a sacrifice fly. The Pirates continued to struggle with Lance Berkman as he went 2-4 and raised his average to .384. When you look at the Astros middle of the lineup, it's amazing they're not nipping at the Cubs doorstep. Kaz Matsui has come off the DL with some consistency, then comes the star power in their line up. The next 3 batters of Tejada, Berkman, and Carlos Lee are sure to put some offense on the board in any organization. The Astros boast a solid new comer in Hunter Pence as he bats .294 with 7 homers and 32 RBI's. It wasn't enough on this night, Buc's take game 2.

Paul Maholm was on the mound for another start that looked like a typical evening for the Bucs. Maholm gave up 3 early runs and the Bucco's had to play catch up again. Jason Michaels got the Pirates on the board with a 3 run shot to give the Pirates an edge of 3-1 and Maholm some breathing room. Side note: Jason Michaels' last two at bats have both been home runs consiting of 7 RBI's, nuts. The lead would soon dissipate as the Astros would tack on 2 more runs. Of all people Brandon Backe drove in a run and Hunter Pence added a sac fly one batter later. The Pirates would need more offense it seemed and Maholm wasn't showing any signs of help from the mound. The offense would come in the 5th as Jason Bay tripled to deep center that drove in Nate McClouth giving the Pirates that edge they needed, 4-3. Paul Maholm would settle down and throw a total of 86 pitches through 8 innings of work. 76% of the pitches Maholm would throw were strikes. Matt Capps closed it out for his 13th save and the Pirates were once again back in reach of .500 for the next series.

It's gonna be tough for them though as they start off Friday night Against Brandon Webb who has only lost two starts. His last outing was picture perfect, a complete game shutout. He's gone the distance twice this year and has gone 8 innings two other times. It doesn't get any better, Ian Snell is 0-5 in his last 9 outings with an enormous ERA of 6.70. His last win came on April 12th against the Reds, OUCH! Ryan Doumit was activated today, he may start as the Pirates open a 4 game series with the NL West division leading Diamondbacks and a 3 game set with the Nationals.

In Jay Bruce News:

-He's cured cancer in only 7 starts since being called up from the minors.

-Ted Williams has come back to life to watch his offspring perfrom.

-He's apparently on the Pirates rosters since Yahoo! decides to link his picture in the Pirates photo gallery.

-Jay Bruce will soon find out what a slump is and I'll be the first to laugh.

-The Reds are in last place of the NL Central, but that's ok, they have Jay Bruce. I didn't know that one of the worst teams in MLB could have so much publicity for one player. Bruce this, Bruce that.

-If he makes the All-Star team and either Nady, McClouth, Bay, or even Matt Capps doesn't get invited. There will be an ever lasting war on the name that is Jay Bruce.

It's Over. It Hurt's. But It Was Fun.

2008-06-05T01:56:00.007-04:00

We were that close to another chance.

Game 6 came to a screeching halt and Pens nation went dull and silent. We had lost the cup. We were so close, but it just wasn't meant to be. We sat in our chairs or stood blank and silent, just like the live feeds of Evgeni Malkin on all fours or Marian Hossa just sitting against the boards. It stung and it stung really hard. We knew that after a 2-0 deficit and what the Detroit Red Wings were capable of doing with the puck that it was going to be tough. REAL tough. We scared them, a little, in game 3. Yet the Pens would flinch first in game 6 and it may have cost them a chance at game 7, but let us not forget how huge this year was for the Penguins, the fans, and the ownership.

First off let's start with the Penguins; What a young core of talent we saw on hand this year. Sidney Crosby coming back from a serious injury for the first time in his career. How was he going to play? Would he still be the same 'ol Sid sliding around on the ice and making plays happen? Yeah, we saw that, he's still REALLY good. What about Evgeni Malkin? We knew the kid was good, but just how good? I think we got one heck of a ticket for that show. When Crosby went down, Malkin took the bull by the horns and went after team.. after team...after team. He possesses the shooting touch and he owns the ability to make sweet cross ice passes as we saw so much of to Peter Sykora and Ryan Malone. Another 100+ point scorer for the Penguins and another player to value for the Pens. I could go on forever with the forward progress of each player this year like Sergei Gonchar, turning in one of his finest seasons ever both defensively and offensively. Brooks Orpik, went from a liability to owning the blue line. Kris Letang stepped in and made a difference, certainly via shootout. Ty Conklin, where would this team be without that guy? Marc-Andre Fluery and his strong return, flawless. He showed last year wasn't a fluke, he is the real deal. Rob Scuderi, just like Orpik, he came in and played a defensemen's defense all season. What a great guy to have on your blue line. Ryan Whitney continues to form into a great offensive defensemen while also playing himself a solid blue line. Tyler Kennedy, Max Talbott, and Jarko Ruutu played their pivotal rules on the checking line. Peter Sykora added some depth to the winger position. He wasn't exactly what the Penguins were looking for, but it sure did work out. Then there are the mid season pick ups of Hal Gill, Pascal Dupuis, and Marian Hossa. This is where we start to shift the conversation to the ownership.

The ownership made it very clear to Ray Shero that this was a great opportunity to take a chance for the cup. So Ray Shero packed up a talented winger in Erik Christensen and a fun guy who held a special place in a lot of Pens fan's hearts, Colby Armstrong. Shero also added last years first round pick Angelo Esposito and a 1st round pick this year. Now THAT was going all out. The Pens dumped a lot of talent and loyalty into that trade to pick up both Hossa and Dupuis. Noone would have ever thought they would add so much depth. Not only Hossa, but Dupuis. He may have found himself a home in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career if he continues to play the same way he did this year. The Pens picked up Hal Gill on a draft choice because Toronto was to have said; "they were glad to get rid of him." Thanks Toronto, we'll take him. Gill played a shutdown role on the Pens penalty kill and man did he ever shut it down. The Penguins were struggling on the PK and with the additions of Gill, Dupris, and Hossa (all PK specialists) the PK tides were definitely changing. Those 3 pick ups made it very clear that the Penguins wanted to win the Stanley Cup this year. Well, it didn't work out, but you can't blame the front office for not trying. The ownership also made it very clear that they were willing to take losses (in money) over the next two years, so that they could max out the salary cap in players to make this team competitive for the cup each and every single year. Wow! All I can say to Mario Lemiuex and the guys in the front office, as fans....Thank You. It's hard to find a team who's willing to put money aside and say "build me a winner."

We've spilled our guts out all season and throughout the playoffs, but now it's time to say goodbye. Goodbye to the chance of lifting Lord Stanley's dinnerware, goodbye to the season, and perhaps to some current Penguins. If some of those guys like Pittsburgh and feel that sometimes winning feels better than money, they're more than welcomed to stay.

What a season! It was awesome, I can't wait to see what's in store for October.

Once Upon A Time In Game 5...

2008-06-03T01:32:00.010-04:00

Someone tell me this wasn't a good story, I dare you. I was preapred for the worst. I had already made the cheesecake I told my girlfriend to buy, because I knew that after this game I would be ready to eat my feelings.

First off, let's start with the Pennsylvania lottery. The daily number - 7171. This will be put to good use of irony later on.

This was it, game 5 and down 3-1. "The Cup" was in the house with the purpose of presenting it. The Red Wings at one point in the 3rd period were just seconds away from taking the Stanley Cup, yet, it wasn't meant to be and the Penguins would play the heartbreak role for Detroit's fans.

The Pen's got things started off with the same fashion as game 4, Marian Hossa strikes first on a superb fore checking play by Pascal Dupuis. After cutting off a Detroit defensemen from the puck and sending the biscuit over to Crosby. Sidney Crosby would shuffle the puck up to Marian Hossa, who was stationed a top the right circle and settled a partially blocked puck. Hossa then turned the puck to the forehand only to find his favorite left post, this time though...the post is on our side, he buries it. Then, 6:04 later, Adam Hall found himself in a pounding down low situation himself on a fore check when he also put the puck on net that was stopped before Nikalas Kronwall tried to clear the puck to the corner. The puck was redirected by Hall's skate (and hard work ethic too) up over Chris Osgood's shoulder for a 2-0 lead and the Penguins were in serious business after 1 period of play.

(Side note: 4 of Adam Hall's 6 career playoff goals have come against Detroit.)

Period 2 saw an early Detroit goal from Darren Helm when Rob Scuderi layed down his life in a attempt to block Helm's shot, only to have it carom off his leg and past the paint via 5 hole for a 2-1 Pittsburgh edge. The remaining period had some good solid grinding, with Detroit of course, being Detroit with their puck possession and shots on net. Besides the jaw dropping skilled marksmanship of Darren Helm, the only serious plays of the 2nd came late in the period when both Ryan Malone and Sergei Gonchar went down with some injuries. Malone took a knuckle ball of rubber to his nose only to leave the ice at the end of the 2nd with blood dripping from his face.(see picture left) Sergei Gonchar, had his own issues after he fell and slid into the boards hard towards the end of the 2nd too. Gut check time would come for Ryan Malone in the next period as he would step on the ice for the start of the 3rd. Gonchar on the other hand, he had some serious issues I guess, because he just adds to the drama of game 5 later on.

Period 3....oh crap. Detroit came out all business. They got on the power play early and would take serious advantage of it and score on a redirect from Pavel Datsyuk to make it a 2-2 game. Less than 3 minutes later, Brian Rafalski would put a dagger into every black and gold individual with a shot from the blue line only to find mesh, giving the Red Wings a 3-2 lead. For most of the 3rd period, the Rafalski goal seemed like the game clincher.

Act III, Pt. I, enter the 6 on 5 empty net with just over a minute to go. Meanwhile, billy white gloves was breaking out the Cup for it's final cleaning and the hoover was brought out for the red carpentry. The Penguins looked like they wouldn't get anything set up or put pressure what so ever on Chris Osgood. Henrik Zetterberg picked off his 8,473 pass of the series shorthanded and had a chance to stop the world from turning on an empty net. He failed, thank god. And the Pen's came back up ice and were on a rush. The puck got bounced around from Sidney Crosby over to Marian Hossa who was putting on some moves that would of made Jason Taylor blush. He worked his way around two Detroit defenders and behind the net. Hossa would put on his best power move from his bag of tricks and somehow get the puck on net, and he did. Maxime Talbott was there and it was Monday....(AKA) trash day. Talbott never played cute with the rebounder, and man, did he ever SLAM it home. Game tied, with 34.2 left.

In that time left Detroit had put some serious pressure on Fluery to make some saves to push this game into OT for some orange slices and a breather. Then the end of the 3rd came and ESPN's shot chart for Detroit looked like a pedophile emporium on watch dog neighbor.net.

I don't really know how to describe the next 50 some minutes of hockey other than; heart pounding. Game 5 was on the line and a chance for the Penguins to take it back home with a chance to even the series up in game 6. The Penguins would draw two penalties in the first two extra frames because of goalie interference. The knob jobs in the NBC booth were furious with the calls by repeatedly saying "What was he supposed to do?" Both times, making reference to the fact that Marc-Andre Fluery was plowed over like he was hit by an 18 wheeler! Here's an idea for the NBC broadcast crew, here's how the penalties could have been avoided....it's simple; they could have stopped. They weren't pushed into the crease or throw down into Fluery, the Red Wings simply followed their shots to the net, then ran Fluery over. Jags. In other OT hockey news; midway through the 2nd OT, Peter Sykora taps his chest to his teammates on the bench and says "I'm going to score." Balls, pure elephant balls to say something like that.

