Guess Who’s back? Back again.

I haven’t posted in over two months. I apologize to the few of you guys out there that actually read my blog.

A lot has happened. A lot of loosing. Instead of boring you with all of that, im just going to do a few recaps and stay on the positive side of things (even though the buccos are 25-46) I think that is what makes me different from most Pirate fans. I look at the bright side of things and even when they were on a 12 game loosing streak I still turned on the game or was at the game and thought “tonights going to be a good night” I’m not exactly sure how I’m still this way after 17 loosing seasons, ever since I’ve been watching the Pirates they have been a loosing team, but somehow I am.

Starting Pitching. Well, it has been down right awful. Aside from Maholm (last night went only 1 inning gave up 7H 7R 5ER 4BB Who summed it by saying that he “just stunk” ) has been the only starter this season to pitch pretty well and consistent. Zack Duke is on the DL with an elbow strain. Ross Ohlendorf still struggling with his command. Has yet to win a single game this year. His last start went well the first four innings and then he just ran out of gas and the Rangers took advantage of it. Charlie Morton in still in AAA. I’m a huge fan of Charlie’s. He has the stuff to be a really great pitcher. He deffinitly showed that last season. Fingers crossed he works out his kinks because we REALLY need him. Part of the Calvary is Brad Lincoln. He has had three starts so far and has pitched decent. Deffinitly a great pitcher in the making. Karstens, Burress, Jacu, Eveland, McCutchen (have I missed anyone?) So many different starters. So many disasters.

Bullpen. Unbelieveable! and in the best way possible. The pen this year has been just ridiculous. I can’t remember the last time the Pirates had so many great arms. I don’t think they have gotten enough credit for it. Evan Meek is just nasty. He has a 0.66 ERA, which is the lowest in all of baseball. Hanrahan has been great as well. His ERA is not as low, but don’t let that fool you he throws nasty pitches too. Lopez, Donnelly, Dotel, DJ. 

If you listen to Pirates extra innings after the game with Rocco Demaro i called in a few days ago and asked Rocco about the future of Meek & Hanny (possible closer) you can hear the podcast here  June 19th around the 21 min mark

Today the Pirates called up Steven Jackson and Justin Thomas. The pen has been worked a lot and they came to the rescue! One will be gone friday when they spot start Daniel McCutchen for Saturdays game.

Position Players. GFJ has been a monster. (Jones 12 game hit streak ended last night) Andrew McCutchen. Well, what can’t he do? He is so much fun to watch! Neil Walker has also been very impressive since being called up as well. Not only has he been hitting he has also been flashing the leather over at 2b. The other memebers of the calvary include PEDRO! PEDRO! and Jose Tabata. They have both been here a few weeks now. Pedro is off to a slow start, which isnt new for him. Once he starts hitting he will deffinitly be something to watch. Steve Pearce in still in AAA rehabing his ankle (should be coming off the DL anyday now) Ryan Church is hitting way below the Mendoza line and hopefully gets traded away soon. As we all know by now, AKI was DFA, cleared (big shocker right?) and reports to AAA on friday. Milledge as of late has been hitting well too. Still has yet to show power, no homeruns.

Last years 1st round pick Tony Sanchez had his surgery today. He was hit in the face with a pitch and had two jaw fractures. He is expected to be out 6 to 8 weeks.

Over the last few days there has been a lot of injuries to the Pirates and as well in the minors. It’s very frustrating.

 Some other random news:

The Marlins fired their Manager Fredi Gonzalez yesterday. ESPN is reporting that Bobby Valentine is the front runner for the job and will interview tomorow.

Strasburg started his 3rd game yesterday. He went 6 IN 9H 1ER 9K 4BB and got his first loss on the season. He has been just unbelieveable. Not even the slightest overated. Before heading into yesterday’s game he had 32 K in 19.1 Innings. He also got his first ML hit in the 3rd inning. As a huge fan of the game I love watching him pitch. My favorite aspect of the game is deffinitly the pitching. I’d take a pitchers duel anyday.

I have to comment on last night’s Rockies game. It was amazing! Jimenez heading into the start was 13-1 with a 1.15 ERA. That’s just insane. He eneded up giving up 6ER (a season high) and his ERA went up to 1.60. The most exciting part was the Jason Giambi’s walk off BLAST 

Gallardo almost had a perfect game today. He lost his bid in the 6th inning. He did go on to get a complete game shutout over the Twins.