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Game 11 Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh
2008-04-12 18:18:00 Vitals: CINCINNATI REDS (6-5) RHP Bronson Arroyo (0-1, 5.91 ERA) PITTSBURGH PIRATES (4-6) RHP Ian Snell (1-0, 3.75 ERA) Game Time 7:05PM XM 184 TV FSNP Last Game: 1-0 Win over the Cincinnati Reds. Cincinnati Runs: 0, Hits: 7, Errors: 0Pittsburgh Runs: 1, Hits: 5, Errors: 2 HR: PIT - J. Bay (2) Winning pitcher - John Grabow (1-0) Losing pitcher - Jared Burton (0-1) SV - Matt Capps (2) Notes: Nate McLouth has hit safely in each of his first ten games, his career-high is an 11-game hitting streak last year. Ian Snell has a 2-4 record with a 5.31 ERA (42.1ip/25er) in seven career starts against Cincinnati. Snell had a 1-3 record and a 5.92 ERA (24.1ip/16er) in four starts last year against Cincinnati. DL: Infielder Jack Wilson (strained left calf; eligible for reinstatement on 4/19)15-day disabled list. outfielder Chris Duffy (rehabbing from left shoulder surgery)15-day disabled list. Upcoming Games: Saturday vs. Cincinnati 7:05 RHP Bronson Arroyo (0-1, 5.9...
Some minor site improvements
2008-04-12 16:52:00 Some of you may have noticed, some may not, the site has been slightly modified. Some minor additions have been added, including AP articles and AP video feeds found below the post section...For those days where I don't get to post, I am still looking for that billionaire to gift me a couple million dollars. I have also added a Smapp applet that shows the seasons schedule, game stats, links to the ESPN box score (click on the game) as well as an Google maps view of the stadium. The standings and full MLB schedule are still available below the AP feeds. Rotoworld feed and BallHype feed are also available in the right menu bar near the bottom. The forum is still there, hoping it will take off some day. There is a tech section, if you have any technical computer type questions, I'll be glad to help. My profession is in the IT industry. The BTW Mall is still available, if you are looking to buy something online, send me what you are looking for and I'll see what ki... More About: Site , Minor
Game 10 Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh
2008-04-12 00:20:00 Vitals: CINCINNATI REDS (6-4) RHP EDINSON VOLQUEZ (2-0, 2.69 ERA) PITTSBURGH PIRATES (3-6) LHP PAUL MAHOLM (0-1, 9.00 ERA) Game Time 7:05 PM XM 184 TV NONE Last Game: 7-3 Loss to the Chicago Cubs Notes: The Pirates went 7-9 against the Reds last season, which includes a 3-6 record in Pittsburgh . The bullpen has pitched a total of 19.2 innings in the first three games played at PNC Park this season. Pirate pitchers have whiffed 50 batters in the last five games (53.0ip) and have fanned a total of 70 in the first eight games. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff ranks third in the National League in K’s. DL: Infielder Jack Wilson (strained left calf; eligible for reinstatement on 4/19) Chris Duffy (rehabbing from left shoulder surgery) are on the 15-day disabled list. Upcoming Games: Saturday vs. Cincinnati 7:...
Game 9 Chicago vs Pittsburgh
2008-04-10 16:57:00 Vitals: Chicago (5-3) LHP Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00 ERA) Pittsburgh (3-5) RHP Matt Morris (0-0, 5.40 ERA) Game Time 7:05 PM XM 184 TV FSNP (HD) Last Game: 6-4 15th inning loss to the Chicago Cubs. Notes: Morris has 12 career victories against the Cubs, tied (Astros) for the most among all opponents. DL: Infielder Jack Wilson (strained left calf; eligible for reinstatement on 4/19) Outfielder Chris Duffy (rehabbing from left shoulder surgery) are on the 15-day disabled list. Upcoming Games: Thursday vs. Chicago 7:05 LHP Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Morris (0-0, 5.40 ERA) FSNP (HD) Friday vs. Cincinnati 7:05 RHP Edinson Volquez (2-0, 2.69 ERA) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (0-1, 9.00 ERA) NO TV Saturday vs. Cincinnati 7:05 RHP Bronson Arroyo (0-1, 5.91 ERA) vs. RHP Ian Snell (1-0, 3.75 ERA) FSNP Sunday vs. Cincinnati 1:...