Act VI, Pt. II, enter the Hero scene. In this case their were tw0 and at this point we had played 100 minutes of hockey including 2 OT's. Speaking of; overtime hockey on national TV is great, due to the fact their are no TV timeouts and there are no commercials until the end of play in each OT. Flawless stuff, it was like watching the Masters on Sunday, wuth about 3 minutes of commercials an hour. I'm glad to, because for a second there I was forgetting how that new Edge shave gel actually worked. I digress however, anyways. Enter the hero(s) and the antagonist, Marc-Andre Fluery was already present with 50+ saves and Jiri Hudler (antagonist & one ugly fella too) felt his name hadn't been called enough during the game, so he decided to take Brooks Oprik's bottom lip off with his stick. There was blood and that's a 4 minnur for Detroit. The Pen's were on the the PP and the hero's appear. Sergei Gonchar returns to the bench after missing parts of the 3rd and all of the OT's with an injury no knows anything about. He obviously can't shoot the puck because he had about 2 or 3 chances to on the penalty to Hudler. Who cares, pure guts to be out on the ice for your teammates. So, here's how it went down, it's called tic-tac-toe. Gonchar would find Malkin (#71, wink wink) who then would find Sykora (#17, wink wink) at the right circle where he waited for about a day and a half before firing off a wrister top shelf, only to sink every single octopus' loving hearts in Joe Louis Arena.

If you believe in irony or numerology, the PA daily number was 7171, and a lot of people were pointing to Evgeni Malkin for some sort of life or fire. It was close in game 5, but who cares, Pens win 4-3! A good man once said "Whether you're a mother or whether you're brother, your stayin' alive. Stayin' alive." We can all thank the Bee Gee's for that...breathe in, breathe out and a long night comes to an end, but WHAT A GAME, HUH?!

Pirates in Review

2008-06-02T23:47:00.005-04:00

I've been a little lazy with my Bucco recaps and I started thinking...162 recaps is stupid. So I'll start off where I stopped. I left off with the Buc's losing game one of a three game set with Cincinatti, it wouldn't get much better. The Bucco's would drop the 2nd game 9-1 before breaking out the ugly sticks in game 3, winning 7-2. Phil Dumatrait got the win and he has gotten progressively better. Against the Reds, Dumatrait, went 7 innings with no earned runs. The Buc's starting pitching was dismal and it didn't start out much better in St. Louis for a 4 game series. I was happy to see the Bucco's get out of Cincinnati. The Jay Bruce chatter was really getting annoying, in his 6th career game he was already being compared to Ted Williams and Hank Aaron. Give me a break.

The Pirates have been putting up some decent amount of runs, but the starting rotation is in the dumpster. Zac Duke gave up 3 runs right out of the gate in the first 2 innings, you can't play from behind every game. It doesn't work. The Bucco's are on the verge of being a competitive team a top the NL Central. They average 5 runs a game while the pitching gives up 5.5 Going into the 2nd game of the series, the Buc's UNLOADED. In a standing room only game (100.7% capacity according to ESPN), Luis Rivas went ballistic. He made the most of his 5 opportunities, going 2-5 with a grand slam in the 19 hit pounding of the Cardinals. Paul Maholm added a solid outing going 6.2 giving up only a run. The usual suspects of McClouth, Nady, and Jason Bay adding some solid hitting in what looked to be a dynamic top half of the batting order.

The Pirates would succumb to reality with a horrible outing by Ian Snell, who's arm has apparently fallen off someone in the Allegheny River. He went 4 innings giving up 8 hits and 6 earned runs. That's not gong to work.

The Pirates would end up splitting the 4 game set with St. Louis, thanks to Jason Michaels single at bat in the 7th inning. Again, it was the pitching. Tom Gorzelanny coughed up 4 runs in 6 innings. But that's OK. Jason Michaels, in a pinch hitting roll for Tommy G, hit a top 7 grand slam to tie it up for the Pirates. Jason Bay, one inning later, put on his Superman underwear and singled in the game winning run. Bucco's would win, 5-4.

If you stop and look at this Pirates club, they're 27-30 in what is a potent NL Central, what a tough year for them to look at ending a losing streak on the verge of setting an MLB record.

Feel Free to Vomit

2008-06-01T12:56:00.005-04:00

Game 4 Saturday night was the difference between being right back in the series or....where we're at right now. Now, were down 3-1. Where do you go from here? Well, you got three options. ONE: You tap out, give up. It's over. You can go to work all jagged off and angry while thinking; this is going to be a looooong summer. Well, October doesn't come for a while, so whoever is taking bachelor #1, they're going to be one miserable person.

TWO: Detroit is really good. It's obvious. It's only a matter of time before all that Pens gear goes on sale. Or THREE: 3-1, sure it's Mt. Everest. We were only a crossbar and post from a Marian Hossa backhand from possibly being at 2 games a piece. It's not over until you're dead and the only things dead on the ice have been octopuses. Detroit holds the cards and Detroit holds all those cards that could lose it all. Pittsburgh is on the doorstep knocking, because unlike Detroit, they have nothing to lose.

Which person are you?

If the Pen's can pull off the inevitable and win IN Detroit, the momentum can shift again, bring game 6 back home. Pittsburgh can once again possibly tie up the series at 3-3. (I work the night shift, I have a lot to think about.) When you start thinking of winning games 5 and 6 to get back into the series. What about game 7? Are the Penguins good enough and able enough to pull off the unthinkable against Detroit? Is there any evidential proof that Pittsburgh could win 4 straight game and take the cup against the shut down defense of Detroit? I couldn't tell you, but I'm sure this Malkin guy chipping in wouldn't help. Or, that whole 2nd line for that matter. Game 5 is going to be something special. Watching Sidney Crosby out there in desperation is going to unravel your mind. He's got some broad shoulders, but can he carry this team? It's Detroit's to lose. The Pen's can make their decision for them.

...God help us.

Sidney Crosby (and Adam Hall) Does It All

2008-05-29T15:05:00.006-04:00

Breathe in...breathe out. That game last night was the difference between watching Detroit celebrate on your home ice or tying the series up on Saturday night. It looks like we'll be hoping for option 2, as the Pens win a thriller in game 3. The big news before the game out of the Pens camp was the replacement of Kris Letang by Daryl Sydor. Good move coach "T", it worked nicely. The passion to win along with the fear of losing was in the building and it made for some crazy noise inside the Igloo. Game 3, was on, and everybody in Pittsburgh could feel it.
The first period started off kind of like what we saw in Detroit. They were owning possession and were getting shots on net while the Penguins were trying to survive by clearing the puck to center. Then at around the halfway mark, you could see it. The momentum, the possession, the will to live had been turned to the Pens side. The Penguins were throwing up some great shots that were only finding pads and posts. Then it came, a turnover by the Red Wings and Sidney Crosby was on the puck before Henrik Zetterberg knew what had hit his skate. A sweet little drop pass to Marian Hossa off the turnover created a shot that would rebound right to Crosby who buried it 5 hole by Chris Osgood. 1-0 Pens. HUGE. The Pens got one last good shot on net from Marian Hossa, but his arm was too busy being tore off from a Detroit defensemen. That would do it though, period ends.
Period two, the Pens started the period on the power play and Sidney Crosby skated through about 900 Red Wings before unleashing a wrist shot that would find more pipe than a water sanitation center. Evgeni Malkin woke up for a second and found himself wide open a top the left circle and he unleashed a slap shot that would of made Ron Francis blush. Luckily, Osgood was in the way and the rebound caromed off of him and the Red Wings cleared the zone. It didn't matter, the Pens were OWNING Detroit and the Pens flew back into the zone. Sergei Gonchar threw one on net that bounced around to Ryan Malone, couldn't bury it. Then Marian Hossa got the rebound, couldn't bury it. Then there was Crosby who got Hossa's rebound and said "I got this." Buries it, 2-0 Penguins. After that, the only thing worth mentioning was Crosby flying through the air on a Kris Draper hip check. I like how Eddie 'O on NBC decided to let everyone know that Crosby didn't "whine" or "pout" but simply kept playing on. Derrrrrrrr Eddie. After a Hal Gill trip, hook, or whatever it was put Detroit on the man advantage and Johan Franzen lost consciousness skating through 3 Penguins before letting the puck meet the mesh behind Marc-Andre Fluery. That made it a 2-1 game.
The start of the 3rd showed that the Crosby, Dupuis, Hossa line was one track for pure dominance at even strength. Hossa picked up the puck from behind the net on the back hand and unleashed on that found Peter Piper. Then the insurance came. Andres Lilja had his back to Gary Roberts. That's mistake hockey 101 right there. Lilja gets beat down to the ice by a 42 year old god. The puck worked it's way over to Adam Hall who found the side of the cage before picking the puck back up again and did his best Michael Jordan, Larry Bird McDonald's bank shot commercial. The puck found Chris Osgood and then it found itself underneath the net cam. Goal, 3-1 Pittsburgh picked up some nice health insurance. After that Tomas Holstrom had a shot on net that would find the post and the Pens took a huge breath. The next part of the period was pure NHL hockey and somebody from the Detroit bench must have made a face at Brooks Orpik. The dude, went OFF!

Handing out checks like it was the first of the month.

Detroit would be the first to settle things down with some passes and a goal from Mikael Samuelsson that netted a score at 3-2 and chance for the Wings to tie it up before regulation.Especially when Evgeni Malkin gets called for a hooking penalty with less than 5 minutes remaining. The Penguins, stepped up once again and killed it off and the Pen's would soon kill off an empty net attack before take the game and changing the series. Breathe in. Breathe out. Sleep, eat, repeat Saturday.

Bucco's Start Out Nice, Ends in an "L"

2008-05-28T00:04:00.004-04:00

The Pirates had something going last night until the bottom of the 5th inning came. The Buc's were taking advantage of more sloppy play and sloppy pitching from Johnny Cueto. In the 2nd, the Pirates go clutch hitting from arguably, two of the worst hitters on the team. Struggling Jose Bautista and slumping Ronny Paulino teamed up for a double and a single to start off the inning. Paulino however, was throw out at 2nd for trying to stretch what should have never even been thought of for a guy with his speed. In the 3rd, the Bucco's added on a second run on a 2 out base hit by Xavier Nady, driving in Jason Bay. In the top of the 5th Jason Bay reached on a throwing error and a long single by Xavier Nady moved Bay to third. Adam LaRoche, who has slowly, but surely started warming up, hit a sac fly to deep center bringing home Bay, 3-0 Bucco's. The fun would stop there as Ian Snell would load the bases on 3 consecutive walks. Brandon Phillips brought in a run on a sac fly and Adam Dunn would finish off the jobbing with a 3 run homer to right. That home run made it 4-3 Reds, and it also made Adam Dunn the all time leader in home runs by a lefty for the Reds franchise. It marked 8 home runs in Dunn's last 12 games, nothing out of the ordinary. I'll be surprised if he doesn't back this up with a 12 game hitting slump with 49 strike outs. Nothing happened score wise until the bottom of the 6th when hits and walks were being given out like presents on Christmas day. Ian Snell was pulled after loading the bases, again, on 2 hits and a walk. Damaso Marte came in relief and he didn't do much better. 3 hits and 4 runs later, it was a 8-3. The Reds added one another run to make it 9-3 in the 7th when Jay Bruce doubled to deep center bringing in Paul Bako. Bruce went 3 for 3 and the city of Cincinnati thinks they just discovered the next Jeff Francouer, aka GOD. The Pirates tried to get something going in the 9th when LaRoche hit a 2 run homer and Paulino added a solo shot him self, but the damage was done. Bucco's were toast, 9-6 losers.

Other Notes:

-Ian Snell continues to stink the joint up. 5IP, 7 runs. (Picture) It's not your hand! It's your arm, shoulder, wrist, finger, etc....

-Jack Wilson came back for his first game since going on the disabled list since the 3rd game of the season. He went 3-5, but he's not as good as this Jay Bruce kid.

-Even though the last week wasn't all that great, the Buc's are still 24-27. 6.5 back of the first place Cubs, the Red's are only 7.0 back.

-Jay Bruce may become the next Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams rolled up in one.

A Night of Theatre and Hockey

2008-05-27T11:12:00.006-04:00

The Penguins are getting flat out, beaten. Not to say that Chris Osgood, who's extremely jealous that he doesn't see enough shots, flopping around on the ice helped anymore than it did. Is that why he does the things he does? Because he feels the need to act a little more, so he can "feel part of the team"? I swore off watching World Cup soccer because of the fact, those guys take a tap to the shin and fall down like their leg is being amputated. Same deal with Chrissy, Robin Williams (Video below) makes great reference to him at 1:15 in.

