We have attempted to platoon over the past three or four years, whether it was at first base or in right field. But it’s more challenging to do that in the National League, because you use your bench more frequently, particularly hitting for the pitcher. A true platoon is going to be easier in the other league.

Neal Huntington on platoons. There's also an interesting bit here about the effect of amphetamines on offense in the 1970s and 1980s.

The next few days were a shock. There was the majesty of Clearwater, Florida, the Phillies’ sprawling training facility, the best fields Jimenez had ever seen plus free rooms in a team hotel. And there was the outrage of his salary, which turned out to be nothing. Minor leaguers aren’t paid for spring training. "This is crazy," he remembers telling his Latino teammates, gathered one night in the hotel. "Un lio," they agreed. "A mess." Finally, late one night a team official knocked on the door, and took out a roll of money. He peeled off a $20 bill and handed it to Jimenez. "With that we washed our clothes," he recalled. "If there was any left, we had to eat with that." He said lost nearly 20 pounds off an already slim frame.

Tony Dokoupil, via HardBall Talk. Also check out Brendan Kennedy's piece on a similar topic.

The best starting pitching prospect I've seen was either Pittsburgh's Tyler Glasnow or Kansas City's Kyle Zimmer ... [Glasnow] was 93-97 with great downhill plane from his 6-7 frame, and his curveball at 79-80 mph was plus with tight rotation and depth. Most of these pitchers haven't thrown in real games in a month or more, so nearly every guy I saw this week had worse command than I expected, with Glasnow leaving some fastballs up when he didn't get fully on top of them. However, hitters are going to just pound the fastball into the ground. This is the stuff No. 1 starters are made of.

ESPN's Keith Law (Insider-only) on Tyler Glasnow

"TBS showing Gerrit Cole throwing a bullpen session right now instead of celebrating w Pirate teammates. Looks like he goes vs Waino #Cards" From one of the more eminent Cardinals beat guys. He was on the radio this morning (I live in STL) suggesting it too. I can't say I buy it, but one thing he said does make sense: why couldn't Gerrit throw his bullpen today?

Brian Stull ‏@StullySTL

and [catcher Michael] McKenry is going to be back," Hurdle said in his final pregame media session of the season.

This was taken from the Pirates website. Though I think we still need a big hitting catcher to help fill the void, as long as Barajas is not back, I'm good.

Gamethread 14 September -- Hey all, I'm having trouble getting the gamethread to post to the front page. So please use this thread. James McDonald vs. Chris Rusin, 2:20.

cliff jordan (chicago, il): It's been fun to see Brock Holt shoot up the ladder and then get 4 hits last night in a Bucco win. Since he's blocked at 2nd base, 3rd base, and the outfield (hard to believe I'm saying this about the Pirates!), does he have a chance to play major league average shortstop? Thanks. Jim Callis: Maybe, though he's probably best suited to be a utilityman. Baseball America: Prospects Chat With Jim Callis, 09/05/2012

The Pirates season-series win over the Cardinals would give them home field in a one-gm playoff should they end up tied for a wild card spot

Brian McElhinny (of Raise the Jolly Roger). Mind-boggling tiebreakers: They're not just for football fans anymore!

#Pirates promote top prospect RH Gerrit Cole from @AltoonaCurve to AAA @IndyIndians.

Kristy_Robinson

ESPN has...made a commitment to showcase each of the 30 MLB clubs at least once per season in a live game telecast.

Mark Newman, MLB.com, 8/28/12 ESPN will be forced, however briefly, to acknowledge that we exist.