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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh, 9 April 2008

Charlie_tiny by Charlie on Comment 428 comments

Chicago Cubs @ Pittsburgh Pirates


It's Ryan Dempster and Zach Duke at PNC, 7:05. Dempster was terrific in his first start this year, but he's been a reliever for the last several years, and not a very good one. This looks like an opportunity for the PIrates to continue their high-scoring ways. The best-case scenario with Dempster is that he becomes the next Braden Looper. Looper was a low-wattage closer for the Marlins and Mets before the Cardinals moved him to the rotation last year. He posted a 4.94 ERA there. If I were the Cubs, I'd keep Dempster in the 'pen and go with someone like Sean Marshall. But that's just me.

Anyway, here's the box. Brian Bixler starts at shortstop; we'll see whether that can possibly be any worse than Luis Rivas, who finds himself on the bench after beginning the season as a huge liability on defense. 

-P- The Pirates' AAA squad will stay in Indianapolis through at least 2012. A few weeks ago John Perrotto reported that they might move it to Buffalo, but apparently that won't happen.

-P- ESPN observes that the Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez-led Tigers are dead last in the majors in runs scored. The Pirates are fifth. Also, the Orioles are in first place and the Mets are in last. Nothing all that weird about any of that, but it's funny.

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the over/under

on mclouth homers this year, im setting at 19, what say ye bucco fans?

Aramis 5 BB - 2 K, he's come close before, I'd love to see a season from a Cubs player with more walks than strikeouts.

by kylejo on Apr 9, 2008 4:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Greetings fellow NL centralites...

I'd wish you guys good luck tonight...but I don't want your team to win! LOL...anyway, you guys may get to feast on our starter tonight...we never know which Dempster is going to show up.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Apr 9, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I think you'd be hard pressed...

...to find a knowledgable Cubs fan who would vehemently disagree with you about Dempster. Then again, he does seem very focused on succeeding as a starter. He showed up to spring training in great shape, pitched very well during the spring and pitched pretty well in his first start.

I'm hoping Dempster gives the Cubs what we hoped to see from Jason Marquis last year. That is, not necessarily a dominant starter, but a guy who will eat up innings and keep the team in the game. My personal projection for Demp goes along the lines of 12 wins and 9 losses with a 4.52 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Not great, but decent enough.

And as a fourth- or fifth-level starter, I like Sean Marshall a lot, too. One quasi-problem with having Marshall in the rotation, though, would be that it would give the Cubs three lefty starters, and Lou would probably have to start Hill and Marshall back to back. That's not a huge deal to me, but others seem to have a problem with it.

In any case, may the best team win tonight, Bucs fans!

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by dat cubfan daver on Apr 9, 2008 5:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why are the Cubs starting Reed Johnson in CF? I know Pie's a lefty but come on.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow that's a sparse crowd.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:09 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pens playoffs game 1

at home.

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 7:10 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cuz of that

its not on TV here either

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 7:11 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two men on, no outs.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hello from Milwaukee

I'm going to join you until our game starts add some anti-Cub synergy.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dempster pitched surprisingly well against the Brewers last time out.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cool, welcome. It may be pretty quiet tonight; this game isn't on TV and the Penguins are in the playoffs.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hockey?

What's that?

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:23 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My question exactly!

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There's a nice hit by Bay.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:20 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

laroche

does he still not have a hit since the opener?

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 7:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

seriously there is something mentally wrong with laroche

he gets two hits in march but cant do anything in april

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 7:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

La Roche means "The Rock"

That's where he gets his consistency from.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

my suggestion

is to hit laroche in the 7 spot and put doumit in cleanup

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 7:25 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doumit is on my fantasy team

So I wholeheartedly agree.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:26 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol

hes a sleeper

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doumit is a sleeper

...and LaRoche is in a coma.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol

i drafted laroche late in mine thinking he would be a sleeper since he sucked last year...those two hits in the opener got my hopes up...but alas hes done nothing

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 7:29 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have him on both of mine. I have a feeling I'm going to be pretty glad about that in a couple months.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe. You never know what kinds of psychological factors go into decisions like that, though.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:27 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Cubs are so boring

...that their own announcers have been talking about the days-old NCAA championship game for five minutes.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

To their credit, they were talking about who Derrek Lee would be rooting for. But yeah, I mean, still!