Is there any way the Pen's can pick up Oscar de le Hoya off of waivers? He's spanish, right?

Don't get me wrong, it wasn't allllll bad calls. I'm not the type who solely puts blame on the refs for determining the out come of a game, but that crap last night didn't help. Osgood has done his stuff before and it happens to be quite annoying and bush league. You can give credit to that of the Red Wings defense though, they're unreal. The Pens have never seen anything like this. The only thing remotely close was that of the Devils, but they didn't have the fire power (goal scorers) and their goalie at least faced 25 shots a game and made some ACTUAL saves. They also played the Rangers, who mid season had a sex change and decided they wanted to take the defensive route, but they also don't have the depth in scoring, nor the depth on defense to make it happen. And their goalie isn't 35 years old...and he's good. Besides Sean Avery, I couldn't point out a single linesman that has once dove for the better good of the game. Or faked an injury so severe that he may miss the last 5 minutes of a game, and then come out on his next shift 50 seconds later. That last sentence was my reference to Johan Franzen and his alleged career ending injury when the medical staff rushed to his service. I'm sure he knows that he's possible to die at anytime on the ice after suffering a concussion 18 days ago. Joke.

And what about poor Marc-Andre Fluery? He's getting hung out to dry like a pair of wet underwear on a clothes line. I think he's aware that the first goal to Stuart last night was a mistake and I'm sure it lingered in his mind all game long. If you can get a piece of it, you should of been able to get the rest of it. Now we all know what it was like to be Ottawa, New York, and Philadelphia. Except, those teams have seen us every year, for the last 3 years. Detroit is something new, and I have no idea how Therrien plans on figuring it out. Unless half the Red Wings defense gets polio over night, I have no clue how the Pens could put pressure on their goal tender. Osgood has been undressed a couple of times this series, especially in the first game, but the Penguins haven't been able to bury anything. Except for visiting the scrap yard and clanging some metal posts.

The only other thing that jags me around, is this Nikki Kronwall guy. Since when were we aloud to fly into a zone with skating strides, only seen in speed skating, so long and fluent and then....we have a player on the ice who just got next week knocked out of him? No wonder Joe Louis Arena stinks. It's because of all the crap going on in there. Wow, it's crazy stuff, I guess all of those Red Wing band wagoners around the nation, really are making the difference. And if the Wings should take the cup and down the road one of those "Red Wings fans" is asked "who their goaltender was in that series in '08?" I don't know how they won't be able to blush, laugh, or lie (that he was a great goalie) their faces off. Were down 2-0, it sucks. The Pens haven't lost in Mellon Arena since February and Peter Sykora (who was responsible for Chis Osgood's mental breakdown in net) said, "I wouldn't be worried if we lose one or both games on the road in Detroit. It wouldn't surprise me. All you gotta do is win at home. The only time home ice really matters is game 7. But you win your 2, and then your 1 at home. And you'll be fine." Thanks for the heart warming speech Peter, I could use a little more insurance than that though.

In conclusion, here's what's bothering me, and you could of saved yourself a lot of time by just scrolling to this part of the "article". Chris Osgood, what a piece of work. How can you even respect the guy? He did his crap in the Dallas series and now he's gonna pull the same stunt in the Stanley Cup? If they were to win, how can you even feel good about yourself after everything you've done in the playoffs? Nikolas Kronwall, you're a joke. Phil Borque said "If your a Penguin and you get hit by Kronwall, serves you right because you know he's on the ice". Correct Phil. But, how many strides is Kronwall going to take before he finds you? He watches YouTube clips of hockey hits online, all the time? Sounds like someone is obsessed. I'm sure George Laraque doesn't watch Mike Tyson fights or Gary Roberts doesn't throw in his latest DVD "How to be a bad ass 101". And finally, the offense. We're explosive and we know it. Exactly how do we become explosive against the Wings? Figure it out, we'll check back Wednesday night and see what you came up with. Oh! And one more thing. Turnovers! We made a living in the playoffs by owning the neutral zone. Four of the last seven goals for the Red Wings have come off of Penguin turnovers. Fix it.

Sigh, Game 1...You Know the Rest

2008-05-25T21:08:00.002-04:00

As Barry Melrose would say, "You have to get your ass knocked around before you can win." Let's hope Barry's right on that one after Saturday night. I'm too depressed and tired to blog about the game. Let me just link you up over to my friends at The Pensblog. They'll let you laugh about it before I'll be unable to make any sort of justice out of the game. They'll at least help you laugh it off and get your mind right for game 2.

The Pensblog Game 1 Recap

Jason Bay Impresses Even Superman

2008-05-24T23:45:00.003-04:00

Jason Bay, whether he likes it or not, got pumpled by his teamates after pulling through with clutch hits in the final 2 games of the 3 game series. It's good to see the Bucco's bounce back against the tough Cubs, who lead the division and have OWNED the Pirates so far this season. Lets get started, eh?

Game one, was a game that went sour, then good, then sour...so on an such. The Pirates were down 1-0 thru 3.5 until Jason Bay connected on a 2 run hommer to deep left center. The Bucco's added in the bottom of the 6th with a Jason Michaels single that scored Bay. Pirates 3-1. Tyler Yates was charged with the early blown save after he gave up scatted hits and walks in the top of the 8th giving the Cubs a 4-3 edge thru 7.5. In the top of the 9th, Alfonso Soriano led off the inning with a double to right center. Crap huh? Well, when Ryan Theriot attempted to lay down a sac bunt to put Soriano in a situation to score on a sac fly, Matt Capps threw in hard on Theriot and back up Rual Chavez threw down to second to pick off Soriano. The Cubs couldn't muster anything after that. The Pirates came up in the 9th and Kerry Wood started things off in his reputational way, by hitting his 765th batter of the year and Doug Mientkiewicz moved to second after avier Nady single. Freddy Sanchez layed down the bunt of his life to move Mientkiewicz over to third. Luis Rivas, with one out, hit a long fly ball to right allowing Mientkiewicz to tag up and score on the sac fly. 4-4, tie ball game. After John Russell emptied his bench, both clubs were letting their closers to throw up to 3 innings worth of pitches. In the 14th, Sanchez scored and moved to second on an error from Theriot and a wild pitch. Luis Rivas almost goofed up for the ages after he hit a ball to short stop Ryan Theriot, yet Sanchez was able to move over 3rd anyways. The Cubs thought it would be a good idea to walk Nate McClouth. Yeeeeah, not so. Jason Bay played hero in the bottom of the 14th with a 2 hopper off the center field wall. Game. Bucco's 5-4. They're now a dismal 2-9 against the Cubs. I'm sure we'll take wins in any shape or form.

Game 2, was filled with just as much drama in 3 innings less. Nate McClouth got the Buc's all tied up again in the 9th with a shot to left. What should have been a can 'o corn for Alfonso Soriano, turned into a battle with the sound. Soriano, lost the ball, and dropped it off the heel of his glove. McClouth was credited with a double, allowing Brian Bixler to score. In the 11th the Pirates' Chris Gomez beat out an infield single against Jon Leiber. Brian Bixler bunted him down to second. Luis Rivas struck out and Nate McClouth was intentionally walked to set up Jason Bay's 2nd day heroics. Bay lined a base hit down the left field line scoring Bixler and the Bucco's taking the weekend series. Bay had this to say about his efforts, "two in a career doesn’t make me Mr. Walkoff, but back to back is pretty neat.” Xavier Nady had him self a solo shot in the game and Luis Rivas had two solo home runs for the Pirates. Up next for the Buc's is a 3 games series against the Reds in Cincinnatti. The Red's as of this blog, are tied 9-9 in the top of the 15th in San Diego. Hope jet lag is on their side.

Other Notes:

-Phil Dumatrait had a solid outing in the 14 inning game. No win, but a quality start.

-Jason Bay is the last person to drive in the winning run in extra innings on back to back days since Albert Belle did it with home runs in 1995.

-When the Pirates visit Cincinnatti, Ken Griffey Jr. will be sitting on 598HR.

-Paul Maholm went 8 innings in the Sunday game, but gave up 5 ER and struck out 7.

Iiiiiiit's A Hockey Night In Pittsburgh.

2008-05-24T15:03:00.003-04:00

If your sporting the black and (Vegas) gold tonight, wherever you are. Like myself here in Atlanta, Ga. Do me a favor. Forget the Pirates, forget Rashad Mendenhall and the Steelers training camp. Forget Super Bowl XL or any other Pittsburgh sports banner. Tonight marks another night to light the candle. Us Pittburgher's will once again stand together, where it's at your house, at a bar, at some buddies house, in your car, and via XM radio to those truck drivers. And to those who are on the journey to Detroit to witness game one in person, to those in Mellon Arena watching a jumbotron, or for those at the Bucco's game watching highlights between innings(Not many of you I'm sure).

Even at the Colonial golf tournament in Ft. Worth, TX

Can you feel the Pens fever?

We Stand Together.

Or as Gordon Bombay would say: "Ducks fly together"

This is it. Where were you during the bad years? With Fata, Murely, Koltsov, Morozov...who cares? You're here now. I don't know if you have goosebumped like me, but I'm chomping at the bit! The only people that want this worst than me....probably those dudes out on the ice. In hockey we have to play a best of 7, that's fine. I brings us together...longer...and gives us more chances the games don't play our for the first 3. We can still do it. Will we have to go 7 games? Let's hope not, but if we do, wouldn't it be worth it? I'm not condoning 7 games. I'm all for 4. Tonight if you feel moved. Be sure that you won't be alone when that chant raises up in you...LETS GO PENS! The Ice Attack is back. Let's do this.

Go Pens!

You Win Some, You Lose...Well, When Your the Pirates, A Little More, and More, and More, ect.

2008-05-22T22:31:00.007-04:00

Well, the Pirates may have lost the series to the Brewers, but at least we didn't let them leave PNC with brooms in hand. Sure, it hurts to lose to Milwaukee, who had lost 5 straight before head into the 3 river city, but when you're so close to .500. MAN! It hurts even more. I don't understand if it really is the talent we lack or if the number in general, that for the past 15 years has become such a pressure point to the ball club that it may never be reached. Look at the Marlins, a young talented team with a lot of potential. They even got rid of two of their best players, who were both Cy Young and League MVP candidates. Why is this such a problem for the Pirates? When I started writing, it was going to be just another typical run down of the last two games. Well, I started thinking....and when I think about the Bucs and there decade and a half of losing, I get pissed. How can a team like the Marlins compete and win two world series in the past 10 years? Then they fire sale off all their talent and yet, they still compete. Do you know who Hanley Ramierez is? You should. He's one of the best players in the National League this year, boasting a .309 AVG with 9 dingers and 23 RBI, all from the lead off spot. Oh, and what about that guy that threw a no hitter a couple of years ago? Anibal Sanchez, yeah, both of those guys came down from Boston via trading Josh Beckett away. The young talent the Marlins have is unreal: Mike Jacobs (11 HR), Alfredo Amezega (Is speed a stat?), Jeremy Hermida (23 RBI, .276 AVG), Dan Uggla (.323 AVG, 14 HR, 32 RBI, 36 R), Matt Treanor (.287 AVG), Mark Hendrickson (6-2), Scott Olsen (4-1 2.82 ERA), & Kevin Gregg (9 SV). They're loaded with young talent. You can argue the same for the Bucs, but there's a problem. The Marlins young core actually performs! We've had our one's and two's of guys who perform like Jason Bay during his Rookie of Year parade and Freddy Sanchez's batting title. Sure, that's great and all, but where's the hardware?In Even in the market, Florida does it better. The Marlins pick up free agents like Jacque Jones and Luis Gonzalez, the Pirates....Chris -effing- Gomez. Kudos on that one. The Pirates are 6.5 back of the Cubs while Florida is 27-19 and is leading a division that boasts ball clubs that dish out enormous pay rolls, own home run titles, Silver Sluggers, and former Cy Young Winners in players like Carlos Beltran's paycheck, Ryan Howard's home runs, Chipper Jone's Silver Slugger's, and Cy Young's from John Smoltz, Johan Santana, and Pedro Martienez. What the -ef? Really. The more I go on, the more and more I realize, sure the Pirates don't spend money on big free agents. The Marlins don't either, but they do keep their talent around until they get the most they can out of them. The Pirates see a hot commodity and a good escape on possible arbitration or out right losing out on "something in return". So, it's not so much -shame on the ownership-, but shame on the front office for doing a terrible job in scouting, trades, and free agent signing. How many #1 draft picks have the Bucco's had in the last decade?! Thanks for Kris Benson, he was a treat. Or at least his wife was. The Pittsburgh Pirates, a ball club full of jags behind wooden desks and one year salaries bigger than Nate McClouth's 3 year contract.