Game 8 Chicago vs Pittsburgh
2008-04-10 00:27:00 Vitals: Chicago (4-3) RHP RYAN DEMPSTER (1-0, 1.50 ERA) Pittsburgh (3-4) LHP ZACH DUKE (0-0, 3.18 ERA) Game Time 7:05 PM XM 184 TV FSNP (HD) Last Game: 10-8 12 inning loss to the Cubs on Monday. Notes: Pirates have signed Craig Wilson to a minor league deal. DL: Chris Duffy (15-Day), Jack Wilson(15-Day) Upcoming Games: Wednesday vs. Chicago 7:05 RHP Ryan Dempster (1-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. LHP Zach Duke (0-0, 3.18 ERA) FSNP (HD) Thursday vs. Chicago 7:05 LHP Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Morris (0-0, 5.40 ERA) FSNP (HD) Visit the BTW Forum to discuss this post. Register for the forum here:http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/inde x.cgi?action=register
Nady Named NL POW
2008-04-08 07:57:00 Xavier Nady was named NL Player of the week for his performance in the opening week of the season.
The Meek Shall Inherit Thee Loss
2008-04-08 07:43:00 No beer at PNC this year, the Pirates lost the home opener 10-8 in 12 innings to the Cubs. Evan Meek allowed 2 runs on 0 hits in the 12th.Meek was unhittable, he could not hit the strike zone. FIVE walks and a couple wild pitches, mixed with SAC flies wasted a 7 run comeback.What was that about Meek being available in the rule 5 draft due to control issues? More About: Loss
Game 7 Chicago vs Pittsburgh (Home Opener)
2008-04-07 18:16:00 Vitals: Chicago (3-3) LHP Ted Lilly (0-1, 7.71) Pittsburgh (3-3) LHP Tom Gorzelanny (0-1, 4.50) Game Time 1:35 PM XM 183 TV FSNP (HD) Last Game: . 9-2 Victory over the Marlins. Snell strike out 10. Offense looked good without Bay and LaRoche... Notes: Pirates are 1-0 when neither Bay nor LaRoche starts DL: Chris Duffy (15-Day), Jack Wilson(15-Day) Upcoming Games: Monday vs. Chicago 1:35 LHP Ted Lilly (0-1, 7.71 ERA) vs. LHP Tom Gorzelanny (0-1, 4.50 ERA) FSNP (HD) Tuesday in Pittsburgh OFF DAY Wednesday vs. Chicago 7:05 RHP Ryan Dempster (1-0, 1.50 ERA) vs. LHP Zach Duke (0-0, 3.18 ERA) FSNP (HD) Thursday vs. Chicago 7:05 LHP Rich Hill (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. RHP Matt Morris (0-0, 5.40 ERA) FSNP (HD) Visit the BTW Forum to discuss this post. Register for the forum here: http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/... More About: Home
Pirates XM Schedule Week of April 7
2008-04-07 05:35:00 MLB - Pirates XM Radio Broadcast Schedule Week of 04/07/2008 Date Game Game Time XM Channel 4/7/2008 Cubs @ Pirates 1:35PMET XM 183 4/9/2008 Cubs @ Pirates 7:05PMET XM 184 4/10/2008 Cubs @ Pirates 7:05PMET XM 184 ... More About: April
Wilson to DL, Bixler to Short
2008-04-07 05:32:00 The big news of the day is, for the first time in his career, Jack Wilson has been placed on the DL. Brian Bixler was recalled from Indy to take Wilson's spot at SS.Wilson is suffering from a calf muscle strain he suffered in game 2 of the Marlins series. The Pirates hand forced them to make a move due to the day-to-day status of Freddy Sanchez. The team could not handle 2 gimpy middle infielders.BTW Take:Bixler is a steady, but unspectacular defensive shortstop. He makes the plays he should and has a very strong arm from deep in the hole. Offensively he has a good eye and makes good contact with more power than Wilson. He should see a lot of playing time in his "cup of coffee" with the Pirates. Expect him to struggle, but it will be a good experience and should help when he is ready to make the jump permanently. More About: Short
Capps Agrees to $3.1M Deal and More...