It's still nice to have a couple quiet innings for Duke.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:30 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For luck

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Apr 9, 2008 7:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey!

Find your own blog to invade!

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I came over

to see what the holdup was on the Coke and pierogie.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Apr 9, 2008 7:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I ordered you some

They're racing over.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So it turns out Bixler screwed up?

That's what I thought initially, but that was such a weird play.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, it was Bixler's fault, although a dollop of blame also goes to third base coach Tony Beasley, who didn't see it coming either.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:34 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Man, that Bixler play is the last thing I want to hear about right now.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(That wasn't intended as a response to you, Battlekow.)

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:40 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha, that's not why I shut up

Just nothing going on. I was actually reading about Primanti Bros on Wikipedia.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:45 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha. That play has been discussed pretty extensively here and at Where's Van Slyke. Some pretty interesting discussion.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

First and third after the single by Soriano. One out. Duke doesn't seem to be having an easy time with the top of the order.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:42 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

after throwing so many pitches last time out, is Duke showing any signs of fatigue early on? I'm unfortunately unable to see this game.

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 9, 2008 7:44 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, his last fastball was 87, which is slow even for him. I hadn't been paying attention before now, though. In the first inning, he was up around 90.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:45 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The short answer is that he looks about the same as he did last time out.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Jeff Suppan can hang with Johnny Quest

...Young Jeff Suppan can hang with Ryan Dempster.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is Duke young Jeff Suppan? That wouldn't be too bad if he grew up to be Suppan.

Who's your signature about?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I suppose "Jeff Suppan who is young" would be a better descriptor

They seem to have a similar (complete lack of) stuff.

Phil Garner said it about Carlos Lee last year. It was pretty funny, since Carlos Lee is a manslug.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He does steal some bases, but he would've come up about tenth on my list of Brewers that quote might have been about. Weeks? Hart? Braun? etc.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's very canny about the basestealing

But "quick" and "Carlos Lee" have been about a meal a day away from each other for awhile now.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 7:58 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just back from work...

missed anything much?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 7:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nothing too important, no. Lots of baserunners for Duke.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:51 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's

to be expected though.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 7:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I made fun of Dempster a few hours ago, but the Pirates sure haven't figured him out.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow, Duke just made Fukudome look silly. Maybe he expected a backdoor breaking ball?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's certainly promising that he's gotten this far.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 7:59 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really nice inning for Duke.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

j bay

will solve dempster now...hoping

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That

didn't go so well.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All right

Back from whence I came.

Rest assured, we're all cheering for you.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cheers, good luck to your Brewers tonight.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Duke

has 3 K's so far.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:03 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah. They were real ones, too, just fooling good hitters.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:04 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did the true story behind LaRoche's thumb ever come out? Was it a true injury or was it an excuse just to keep him and his .083 BA out of the lineup?

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 9, 2008 8:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh wow, LaRoche just got on base.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:07 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

*checks outside for other signs of the apocolypse*

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 9, 2008 8:08 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unfortunately

(if I'm correct) he's still hitless this month.
The apocalypse will be signaled by him getting a hit, not a walk...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:10 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What happened to the offense?

