This post is for the Wednesday, May 23rd game at Pittsburgh.

Today's Pitchers:

RHP Charlie Morton (2-4, 4.35 ERA) vs. LHP Jonathon Niese (2-2, 4.85 ERA)

The Game Rules:

[ A ] Please put your prediction in the title line which should begin in the format: Pirates xx Opponent xx

e.g. Pirates 5 Mets 3

Putting the Pirates score first, then the opponents score makes tallying points much easier.

[ B ] Please make the full prediction, instead of a "+1" to someone else whose prediction you agree with

[ C ] Don’t worry about minor spelling mistakes, like "Piartes". We can handle those.

PERFECT GUESS 5 POINTS NAILING ONE TEAM SCORE 2 POINTS

Scores Update:

Green_Wave takes the weekly lead with 4 points after correctly guessing, along with pittbluedevil, the Mets score.

Madden batted Carlos Pena 1st in the batting order because he was walking so much. He isn't hitting the ball or driving in runs. Why not put him leadoff since he is walking so much and let other guys knock him in. I don't really like the move, but I love how he is thinking outside the box and trying to reinvent the lineup to produce runs. We have by far the worst offense in the league, why shouldn't Hurdle do somethings to try and jump start this lineup. I would be interested to see the following lineup tomorrow.

1. Tabata RF

2. McGahee 3B

3. McCutchen CF

4. Harrison SS

5. Walker 2nd

6. Jones 1B

7 Hernandez LF

8 Barajas C

Let Mcgahee get some fastballs in the two hole. If Tabata gets on, they won't want to take a chance at walking Mcgahee and putting two guys on for Cutch. They will go right after him and hopefully get him some fastballs to drive. Harrison batting fourth sounds crazy, but he has the 2nd best OPS on the team and is pretty even with Pedro and Jones for Slugging. He also leads the team for BA with runners in scoring position. Hold the small sample size argument. Once again we need to look at it from the standpoint of we can't get any worse. I also would like to see Barajas in the 8 hole swinging for the fences. I am tired of seeing runners on base with 1 out and Barmes coming to the plate and either grounding into two or striking out so the pitcher is left to not drive in the runs. Also I hate seeing Barajas on the base path with a guy in the 8 hole who can't hit for power and then the pitcher to follow. It makes no sense. Say there are two out and Barajas hits a single or takes a walk. Barmes is batting 8th and the pitcher 9th. Unless Barmes hits a homerun we aren't scoring that inning. Even if he puts it in the corner, Barajas is lucky to get to third. However if you have Gorky hitting 7th and taking a walk. You have a shot for Barajas to either go deep or put one in gap and let Gorky run for awhile.

Hey we can't do much worse.

I went to the game Tuesday night and here are my thoughts:

1. We all know we cannot hit the ball right now outside of Cutch. Since this is the case, everything else takes on greater significance. The errors by Cutch and Pedro did not loose the game for us.

2. The ball Cutch hit on his broken bat, there is no reason at all he shouldn't have been at second base. The lack of hustle bugs me.

3. And this is a combination of things. We lost the game in the 7th inning on Hurdle's lack of double switching with the game on the line. I understand that Hanrahan is our closer, however, with the game on the line you want your best pitcher against their best hitter. 1st and 2nd 1 out and David Wright is at the plate. The pitchers spot is due up to lead of the 7th for us. Why isn't Clint making the move then to put GORKYS NOT NATE in the outfield, taking out Barmes and moving Harrison to short and bringing in Joel. Cruz got Wright out however next batter Duda gets a hit and thats the game. Or why isn't Clint bringing in Tony Watson to face Duda? I just don't understand it. We all know we are not hitting the ball so we must play perfect d and pitch great, so basically throw out the book on when to use the closer. I say Hanrahan should have come in the 7th, and pitched the 8th, then let another member of the bullpen pitch the 9th. Until we start to hit again, we need to throw the book out on the closer and bring in Joel when he is needed.

4. Nate shouldn't get another AB. Why bring up Gorkys if we are going to continue letting Nate play.

There is more to say but the fact of the matter is until we hit again, we need to be unconventional with the rest of our game.

We'll come back! Nate will surprise you!

Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS! Let's go BUCS!

For the record, I know it's still early, but I was curious to see how G. Cole was doing so far in comparison to Bundy and Bauer, 2 guys taken right after him.

Also for the record, if I was GM I would have taken Cole over the others as well in a very close call, because while their "stuff" seems relatively comparable, Cole is simply the biggest and strongest of the three. Hard to ignore 99+ MPH heat, too.