-In other news, the Pirates won (Yay!) 8-4 over the Brewers. They're now 22-25 and 6.5 back of the Cubs. Speaking of which, guess who comes to town this weekend. The Pirates are 1-8 against Chi-town's north side team. That can only mean positive things, right Bucco fan's?

Apparently .500 is Cancerous

2008-05-21T15:58:00.004-04:00

It looks like us Pirate fans will be living with an eternity of losing. It seems every time the Pirates smell getting back to .500, the bats and arms go completely cold. It happened last night against the Brew crew in Milwaukee. The Brewers were riding a 5 game losing streak coming into the Pittsburgh, that's good. Right? Apparently not. Paul Maholm had a solid start until giving up a 2 run bomb in the 7. That paved the way for 3 more runs, putting the Pirates at a loss 7-2 and now 6.5 games back in the division, at a 21-24 overall mark. Has anyone else started their disappointed sigh of disgust this year? There's still hope, but there's absolutely zero consistency from this club. You know you're pitching is having an awful night when you allow Bill Hall's .207 batting average reach base 4 times. Let's start things off anyways, in the first, former Bucco money bagger Jason Kendall brought in Corey Hart on a fielder's choice. 1-0 Brewers. Kendall's been having a decent season this year in Milwaukee besides his latest batting slump, batting .268 with 14 RBI. In the 5th, the Brewers tacked on their second run after Rickie Weeks reached base on a single and then moved to second after Mike Cameron walked. That allowed Ryan Braun to single to center driving in Weeks. 2-0 Brewers. In the 7th, after Rickie Weeks was hit by a pitch, Mike Cameron brought them both home to make it 4-0 Milwaukee. That would be the end of Maholm's night. The Pirates would motion to bring in Sean Burnett, wrong move mister Russel. Burnett got slapped around in the 8th by allowing 3 hits, one walk, and two runs. 6-0 all Brewers. Milwaukee takced on their final run in the top of the 9th on a Corey Hart solo shot and Jason Bay would pad his stats in a worthless 2 run shot in the bottom half of the inning bringing Nate McClouth with him. Game, 7-2 Brewers.

**Other Bucco News**

-Jose Bautistia was back in the line up after a long lay off to get his batting worked out. Yeah, it almost worked as Bautista went 0-3.

-Ryan Doumit has been said that he expects to be back sooner than thought. He says his thumb is healing faster than normal.

-Jack Wilson is expected to be back with the ball club sometime within the next week said John Russell.

Lord Stanley Invites Pittsburgh, Detroit

2008-05-20T00:09:00.017-04:00

In the spirit of all this hockey mayhem, I felt the need to write about the comparisons of Pittsburgh and Detroit. Even though the two have never faced each other with their current squads, it should be fun to see what kind of details we can find. Let's try to have some fun with facts and some not exactly fact, but truth. Lets talk and think about come the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Let's get it on!

-The Red Wings own 10 players of 35 years or older on their current roster, including 46 year old defensemen Chris Chelios. The Penguins have 2, Gary Roberts, who has seen limited but effective action these playoffs and Daryl Sydor, who owns his name twice to the cup, but has yet to see a single minute of action. Apparently age isn't much of a concern for the 'Wings, because their goalies (Dominik Hasek & Chris Osgood) combined age alone is 78, as opposed to the combined age of 56 between Ty Conklin and Marc-Andre Fluery. Does age come wisdom? We'll see.

-The Red Wings have a stacked team of names and talent, but how far does it go? There top line has been their scoring touch these playoffs with the likes of Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Samuelsson. Besides that top line, the only other name to make headlines in scoring is Johan Franzen, who finds himself on the 2nd line and leading the NHL playoffs in goals.

-Of the 55 goals scored this post season by Detroit, their top line of Zetterberg (9G), Datsyuk (11G), and Samuelsson (2G) own 40% (22G) of those goals scored. Franzen owns 12 goals of his own and 2 hat tricks coming in consecutive games against Colorado, he has scored 1 goal in the 6 games versus Dallas. During the regular season the top line for Detroit accounted for 1/3 of the goals scored.

-The Red Wings have managed 550+ shots on net, scoring 9.2% of the time. Pittsburgh has shot the puck 452 time yet is shooting at 11.3%. Penguins were 10.6% during the regular season while Detroit was 8.9%. See a trend?

-Marc-Andre Fluery has saved 93.3% of the 364 shots on net he's faced while Dominik Hasek and Chris Osgood have saved 91.4% of the 319 they have faced. Fluery owns 3 shut outs, while Detroit owns only 1(Game 6 against Nashville). Fluery has allowed an average of 1.84 goals a game and Detroits tandem averages 2.00 goals a game.

-Pittsburgh has given up 26 goals in 14 games while Detroit has surrendered 31 in 16 games.

-The Atlantic Division's combined record was 212-150-48. Detroit's own Central Division was behind 202-159-49. A cool 19 points better than the West's Central. And 4 of the 5 teams out of Pittsburgh's Atlantic Division made the Eastern Conference playoffs. Detroit had themselves and Nashville finding post season success. Detroit, however, had themselves beating the teams in there own conference as I would find out. I can also remember the Atlanta Thrashers rolling into Joe Louis Arena in January and walking out with a "W". What are we supposed to make of this?

-Does anyone else remember the last time a Pittsburgh sports team had to go to Detroit for a championship game? Hint: February 2005.

-Can someone let Mr. Hasek and Mr. Osgood know there have been some great R&D technologies in the goalie helmet division lately?

-Chris Chelios had a stirring series against the Pens in 92 with the Blackhawks. We didn't like him then, why change?

-Pittsburgh's been to the Cup finals twice. Record 2-0. Perfection is a must.

-It's easy to get a nomination for coach of the year, when your team racks up 112 points in a division that owns the likes of Columbus, St. Louis, Chicago, and an underrated Nashville. What about clinching the Atlantic with your star player out for 28 games and having to go to option 3 on a goaltender that was signed to a minor league contract at the beginning of 2007.

-Star Power: Detroit-Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Mikael Samuelsson, Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Lindstrom, Brad Stuart, Chris Chelios, Chris Osgood, and Domink Hasek.
Pittsburgh-Sidney Crosby, Marian Hossa, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Ryan Malone, Sergei Gonchar, Hal Gill, Ryan Whitney, Peter Sykora, Jarko Ruutu, and Marc-Andre Fluery.
That's one talented covered sheet of ice come Saturday.

-Someone look up the average age of both teams and get back with me. I just don't feel like looking up dinosaurs all night.

-Speaking of, here's a clip of the Red Wings practice today.

-You gotta hand it to Detroit, they have talent and still run themselves 5 million bucks under the cap.

-The Nicklas Lindstrom award, oh excuse me, the Norris Trophy handed out each year for best defensemen just snubbed maybe one of the best candidates this year. That being Sergei Gonchar. I'm sure he'd rather have the bigger trophy anyways.

-Detroit = A Puck handling team. Pittsburgh = A steal, poke check, back check, and fore check possession team.

-How many Buicks and Cadillacs will be in the players parking lot come Saturday?

-Do they even make Buicks anymore?

-Detroit's head athletic trainer has been quoted, saying his team should be ready for 7 game against Pittsburgh now that Vick's vapor rub has jumped on to sponsor the Red Wings.

-Deroit's players prefer milk over Gatorade. When asked why, they simply replied "Osteoporosis."

-God knows how many cups or Stanley Cup Finals experience the Red Wings own. Every one keeps spitting out that the Pens are running 100% on talent against a well oiled experienced team. Truth is, the Penguins have some Cup finals experience with a few of their players. The shame is, none of them are named Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.

Pittsburgh in 6

Start Spit Shinning Those Shoes; Pen's Win

2008-05-18T18:54:00.007-04:00

Game! 4-1, Pens Win Series

It was a day to remember for Pens fan's everywhere and one to forget for Philadelphia's. The Penguins absolutely just took the Flyers to the wood shed in Game 5 on Sunday, putting themselves into the Stanley Cup finals against either Dallas or Detroit. Let's get things started though. It didn't take lone for the shellacking to begin. 2:30 in, the Pens on the power play 12 seconds in, Sidney Crosby fakes a slapper on net that finds the skate of Ryan Malone to put the Pens up 1-0. about 8 minutes later the Penguins forced the puck into the corner where a hard fore checking Ryan Malone pinched the puck off before Martin Biron could get a handle on it, Biron losing his stick in the process. The puck bounced around to find the tape of Evgeni Malkin. With Biron in net with out a stick, was completely lost in his position as Malkin wrapped the puck around the pipe and under the pad of Biron. 2-0 Penguins, halfway through the first period. A few minutes later, Marc-Andre Fleury had a 5-11 in progress as he absolutely robbed Scottie Upshall off a one timer to his right. The Flyers would draw a couple of penalties in the first, but no dice. The Pens were all business shutting down and threat the Flyers had. That brought the 1st to a close. Pens up 2-0. The 2nd period came like the first. The Penguins started the first 2 minutes killing off a power play started by Ryan Malone's high stick at the end of the first period. THE FLYERS HAD NOTHING ON THE POWER PLAY. The came the 8:24 mark of the 2nd. After a Flyer steal at the Penguin blue line, Sidney Crosby skated back for the back check, picked the Flyers of the puck for one of the best hustle plays of the game. The Pens would get a couple shots on net before the puck would float to the corner as Sidney, as he always seems, looks through the back of his head to find Marian Hossa atop the left circle for a one timer that wouldn't have missed this century. 3-0 Penguins. A little more than 3 minutes later, the Penguins would find themselves on the power play again after the greatest defencemen in the history of the NHL (Kimmo Timmonen) accordingng to the Flyers, would trip up Jordan Staal after a gutsy face off win. 11:42 in, Sergei Gonchar puts a hard wrister for the purpose of deflection. Ryan Malone being the waiter of The Crease Eatery says "Coming right up!" Malone deflects the shot past Biron making the Pen's 2-4 on the power play and having a commanding 4-0 lead. In the last closing minutes of the 2nd, Adam Hall and Max Talbot are putting some serious pressure coming into the Flyers zone, the puck is shot and blocked. Then comes Jordan Staal to find it sitting like a bowl of gold on the back of his stick. Fire it home big guy. 5-love Penguins, and the heart and soul of "brotherly love" falls off the face of the earth. The 2nd period would wind to an end and thoughts of the Cup started dancing in every Pittsburgher head. We had gotten the shoes for spit shinning out of the closet before the start of the 3rd. And just when we went to grab our rags for shinning , Marian Hossa received a pass from Pascal Dupuis just inside the Flyers blue line. With Dupuis skating backwards facing Hossa, Hossa put a shot on net that found a deflection off of Dupuis. Officially sinking every jags soul east of State College, 6-0 Penguins. The last 16 minutes were a showcase of Penguin defense, Pittsburgh style. Not quite Bliztburgh, but damn near as stubborn. The Flyers couldn't manage squat and Marc-Andre Fluery polished off a perfect game for the 3rd time these playoffs. PENS WIN! Stnaley Cup Finals! It takes 16 wins to take the cup. 12 down, 4 to go.

*Other Notes*

-Marian Hossa, 4 point day. I think that's what the Penguins were hoping at the trade deadline.

-It's not even over yet, there's still 4 more left.