They had 17 runs scored in the last 2 games... and they've only gotten 1 hit through 4 today.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

anyone watching this game on mlb.tv?

gameday showed the ball that doumit hit was at the center field wall basically

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, it was just a standard fly to deep center.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:13 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think this is the best, smartest pitching I've seen from Duke in about a year.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, maybe '06. The velocity he showed in 2005 still isn't back.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And sadly...

the 1 run allowed might still prove to be the biggest obstacle in his attempt to pick up a win.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that would suck

if this effort by duke is wasted

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 8:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is Bixler...

looking even partially good out there?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Looks fine on defense so far. Hasn't done much at the plate.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tough play for the Pirates on that single by Fukudome.

I can't believe Fukudome's going to hit for much power over time if he keeps swinging like that. He didn't put his body into that ball at all.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice to see

Duke get out of that without giving up a run.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:30 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now,

if only the offense would follow suit.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, Dempster's just destroying them right now.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good ole

Jason-ity

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 8:36 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

anyone

in the pen?

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 8:41 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know, but Duke's not really having any trouble... has he thrown too many pitches?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:44 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hit him!

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 8:45 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is a HUGE pitch

cmon Duke

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 8:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice

way to go, what an outing for Duke!

I wish we'd score

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 8:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very good start by Duke. I'm assuming he's done.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

very nice

I was very wary of Duke at the start of the season but he has impressed me so far in these two starts. And his pinch hit on Monday.

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 9, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Finished with 116 pitches

Masterful performance now let's get some freakin' runs

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Duke needed that outing

to help out the heavily used bullpen

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cubs announcer: "Nady is the bladder..."

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

seriously.

we are making dempster look like cy young

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

offense is getting dominated by Dempster (1 hit thru 7)

Duke pitched great (1 run) even though he gave up 8 hits. still he got some K's and made clutch pitches

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Always a unique way to lose

The old lumber and lightning Bucs, circa mid-late 70's would at least win or lose big

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:03 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if we dont score and duke gets a loss

that's just not fair

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 8:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What the heck was that? Did the ball bounce off the base?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 8:55 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whew

Osoria is in, nothing can go wrong here...

by bryanzane on Apr 9, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh wow, Dempster has a one-hitter going. I didn't realize that.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:01 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And the one hit

was by Jason-ity.
Shocker there.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:02 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Aw geez. How many errors by pitchers are we going to have this year?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

are you serious

what the heck?!

http://raisethejollyroger21.blogspot.com

by Raise the Jolly Roger on Apr 9, 2008 9:05 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The one problem with replacing Duke

is that the bullpen is more-or-less total crap.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:07 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i wonder...

what sean burnett is doing right now?

by bryanzane on Apr 9, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FWIW he got a save tonight

as he pitched THREE scoreless innings tonight

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:13 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What's his pitching style?

Righty, lefty?

Power pitcher or curve baller?

How many pitches?

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:17 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think that hurt his viability

in our pen. The current crop of hard-throwers, like Yates and Capps, break up the rhythm the batters get into against our starters.

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why did Rivas just do that? I mean, what was that?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

?

can we score 2 runs before Bay bats?

by bryanzane on Apr 9, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously, why would you try to bunt in that situation?

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Down two runs? No, it's not a joke.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

At least

use someone that can get a bunt down.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:19 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's more like a question I know the answer to. But come on.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If the bunt was successful

You would have runners at 2nd and 3rd for Nate to take home and tied.

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If I had a nickel for every bunt the Pirates screwed up in the past five years...

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bunted into a DP, that is.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Enough with the ()*@#$%#ing bunts!

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What?

You want Rivas swinging away there?

What the hell is going on around here? Two on, no out, Rivas at the plate? Yeah. Bunt. I don't get it (the question).

by azibuck on Apr 9, 2008 9:20 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why

even bring Rivas to the plate?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Exactly

Where was Gomez and his veteran expertice?

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or a pitcher

Even the pitchers can get a bunt down, no?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know. I'm sorry. I'm just angry. I still would not bring in Rivas in that situation, and I wouldn't bunt either.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My man Nate but.....

if not for Rivas this game is tied.