Cole - 2.92 ERA - 0.98 WHIP - 9.7 K/IP - 40 innings pitched in A+

Bauer - 1.68 ERA - 1.22 WHIP - 11.2 K/IP - 48 innings pitched in AA

Bundy - 0.00 ERA - 0.23 WHIP - 12 K/IP - 30 innings pitched in A

Is there anything at all to be gleaned from these numbers? I know Bauer got started earlier too, so that has to be factored in (he also struck out 11 in his first AAA start the other day actually). I just know that I was relatively excited about Cole's progress thus far, and then I saw Bundy's and Bauer's stats and I thought, wow, if Cole had a 0.00 ERA and a 0.23 WHIP, I gotta think some of the BD posters heads would have exploded by now....

And finally, of less importance but far greater simplicity, if one more day goes by that Fox or Clement or Hague doesnt replace a needs-to-be-cut-yesterday Nate, I think I may lose it.

This post is for the Tuesday, May 22nd game at Pittsburgh.

Today's Pitchers:

RHP R.A. Dickey (5-1, 3.75) vs. Pirates RHP James McDonald (3-2, 2.68)

The Game Rules:

[ A ] Please put your prediction in the title line which should begin in the format: Pirates xx Opponent xx

e.g. Pirates 5 Mets 3

Putting the Pirates score first, then the opponents score makes tallying points much easier.

[ B ] Please make the full prediction, instead of a "+1" to someone else whose prediction you agree with

[ C ] Don’t worry about minor spelling mistakes, like "Piartes". We can handle those.

PERFECT GUESS 5 POINTS NAILING ONE TEAM SCORE 2 POINTS

Scores Update:

Congratulations to Green_Wave, Kodiak32, and psunate77 for correctly guessing the Mets score.

I actually don't see much movement either way from the Pirates this year. No big splash will be made especially if we are right around .500 but have no trade partners.

If we are buyers, the following are the players I would like to take a stab at.

1. Paul Konerko. If we are in and the White Sox are out, I give a huge haul to get him. (Bell, Locke, Kingham) pretty much anyone other than Tallion or Cole I would entertain the right deal.

2. Billy Butler. I wouldn't give up nearly as much to get him as Konerko and considering his lack of defense, his value might play in our favor if we are willing to deal with the poor defense.

3. Justin Morneau. If healthy, I don't see him as part of their future anymore and I don't think it would take too much to get him away if we are willing to take on some money.

4. Jason Kubel. If the Dbacks continue to play below where they are, they might be interested in someone a little younger. Would you consider a Marte for Kubel swap? Kubel probably has 3 or 4 years left of good ball in him so it wouldn't be like giving up Marte for a rental. And by the time Kubel hits the end of his career, Grossman, Bell or Rojas Jr. might be ready to step up.

There isn't much out there after these guys that I would go crazy about if we got. Maybe a guy like Dunn, but I think he would cost too much. It really might be slim pickens this year for a bat.

If we are sellers. I know this is going to sound crazy, and you might be right that there is zero chance of this happening. But I am going to try and make an argument(wishful thinking) anyway. If the Orioles continue to play well and have a shot to make the playoffs, they know that in their division they have small windows to do so. JJ Hardy is 29 and could still be their SS for a few more years. While their bullpen is solid, they could use another bat this season and another starter. If they would want Hammer then this would be easier, but I don't think that will be the case. I would prefer Bedard, but I don't see the Orioles going crazy over him. Burnett wouldn't work back in the AL East. Perhaps if Jmac keeps pitching the way he is, throw in a GIJones for power, would it be possible to pluck Machado?

This does not include any leagues in Mexico, Japan, or Korea. Stats through 5/20/2012.

Jonah Bayliss - The Pirates acquired Bayliss from the Royals in Dec 2005 and sent him to the Blue Jays in June 2008 - he has been in the blue jays and astros organizations since leaving the Pirates - in 2012 he has a 1.10 era in 16.1 ip for the bridgeport bluefish.

Deybis Benitez - The Pirates acquired Benitez from the Mariners in August 2009 and he played 8 games for the 2009 State College Spikes - in 2012 he has played 11 games with the sugar land skeeters and has a .297 OPS.

Tom Boleska - The Pirates drafted Boleska in the 35th round in 2007 - Boleska started 2011 with Altoona before being released - in 2012 he has a 3.86 era in 2.1 ip for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks.

Anthony Claggett - The Pirates claimed Claggett from the Yankees in September 2009 and he stayed with the organization in 2010 and 2011 - in 2012 he has a 22.50 era in 6 innings for the Somerset Patriots.

Jose Hernandez - The Pirates drafted him in the 23rd round in 2009 - he started 2011 with Altoona before being released - in 2012 he has an .871 OPS in 3 games with the St. Paul Saints.

Tyler Herron - he pitched 8 games for the 2009 Altoona Curve - he has 1.2 scoreless innings for the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks.

