Spring Training record

by buckos2k on Mar 13, 2009 4:42 PM EDT Comment 9 comments

The Pirates are currently 10-4 during the spring and while I am by no means suggesting they will become a 90 win team. The offense has looked decent and the pitching has been passable to this point which has beginning to wonder if maybe the performance during the spring can at least translate into a solid April. Teams talk about a "culture of losing" and having to break it and hopefully at the very least Pirates can begin to move in the right direction.

I know I'm probably getting caught up in the Spring Training puff pieces and the fact that Opening Day is less then a month away but, I can hope.

Thanks

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Looked at coldly, there are good things

Forget the huge rosters of NRI’s and minor leaguers, etc. If you just look at how they’ve played, there’s plenty to like, namely pitching, and namely the bullpen. Capps, Hansen, Bootcheck, Meek, Yates have been terrific, almost flawless. Others have had a few good outings with one ERA-killing outing. Duke and Maholm have been stingy with baserunners.

On offense, I think it might seem more encouraging than it really is because AndyL has been so hot, and Tabata and Alvarez have looked good. It seems we could have something to look forward to, and it seems like this year because that’s when it’s happening. But I think we can only expect to see AndyL in Pgh this year. Otherwise, we’ve gotten a bunch of production from GJones, Monroe, Salazar and Diaz, four guys who might get 500 ML AB’s between them.

So I think the offense should still be a big concern, but right now it doesn’t feel like it. On that note, I really hope AdamL is getting his cold start out of his system. 11K/0BB in 28 PA. Yikes. JWilson 2/21, Doumit 5/27, 0BB.

by azibuck on Mar 13, 2009 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AndyL

Yeah, it’s hard not to get excited about his start, even though we already know he can hit off AAA talent. I think the biggest thing is that he’s mentally and physically (back or wrist things not a problem) in good shape, so if he still sucks he has no excuses and we can more safely call him a AAAA guy. And if he’s going to succeed, a little confidence will do him good to start the season.

charity standing orders

by BadMaafala on Mar 13, 2009 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

also

Sanchez is hitting well which is encouraging based on last year

Jason
The Hanging Curve

by poorboywilly on Mar 15, 2009 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh, some bullpen, jinx

by azibuck on Mar 15, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Salazar should get 400 by himself.

Won’t, but should.

I am a little bit encouraged by Bixler’s performance this spring, though lord knows it’s still early. He’s actually hitting a few gap shots. I’m also pleased that Veal hasn’t been totally lit up, even though control is still an issue. I want them to carry him this year, even if he’s going to struggle. And Meek has been dynamite.

Is Burnett playing his way off the roster? I could live with that, too.

by Vlad on Mar 16, 2009 9:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you ain't just whistlin' Dixie!

Is Burnett playing his way off the roster? I could live with that, too

Amen, brother.

"Gimme an 'F' ! " - Country Joe MacDonald

by cocktailsfor2 on Mar 16, 2009 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Promise

I just read the Spring Training account of today’s game against the Rays. Alverez, Tabata and McCutchen had big days. I know the nay sayers will say that this is just Spring Training and those three guys are a long way from PNC Park, but at least it’s something. The last time I was even remotely excited about Spring Training was when we got Adam LaRoche. The pitching hasn’t been too bad this Spring. At least this is something.

by Ketcham Bruce on Mar 15, 2009 7:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

From a Rays' fan:

Where the Rays had a really good Spring Training last year, I was just happy to see the Rays learning how to win. You will hear a lot of naysayers out there that will tell you that “Spring Training wins don’t count.” Well, that’s true unless you have a long history of losing.

The Bucs have a good core, with some nice arms in the bullpen and in the minors. I strongly feel your team will be better this year. Good luck.

In the name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Mar 16, 2009 10:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs