Ramblings

I had just a few things I wanted to post about before the Pirates game this afternoon.

• Now that the Trade Deadline is over, and I’ve had time to read about some of the new guys that we got, I must say Huntington did a very great job. Over the past few years management has given the lineup a house cleaning (similar to the Dbacks and Astros this year) and left fans upset. Talent aside, after watching players year after year you start to love them even if they are hitting below the Mendoza line. Never will you hear a bad thing come out my mouth about Huntington though. What he has done since he took over in 2007 has been unbelieveable and the Pirates are FINALLY on the right track. As sad as it is to see certain players go, its all for the better of the orgainzation and for the team to see winning again.

I’m just glad I didn’t have to use this picture, literally this year.

 

 

As sad I was to see Dotel, Lopez and Carrasco go, we really got some great talented guys back in return for the veteran guys. I’m excited about James McDonald and John Bowker. I used to live in Los Angeles, so I was pretty familiar with these two from watching the NL West so often.

McDonald, once stretched back into a starter has the potential to be a pretty good 4th or 5th guy for the Pirates.

Bowker has a lot of power and can play both first and the outfield. In 2008, with the Giants he hit .255 with 10 homers and 43 RBIs in 11 games. This year in AAA he was hitting .310 with 14 homers and 36 RBIs in 51 games. A nice left handed power bat is exactly what the Pirates need, and he could be the guy to do it.

“It’s a good bat that we wanted to add to the system,” Huntington said. “Brandon Moss has swung the bat very well, and we’ve added another quality left-handed-hitting outfielder that could fit on the club as an extra outfielder. But we also have scouting reports not too long ago that have John Bowker as a potential everyday player.”

 

 

Andrew Lambo has been a very highly regarded prospect the last few years with the Dodgers. He did miss 50 games earlier this year for testing positive for drug abuse. But no need to worry, it was just marijuna. (it’s okay, I’ll let that one slide.)

 

 

It will be very weird at the ballpark tomorow, without some of those guys, but we all know they weren’t part of the Pirates future. I do wish them all the best of luck. Especially Dotel, he was always smiling and I just loved his personality. So for one last time.. TickTickTick

 

Here are a few of the Pirates reactions to the trades:

“It’s very disappointing,” Meek said. “Geez, it’s frustrating. Again, it’s the business side of the game. All you can do is wish them the best and hope that they adapt and are happy with where they’re at. I’m going to miss them very much.”

“We had pride in our bullpen,” added Hanrahan. “We were a close-knit group. We felt that we were one of the best ones in the league in doing our job. It’s tough to see all the guys leave, and you lose a lot of experience, but, obviously, Neal has an idea of what he’s doing. We’ve got to continue to go out there and get people out.”

 

@Maholm28 Glad to still be in the burgh and thanks everyone for ur support. Looking forward to turning this around.

@Maholm28: Always sad to see a few more great guys leave but good luck to each of them.  

 

• The Pirates re-called LHP Justin Thomas.

 

Today’s Pitching Matchup (PIT @ STL) 09/01/10

Zach Duke 5-9, 5.09 ERA

VS

Adam Wainwright 14-6, 2.23 ERA

Duke continues to look like a different pitcher since coming off the DL. In those last three starts, he has rediscovered his sinker and efficiency, and the confidence is building as a result. Duke said he feels as good now as he has all season.

Wainwright is coming off a rare iffy start, but he’s coming home, where he’s been dominant. Wainwright is 10-0 with a ridiculous 1.22 ERA at Busch Stadium. In his last five home starts, he’s pitched 35 1/3 innings and allowed one earned run.

 

Pirates Lineup:

McCutchen 8

Tabata 7

Walker 4

Jones 3

Alvarez 5

Milledge 9

Cedeno 6

Jaramillo 2

Duke 1