Defensive positioning
Earlier in the season, I took a stab at breaking down the Pirates’ unusual outfield alignments. About a week after writing that article, I set out to gather some additional data. I went to PNC Park, snapped some photos, forgot about them and moved on to something else. It is time to revisit that information.
Is Walker a Rookie of the Year candidate?
By continuing to hit baseballs very hard, Neil Walker has made a case for some Rookie of the Year consideration. When FanHouse baseball writer Ed Price posted some interesting rookie stats on his Twitter feed this afternoon, I thought it might be a good idea to take a closer look at Walker’s chances.
Series Preview: Braves vs. Pirates
Probable Starters
RHP Tomy Hanson vs. LHP Brian Burres
RHP Tim Hudson vs. RHP James McDonald
TBA vs. LHP Zach Duke
Series Preview: Nationals vs. Pirates
Probable Starters
RHP Livan Hernandez vs. LHP Zach Duke
LHP John Lannan vs. LHP Paul Maholm
RHP Jason Marquis vs. RHP Charlie Morton
State College Recap, 9/1/2010
I was in attendance this evening as the State College Spikes fell to the Auburn Doubledays by a score of 1-0. The Spikes bats went silent as the team only managed two hits in the game. Click here to read a few of my observations from the park.
Altoona Recap, 8/29/2010
While traveling for work, I was able to stop in Altoona for a few hours on Sunday to catch a Curve game. Jared Hughes made the start for the Pirates’ Double-A affiliate, which is gearing up for the postseason. Here are a few of my thoughts after taking in a 5-4 Curve loss on a beautiful evening at Blair County Ballpark.
Is it the manager’s fault?
Lastings Milledge is on second base after leading off an inning with a double, and the Pirates appear to have something cooking. The next batter hits a two-hopper directly to the shortstop and Milledge takes off for third. He is easily thrown out. After the game, an exasperated fan calls the local radio station and asserts that John Russell has clearly lost this team. Is he right?
Anatomy of a loss
The Pirates have managed to produce some very strange methods of losing in Milwaukee this year. Last night, Lastings Milledge misplayed a fly ball into a two-run triple, which directly led to a 7-2 loss. Let’s take a look at just one of the 349,993 ways the Pirates have found to lose a game.
Series Preview: Pirates vs. Brewers
Probable Starters
RHP James McDonald vs. LHP Chris Narveson
LHP Zach Duke vs. LHP Manny Parra
RHP Charlie Morton vs. RHP Dave Bush
Why is John Russell the manager?
John Russell has taken his fair share of criticism during his time as the Pirates’ manager, some of which has been justified. Despite the historic losing and the anger heaped down from the fanbase, he is still standing unfazed in the Bucs’ dugout. That, in itself, is a testament to why Neal Huntington chose him to lead this team.