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

why?

is Rivas hitting at all?

by bryanzane on Apr 9, 2008 9:19 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's that of BS that will prevent

the Bucs from reaching .500 again this year.

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What is...

"- L. Rivas unknown into double play first to second, N. Morgan out at first"

???

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 9:21 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It is a

"bunt pop" according to MLB gameday.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rivas bunted, Lee caught it and doubled Morgan off first.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brakes!! AGAIN, let's hang the right person

Morgan had no reason to be so far off first. Look at how he and Bautista read the play.

by azibuck on Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blame Morgan for that

but also blame Rivas for bunting it into the air.
And Russell for inserting Rivas there.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Replay from behind home plate

Bautista sees the bunt in the air, stops. Morgan takes off. Bautista was walking (literally) back to 2nd and Morgan was still heading for 2nd full speed.

by azibuck on Apr 9, 2008 9:24 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bautista's got to be pretty frustrated with some of his teammates. :)

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So does Duke

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not brillant baserunning by Morgan

you just can't f that up. I like Morgan but GEEZ

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:25 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This new regime cuts its losses

if BB can be a competent, if light hitting, backup infielder then lets keep him up and use Rivas's pay elsewhere

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i think

this play is the one that broke the camels pack and rivas is cut tomorrow

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 9:24 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sigh....

MLB just posted a clip of McL's double. Beautiful hit to the right field corner. I could have scored from second w/out having a heart attack. Too bad we didn't have a runner there.

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rivas

didn't commit an error there!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:26 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bottom of the 9th...

This is it!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Due up..

Black Hole & then Nady.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

pretty impressive

d lee has been shut down

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 9:27 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

By the way, run expectancy is actually reduced with one out and runners on second and third as compared to runners on first and second. I know there was a lot of value in that second run, but still, it's probably only a borderline good play EVEN IF the bunt is successful.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:28 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jason-ity!!!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good thing Duke saved the pen

We might be looking at several more innings.

by azibuck on Apr 9, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LaRoche, ugh.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:30 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Might have to change

Black Hole to just mean LaRoche, and not both of them...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bombay! Bombay! Bombay!

Looks like I need to go get beer more often

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:31 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Like now?

A run from X-Man or Doumit would be nice.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:32 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Baserunning

Azibuck...
I was thinking the same thing on the Rivas bunt. This gets back to the whole base running issue.

When you watch the replay keep your eyes on Bautista in comparison with Morgan. Watch his reaction in comparison.

It's clear he's thought through the situation and is thinking about what he should do ahead of time, which lets him react appropriately.

Morgan on the other hand...just reacts and is of course caught off guard.

by steve_g on Apr 9, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Come on

Doumit!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:32 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now we can...

lose in true Pirate fashion. Anyone want to start a pool on how the misery is brought on us this time?

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My bet...

(Not to be pessimistic or anything)
An 18th inning error by Luis Rivas gives the Cubs an extra out, and Zambrano takes Meek deep. Yep. Zambrano.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Of course...

I won't be around for that, because dinner is coming up, and homework is calling as well.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:35 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bay!

Thanks dude.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 9:34 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Extra innings again

over and under on the innings

I'd say 11!

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:35 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Off topic...

Dan Johnson DFA'd by the A's.
He worth a look?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:37 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Great throw by Doumit!

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:40 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know.

Shocking!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:41 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Even more shocking

is that it didn't become an error...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:42 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A caught-stealing!

Now it's up to
Bautista
pitcher
Rivas

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if i were bautista

id end it here...and not leave it up to my incompetent teammates

You're a Pirates fan?

by thegetupkids on Apr 9, 2008 9:44 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Bautista gets on at least

McLouth can hit another double with 2 outs.

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:45 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No go...

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:45 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can't do that

otherwise you'd never get to Meek.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:46 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mientkiewicz up!

Come on, Doug!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:46 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dagnabit

MLB had Capps batting. I thought I was brilliant.