-Who else wanted to see Laraque throw down with Derian Hatcher in the first?

-Kimmo Timmonen made the world of difference.

-That Timmonen guy and Sergei Gonchar held the most ice time with 21:43.

- The Penguins haven't lost at home since they lose to San Jose in a shoot back in February.

-Marc-Andre Fluery is 22-4-1 since November.

-Asked about why they didn't want to touch the Price of Whales trophy following the victory. “We want the big trophy,” said Marian Hossa.

-Did anyone watch the stick handling 101 Sidney Crosby and Marian Hossa were putting on? If you taped that game, show it to your kids when they pick up a stick.

**The Pirates lost today to the Chicago Cubs 4-3. Adam Laroche had two RBI's as the Buc's look to get to .500 tomorrow night back in Pittsburgh**

.500 Still In Reach; McClouth Saves Them Again

2008-05-17T22:58:00.006-04:00

Another day game at Wrigley, they have too many of those as it is, but this time the Pirtaes would find the sunny side. The Buc's were a previous 0-7 to Chicago's north side team, and at a 20-22 record. Today the Pirates would get thing's started off in the 2nd by, of all people, Brian Bixler. Bixler would single to left bringing in Doug Mientkiewicz, who reached via walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. The Cubs would fire back in the bottom half of the inning scoring 3 runs on 5 hits. A single to left by Reed Johnson would get things started, scoring Geovany (what a name) Soto. Then Alfonso Soriano, and no Pirate pitcher can get this guy out, would double to left center scoring Reed Johnson and Mark Does It All DeRosa. Them would come the 4th inning, where Adam LaRoche led things off with a double to deep center. Doug Mientkiewicz would come trhough for the Buc's with a single driving in LaRoche. 4-2 Cubs however. The Cubs seemed to want to play tit for tat, as Soriano came up in the bottom half to homer to deep left. Geez, no one can get this guy out! The Pirates would find themselves in a position to really put a hurting to the Cubs in the 5th. Zack Duke, who had mediocre start in what was an offense throbbing on both sides, led off the inning with a walk. 2 hit Freddy Sanchez, from the lead off position, lined a single to center. Nate McClouth would fly a single to center driving in Duke and move Sanchez over to third. A Jason Bay walk would load the bases and Adam LaRoche would come through for the Pirates again with a single to center bring home Sanchez. With still no outs in the inning, Xavier Nady would draw the first out with a sac fly to right bringing home McClouth. Then the Pirates would succumb to reality. Doug Mientkiewicz would line out, the Cubs doubling off LaRoche at 1st. Inning over. The Bucco's although, would get 3 runs off of 3 hits, Buc's lead 5-4. Then the 7th would come...and it would be the same old story. That Soriano guy would hit is effing 4th home run of the series, hit 2nd of the day for 2 days in a row. Game tied, 5 all. We go to the 9th and if Nate McClouth owned stock, it must be called Clutch Enterprises. He's done it before and he did it again. Top 9 with one on, no one out, McClouth hit's his 12th home to put the Buc's up 2. Yet, that damn pesky Alfonso Soriano would hit a shot to deep center, only this one would stay in the park before it bounced over the fence for a ground rule doulbed. Ryan Theriot would make things close by singling in Soriano, but that's the closest the Cubs would come. Matt Capps would close things off with his 10 save of the season.

Game Notes:

-Nate McClouth is sick. What took him so long getting to the Majors?

-Alfonso Soriano is the new Bucco killer.

-The pitching is going south. But you have to admit, they have been playing the best 2 teams in the division.

-Carlos Zambrano who?

-Soriano's 2 game stats ----> 7 for 9 4HR 7RBI

-A Pirates win on Sunday means a 22-22 record.

-Staying on the Soriano deal; does skinny girl legs and a 43 foot long bat produced home runs?

- Pirates, 9 wins in their last 12 games. Still hot yinz.

Cubs Own the Buc's

2008-05-16T16:14:00.006-04:00

This makes it 0-7 against the Cubs this season and Tom Gorzelanny really didn't help the cause starting with the first batter. Alfonso Soriano did what he does best from the lead off position. He led off the game this afternoon with a solo home run to put the Cubs up 1 to nill. The the cubs sprayed around some hits in the 1st after that leading to a FC groundout of former Pirate and nosebleed Aramis Ramirez, that help Ryan Theriot score. The next batter up was Geovany Soto, and he placed a ball somewhere on Waylon Ave. 3-0 Cubs. The Pirates didn't do jack in the top of the 2nd, but that guy Soriano, with the 34 foot long bat, put another ball over the fence making him 2 for 2 with 2 HR. Mark "Does It All" DeRosa and Reed Johnson score. End of the 2nd, Cubs 6-0. That's one hell of a hole to dig out of. Nobody did anything for the next 4 innings, and Tommy G settled down, but the damage was done. Top of the 6th inning came where Nate McClouth hit his 14th double of the day and Xavier Nady drove him home with a single. Pirates are no where near the Cubs though. 6-1. The bottom half of the inning comes, and Does It All DeRosa put one into the bleachers in right. The Cubs go right back to their 6 run lead. Franquelis Osoria would come in to relieve Gorzelanny in the top of the 7th. Gorzo gave up 7 runs on 7 hits with only 3 strikeout's on the day. Giving up 4 home run's doesn't always help. The came a desperate Pirate club in the top of the 8th. With one out Jason Bay delivered a bomb to deep right. 2-7 Cubs. After Adam LaRoche kncocked the crap out of a ball that barely made it to the pither, Xavier Nady drew a walk and Doug Mientkiewicz added the 2nd home run of the inning for the Pirates and that made it a 3 run game. 4-7 Cubs. Never say die, these Buc's have been clawing back the last few games. But, eventually they do, the Pirates would wind up with a loss, 4-7.

Nostradamus Sends A Message

2008-05-16T15:35:00.003-04:00

My boy Nostradamus sent me this along. Letting me know that since I won't be in Philadelphia anytime on Sunday afternoon. This is what I could expect to see however after game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

A Flyers fan, portrayed by Dawson himself.

Thanks to the guys at the Pensblog for posting this up.

We Go To 5, Crap

2008-05-16T00:07:00.004-04:00

Let's make this short and sweet. The Flyers had the best game of there lives of the series in the first period, that was it. It barely held on at that. It irritates me that the Pen's have to put up with it (the Jag Off Flyers) for at least 3 more days. First off, I hope Derian Hatcher's car gets hit as blind sided and illegally as he he did Jordan Staal in the 3rd period. The Penguins have the perfect opportunity to embarrass the Flyers while on home ice. However, it would have been nice to see the tears on the ice after last nights game. But real fans deserve a win on home ice and their chance to see that Eastern Conference Championship trophy. As for the game, Jordan Staal was on a mission for his grandfather and besides a 1st period wash up, Marc Andre-Fluery still has everyone noticing if you want to win, you'll have to catch him on an off day. Well Flyers jags. May 15th, 2008 was one of Marc Andre's scheduled days off. Fluery is like 23-4 since February or some crazy crap like that. We'll see you Sunday, and that should be about the last time. I hope, for Christ's sakes.

Mendenshall & Sweed; Polamalu Not Mini-Campin'

2008-05-15T19:49:00.011-04:00

I promised I would get to these stories following draft weekend. Here we are, now looking at the newest additions to the Pittsburgh Steelers team. The Steelers surprised everyone by NOT taking an offensive lineman to replace Alan Faneca, but by taking a speedy, powerful tailback out of....Illinois? Yes, Rashard Mendenhall out of Illinois is everything his stats play out. If we can try to look back for a second on January 1st when the Fighting Illini got the Orange knocked out of them by USC. There was one guy, who seemingly had a great game. Mendenhall on that night carried the ball 17 times for 155 yards on the ground and added a touchdown. Rashard also had a breakout year at Illinois during the '07 season, gaining over 1,600 yards on the ground and adding 17 touchdowns. Making him the Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year. What does this mean for Fast Willie Parker? Well, Parker seems to have a smile on his face about the situation. He's been reported to have said that by adding another stable and talented back allows him to rest more on the sidelines, allowing him to be fresher for the late season runs. There's even been talk of pairing the two in the same back field on certain offensive schemes. Mendenhall has been comapared to that of Edgerrin James, yet, with more power. That's scary folks. He's just under 5'10" but at an astounding 224 lbs. making him strong enough to pound it between the tackles, yet possess the quick speed that enables him to break some runs off for long touchdown scores. Mendenhall also entails a great reputation as a great pass blocking, blowing up blitzes and also as a double threat out of the back field as a very skilled receiver. Everyone on the Steelers draft board couldn't believe their eyes when Mendenhall dropped all the way to #23. They didn't hesitate, can you blame them?

In the second round the Steelers seemed to have listened to some of the off-field talk of Ben Roethlisberger. There was talk of Roelthlisberger making a comment that he would like the Steelers to invest in a taller wide out for him come this next season. Hines Ward to somewhat of offense o that, stating "Peyton Manning doesn't need tall recievers". Well, apparently the feud has settled and the Steelers grabbed 6'5" wide reciever Limas Sweeed out of Texas with the 53rd overall pick in the 2nd round. I only have one bad thought of Limas Sweed. Ohio State and Texas, at the Horse Shoe in 2005. Vince Young threw the ball to the back of the end zone in a tight game and Limas Sweed made a great catch falling backwards (see picture right) to pull it in which was the inevitable game winner. Sweed had a solid career at Texas which included a national title in 2006. Sweed however spent half of the year in '07 injured. The Steelers however took a gamble and Hines Ward has been supportive every step of the way. With Ward having off season surgery, he's been a spectator mostly at mini camp, yet that hasn't stopped him from playing coach for Sweed.

In other Steeler news, Troy Polamalu has decided not to train with the Steelers during mini camp. Troy has made it known that with the injuries to his knee, oblique, and calf last season we felt in result of him going away from his normal training habits. He will be doing his off season training with the methods of non conformist guru Marv Marinovich on the west coast. Let's hope Troy returns to his pro-bowler figure and his on the field presence is restored.

Getting Better; Buc's Take 2

2008-05-15T16:05:00.007-04:00

Can you honestly be upset by the play of the Pirates last night and then see what they did today? The Pirates got slapped around last night, slowly but surely. Paul Mall' (Maholm) had an ever so slightly deteriorating outing. You knew it was inevitable however, to see the struggling Cardinals win a game. Especially when Albert Pujols is in mid slump, at least it's no Adam LaRoche slumpage though. I don't know how the baseball world, and douche bag Tony LaRussa, can consider Pujols reaching base safely in 41 straight games. You've also got to hand it to Mr. Wellemeyer on the mound for the Cardinals. He kept, what was a warming offense, quite frozen. Pitching well into the 8th inning on what was then only 2 hits alloud. The Bucco's needed a sweep of the Cardinal's to reach .500 for the first time into a season since June 11, 2005. John Russell commented on the .500 plateu and said it's not a record the Pirates are aspiring too. “You pick .500 as a goal, where do you go from there?” Russell said. “I don’t think that’s anything we’re going to pop a champagne bottle over.” No, but maybe a couple bars in the strip district might. Last night, there were a couple of amazing feats pulled off last night. The first came in the 2nd inning off yet another long shot to center from Adam LaRoche. Only, this time Rick Ankeil caught up to this one, making a Jim Edmonds like leap up the wall to make everyone in black and gold urse under their breath. The other feat came from the Cardinals and Pirates of their overall performance. The Cardinals managed 5 runs on 15 hits and stranding 15 runners. The Pirates weren't much better, leaving 10 runners on base as well. The sad part is the Buc's got their only run off of a 2 out, 8th inning Nate McClouth pop-fly when Ceasar Izturis fell flat on his back while backpedaling. Oh well, you can't win them all, especially when you're these Pirates. Buc's lose 5-1.
The Buc's are showing two signs of threat now. Ian Snell had a rough day on the mound going only 4 innings and giving up 5 runs on 11 hits. Yikes! Nate McClouth however added his 11th homer in the first. The Pirates trailed though, but then, something happened. The 5th inning came and Chris Gomez singled in Doug Mientkiewicz. Newly aquired, and quite a pick indeed, Jason Michaels singled in Gomez and Ronny Paulino. The bull pen came in and, man did they ever take charge of the game. The game came to the 8th with the Bucco's trailing 4-3, then Chris Comez, AGAIN, reached on a fielder's choice allowing Doug Mientkiewicz to score. Ronny Paulino made it to 3rd on a throw by Jason Isringhausen that reached the first baseline seats. After John Grabow had finished out the 7th inning, Jason Bay stepped in to pinch hit for him. And he did a fine job making it a 8-5 lead, making it 8 unanswered runs. The Buc's would get more issurance int he top of the 9th adding 3 more runs from Chavez double and 2 hit Freddy single, driving in 2 more runs. Pirates win, 11-5. John Grabow picking up the win and the pirates moving to 20-21. The Buc's now head to Wrigley Field to play the division leading Cubs, whom they trail by 5 games. Tom Gorzelanny will get the start against Sean Gallagher (0-0 6.48ERA).