2008-04-05 21:18:00 The Pittburgh Pirates and closer Matt Capps agreed on a 2 year $3.1M contract that will avoid arbitration at the end of the season. BTW Take:Excellent move by the Pirates management to show faith in the talent they do have. This contract is nothing more than a starting poing for a longer term deal, a good faith agreement if you will. This makes 3 pieces of the Pirates ship signed since Huntington and Coonley took the helm, a stark contrast to previous management.In the Buried Treasures section another important topic is discussed. Brian Tracy, son of former Pirates manager Jim Tracy and 2007 20th round draft pick, was hired as a pitching coach for State College after an honest discussion on his future as a player. This is one more example of the difference between current and previous management. Players around the Majors and Minors see things like this and take notice. This may actually be one more step towards changing the perception of the Pirates as an organization.Leave ... More About: Deal
Game 5 Pittsburgh vs Florida
2008-04-05 16:53:00 Vitals: Pittsburgh (2-2) LHP PAUL MAHOLM (10-15, 5.02 ERA in 2007) Florida (2-2) LHP MARK HENDRICKSON (0-1, 10.80 ERA) Game Time 7:10PM ET XM XM 189, XM 174 (ESP) TV FSNP (HD) Last Game:A walkoff HR by Mike Jacobs in the 9th gave the Marlins a 5-4 victory over the Pirates. Notes: In 2007, Maholm went 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA while pitching on four days rest.Maholm worked at least 7.0 innings in four of his last six starts in 2007...He has posted an 8-3 record in the 13 games last season when he worked atleast 7.0 innings in a game...He has gone 14-3 with a 2.72 ERA (169.0ip/51er) in 23 career starts when he tosses at least 7.0 frames in a game.Bucco outfielder Nate McLouth swiped his first base of the season last night...He producedthe best stolen base percentage in the major leagues last year, stealing 22-of-23 (96%)...Nate has now stolen 11 straightbases since b...
2008 Season Projection
2008-04-04 23:12:00 A little late with this, but here are my predictions for 2008 . American League East Central West Boston Cleveland Los Angeles Toronto Minnesota Oakland Tampa Kansas City Seattle New York Detroit Texas Baltimore Chicago Breakdown: Boston should walk away with the division. This team has too much depth, if that is possible. Toronto has too many injury risks in their rotation. Tamp will surprise, I can see them landing anywhere between 2nd and 4th in the division. New York will end up somewhere between 2nd and 4th. Their Achilles Heel will be their rotation. Their is n... More About: Season , Projection
Game 4 Pittsburgh vs Florida
2008-04-04 20:01:00 Vitals: Pittsburgh (2-1) RHP MATT MORRIS (10-11, 4.89 ERA in 2007) Florida (1-2) LHP SCOTT OLSEN (10-15, 5.81 ERA in 2007) Game Time 7:10PM ET XM XM 189, XM 174 (ESP) Notes: Outfielder Nyjer Morgan doubled as a pinch hitter Monday night in Atlanta and has now hit safely in each of his last 12 major league games (he also walked and scored a run Thursday night)...He ended the 2007 season with an 11-game hitting streak, going 18-for-44 (.409) with seven multi-hit contests. Morris has pitched at least 6.0 innings in 209 of his 271 major league starts (77%)...He pitched 6.0 or more frames 23 times in his 32 starts last season and posted a 9-6 record in those games (his teams went 12-11). DL: Outfielder Chris Duffy (rehabbing from left shoulder surgery) is on the 15-day disabled list. Upcoming Games: Saturday at Florida 7:10 LHP Paul Maholm (10...
