Poll: Will The Pirates Escape June With A .500 Record?
by Charlie Wilmoth on Jun 15, 2011 4:50 AM EDT
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PrintAmazingly, the Pirates are 33-33 in mid-June. Let's take a look at their upcoming schedule.
They've got two more games against the Astros, which is excellent. They'll take on J.A. Happ and rookie Jordan Lyles.
After that, interleague play begins, and we'll hopefully see at least Alex Presley join the team. The Bucs start with three games on the road against the Cleveland Indians, who are currently 35-30 but have scored only three more runs than they've allowed and have only won two games out of their last 12.
Then it's three games against the Baltimore Orioles, who are 30-34 and have allowed 37 more runs than they've scored, although they've been playing in by far the best division in baseball.
After that it's three each against the Red Sox and Jays, and those should be tough. The Red Sox have arguably been baseball's best team up to this point. Toronto is 33-34, but again, they're playing the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays all the time.
So how many of those games will the Pirates win?
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McKenry insight into Red Sox
Does anyone think we have a better chance against the Sox with McKenry behind the plate and sharing tips about their pitchers to our hitters?
by Central*Scrutinizer on Jun 15, 2011 6:20 AM EDT reply actions
No. McKenry was in the Rockies system until this season and played with them in the majors for 6 games last year. However he played under 30 games at AAA Pawtucket this year for Boston and was never part of a major league game, so the amount of tips/tricks he would have picked up would be minimal to nonexistent.
and that assumes that any tips or tricks would even help agains a lineup with Gonzalez, Crawford, Papi, Yuk, and Padroia
Yinzers uber alles
#AllTheWalksAreBad
Stupidity should be painful.
by wrecking_ball on Jun 15, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
He was suggesting the other way
Being able to tell our batters what to expect.
But yeah, he hasn’t seen enough of them for it to matter; he knows less than you’d figure from an hour with videotape (or, probably, an hour on the Red Sox SBNation board).
Interesting
That more people voted for a huge 2 weeks than for a collapse. I’m sure the ‘stros have a lot to do with that, but still, it’s the best sign of optimism about this team I’ve seen yet. In past years Interleague has been absolute kryptonite for the Pirates.
for me, it's Baltimore and Cleveland too though
The Indians started off crazy hot but I don’t think they’re nearly as good as their record suggests. I’d actually be more worried about Baltimore at this point. Either way, I’m optimistically thinking we can take two out of three from both teams, mostly because I really don’t believe our offense can continue to be quite this dreadful.
If we can get one more from the ’Stros, four wins from Cleveland/Baltimore, then salvage one game apiece from Boston and Toronto, that gets us to 40, which would be awesome.
(That being said, I voted for 41 because I really hope we can sweep the ’Stros and I secretly think the BoSox inevitable cooling-down period is going to coincide with our inevitable heating-up period.)
question about Presley...
more and more people are saying that Presley will get the call once interleague begins.
if im not mistaken, the games against the Orioles are in Pitt, right? if so, and Presley is on the team, do they farm him back down then bring him back up when they hit the road?
For who?
I don’t see any room for alex…
by Joey Mooney on Jun 15, 2011 9:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Ciriaco would go down...
Presley would probably play RF with Jones/Diaz DH
by goodtymes31 on Jun 15, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
or Harrison might go to the DL
I don’t think Ciriaco can be sent down for Presley before Harrison is ready to play, because then we only have three guys who can play SS/3B/2B.
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Jun 15, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
if harrison goes on dl
I think ur going to see Chase D’Arnaud and Alex Presley called up, with Harrison to DL and Ciracio sent down.
once again, you guys arent answering my question...
baltimore plays IN PITTSBURGH… do we keep Presley up for good or does the FO send him back to Indy until we head back on the road???
>:-P
by white angus on Jun 15, 2011 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Karstens
That guy really learned how to pitch, didn’t he? Seeing a lot more movement than in the past, and outstanding command and control. He looked a little better last year than 2009, and it looks like he’s taken yet another step forward.
by Adam Reynolds on Jun 15, 2011 8:44 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
He’s certainly improved over the last 2 years, but personally it’s always seemed to me like he’s had the ability to pitch, and pitch well. The main issue he had was keeping it together after 1 or 2 trips through the lineup, because while he was good for 3 or 4 innings, hitters always figured him out and then took advantage.
