Pittsburgh vs. Atlanta, 3 April 2008
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 3:25 PM EDT
Email
PrintPittsburgh Pirates at Atlanta Braves, Apr 3, 2008 7:10 PM EDT
Zach Duke vs. Mike Hampton, 7:00 on FSNP and WPGB.
Hampton is making his first start since 2005; good for him.
Amazingly, Hampton's still on that massive $121 million contract the Rockies signed him to after the 2000 season. He got a $20 million signing bonus after that deal, he's making $15 million this year and he's got a no-brainer $6 million buyout coming on his $20 million 2009 club option before he even throws a pitch next year. (And let's be honest, he probably won't. Throw a pitch next year, that is.) Three teams (the Rockies, the Braves, and the Marlins, who took on a bunch of money before sending Hampton to Atlanta without his throwing a pitch for them) have paid at least $20 million of that contract. Since signing the contract, Hampton has just 53 wins and two full seasons with an ERA below league average.
Most teams are understandably unwilling to hand out eight-year contracts for pitchers now, but the big problem with a lot of these big contracts for pitchers is that teams just aren't picking the right pitchers. Three of the worst and most expensive contracts ever given to pitchers - Hampton's, Barry Zito's, and Chan Ho Park's - were given to guys who allowed more than 90 walks in the season before the contract. If you're going to give a huge contract to a pitcher, give it to Johan Santana, not the guy with the Kip Wells-like walk totals. Some of these contracts probably could have been avoided if teams had understood DIPS better at the time.
Anyway, I should be in the comments for a good portion of this one. Here's the box.
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Hampton--Not so much
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 7:19 PM EDT reply actions
freddy
wow. that was the worst swing i've seen out of him in a while
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Paulino
any reason for Ronnie starting or just rotation?
by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 3, 2008 7:25 PM EDT reply actions
why the heck
is turner field unbelievably empty? weathers bad but still
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 7:26 PM EDT reply actions
They said
they were going to rotate Paulino and Doumit based on matchups. I'm guessing they liked him against Hampton.
Hard to argue with that.
Paulino does hit lefties hard.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Good news
I picked up Y Escobar for my fantasy team today, so he's guaranteed not to hurt us.
...
Ronnie Ballgame really knows how to look at a third strike.
Russell's restraint
You just know he wanted to pinch hit with Doumit even in the second.
Liveblog of this game
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com/2008/04/pirates-at-braves-game-3-live.html
I'll be around here, too
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 7:51 PM EDT reply actions
I actually get to WATCH the Pirates
As a displaced Pirates fan I usually follow the Bucs via XM radio. Thanks to a free preview of MLB Extra Innings on my cable system, I am actually getting to WATCH the Pirates tonight. Unfortunately it the Atlanta (Sports South) telecast... the announcers are horrible.
I know I'm not alone in this opinion,
but I have to say one more time that McLouth looks like he is going to have a really good year.
Duke's numbers
I think my TV has a glitch. I keep seeing 9's instead of 8's as the first digit on the radar gun when Duke's pitching.
GRRR...
C'mon, we've all been thinking the exact same thing, but nobody was actually going to SAY it...
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 8:05 PM EDT reply actions
Yunel Escobar absolutely owns the Buccos. It's kinda sad.
Getting him out a couple of times would be nice.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
What DITO said
McClouth can play a little, can't he?
Holy crap
he was on his horse the whole way and he caught it while still on the run. That was a great play.
Oh man
His read on that ball was just great. He was moving as soon as the ball came off the bat. There's no way Morgan could have made that play. Maybe Duffy could have.
Ronny Ballgame!
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 8:17 PM EDT reply actions
Yankees-Blue Jays??
It's not June yet - you can still be a Pirates fan!
I have Hughes on mine.
A pox on both your houses!
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Bennett's done
Boyer in.
Bennett goes 4 innings, gives up 4 hits, 2 runs (both earned) while K'ing 3 and walking 2.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Josh Willingham
is my fourth outfielder in a 12 team H2H league...should I drop him in favor of McLouth?
It's a tough call.
I don't know. I'm not a Willingham fan - there isn't a lot of upside there. But he has a better track record than McLouth. I'd probably do it, just so I could root for McLouth.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 8:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Don't you remember him?
He was the last out in the marathon that took place on Monday.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Yeah
Assumed as much, tried to return the favor.
Unfortunately, sarcasm doesn't travel well online.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
wow
duke being effective yet that was his first K?
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 8:40 PM EDT reply actions
Escobar
was just retired. For the 2nd time in the game. Amazing.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Rivas?
whats up with fred?
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 8:53 PM EDT reply actions
Seriously, though.
Is Freddy OK? I was watching with the sound off and assumed it was a standard double switch, until I saw that Duke was still in the game.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions
announcers are suspicous
because he is in the dugout, just sitting, not getting any type of medical attention
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions
A trade?
Or is Luis really a better defensive player?
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
If I had to guess
I'd say they're just being extra careful about Freddy's shoulder. But I dunno. It's weird.
chipper
is hitting everything
You're a Pirates fan?
Link
Sorry to be off message but Bucco Blog posted a good interview with Kyle Stark today. Here's the link. Charlie I thought you might want to link it on the main page.
That's not clear to me either.
Good slide by Diaz, though.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Gets Kotsay
But he started 2-0 against the batter for about the 18th consecutive time. He's lucky he can't hit.
No, I think you were right.
He still could have made the throw, IMO.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Big AB
cmon duke
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:04 PM EDT reply actions
Freddy
Freddy made that lollipop throw in the third inning. I was worried at the time that the shoulder was hurt. But he made one routine play after that.
Come on
Osoria had been up for a little while...why wasn't he brought in against the right handed hitter?
Ugh.
Corky Miller beating us. Duke should have been out of there several batters ago. I don't understand what Russell's thinking.
he needs this out...bad
and why is Marte warming up and osoria sitting down
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply actions
Oh man
now he just stared down the ump after going down 3-0 and threw a fourth pitch fastball at the eyes...
It's past time
Does it even matter?
The lead is gone. The offense is, well... the Pirates offense.
And we've seen the bullpen this year.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
It's kind of nice, in a sense, watching the same team every year
Like Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma's house, it's a comforting tradition many of us have known all our lives.
Really unfortunate for Duke
If he would have come out right after the first run when Osoria was up and ready he would still feel good about the start
Yeah really
116 pitches! What's that about?!
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate to say it
It's a small, small thing, but Jack should have made that relay on that one play. They just showed the replay and he had plenty of time. Same thing would have happened to him whether he threw it or not.
Agree
Wilson's to blame for not getting the throw away and then an error to boot. I'd say Duke could punch him in the face after this inning eventually ends, but it might improve Jack's face.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
one thing
until the last walk, duke still was throwing OK. The singles were not hit hard and he should have been out of the inning twice.
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:14 PM EDT reply actions
I thought it
should have been obstruction. Diaz completely slid through Wilson, way off from the bag and then just nicked the bag afterwards. But the Braves are always going to get that call at home.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Maybe
Russell was hoping Duke would get through the inning and then he could pinch-hit for him next inning. Instead, he only gets Osoria for 0.1 innings.
Not justifying it, but maybe... for some odd reason...
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Trying to get Duke a win?
Maybe it was an attempt to boost confidence that backfired?
I don't know...
It was the sixth inning, not the fifth.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
I meant after it was tied - gave him a couple extra batters just hoping he'd get out of it with a chance. I can't think of any other reason.
I'm telling you
Duke was out of the inning twice and wasn't giving up big hits. Only one batter two late..not like 5
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply actions
But the unnecessary piling on of PAP
seems really stupid in the first start of the season, especially in cold damp weather.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Yeah
and he was starting every single batter with two or three balls. I don't know why, but he was having real trouble throwing strikes, well before the real problems started.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I think
he probably just felt Duke was the better option to get Kotsay & Miller out, even though he was tiring.
Did the first base umpire
Feel like doing the make up call?
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Replay shows
Paulino hustled his ass down there. Nice!
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Well
Bad call, in any case. But I'll take it.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
look at that hustle!!!
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions
Paulino!?!?!!!
Did Paulino actually outrun that?
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 3, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply actions
I'm really not liking the make-up of the bench when the team needs a pinch hitter.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Any word on Freddy?
Just an "as a precaution" move?
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
McLouth
...with no logo on his undershirt sleeve?
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
Oh shit
Jack Wilson hurt, after tying the game with what would have easily been a double. He's at first right now.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Morgan?
Doumit?
& Mientkiewicz.
Gomez just pinch-hit, Rivas is already in.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Rain
Suddenly, "Blame it on the Rain" might be poignant
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 3, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply actions
No cramp
Or Wilson's a drama queen. He hopped down the line, putting no weight on it.
He looks hurt bad.
He's not putting any weight on the leg, but he's not being carried off.
Even without the passed ball, I think Wilson would have driven in the run from first base.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Minkiewicz
to 3rd, Rivas to SS, Bautista to 2nd?
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
Sanchez
The Trib thinks it's the shoulder:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleyindependent/teenscene/s_560570.html
That seems reasonable. That throw WAS weird.
I'm betting Achilles
He's hobbling off but it doesn't look good at all.
He does that sometimes.
I think he had a couple pinch running appearances last year. It works; he's athletic enough.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah reminds me of my youth
Man the Padres sucked.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Infield
Rivas to short, Gomez at third, Bautista at second? Jose doesn't look too comfortable, either. Stretching constantly.
Injuires.....
Freddy's shoulder isn't going away and Wilson's probably gone 3 weeks if he actually pulled his calf muscle. Should be interesting to see how gets the nod at short.
Don't know if this has been commented on but...
You've gotta love Rivas' shoes! Bright white with his name on them!
Gomez to 2nd, Rivas to short, Grabow pitching & batting 2nd.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Rivas.....
Is going to get the audition he failed with the Twins 5 years ago over the next three weeks.
Oh my.
I hope you're wrong. That was the longest, most painful audition ever.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Fulton County Stadium
Didn't it have the worst infield in history? Looks like they're back there this series.
Completely off topic, but...
Kei Igawa no hit Lehigh Valley for 6 innings. And then got pulled. You'd think they'd let him go for the no hitter, even if it is just AAA.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Russell:
"Stat guys, quick! What's the record for balls thrown in a game?"
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Dear God
Batista sucks.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Rivas's shoes are grey?
The laces are blindingly white.
Grabow's gotten 4 outs
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:36 PM EDT reply actions
K...
do we blame the pitchers?
or the fielders?
or the guys that put the team together?
Cuz this is just painful.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
And then there's hope again
Really, as the song goes, it's our own damn fault.
The only way to get outs
Strike outs...and pray Paulino holds onto the ball.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
See future...
That's what I am talking about.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Tie is good
for now.
Heart of the line-up (if there is one) coming up.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
grabow and marte
switching roles?
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:39 PM EDT reply actions
Assuming the worst (because it's what I do)
have a 2nd baseman in the minors that they can call up? Or are we stuck with Rivas.
And Bixler at short, right?
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Freddy's OK
"Manager's discretion" due to the weather, Lanny said.
Phew.
Too bad that apparently exhausted his supply of discretion for the day.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Acosta
we shelled him monday
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply actions
Who else would we want at the plate righ tnow?
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:43 PM EDT reply actions
dang
nice pitch
http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com
by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 3, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply actions
Jack Wilson
left the game due to an injured leg.
According to MLB.com. Though we already knew that.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Bay walks to start the inning...
LaRoche, Nady & Bautista can't drive him in.
Who else are we supposed to turn to in that type of situation?