Game 3 Pittsburgh vs Atlanta
2008-04-04 00:56:00 Vitals: Pittsburgh (1-1) LHP Zach Duke Atlanta (1-2) LHP Mike Hampton SCRATCHED Jeff Bennett now starting Game Time 7:10PM ET PUSHED BACK TO 7:20 XM XM 189 Notes:Hampton is a last minute scratch.DL: Outfielder Chris Duffy (rehabbing from left shoulder surgery) is on the 15-day disabled list. Visit the BTW Forum to discuss this post. Register for the forum here: http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/index.cgi ?action=register
Ouch! Braves score 7 in the 8th
2008-04-03 14:49:00 "I'm throwing the ball, and it's not going where I want it to go," Marte said. This scares me. The worst possible thing for a pitcher is trying to direct or aim pitches. If Marte gets into that rut, I hope Andrews has a magic potion. In what was turning out to be a good close ball game, Damaso Marte turned into a laugher. For the second straight game, the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen imploded allowing 7 runs in the 8th to cap off a 10-2 loss. On the bright side, Nady was the offensive catalyst setting a nice trend early in the season. Gorzelanny had a good, but unspectacular night. The best news from the start was no reported pain after the game, he had some issues late last season and early this spring with his pitching arm. Another note of notice. Doumit got the nod behind the plate again. Hmm, now that is interesting. More About: Score , Braves , Ouch
Game 2 Pittsburgh vs Atlanta
2008-04-02 17:36:00 Vitals: Pittsburgh (1-0) LHP TOM GORZELANNY (14-10, 3.88 ERA in 2007) Atlanta (0-2) RHP JAIR JURRJENS (3-1, 4.70 ERA in 2007) Game Time 7:10PM ET XM XM 189 Notes: Both Nate McLouth and Xavier Nady homered on Opening Day in 2007 and again this year, marking the first time in club history that two teammates hit home runs in back-to-back seasons on Opening Day. The Elias Sports Bureau reports that the last set of teammates to do this was Tony Batista and Shannon Stewart for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000 and 2001. There are 16 players returning from last year’s Opening Day roster, including John Grabow and Freddy Sanchez, who began last season on the disabled list...Two players made the team as non-roster invitees (Doug Mientkiewicz and Luis Rivas) and a total of six will be wearing Pittsburgh black and gold for the first time (Phil Dumatrait, Chris Gomez, Evan Meek, Doug M... More About: Game 2
Wow!
2008-04-01 06:48:00 1-0What a crazy game! This was the type of game the Pirates lose, not one they walk away with a 12-11 win from.Xavier Nady saved the day with two home runs. Could his value be any higher? After all, he leads the league in HR's and RBI.Nate was great, horrible and relieved by games end.It is much easier when the Pirates flat out lose compared to the pain derived from this game. Maybe I am a twisted sort, I am a Pirates fan, but I would love to experience another 81 games like this one.What the heck, how bad can heart failure be if it is caused in such a good way?
Opening Day Lineup, With A Surprise
2008-03-31 23:08:00 Here is the opening day lineup for our beloved Bucco's: Nate McLouth, CF Freddy Sanchez, 2B Jason Bay, LF Adam LaRoche, 1B Xavier Nady, RF Ryan Doumit, C Jose Bautista, 3B Jack Wilson, SS Ian Snell, P Vitals: Game Time 7:10PM ET XM XM 189 BTW Take: Doumit has been rewarded with the opening day nod at catcher. I question wether it is due to a stellar spring or the lack luster showing Paulino showed? I lost count on how many pop-ups Paulino mishandled during the spring. HAPPY OPENING DAY!!!!! More About: Opening , Lineup
Pirates XM Schedule - 3/31
2008-03-29 23:19:00 MLB - Pirates XM Radio Broadcast Schedule Week of 03/31/2008 3/31/2008 Pirates @ Braves 7:10PMET XM 189 4/2/2008 Pirates @ Braves 7:10PMET XM 189 4/3/2008 Pirates @ Braves 7:10PMET XM 189 4/4/2008 Pirates @ Marlins 7:10PMET XM 189 4/5/2008 Pirates @ Marlins 7:05PMET XM 174 Pirates @ Marlins 7:10PMET XM 189 4/6/2008 Pirates @ Marlins 1:10PMET XM 189Game times and broadcast schedule are subject to change.