Brandon Jones - The Pirates claimed Jones from the Braves in January 2010 and traded him to the tigers in August 2010 - he has been in the tigers and brewers organizations since leaving the Pirates - in 2012 he has a .503 OPS in 4 games for the Kansas City T-Bones.

Jorge Julio - Julio was in the Pirates organization in 2009 and he also signed with the Pirates in January 2011 but he never pitched for some reason - in 2012 he has a 13.50 era in 4 innings for the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Eric Krebs - The Pirates drafted Krebs in the 16th round in 2005 and traded him to the Dodgers in the Delwyn Young trade - in 2012 he has a 2.00 era in 9 innings for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Brian Leach - The Pirates drafted Leach in the 25th round in 2008 and released him after 2011 - he pitched with Bradenton and Altoona in 2011 - in 2012 he has a 13.50 era in 2 innings for the Winnipeg Goldeyes.

Bobby Livingston - he pitched one game for the 2009 Indianapolis Indians - in 2012 he has a 6.12 era in 25 innings for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

Pedro Lopez - he spent 2009 with Altoona and Indianapolis - in 2012 he has a .725 OPS in 19 games for the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Mike Loree - he pitched 4 games for the 2011 Altoona Curve - in 2012 he has a 4.00 era in 27 innings for the Long Island Ducks.

Jon Meloan - he pitched 6 games for the 2009 Indianapolis Indians - in 2012 he has a 1.29 era in 14 innings for the Long Island Ducks.

Dan Meyer - he played with Indianapolis in 2011 - in 2012 he has a 2.31 era in 11.2 ip for the Long Island Ducks.

Brian Myrow - the Pirates acquired Myrow from the White Sox in June 2009 and he also played with Indianapolis in 2010 - in 2012 he has a .310 OPS in 4 games with the Grand Prairie AirHogs.

Rogelio Noris - Noris was in the Pirates organization 2007-2011; he spent 2010 and 2011 with West Virginia - in 2012 he has a .286 OPS in 2 games for the Lake Erie Crushers.

Billy Nowlin - Nowlin played 5 games for the 2011 SC Spikes - in 2012 he has a .333 OPS in 3 games with the Windy City ThunderBolts.

Josue Peley - The Pirates drafted Peley in the 35th round in 2006 and traded him to Boston for Jonathan Van Every in 2010 - in 2012 he has a .993 OPS in 4 games for les capitales de Quebec.

Dan Reichert - The Pirates acquired Reichert in July 2008 and he spent the rest of 2008 with the Pirates - in 2012 he has a 3.56 era in 30.1 innings for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

RJ Rodriguez - he spent 2009 with the Lynchburg Hillcats - in 2012 he has a 3.48 era in 10.1 innings for the York Revolution.

Yunesky Sanchez - he played 42 games for the 2011 Curve - in 2012 he has a 1.099 OPS in 4 games for the Sheverport-Bossier Captains.

Travis Scott - he played for Bradenton and Altoona in 2011 - in 2012 he has a .636 OPS in 11 games for the York Revolution.

Keanon Simon - the Pirates drafted him in the 25th round in 2007 and he last played in the Pirates organization in 2008 - in 2012 he has a 1.256 OPS in 4 games with the Grand Prairie AirHogs.

Virgil Vasquez - he played for the Pirates in 2009, and the rays in 2010 - in 2012 he has a 4.45 era in 32.1 innings for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.

Ramon Vazquez - he played with the Pirates in 2009 and has been with the Mariners, astros, cardinals, blue jays and marlins since leaving the Pirates - in 2012 he has a .705 OPS in 20 games with the Bridgeport Bluefish.

Bryce Weidman - he was drafted by the Pirates in the 14th round in 2010 - he spent 2011 in the Gulf Coast League and State College - in 2012 he has a 2.45 era in 11 innings for the Alpine Cowboys.

We are now only two weeks away from the 2012 MLB Draft and, while the excitement is not as high as it was last year, the talk about who the Pirates will select is starting to heat up. There seems to be an increased negativity by a lot of posters concerning the draft. People seem to think that the Pirates are going to completely screw up this draft. This same kind of sentiment emerged last year in the weeks before the draft when the Pirates were linked to Virginia LHP Danny Hultzen and HS RHP Dylan Bundy. While the Pirates will not have as easy of a time this year, picking at #8, they still have the chance to pick up very good players with each of their first three picks.

For each pick, I am going to provide three of my own preferred prospects. By no means am I an expert but I have seen several of these players and like to think I have a decent idea of what I am saying (please decide for yourself). I am not basing this on organizational needs but on my opinion of who will be the best players available at each spot. You will not see certain players as it seems next to impossible that they will make it to 8th such as Mark Appel, C Mike Zunino, and OF Byron Buxton, If a person isn't listed under a designated spot, please don't leave the message of "why isn't (name) there, do you feel (other player) is better." Chances are, I feel that player will probably be gone. Feel free to comment or post your own wish list for the upcoming draft. It is only two weeks away.

First Selection (#8)

1. SS Carlos Correa (Puerto Rico Baseball Academy) - So much has been said about Correa since he began attending showcases. His draft stock has really risen but I still see him being available at #8.Correa plays a solid shortstop but could be moved from the position if he continues to grow. He has a great attitude toward the game and is especially close with his family. He will be the best player available if he and when he falls to #8.

2. RHP Lucas Giolito (Harvard-Westlake HS) - Since being injured back in early April, Giolito has disappeared on most mocks. Giolito is a five-pitch pitcher with an explosive fastball and a curveball that is flashing plus potential. He has a low-effort delivery and, before the injury, had shown considerable determination to becoming a great pitcher. While he hasn't pitched in a game since his injury, Giolito looks to be a steal if available at #8.

3. LHP Max Fried (Harvard-Westlake HS) - Imagine a high school team where you have the top high school pitcher in the country as your ace. Then imagine, the number two pitcher on that same team is the top left handed high school pitcher in the country. Max Fried is Giolito's teammate and is the top left hander in the draft. Fried is a three pitch pitcher with a 94 MPH fastball though he relies heavily on a Sandy Koufax-like curveball to dominate batters.

Second Selection (#45)

1. 3B Patrick Wisdom (Saint Mary's College) - Wisdom is a solid hitting prospect who projects to play 1B or 3B at the next level. Wisdom was ranked the 71 on BA's Top 100 Preseason Prospects. Wisdom hits for power and average and looks to be a supplemental or 2nd round selection. He is 8th all-time on St. Mary's homerun list going into the 2012 season with 20. His ability to hit for average and power make him a prime candidate for a supplemental selection.

2. OF Rock Rucker (Russel County High School) - Rucker is a two-way prospect from Alabama. Rucker has a cannon for an arm in addition to being able to hit for power. It seems likely Rucker will stay in the OF instead of transferring over the mound. Rucker has plus bat speed, plus raw power, and decent speed. Rucker would be a nice pickup in the supplemental round but has a strong commitment to Auburn.

3. LHP Austin Fairchild (St. Thomas) - Fairchild is a solid pitcher from Texas who has had a breakout year after a disappointing 2011 season. Fairchild is a 4 pitch pitcher with a 90-93 MPH fastball, a developing changeup and a curve and slider that both show plus potential. This season, Fairchild is 6-0 with a 0.47 ERA, 108/26 K/BB in 60 IP.

Third Selection (#68)

1. C Josh Elander (Texas Christian) - Elander has a lot of offensive potential mixed with average defensive skills. He will be more of a project than some other players but has tons of potential and could be great if he realizes it. many have noted Elander's potential to have plus power and runs surprisingly well for a catcher, stealing 20 bases in 2011. Elander's offensive potential justifies taking a flier on him in the 2nd round.

2. RHP Duane Underwood (Pope HS) - Underwood is a two way prospect who will most likely end up on the mound. He has a hard fastball that has hit 97 on the gun in addition to a potential plus curveball and solid changeup. Underwood would add another power arm to an already strong minor league pitching corp.

3. RHP J.O. Berrios (Puerto Rico Baseball Academy) - While not as highly touted as Correa, Berrios is one of the top prospects out of Puerto Rico. Berrios throws four pitches, all of which have plus potential. He has a slow, 12-6 curve that sits around 70 MPH as well as a powerful fastball that has hit 97 on the gun and has some decent movement.

Figured this could be a fun little game. Obviously Tallion, Cole and Marte are prospects, but there are a number of other players who have either dropped off or have overachieved. I will list the players and you tell the following.

1. If the player is a prospect

2. Rating from 1-10 on how certain you are he will make the Bigs.

3. What type of big leaguer he will be(Filler, Specialist, Every day, All Star, Superstar)

1. Jordy Mercer

2. Chase D'Arnaud

3. Rudy Owens

4. Jeff Locke

5. Justin Wilson

6. Bryan Morris

7. Daniel Moskos

8. Tim Alderson

9. Adalberto Santos

10. Matt Curry

11. Ramon Cabrera

12. Brock Holt

13. Victor Black

14. Nathan Baker

15. Jonathan Ramos

16. Mel Rojas jr.

17. Tyler Waldron

18. Elicier Navarro

19. Colton Cain

20. Josh Poytress

21. Alen Hanson

22. Junior Sosa

23. Gregory Palanco

24. Willy Garcia

25. Dan Gamache

26. Zack Dodson

27. Matt Benedict

28. Nicholas Kingman

29. Zachery Fuesser

30. Stetson Allie