-Other News-

The Pirates will find themself without the breakout season of Ryan Doumit for at least a month.

The Pirates are set to play the Cubs tomorrow at 2:20 in Chicago.

Our Bucco's are 0-6 against the Cubs this season. That needs to change.

Pirates are winners of 8 of their last 10.

Jack Wilson started his rehab today in AAA Indianapolis for 4 days.

Bucco's Look to Get to .500

2008-05-14T18:15:00.002-04:00

Tonight, the Pirates will try to reach a milestone number the fans of Pittsburgh would be happy settling for at the end of October. Here we are in mid May and we only have 5 months left. The Pirates are red hot however, winning 7 of their last 8 and pulling to within 1 game of .500. The Pirates pitching has been spectacular from all 5 starters in the rotation. Even Phil Dumatrait out of the 'pen has been pitching solidly in his last 2 outings. Tonight, the Pirates send Paul Maholm (2-3 4.79ERA) to the mound against Todd Wellemeyer (3-1 3.56ERA). If the pitching holds up like it has, let's expect good things. A once potent offense that went cold is starting to heat up again. Buc's and Card's 8:15p. in St. Louis.

The Pens Can Smell the Cup; Bucco's On A Roll

2008-05-14T00:11:00.009-04:00

3 in a row, 1 to go

The Penguins continue to impress. God gave me a call during the game to tell me he wanted his mistake back. I think he was referring to the Flyers. I just want to point out, that after watching these first 3 games that I want to let all the Flyers fans know...they were right. We didn't want to face them in the first round. We wanted to save the easiest chance of making it to the Cup for last. What is there really to say about last night? The defense was the best I have seen it in the playoffs thus far. Besides a garbage rebounder for RJ Umberger, it's a shut out. I think I looked at the screen at one point and saw the Pen's out shooting the Cryers 17-6. My my my. It was domination part III at the Wachovia Center. Ryan Whitney got things started off by taking a sick cross ice pass right on the tape from Crosby. Whitney held the puck for about a day and a half before cracking one off to make it 1-0. Less than 3 minutes later, Crosby then found Hossa who made the Flyers defense look like they had lost the draw strings in there shorts before firing a wrist shot that even Jesus would of been impressed by. 2-Love Penguins. RJ Umberger got the Flyers hopes alive with a garbage rebounder to make it 2-1. We played a pointless 2nd period to find no goals scored and to see the Flyers manage 2 shots on net. In the 3rd, with 10:02 left in the game, Ryan Malone punched home a rebounder himself to make it 3-1 Pittsburgh. The silent crowd behind Mike Lange's voice never sounded so sweet. That was until Marian Hossa buried an empty netter with all 75 Flyers fans left in attendance to moan one more time. Philadelphia's Stanley Cup Playoff slogan is "Why not us?". Um, well there's a reason...it's called offense, defense, and goal tending. You don't have it. Hey make sure you check out the picture of the jag off holding up the sign that says "Your Not That Good". Can someone please forward to him via face punch that the Penguins did just take a commanding 3-0 series lead and that they also shut down the entire Wachovia

Center for about 3 hours. Thanks.

The Bucco's are making a fun game out of this winning streak. The Pirates were leading 2-0 going into the 6th, via a Nate McClouth 2 run homer. Troy Glaus decided that the Pirates had been winning enough so he thought he should just go ahead and poke a 3 run home run himself. 2-3. The Buc's however took the lead again in the 7th from a Ronny Paulino double and Jose Bautista single himself. 4-3. Note: Ronny Paulino entered the game due to Ryan Doumit injuring his thumb while trying to handle a muffed pitch in the 2nd. The Cards' tied the ball game up with Albert Pujols 8th homer of the season. 4-4. Then came the 10th inning. Ronny Paulino again stepped up to the plate to drive in another crucial run. This time singling to center allowing Freddy Sanchez to score. 5-4. By the way, Freddy Sanchez is LOVING the lead off position, another 2-5 night with 2 runs scored. Meanwhile, with Jason Bay on 2nd, the Cardinals and ADD ridden coach Tony LaRussa managed to load the bases. That's when Adam LaRoche thought that then was a good time to send a telegram to the base of the center field wall. Rick Ankiel just seemed like he was running forever. LaRoche clears the bases full of Bucs and the Pirates win 8-4. The Pirates have now won 7 of their last 8 and are now 19-20. They were 4.5 back at the start of today. The ride to .500 is almost official. Now what do we gotta do to stay there?

My Thoughts on the Steeler's Schedule

2008-05-13T14:22:00.026-04:00

Man, where do you even start? The NFL reaming the Steelers via schedule? The draft and the draftee's? Or what about Troy Polamalou's crazy off-season workout idea?
Let's start with the NFL's grudge against the Steeler's apparently. Have you seen/heard the schedule? I guess if the saying "if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best" is true. The Steelers are on the verge of being one of the greatest team's in NFL history. Let's go through the schedule game by game.

Game 1 a home opener the first week against the Texans. Houston finished at an impressive 8-8 in what was probably the hardest division in football. Having to play Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis (all playoff teams last year) twice makes it one of the hardest divisions. Matt Schuab didn't do all that bad for his first season as a starter and by adding Steve Slaton, they're making the turn. In Slaton's first practice as a NFL'er, he fumbled the ball then lost his helmet on two consecutive plays. Then he out juked 3 tacklers and ran down the field on his 3rd play.

Game 2 at Cleveland on a Sunday night. We know this about Cleveland: They have a quarterback (Derek Anderson) who had a stellar year. Is he a one hit wonder? And if he is, how fast will Brady Quinn show how good he can be? Or how fast will Brady Quinn be shipped out? They added Jamal Lewis last year and he provided some needed grout. Now in this past off season the Turd's added Donte Stallworth to their receiving core. That core already boasts Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow at tight end. both whom held 1,000 yards receiving last year. The Browns are making the right moves, but I still hate their guts.

Game 3 at Philadelphia. Here's the thing about Philadelphia, they have talent and superstars, except their big key guy is injury prone to an extent that he should have to give back the money the Eagles are wasting on him. I'm speaking of Donovan McNabb. Great player, horrible luck. He should be healthy for week 3, barring a shear disaster. Brian Westbrook, one of the top 10 players in the NFL. The added an overrated Asaunte Samuel. How many interceptions can we contribute to video tapes? There's hardly any receiving on the squad. The defense has always been a good note to the Eagles, so I see this being a string of 3 possible tough wins for the Steelers. 2 of the 3 on the road.

Game 4 at home against the Ravens on Monday Night Football. 2 words. SELF DESTRUCT. They haven't even began real camp and they all hate each other already. All of this after some no name RB (Allen Patrick) got thrown to the turf on a run. The Ravens made a nice gutsy pick at the 18th slot with Joe Flacco. One of the highest regarded QBs in the draft. What's that mean for Kyle Boller? It mean's he needs to live up to the height of his original draft date. And poor Troy Smith is still back there hanging out...collecting checks. The Ravens still have good running out of the backfield with Willis MacGahee. I feel the defense is getting old and the once Super Bowl defense is getting old, slow, and overrated. Ray Lewis isn't Ray Lewis and now that I've said that, I expect to be "shown up" this year. Let's just hope he doesn't get away with murder again. This team still has talent and is still a threat to win the AFC North, if not win, spoil some hopes.

Game 5 at Jacksonville on yet another primetime game Sunday Night. This is the team that put us out last year. But they barely held on. They still have grit. They're almost a close image to the Steelers. With a big, smart, strong, and versatile quarterback in Garrard. They like to run the ball with the midget cannon ball two namer Maruice Jones-Drew. Not to mention the Steeler killer Fred Taylor. They own a strong defense that has great secondary speed. And now they're adding to it up front by picking up Derek Harvey in this year's draft. This one's in Jacksonville and if things could go as bad as they possibly could. The Steelers could be facing a 0-5 start. But that's expecting the ultimate worst. We do own Cleveland. So we should at least have one win. But that is one tough start before finding the bye week in week 6.

Game 6 at Cincinnati. Well, it looks like we'll only be facing a one headed monster at the receiving area with Chad Johnson deciding he doesn't feel like playing for the Bengals this year. My 2 year old niece pulled the same stunt when we went to eat at Burger King the other day and she wanted McDonald's. Chad's been demanding a trade or he won't play at all this year for the Bengals. But the Bengals have called his bluff, telling him to just stay at home if that's how he feels. Gettin' pissed yet Chad? Travis Henry decided mischief was more important than making millions, so the Bengals got rid of him too. That leaves TJ Housmanzadeh. He's pretty good too. The only other name worth mentioning in the depth chart for the Bengals it Antonio Chapman. The Bengals however did see some promise out of Kenny Watson in the backfield after starter Rudi Johnson contracted a deadly disease this is known as injury prone in the NFL. The Bengals still boast a solid Defense that has under performed and added another LB in Keith Rivers (8th pick) out of USC. Marvin Lewis may have lost his touch with the defensive category. So what do you do when that happens? Hire a new guy to do it. So that's what Mr. Lewis has done. The Bengal's need to find another receiver however for Carson Palmer because I don't think Jerome Simpson out of Coastal Carolina is gonna make headlines.

Game 8 at home against the Super Bowl Champion NY Giants. This makes at least 3 straight years, that I know of, that the Steelers have played the Super Bowl winner the following year. Well, what kind of holes can we poke here? They did win the Super Bowl. They didn't lose many key players. The only thing making news in the Giant's genreal direction is the talk of trading Jeremy Shockey. But that's just talk. The Giants had great support from all area's of their team. First off, Eli Manning.....and that's about all you can say. Brandon Jacobs was a force all year and when he'd get injured the Giants showed resiliency with Derrek Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. They have a double threat in Amani "It is not a" Toomer and Plaxico Burress. They still do have Jeremy Shockey. And they boast the best front 4 on defense in the game today. Hey Michael Strahan, not retiring last year worked out pretty good huh?

Game 9 at Washington for another Monday Night game. What are we suppossed to think of Washington? They spend all this money and yet, never really make any sort of threat that they're the best in football. The Redskins had a rough ordeal last year with the loss of Sean Taylor and apparently the 4 hacks that mowed him down, won't face the death penalty. They're said to have a lot of offense, but it's hard to start at quarterback. Jason Campbell was the only QB on the depth chart making any sort of progress with 2,700 yards passing last year. I wish I could pull up how many starting QB's the 'Skins have used in the past "X" amount of years. I don't know the exact number, but I'm sure astounding. The Redskin's still own Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Antwaan Randle El (who hasn't amounted to rabbit pellet's since going there), James Thrash, Chris Sellers, and Chris Cooley. Cooley had a standout year from he tight end position. If you look at the Reskins depth chart for defense, you'd think you weren't looking at much. And you'd be correct.