Freddy Steady? and Cuts
2008-03-25 20:00:00 Dr. Andrews found no structural issues with Freddy 's shoulder. Sanchez may still be available for opening day(U.S. version) if not as a starter, possibly from the bench.Four players were cut from the Pirates Spring roster:Thompson, OfDessens, PBayliss, PFossum, PBayliss was also removed from the 40 man roster. He will need to clear waivers before reporting to Indy.Luis Rivas, IF, was added to the 40 man roster. He will likely head north in the event Sanchez is not ready.In other roster moves:Due to options in their contract, Doug M(ienkewicz) and Jarret Wright will have the option of opting out of their contracts on Wednesday(Doug M.) and Thursday(Wright) if not named to the roster. If they do not opt out, they are heading north. Doug M. would likely mean Morgan is headed to Indy.BTW Take:Morgan should start in Indy. Wright should be in the pen. Let's see what happens.Bayliss will likely get claimed off waivers. More About: Cuts
Guess Who Is a Giant?
2008-03-23 15:50:00 The San Francisco Giant s claimed former Pittsburgh Pirate infielder Jose Castillo off waivers from the Florida Marlins.BTW Take:Castillo fittingly represented the Pirates future under DL's regime. It is a shame he, along with so many prospects, had their futures ruined by mishandling by this teams previous regimes.If Huntington, Coonley and crew can simply fix that franchise flaw, only good things can happen. More About: Guess Who , Guess
Not So Steady
2008-03-23 06:50:00 Freddy Sanchez has an appointment Monday with the dreaded Dr. Andrews to examine Sanchez's surgically repaired shoulder. No offense to Dr. Andrews, but athletes don't see him unless his teams medical staff feels sommething is bad wrong.Needless to say, Freddy has been shut down for the forseeable future.Let's just pray it is nothing more than some scar tissue irritating the joint. Let us also pray Freddy is not this management groups Pat Mears.
Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-03-22 16:12:00 The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris StraitSacramento Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof will give away a suitcase full of their own cash on an upcoming episode of Oprah's Big Give. It's the brother's biggest act of charity since signing Vitaly Potapenko.After getting their first victory of this month, Miami Heat coach Pat Riley said that Jason Williams and Chris Quinn could match up to Hall of Famers Jerry West and Gail Goodrich. In fairness, West and Goodrich are in their 60s.A new study has found that HGH may worsen athletic performance. In fairness to the drug, the study focused mostly upon the Kansas City Royals.And German billiards champion Axel Buescher has been suspended for one year after testing positive for a banned substance. Wow. That's as likely as any of you knowing who Axel Buescher is. Turns out, Buescher was caught with an 8-ball.For more of the Sports M...
2008 Pirates Season Preview
2008-03-20 15:42:00 Still a draft, I will finish it sometime in the next day or so... The Manager: John Russell - He is a first year manager. He had done time in Pittsburgh from 2003-2005 as a catching instructor and third base coach. Additions and Subtractions: While no major additions were made during the offseason, some interesting moves were made. Doug Mientkiewicz was brought is on a minor league contract to potentially add some depth to the Pirates bench. A host of starters and former starters were brought in to compete initially for a bullpen spot, but more recently there looks to be a competition for a spot in the rotation. The key to the additions, the starting lineup from 2007 did not get changed. Possibly some chemistry will help the team in 2008 ? Arrivals: RHP Elmer Dessens LHP Phil Dumatrait INF Chris Gomez RHP Byung-Hyun Kim RHP Evan Meek 1B Doug Mientkiewicz R... More About: Preview , Season
Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-03-11 13:28:00 The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So) Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA's first replay since 1983 by downing the Miami Heat in a game that lasted just 51.9 seconds. Somehow Miami fans still had time to boo. Wisconsin residents are still reeling from Brett Favre's retirement. The only thing worse would be if they had to go to a Bucks game. Favre replacement Aaron Rodgers called Shaquille O'Neal over the weekend. For advice on filling big shoes. And turns out Warren Sapp announced his retirement on the same day as Brett Favre. Both of Sapp's fans were crushed. Of course, that could have just happened when he hugged them. For more of the Sports Minute (Or So), visit minuteorso.com Visit the BTW Forum to discuss this post and possibly win a Bob Walk Bobble Head. Register for the forum here: http://forum.bucstradewin...
Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-03-10 14:06:00 The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So) Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait Former NBA star Kevin Johnson is running for mayor of Sacramento. It could be the first time a basketball player wins anything in Sacramento. Knicks guard Stephon Marbury made an unexpected visit to Madison Square Garden last week. And we thought he'd chant "Fire Isiah" from home. It was the first time all season that Marbury's presence at the Garden wasn't directly responsible for their loss. In football, Terrell Suggs filed a grievance against the Baltimore Ravens over whether he should be classified as a defensive end or a linebacker. QB Rex Grossman has filed a similar grievance against Chicago over whether he should be classified as a liability or a lost cause. And USC recruit Maurice Simmons has been arrested on suspicion of robbery. He might end up not playing for the Troja...
McCutchen To Start In CF, 1B Injuries
2008-03-03 18:23:00 McCutchen to Start in CF?An interesting tidbit from Mr. Huntington. During an interview with Holden Kushner (sp?) on MLBLive (XM Radio) he was asked about the CF position. His answer startled me. He said it was down to McCutchen and Morgan. Huntington did mention Mclouth and Duffy later, as well as McCutchen being on the rise multiple times. BTW Take:I think this was a slip of the brain, more than a potential juicy rumor. When talking about so many M's, he had to get confused. Morgan, Mclouth, McCutchen, Mienkiewitz. Hell Doug confuses me just spelling his name.Regardless, something to watch for.Dig-DougSpeaking of Mr. M., he will likely make the team. Why? With the slew of injured 1B's around the league this spring, he and Nady will become valuable trade chips.BTW Take:I am expecting a late spring trade of Nady. Possibly back to the Mets or Padres. The Padres have more to offer. Don't be surprised if the Snakes slither into the discussion.Doug M. could be sent to the... More About: Injuries
Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-03-01 19:35:00 The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So) Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait Hall of Fame horse trainer Sidney Watters Jr. has died at the age of 90. After a long illness, Watters was mercifully taken behind the barn and shot. Gary Sheffield has lashed out at his former agent Scott Boras, calling him a "bad person." Which is the equivalent of Britney Spears saying that Lindsay Lohann is out of control. 260-pound Brewers slugger Prince Fielder has decided to stop eating meat. In a related story, Wisconsin will be tripling its dairy production. The Florida Marlins have finally reached an agreement for a brand new stadium. The agreement is that the Dolphins and the Heat will never play there. Hopefully there'll be seating for all 300 Marlins fans. The ballpark will cost $515 million, raising the value of the franchise to $515 million. White ...
Farewell Myron
More articles from this author:2008-02-28 07:10:00 As many of you know, Pittsburgh lost a local and national icon early Wednesday. We will miss you Myron, no Steeler game could ever be the same without a yoi or double yoi. Christmas will lose a little joy without a Steelers Christmas Carol. Heaven has gained a great color commentator. More About: Farewell 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
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