That’s something he’s sort of fixed now, at least to the point where he’s excellent through 75 pitches and horrible after that. But as long as he’s as dominating as he’s been, he can keep his pitch count low and get through 6 or 7 almost every time.
karstens
givin’ the bird to all the commenters here on BD that were calling for brad lincoln a few weeks ago.
Honestly, I feel confident that we can escape with a winning record. Indians are slumping BAAAD (look at their last 15 games — most of their losses have been blow-outs), Astros and Dodgers are just bad in general. This all hinges on taking at least one game from each of the Jays and Sox series, of course.
Thank you Ned Colletti.
Good point
Im not so afraid of the Jays. They sent Drabek down so hopefully get a game against a AAA pitcher. Red Sox though… They are hot!
by Joey Mooney on Jun 15, 2011 9:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
that's why I'm glad we don't get the Sox for another week and a half
They’ve got to cool down at least a little, and hopefully we might heat up a little and sneak one from them.
we're
actually kind of hot right now too
by VoteforPedro on Jun 15, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
2 wins each against the orioles and indians is doable i think
at least one more in Houston (it’s tough to sweep a team). then they probably just salvage one or two against the sox and jays. that puts them at 39 – 41 heading into july.
I really don't see how the Pirates can keep this up
They’re averaging less than 1.5 runs per game over their last 7….and are 4-3 in those games. Insane. This offense is legitimately atrocious and guys like Karstens and Maholm can’t keep posting zeroes indefinitely. They just can’t.
So…as much fun as all this has been, I say we win 4 games the rest of the month.
While the pitching can’t keep posting zeroes, the offense also can’t keep posting ones and twos. Cutch is hitting too well right now, and it’s not like we’ll be facing world beating pitchers in the future. Indians pitchers have been crap, Astro’s pitchers are crap — the only pitchers I worry about are on the Sox.
Thank you Ned Colletti.
bud norris gave us fits last season too
by white angus on Jun 15, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Justin Masterson (Indians) will be pitching Sunday
He’s had 11 quality starts (out of 14) this season.
Tomlin and Carrasco (Fri and Sat starters respectively) have been decent
so I expect another low-scoring series. Cleveland’s offense has been atrocious lately (even by Pittsburgh standards)
World Series Preview
Is it too early to think of the Sox/Bucs as a possible World Series preview? :)
Yinzers uber alles
Did it on my X-Box.
Pirates beat the Red Sux 4 games to 0. Won all four games by at least 13 runs.
So onto my love rocket, climb, Inside tank of fuel is not fuel, but love.
by IAPiratesFan on Jun 15, 2011 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Technicalities.
We won, who cares that I was using both controllers?
So onto my love rocket, climb, Inside tank of fuel is not fuel, but love.
by IAPiratesFan on Jun 15, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
the offense can only get better
kind of the way the pitching staff could only get better after last year. I think a good change would be putting Walker back in the two spot. That two spot has been killing us lately, and we can’t afford automatic outs in our top 3 like freaking Cedeno. I say put Walker 2nd and GI Jones 4th, as he’s started to hit the ball well lately.
I was thinking maybe you flip flop Walker and MCCutchen the other day. May Help Walker see better pitches.
Yes, but it ensures Cutch only sees garbage.
And I think Cutch is a better hitter than Walker.
www.stealingfirstbase.com
by Stealing First Base on Jun 15, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but
I think Cutch can adjust better than Walker.
Cutch is the kind of hitter who’ll rack up a huge AVG, OBP, or SLG, entirely dependent on what he’s being given.
Now, granted, if literally no one beyond the #3/4 hitter is hitting, then Cutch could walk every PA the rest of the year and it wouldn’t help us. But, in principle, he’s a guy who could provide lots of value even if he sees noting but garbage.
I think the Bucs take 5 of the next the 8. Houston is terrible, Cleveland is in free fall and Baltimore is mediocre. Take 2 out of 6 against Boston and Toronto and that’s .500 for the month.
Not that is matters, but I would disagree. We’ll split Houston (1-1), lose the Cleveland series (1-2) win the Orioles (2-1) series, get swept by the Sox, and take 1 of 3 against the Jays to be 5 games under.
Wait, someone's math is wrong
You’re only calling for 2 fewer wins, but you get us to 5 games under.
OK, we’d be at 4 games under in your scenario.
you need more beer !
cause your glass is half empty
"Pitch me outside, I will hit .400. Pitch me inside, and you will not find the ball." - Roberto Clemente
who would make these kinds of predictions???
wait a minute, are you a bookie?
by white angus on Jun 15, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
A sane person :)
Only ever gambled in Vegas, on sports, once! That was a regular season, demoralizing loss to the Patriots 34-13 a few years ago.
I remember that game
mostly because a friend had a brunch that morning, and I stayed for the game. Shoulda went home.
Looks like I'm
in the majority. I kind of go along with et_pitt’s math.
what a weaksauce indeed, sorry no offense intended
"It's magic, it's tragic, it's a loss, it's a win"
by Elektrostal_Kid on Jun 15, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
sorry no offense intended
That’s the Bucs hitting motto !
"Pitch me outside, I will hit .400. Pitch me inside, and you will not find the ball." - Roberto Clemente
by michaelbro8 on Jun 15, 2011 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
with your permission
…I’d like to use that in my water-cooler talks.
I'm not as drunk as some thinkle peep I am.
granted...
"Pitch me outside, I will hit .400. Pitch me inside, and you will not find the ball." - Roberto Clemente
I mean, I didn’t even vote
"It's magic, it's tragic, it's a loss, it's a win"
by Elektrostal_Kid on Jun 15, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t get it. If the poll is asking what their record will be at the end of June, how can each answer have a different win total and one answer has just three additional games tacked on and another has 24 games.
obviously
it seems we’re the only 2 b*tches to complain about this, lmfao
"It's magic, it's tragic, it's a loss, it's a win"
by Elektrostal_Kid on Jun 15, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Um, the poll is asking what their win total will be at the end of June.
So onto my love rocket, climb, Inside tank of fuel is not fuel, but love.
by IAPiratesFan on Jun 15, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks captain !
"It's magic, it's tragic, it's a loss, it's a win"
by Elektrostal_Kid on Jun 15, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Looking past June, the Bucs have 4 at Washington, then 6 at home vs the Cubs and Astros before the break. Pirates could easily be .500 or better at the all-star break.
Just like the '74 Texas Rangers.
Lose 105 games one year, win 84 the next.
So onto my love rocket, climb, Inside tank of fuel is not fuel, but love.
I want to be the 2003 Tigers
lose 119 games then three years later be in the WS
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Baseball is like church. Many attend, but few understand." Wes Westrum
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jun 15, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmm.
They’d have to go 10-86 the rest of the year to go 43-119. Just sayin’.
So onto my love rocket, climb, Inside tank of fuel is not fuel, but love.
by IAPiratesFan on Jun 15, 2011 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I think last year was the 100+ loss season
which means we can buy our 2014 WS tickets now
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Baseball is like church. Many attend, but few understand." Wes Westrum
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jun 15, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
No way.
Because the Tigers lost that WS and haven’t been back to the playoffs since.
www.stealingfirstbase.com
by Stealing First Base on Jun 15, 2011 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Offense is horrendous, mathematically speaking that almost can't be worse...
let’s hope pitching/defense improvement is more than temporary, a real thing I mean, & we could be close to a .500 season. I’m an optimistic fan, but you never know, once again, I’ll take the one game at a time philosophy.
"It's magic, it's tragic, it's a loss, it's a win"
by Elektrostal_Kid on Jun 15, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions
i mean it has been almost 3 Months for the pitching
but i understand what your saying.
Anybody else think
When Pedro gets Healthy and goes on his rehab assignments, he should take some reps at 1B? I’m not saying move him there permanently yet, but it might be easier on his body for the time being and whats wrong with making a player more versatile?? Like when he returns you can sit Overbay a couple times a week (if hes still struggling) and play Pedro at 1B and let Harrison or Wood or D’Arnaud (who’s ever up at the time) play 3B? I’m just saying if they can throw Doumit out there like last year, im sure Alvarez will be fine over there, and makes the team that much more versatile and gives Clint much more options to get the hottest bats in the lineup on a regular basis.