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Calf
Sport South just said it was supposedly Wilson's calf muscle
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 3, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions
Wow
Gotay just walked twice. Oh wait. This umpire is so entertainingly not even close to consistent.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Grabow!
What a stab.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Wilson
P-G says apparent knee injury. Anyone have hamstring in the pool? Achilles? Shoulder?
Hammy
or Achilles
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 3, 2008 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Shoulder
Is a dark-horse (of course, I didn't see the play).
Put me down for Achilles though.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Hopefully we'll have more days like this.
The new system makes it easy.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow
I'd never noticed this, but the Braves are saying that McLouth has NEVER been thrown out by a catcher.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:01 PM EDT reply actions
Have you been watching?
This zone is all over the place.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
Yeah
But it's only been all over the place for the Braves. It's okay with me if only Ruben Gotay gets the shaft. :)
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Grabow...
done, right?
Or does he have another inning left?
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Oh man
A fan came on the field and pretended the resin bag was a grenade, and then ran away from security, and we didn't get to see it? Come on!
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions
Ha
what did they say happened? A fan grabbed the rosin bag, threw it, and was being chased in the outfield?
Something like that.
Apparently did a good job eluding security too.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like
the one manager for a Braves minor league team.
That was a hilarious display.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Watched the video last week...
always good if you want a laugh.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
yates is a cool dude
You're a Pirates fan?
Yates has some guts.
Throwing a fastball right down the pike to Jones like that.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions
Isn't it time
a 30+ year old man stops being "Chipper?"
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
Wilson
PG now saying Jack has a strained calf. Day to day and will be reevaluated tomorrow.
P-G
DK jumped the gun. He's still trying to tie it to the Diaz slide somehow (not clear if it had any impact, he says).
Good trade
Redmon might win a Cy Young with Atlanta, but he would have blown his arm out in Altoona if he stayed a Buc. At least Yates has thrown 3 good innings without getting hurt.
Honestly, I don't think...
Redmond will ever get to the big leagues, unless it's as a fringy reliever.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
But his chances did improve by changing systems. Not sure why exactly, but history certainly is on his side now.
When that's a good thing
something is seriously wrong.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Wilson
I'm telling you he pulled his calf and will be out 2-4 weeks depending on how severe. I've done it, it sucks.
If true
hopefully they call up Bixler instead of starting Gomez.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
yea hoping for a steal instead of a bunt
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 3, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn't matter
Off a righty, Morgan ought to be able to swipe that bag with the whole world knowing he's going to.
Nice work by Morgan
Laying off that inside pitch when it was 2-1. Leadoff walk.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions
I'll never understand it
Bunting over a guy with that kind of speed.
He doesn't steal bases that effectively, and Luis Rivas was at the plate.
I still wouldn't have bunted, but I guess that'd be the rationale.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Bunting
To third works for me - but not to second with no one out. Get him to third with a chance for a sac fly.
morgan
is at least distracting the pitcher
You're a Pirates fan?
What?
Resop is in the outfield? What the...?
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions
pitcher in outfield to come back in game later
has that happened before?
You're a Pirates fan?
Never seen anyone
use it like this. interesting strategy.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
It's like something out of a bad baseball movie or something.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Apr 3, 2008 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions
thats what
smizik wants
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 3, 2008 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Hopefully
he could get that much...and hopefully he will be on the phone with some teams in the coming weeks
Why AA 1st baseman?
You have Pearce. (& LaRoche, I guess).
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Dear God
Does anything go right?
How does Morgan not catch that?
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
game over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're a Pirates fan?
Nice win
Nady is the man.
"I got my pregnant wife (the Yankee fan) with me. Hoping my kid learns to kick her everytime the Mets score." -Schifftis-
It's all subjective...
Rivas was a defensive switch for Sanchez.
And Resop was a defensive switch for Diaz.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Tomorrow
Great game. (obviously... it ended in a win.)
Back here tomorrow.
Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...
Let's sweep these hapless Marlins
Make it 5-1 heading to the Burgh!
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