Game 10 at home against the Colts. Well...two Manning's in 3 weeks. America is going to hate us, since the Manning's apparently are the heart throb of America and ESPN. Well, the Colts still have the cannon armed Peyton Manning. And so far they still have Marvin Harrison. That is until a Philadelphia county jail doesn't trade for him before the season. Harrison had a tough year last year, being healthy for only 5 games. They still do however have Reggie Wayne and they found a great receiver with Ohio State standout Anthony Gonzalez. Joseph Addai had a 1,000+ yard year and it was Bob Sanders this and Bob Sanders that on defense. Nothings changed, they're still the team to beat in the AFC now that the Patriots won't be able to use there camera's no more. Awww.

Game 11 at home against the Chargers. Yet another AFC powerhouse, and the lashings just keep on coming. Let's see, another 2007 playoff team that owns the names of Ladanian Tomlinson who had yet another 1,000+season, no surprise. Phillip Rivers is coming into his own and his leading target is not of the receiving unit, but his enormous tight end Antonio Gates. The offense didn't win them any huge games, but their smash mouth defense sure made the point. Shawn Merriman and physical corners Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cramartie. They won the AFC West with ease and they look tough again.

Game 12 at home against the Bengals (version 2) on a Thursday night for the Steelers' 5th prime time game.

Game 13 at the perfect season holding New England Patriots. Tainted season and all. Tom Brady is a daddy and the Giants front 4 made them his in Super Bowl XLII. What do you say about this? Bill Beli-suck was human in Cleveland and NY, he was a horrible coach at both, he could never win in the first place. Then came this little thing called a video and it could recorded images. Randy Moss decided to stay in New England, while others took the value to the ultimate level and left. Like Asaunte Samuel and Donte Stallworth. It's almost pointless to argue what these guys will bring. Do you know honestly? I mean, they have great talent. We saw that with Tom Brady throwing 60 yard bombs to Randy Moss. But then again, they knew what kind of defense they were running apparently by stealing signals. What a disgrace to the league. I hope we beat them down 56-7. Pathetic.

Game 14 at home versus Dallas. Wade Phillips is going to drown his fat ass in a sea of talent and will receive a bunch of the credit. The team was on the rise when they added Terrell Owens in the off season and found a stable running back in Marion Barber, while Julius Jones added a nice compliment. Terry Glenn and Patrick Crayton were also solid wide outs to Terrell Owens' "look at me! look at me!" craze. Not to mention Jason Whitten stepping it up in the catching department. The defense still owns hard hitting Roy Williams and Terrence Newman with a new 3-4 scheme. As long as Tony Romo is more convinced on passing for another 4,000 yards rather than qualifying for the US Open or spending his pre-NFC Championship days on a beach with a brainless blonde, they may be the team to beat. They've got all the pieces.

Game 15 at Baltimore. Version 2.

Game 16 at Tennesee. This would make 4 games against the toughest division in my book. The Titan's boasted a great phenom Vince Young and saw Lendale White put up some stellar digits. The Titans added a bunch up front on their defense via draft in 2007 and 2008. But the big move was adding Jevon Kearse. If Defense wins championships, the Titans have a contender. Besides Lendale White throwing up a 1,000+ yard season, the Titans still have Chris Henry in the backfield making for a common trend of a double threat backfield. Power & Speed.

Game 17 at home for the final game against the Browns. This game may play a huge factor. If things go like they did last year. This game could be the deciding factor in who wins the AFC North title and who goes to the playoffs.

Here's what we could learn from the schedule:

-The bigger they are, the harder they fall. Pittsburgh, prepare for the San Adres fault to erupt in Allegheny county.

-At least the rest of the AFC North has a similar schedule.

-If the Steelers win at least 13 games. They have to be considered a serious Super Bowl contender.

-We play the last 3 Super Bowl Champions. No including ourselves.

-The Steelers opponents combined record last year was 153-103. Ridiculous!

-The Browns still suck.

-What are we to do without seeing Chad Johnson's touchdown monologues?

-Who's the next Steelers Alan Faneca?

-This may be the hardest schedule in the NFL, San Diego was the kicker.

-What a shame the Steelers aren't a part of the BCS.

*More to come on my thoughts about the draft and other Steelers news. It's still early to get the Steeler fever.*

Pirates Take 3 of 4; Pen's look to go up 3-0

2008-05-13T13:01:00.005-04:00

Well, the Pirates got some good pitching...and then some not soo good pitching. In Game 1 of a double header, Freddy Sanchez got the Pirates on the board with a base clearing double. That would be about all of the scoring the game would see until the 8th. There, Ryan Doumit (who is pretty friggen hot at the plate right now), started things off with a double. Newly aquired Jason Michaels got Doumit to third on a fielders choice to the right side of the infield. THAT'S HOW YOU WIN BALLS GAMES (excpet having 4 errors, which the Bucco's had). Doing the small things helps though. Adam LaRoche declared at this time, that a deep fly ball wouldn't do any justice. So he decided to hit an even longer fly ball almost in the Allegheny. Zack Duke pitched 6 shutout innings of ball. Pirates win 5-0. In game 2 however, the Pirates, like the rest of Major League Baseball, couldn't beat Tim Hudson. Hudson went 7 strong, giving up 2 hits and no earned runs. He's a great candidate for the Cy Young. The Pirates however, looked awful. Starting pitcher John Van Benschoten went 4 lousy innings giving up 9 hits and 6 earned runs. The Pirates couldn't hit the broadside of a barn and the sweep was lost. But 6 of the last 7 ain't too bad. And now they head to St. Louis where the Cardinal's have been struggling. Losing 5 of there last 6. 3 game set with sissy boy Tony LaRussa and if the Buc's can sweep the series...they'll be at 21-20. ABOVE .500! Whoa. Good stuff.

The Penguins return tonight for game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals. Game 3 will be at the Wachovia Center at 7:30pm. I'm sure I'll be stuck to my laptop listening to the call from Mike Lange. (Speaking of which, I wonder how that playoff mullet of Lange's color guy Phil Borque is coming along?) Then Pen's are still fighting the talks about getting favorable calls while Philadelphia struggles to stay out of the penalty box. A crock of crap in my book. If that were the case, then why not allow the 1st period goal scored by Sidney Crosby (That was obviously over the line)? Oh well, we won...up 2-0. If the Penguins want a clean shot of taking this series. Game 3 is a must! It seems like they get that door fully opened when they get that 3rd win in a row. Let's only hope. Pen's going for win number 11 of the need 16 to win the Cup!

<-------Looks good to me. Way to snag it with the glove Marty!

10 Reason's to Hate Paul Steigerwald

2008-05-12T15:51:00.005-04:00

Douche

Paul Steigerwald's signature catch phrase? Anyone?
Mike Lange or Paul Steigerwald. You pick. We'll take the popular vote.
Someone let me know when "Staggy" gets inducted into the Hall of Fame for broadcasting.
3,500+ reason's there.
When web sites go up talking about how you got the job by a crock. 'Nough said.
Someone tell me where I can find a bar that will allow me to sync up your voice with the Versus telecast. Oh? None? Hmm, that's funny. Mike has one.
A web site movement for getting you off television made front page news in the Pittsburgh City Paper.
This thing is a huge seller in the Tri-State area during the Months of October thru May.

This baby has a 16 second delay that allows you to sync your TV and Radio together.

I ALMOST get excited when the Penguins score. Or anyother time during a game. No, you know what. Watch and see youself. You Must be proud to make this list. Elite company.

Steve Tello, comes to FSN, changes the voice and face of the Penguins broadcasting, then leaves for Houston. Thanks jag off for ruining Mike Lange. He did turn down ESPN, Chicago, and other loacations for less pay to stay in Pittsburgh. And this is how you repay him. Just one more question, how much did Staggy's family pay you for the BJ?

2-Love

2008-05-12T13:34:00.004-04:00

The Penguins, again, beat the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2. With Max Talbot coming back, no one thought he'd have the impact he had. Game Winner, how's that sound? Then Pen's looked good and the Flyers looked better than they did Saturday night. The way the Flyers scored, was by a miscue of no one covering Jeff Carter and a costly turnover at the blueline to give Mike Richards a short handed goal. The first one given up by the Pen's this playoff season. It was a better defensive game for the Flyers, but you can't hold down an offense like this for long. The small players are stepping up and the right players at the same time. Sidney Crosy ownded this game. They can't shut down Malkin in game one, but do a decent job on Crosby in game 1. Vice versa in game 2. I'm starting to thing it's impossible to stop either one at the same time. And if you do, who's left? Hossa, Sykora, and Malone? I'm only mentioning the a few from the 'Burgh's top 2 lines. I see the Pen's losing at least one game in Philly before having to come back home for a chance to take the series in 5. That is, if they play like they have all playoff series long. Hey, how about Tyler Kennedy dropping the mits with Scottie Upshall? Beat down, assault and battery. That final right hook was deadly. Kennedy may be one of the ugliest people I've ever seen, but he's such a pivotal scrapping player in the playoffs. Man, I hope he gets himself a goal. He deserves it. Marian Hossa is still putting good shots on the net and he game up with another goal last night. Awesome stuff! It's hard to believe just 3 short years ago, we couldn't even beat the lousy St. Louis Blues. And here we are knocking on Stanley's door.

Pen's AND Pirates Win!

2008-05-11T09:55:00.006-04:00

What a great Friday & Saturday night to be a Pittsburgh fan. The Penguins, with the exception of two Mike Richards garbage goals, absolutely took it to the Flyers. Even my 9 month old was getting pretty excited. Or she was taking a huge dump in her pants...but I'll go with the first one.

Well, like I said, besides the 2 goals in the first. Domination. And I'm glad The Pens Blog brought this to my attention (and everyone else). "If you went to the game, check for your wallet. Chances are Hossa pick-pocketed it." The Flyers could barely bring the puck up ice past center. And Marian Hossa had an awesome game at doing that. The whole night I was waiting for Mike Lange to let me know of the "talent, heart, or scoring depth" the Flyers posses. I waited until about 10:30pm. And the game was over. I'm sure Flyers fans will all be letting us know about Kimmo Timonen absence, and how HUGE of a role he's plays. Like I've heard before. The guy is not Bobby friggen Orr. No one ever really knew how big a part of the Flyers "D" he was. Until he got hurt. As for the Penguins. Can't say nothing about them. Malkin takes his second goal of the game via shorthanded after getting bell rung. Slow to get up and skating back into the Pens zone. Sergei Gonchar finds him at the Flyers blueline for an easy breakaway. Malkin, like in the Ranger series, doesn't deke. He walks in and uncorked a bottle of champagne all over Martin Biron. Or at least I think that was him, all I saw was a huge sive in net. I even saw beach balls in the stands float onto the ice and Biron, simply stepped to the side and let them go in. Kudos to Geno though for the nuts to even consider winding up like that. Besides the one timer short handed, Malkin also had another goal and an assist. Sidney Crosby helped the team by making in a tie game in the 1st period off a perfect redirect from Marian Hossa.

The Bucco's are on the verge of a sweep! AGAIN! Or at least halfway. No kidding. They won a classic bottom 9 walk-off hit from Freddy Sanchez to win 3-2. Then they just plain out pitched, hit, and scored the Braves in a 5-2 victory. Good games for both Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny. They both worked into the latter innings to final help out the bullpen, John Grabow, and Tyler Yates dismantled arms.

In game 1 of the series Friday night, the Bucco's had one key performer, Freddy 2 hit Sanchez. Sanchez knock in all 3 of the Pirates 3 runs. None bigger then the final run in the final inning. Nate McClouth went fishing as he was blanked with no hits. Even though Ian Snell took a no decision, he still went 7 strong innings on 2 hits and one earned run.

In game 2, Jason Bay was the hero. Going 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI. Gorzo pitch strong into the 8th giving up 7 hits on 2 runs. That oughta help the 5.97 ERA he now carries. Matt Capps, capped it off, with his 9th save in as many tries. Also newly aquired centerfielder Jason Micheal played in center going 3-4. Great, do we have a CF controversy already? They look to take 3 of 4 from the Braves today. Can it possibly happen? Let's hope

10 Reason's Pittsburgh's better than Philly

2008-05-09T20:54:00.003-04:00

VS.