If you want him at first
then put him at first. I don’t think its going to help any to have him jumping around the diamond. Give him one position, and let him be mediocre there. No reason to spread his glove over two bases.
by Wizard of Woz on Jun 15, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
his glove is not that bad though in my opinion.
I’m just saying whats wrong with be able to play multiple positions?? You think that is too much for someone to learn a new position? Usually corner infielders can play both corner spots, just like most middle infielders can play SS and 2B, And like Corner outfielders can play LF and RF. Not like im saying move him to catcher.
right now, Pedro is the only real 3Bman we have
hes staying put for right now.
by white angus on Jun 15, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t forget Walker is a real third baseman.
by RDV across the sea on Jun 15, 2011 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions
If Cedeno continues to play like a Major League SS and D’Arnaud plays his way into a promotion from AAA, it’s not unfeasible that Walker ends up back at third base within the next calender year.
by RDV across the sea on Jun 15, 2011 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
True 'nuf
Lots of people have noted that Cedeno’s May offensive surge has vanished, but hardly anyone has noted that his defense has remained excellent. Since he was sat for Wood, he has defended like a top-5 SS (in MLB, not just NL). He’s caught almost every single “playable” ball, plus a fair amount of the plus stuff.
I think he needs to focus on getting his bat back...
you don’t want to have him learn a new position when he’s struggling to keep his head above water at the plate.
#AllTheBuntsAreBad!
exactly !
"Pitch me outside, I will hit .400. Pitch me inside, and you will not find the ball." - Roberto Clemente
seemed to help Neil Walker.
Because he just didn’t think about hitting all the time. He was having fun learning new positions, seemed to ease his mind. The mind is a messed up thing when it comes to hitting and your in a slump. It gets worse and worse until you find something to ease that away.
May 9th
18-17
"I choose to gamble with my life
Twice the risk, four times the prize
Nothing knocks me over"
by lighthouse913 on Jun 15, 2011 1:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I say...
they sweep the ’Stros.
Win 2 of 3 vs Cleveland. (We likely face Tomlin, Carrasco, Masterson)
Win 2 of 3 vs Baltimore. (Against Arietta, Guthrie, Britton)
Win 1 against Boston. (facing Lackey, Lester, Wakefield)
Sweep BlueJays (facing Reyes, Morrow, and Villanueva)
That will put us 6 games over, and probably in contention. In addition, we have played big teams well (phillies this year, yankees a few years ago), so we could get more from the Red Sox.
interesting point
if we can take 2 of three from philly and arizona in back to back series, who’s to say we can’t do the same against the sox and jays?
my money’s still on losing 2 of three to both.
that would be crazy awesome
but no way we win 7 of 9 from cleveland, baltimore and bluejays.
I'm guessing the Pirates go 8-6 the rest of this month
6-2 vs. Houston/Cleveland/Baltimore, but 2-4 vs. Boston/Toronto
I hate interleague play.
I really do. It just messes up the whole schedule. Why?
I am calling it!
Pirates win 2 out 3 against red sox and move ahead of the reds during that series! Pirates get a day off before the series starts.
by Joey Mooney on Jun 15, 2011 2:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Our batters do GOOD against the Sox
Even Wood has a homerun against em! Cedeno, Jones, Diaz, and Overbay all have good stats against the sox. I think a sweep is asking a lot but 2 out 3 I think is very likely!
by Joey Mooney on Jun 15, 2011 2:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Man, not to nitpick, but . . .
Cedeno: 7 for 17 in four games against Boston.
Jones: 3 for 10 with a walk in three games against Boston.
Diaz: 12 for 30 with four walks in twelve games against Boston.
We’re talking really small samples here.
I will give you credit on Overbay, who has faced them Sox in 87 games and in fact done quite well (.304/.375/.513). Maybe playing against Boston is just what he needs to get his bat going again.
The best thing that I learned from looking up these numbers, though, is that Lyle’s middle name is Stefan.
(meant to be a comment to Joey's post above mine -- reply fail)
Garrett: 0 for 1 in one reply to Joey Mooney.
Its small but...
Red sox have been good for years now and has had good pitchers for years now. Small sample size is like our record this year and I am rolling with it!
by Joey Mooney on Jun 15, 2011 4:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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