Wednesday Roundup

Yesterday the Batting Buccos brought down the lowly Boston Red Sox 3-2 in a spring rematch of the first World Series. Pirates' backstop Ronnie Paulino hit a 2-run homer in the first off former Pirate Tim Wakefield. Andrew McCutchen added an RBI single in the second inning and Brad Eldred was 0 for 2, but he drew 2 walks. Tony Armas had another decent outting allowing 2 runs and 5 hits through 5 and a third. John Wasdin, Dan Kolb and Juan Perez combined for 3 and a third of no-hit ball to finish the game.

An interesting piece of writing from a few days ago, Rany Jazayerli of Baseball Prospectus profiled what he deemed the worst contract a player ever signed. Tim Wakefield has a 1 year contract to pitch for the Red Sox with a perpetual option. He basically told them a few years ago that he wanted to spend the rest of his career in Boston, so they agreed to a 1 year deal with a $4m salary (plus some incentives) and every season until they feel he's no longer useful, they just push the button and he's signed. No contract buyout. No compensation.

Today the Bucs travel just down the road to Sarasota to take on the Cincinatti Reds. Zach Duke will make his final start of the spring against Aaron Harang.

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The Pirates lost to the Reds, 6-4. Zach Duke pitched well enough I suppose, although he gave up back to back homers to Adam Dunn and Edwin Encarnacion. Brad Eldred came in to play first base and was 1 for 1 with a double off the wall and another walk. Marty McCleary gave up 3 runs in 1 inning of work. Despite reports, Freddy Sanchez did not see any action.

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DUH! Freddy Sanchez played in a minor league game today and was 3 for 8. I should have thought of this earlier: If Sanchez sees any action in a Major League exhibition he can not be back-dated on the DL...