Elton John coudn't pass up writing a song about Philly. Tells you how gay they are.

Primanti's and an Iron City vs. Philly Cheese Steak. There's tons of different Philly Cheese Steaks. There's only ONE Primanti's.

Philladelphia has fictional characters as statues (Rocky). We like it real in Pittsburgh.

Ron Jaworski or Terry Bradshaw. I think 4 rings beats 0. However, Jaws did attend Youngstown State (My home town), but this cant be confused with Pittsburgh. Not the same steel.

The Pirate Parrot can kick the Philly Phanatic ass only in days that end in "Y".

What the hell is a "Flyer"? You won't believe how they got the name. (Look under Franchise History)

This kid. (Recorded before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals)

The 2006-2007 season series between the Pen's and Flyers. Pens 8. Flyers 0.

Nice to know Pittsburgh's smart enough to follw decree's. Unlike Philadelphia.

Rivers: Pittsburgh (3), Philly (1). Game Over.

The Buc's and Barry

2008-05-09T14:54:00.006-04:00

Juice

The article here, is the reason for this topic. It agrees very little with why I feel Pittsburgh should leave Barry Lamar on the market. The reasoning the article boasts, is it wont help the Pirates become a playoff caliber team. Um, well DUH!? They also say they shouldn't bring him back because of the "relationship" between fans and himself. Again, these are typical and obvious reasons. Well, I got my reasons.

Barry Lamar Bond's last year stats would have led the Pirates in every offensive category last year. This doesn't include however, bloated ego, media bashing, least amount of autograph signings, children of different mothers, strip club wives, new era cap size (see cat, named Barry for his head size), his armor (AKA protective batting gear), or crucifix earrings. This however would have still ment that the Pirates pitching staff would still be the worst in the Majors. Barry, does not pitch. Barry can't even throw (when healthy) from left field with authority. Here's where I wanted to insert the final run of the 1992 NLCS. Howver, some gracious Pirate fan must have done all of Pittsburgh one huge favor and deleted them all. Funny though, the Turner Field video department seems to have it on cue...at...every...single...home game. Shall I continue? Other than Bond's offensive stats, the only other advantage gained would have been tickets sales. For one season (or half a season now), the Buc's could rake in some serious cash with people from Pittsburgh wanting to see his bloated humanity take the field. Then, all the money the Pirates could make would be turned around and given back to Barry for his cooked contract. And with what's left over...hell, just buy some hawaiian shirts and mail them on down to Dave Littlefield, because he's the only guy dumb enough to make an attempt like this.

Then there's Barry's teamates. Who will all probably make less them him combined for one year. He never got along with teammates. Just ask Jeff Kent, Jim Leyland, Andy Van Slyke, and Jay Bell.

Can we give him credit though for the ability for hitting 756+ home runs? Meh, depends. I see it like this. He did HIT the ball. And there is no steroid for the eye, but would he have been able to poke 756 with his physical attributes in 1991? Most certainly not. People respect Bonds for the way he "takes it to the media". Well, there's one step to the HOF he just pissed off. His decisions don't make sense and his attitude is embarressing. There's a reason I believe how this all got started. That was with the home run year in baseball. That being the 1994 strike-shortened year that saw Albert Belle, Ken Griffey Jr., and Matt Williams slugging it out for Maris' record. He got jealous. There was no room for a speedy, mid-power, batter in the limelight. But how does this have anything to do with him returning to Pittsburgh? Well, all those are negatives I've named. Well, I'm sure there are positives and I've stated a few. Ticket sales would climb. Attendence would rise. Also there would be some what of a reasonable bat that would include a guy who can bareley jog? Then, what do you do with the Pirates line up? Move Jason Bay to right? The what do you do with the NL RBI leader Xavier Nady? Move him to center? So then you do what with Nate McClouth? Who is having an amzing year thus far. It's ridiculous and it's garbage. There are simply too many negatives that outweigh the positives. It wont help anything. Except maybe get the fans to the ball park to boo a team they've only been booing for the last 16 years.

Warning! Another Gary Roberts Alert

2008-05-09T00:07:00.001-04:00

Did Eager even get a punch in?

Speaking of Diving

2008-05-08T21:19:00.008-04:00

A lot of players, coaches, and media personel have been accusing the "kid" of being a diver. Well, here's a sample of a few of his accusers caught in the act.
ALSO, I've been dying to get this off my chest. Why is it, everytime Sid hits the ice, they say he embelishes it? What ever happened to gravity and pure

Mike Richards Daily Planner

Friday: 7am, Lesson with Greg Luganis

Wasn't this the guy tell Sidney to "stay on his feet"?

Go write another will, dork.

Sean Avery Part II...is there seriously room for this guy in the NHL?

Wow...and the the Academy goes to....

Now, let me know about Sid. There's always some sort of physicality when he falls. Plus. he's effing Sidney Crosby. The refs are always gonna watch him. Wouldn't you?

There's your dive. Cake eaters.

Break Out the Brooms

2008-05-08T20:03:00.003-04:00

The Bucco's have officially just swept the Giants! Amazing stuff. Could this be a turn around? There have been signs of quality in the starting pitching. That is until those pitchers starting working the latter innings of there start. Of course, the 3rd game couldn't be won with out some controversy and so questionable front office moves. For the Pirates 3 run 7th, Nyger Morgan was called safe on a bunt down the 3rd base line and what turned out to be a blown call by the umpire. (Thank you Ron Kupla) From there the return of 2 hit Freddy came through yet again, with a ground rule double. Freddy has no gone 7-13 since being moved to the leadoff spot. Nate McClouth, still on fire, hit a sac-fly to bring Morgan home and make it a one run game. Jason Bay, who had a great series, backed it up with another double to make it a tie ball game. From there, the Giants made one of the smartest moves all afternoon, by walking Xavier Nady. Only to find out, that didn't really matter. The franchise's worst April player came through with a line drive single to make the comeback complete. A 5-4 win, a sweep, and now...only 3 back of .500. Us real Pirate fans never give up hope. A look ahead for the Buc's shows Atlanta coming into town with a dinosaur (Tom Glavine) taking the mound for game one. The real questin is, how many hits will Larry 'Chipper' Jones have? The man may have 100 hits by next week. He's simply hitting anything and everything that moves. Crazy Stuff.

The Pirates Beat Barry Zito. Wow.

2008-05-08T13:27:00.003-04:00

The Bucco's won again last night after beating Barry Zito's best performance of the year. Xavier Nady was the man again. Pumping in 2 more RBI's for the NL lead in that category. It was also nice to see Sean Burnett return in a relief appearence two nights ago in the Pirates 12-6 win. Burnett pitched 2/3 of a scorless 8th inning. As for the Pirates today, they look to sweep the Giants in a day game at PNC Park.

As far as I know, thats all I got. The Pen's and Flyers are still a few nights away, but I'm sure I'll be back with some good stuff before the nights over.

10 Reasons Marian Hossa Wanted Out of Atlanta.

2008-05-07T21:18:00.004-04:00

Do you know how hot it gets trying to grow a Stanley Cup beard in the south during May? Let alone getting to the playoffs on a Thrashers team in the first place.

Two words: Spring Street. If you don't know it. Keep it that way.

There's no such thing as "salt and vinegar" for your fries in Georgia. However there is boiled penuts. That is if you like salty smoothies coming from a shell. Plus they smell like death.

Slava Kozlov, Bobby Holik, Ilya Kovalchuk, and??????

Does anyone in Atlanta know anything about ice?

Name one center Atlanta can consider capable of being a first liner.... Thought so.

It's Kovalchuk this, Kovalchuk that.

My Coach/GM is an idiot. 8 years, 1 playoff appearence, numerous coaches, and he still has a job. No, you know what. Throw the ownership in with Mr. Wadell.

Would you want to see Alex Ovechkin's ugly face showing up 12 times a year? Then watch him score on the worst defense in the NHL? THEN watch him leap around like a princess as if he just won game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals?

There's 16 teams that make the playoffs. There's 32 teams in the NHL. Minus Atlanta, that gives you a 55% of making the playoffs on another team. And that number is not obtainable in "Blueland". If this were "11 Reasons Marian Hossa Wanted Out of Atlanta", "Blueland" would of been number 11.

I Just Can't Stop.

2008-05-07T19:17:00.007-04:00

Thank God for PensBlog.

The Curse of William Penn. In short, building Liberty One Place has been a BAD idea. As the tale goes. Under an agreement, no building was to exceed the top of this.This was until One Liberty Place was erectedand turned out to be 397 feet higher than City Hall.Liberty One Place was opened in 1987.Before that, Philadelphia's sports team had enjoyed tons of success.A mere two months after Liberty One Place was built, the Flyers lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals to the Edmonton Oilers and have not won a Cup since.The Phillie's were devastated by Joe Carter's walk-off home run in 1993.The Eagles have won nothing either.

Thanks...Again PensBlog.

In response to the Flyers saying the Penguins fear them:"It can't be expressed, the fear we feel," Penguins left winger Gary Roberts said yesterday, sarcasm lacing every syllable.

A New Arena; Oddly, a Pirates blow-out.

2008-05-07T17:51:00.000-04:00

The playoffs for the Pens arrives in (as of Wednesday) 2 short nights. In the meantime, however, new drawings were released of the new arena to be built in Pittsburgh. They were reported to have said they plan to place a statue in one entrace of a "well known Penguin". Gee...let's think of who that could be. And if anyone reads this and thinks Jamior Jagr, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, or any other former Penguin besides Mario Lemiuex. E-mail me...and I will stab you in the jaw, via cyber E-mail, of course.

Ladies & Gentlemen. The Pirates scored 12 runs! Yes, double digits. John Russel kicked around the batting order and found that Mr. Sanchez was doing the team no good at a .222 avg and decided he was the Bucco's new lead off guy. Well, it worked. As did "Mighty" McClouth being bumped back to the two hole. Good stuff. However, I am dissapointed to see that in the team's individual leaders, Paul Maholm leads the pitching staff with a 4.58 ERA! I think it's safe to say that seeing that ERA settles itself and for every person's sake, leave it as it is. But then again, to brighten up the mood before I go. Xavier Nady is 4th in the NL with a .352 avg and is tied for the lead in RBI's at 32. Then there's Nate McClouth, 9 homers and he's only 4 behind All-Star Chase Utley and in the likes of other All-Stars Lance Berkman, Chipper Jones, and Pat Burrell. (Who amazingly hasn't committed suicide afte all the boo's in Philly)

**A good song to get you pumped up for some Penguin hockey**
**How about another one, this time ALL PITTSBURGH!**
(Courtesy of Jim & Randy; WDVE Pittsburgh)

My first blog! A look ahead for the Pens!

2008-05-06T15:29:00.000-04:00

Mostly, I'll be blogging Pittsburgh sports. Being from the 'Burgh, it's hard not to be bias. Plus, they're probably the only teams that can really elaborate on with passion.

Well, the Pittsburgh Penguins have rid themselves of the poison that is the New York Rangers. What a team the Pen's have. Big talented names along with the small names that make the little things happen. Every single forward in the Pen's line up has scored a goal at some point in the playoffs except for one. Tyler Kennedy...and that kid I'm sure, will not finish the playoffs that way.

The Philadelphia Flyers are next, in the Eastern Conference Championship. I hope the Flyers are nervous. They've beaten a team (Washington Capital) who has to play in the Southeastern division, and it's hard to lose a game in that division after the trade deadline. Then they played a Montreal Canadien team that had 5 skaters on the ice and half a goalie. The question is...can the Penguins beat Martin Biron? Not, can the Penguins beat the Flyers? Besides the Biron factor, the only other questions the Pens face are that of a cancer named RJ Umberger. He's been a thorn for the Penguins and I see that trend ending. So far these playoffs, Mr. Umberger has skated with his head up. Unlike a couple years ago.

I also wish Rick Generet could of been the guy taking the hit too.

And then I found this. It's titles "Worst Announcers of the NHL". Whoever made this video...you are forever a friend of mine.

My thoughts---> Pen's in 6