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:47 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not to throw a wet blanket on the party, but...

think about who comes in to pitch if we don't score

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:47 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yates?

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh man, Mientkiewicz is so slow.

The Pirates' base coaches need to be replaced.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gah!

What is with this team getting out trying to get to 2nd on singles???
It's like the 4th time this season!

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:48 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's up to...

Rivas.
Scary.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And

he sucks.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I mean

And
he's out.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:49 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My imagination

Or is every OF capable of throwing a bullet to 2nd against only us. I've never seen such accuracy so consistently.

by azibuck on Apr 9, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's see the bullpen options

Yates, Dumatrait, and Meek

Who will it be?

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Has to be Yates

he's a ton better than the other 2.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And

I win.
Yates it is.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If he had just stopped

McLouth would've had a chance.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So that means we won't see Meek

til the 16th OR would Maholm pitch?

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Remember White Flag's one shining moment in 2007?

He pitched like 5 innings of one-run ball and we won in 18? Think Meek has that in him tonight?

by azibuck on Apr 9, 2008 9:53 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Impossible.

If the Pirates give up 1 run, they're done.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:56 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

MLB replay on Menky single

It was a shot down the left field line and hit the short railing, so Soriano got to it pretty quick. Beat Menky handily w/the throw.

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:54 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow!

Rivas made another clean play! Holy Crap!

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Trade him

or shoot him, I'm good either way

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 9:57 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Was wrong about Z

He bat in the 11th, not the 18th.

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 9:56 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hurry up an win already guys

Dave Bush and our pen are blowing it for us.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 10:02 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

5 out of 8 games

will have been decided in the 9th or later.

Is this a good sign or a bad sign?

by 19maz60 on Apr 9, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well this year's group of Bucs

have a lot of fight in them so for now that's a good sign

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 10:05 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, wait...we're the Pirates

we don't have runners in situations like this

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 10:04 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LaRoche, I hate you.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GD it LaRoche!

2 FOR FLIPPIN 27

Just send him down to Indy already!

by Bad Andy on Apr 9, 2008 10:06 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how about

0-April

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Apr 9, 2008 10:07 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My father is a Braves fan

Said LaRoche was as clutch as ARod but with only 1/100th of the talent.

I hate it when Dad is right.

by 19maz60 on Apr 9, 2008 10:11 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why?

Heres a thought. Just start him in AAA every April and bring him up May 1.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Apr 9, 2008 10:14 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tyler Yates is the man, by the way.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 10:16 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Who?

Who is the last guy that we've had who could consistantly get to 97? Why did the Braves give up on him?

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Apr 9, 2008 10:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mike Gonzalez, ironically. :)

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 10:18 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yates had an ERA over 5 last year and ERA over 10 in the spring and was out of options

by 19maz60 on Apr 9, 2008 10:21 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Please hurry

Dunn just homered. 7-3 Reds.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 10:17 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now I have to get yet another beer

for luck. Don't fear - I will, if necessary, get a beer each inning the Pirates come up. My support for them is unlimited, although I only have enough beer to last a few more innings.

by Trogluddite on Apr 9, 2008 10:18 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweet

We've played more innings than anyone in baseball.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Apr 9, 2008 10:23 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And Dumatrait walks the first batter. Lovely.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 10:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You guys

...have GOT to stop doing that.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Apr 9, 2008 10:28 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

?

I know he pitched 3 innings earlier, but do you think Burnett can make it to Pittsburgh in time for the 14th inning?

by bryanzane on Apr 9, 2008 10:29 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate that my reward for watching 3.5 hours of baseball is having to watch Phil Dumatrait battle Henry Blanco.

by Charlie on Apr 9, 2008 10:33 PM EDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol

Biased Fan
A disillusioned Pirates fan in Utah...

by UtesFan89 on Apr 9, 2008 10:33 PM EDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His reward

will be getting to watch Gomez & Rivas battle some pitcher from deep in the Cubs pen?