Results tagged ‘ cardinals ’
Morton, McCutchen, lift Bucs to 4-3 victory over Cardinals
A solid pitching performance by Charlie Morton and a two-run home run by Andrew McCutchen lifted the Bucs 4-3 over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Monday night.
Morton proved his spring stats were not a fluke as he limited the Cardinals to just one run on three hits over six innings (97 pitches) with five walks and two strikeouts.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “He did everything you could have hoped he would have done. He pitched an outstanding ball game.”
While his walk rate was rather high, what was most impressive was the fact that he was able to work his way out of several jams.
In the bottom of the 4th, after walking Lance Berkman and Allen Craig back-to-back, Morton got Yadier Molina to ground out to escape the inning without a run scoring.
Morton told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I’m pitching more to contact. I know that sounds weird; I walked five guys. But I want him to hit it. I wanted to throw a good sinker and have him hit it. He did, and we got out of it.”
Down 1-0 in the 6th, the Pirates scored four runs off of right-hander Kyle Lohse. Ronny Cedeno lead off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a sac bunt by Charlie Morton. Jose Tabata drew a seven pitch walk and Neil Walker hit a two-run double to take a 2-1 lead. With those two runs, Walker has a National League leading seven RBI.
In the next at-bat McCutchen, who was back in the lineup after missing Sunday with ‘upper body soreness’, hit a two-run home run to give the Pirates a 4-1 lead.
Evan Meek’s early season struggles continued as he allowed two singles, a walk, and two earned runs in the 8th.
Joel Hanrahan picked up a four out save, striking out two. Hanrahan’s three saves lead the majors.
The Pirates are now 3-1 on the season. The Cardinals fall to 1-3.
Morton, McCutchen, lift Bucs to 4-3 victory over Cardinals
A solid pitching performance by Charlie Morton and a two-run home run by Andrew McCutchen lifted the Bucs 4-3 over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Monday night.
Morton proved his spring stats were not a fluke as he limited the Cardinals to just one run on three hits over six innings (97 pitches) with five walks and two strikeouts.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “He did everything you could have hoped he would have done. He pitched an outstanding ball game.”
While his walk rate was rather high, what was most impressive was the fact that he was able to work his way out of several jams.
In the bottom of the 4th, after walking Lance Berkman and Allen Craig back-to-back, Morton got Yadier Molina to ground out to escape the inning without a run scoring.
Morton told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I’m pitching more to contact. I know that sounds weird; I walked five guys. But I want him to hit it. I wanted to throw a good sinker and have him hit it. He did, and we got out of it.”
Down 1-0 in the 6th, the Pirates scored four runs off of right-hander Kyle Lohse. Ronny Cedeno lead off the inning with a single and advanced to second on a sac bunt by Charlie Morton. Jose Tabata drew a seven pitch walk and Neil Walker hit a two-run double to take a 2-1 lead. With those two runs, Walker has a National League leading seven RBI.
In the next at-bat McCutchen, who was back in the lineup after missing Sunday with ‘upper body soreness’, hit a two-run home run to give the Pirates a 4-1 lead.
Evan Meek’s early season struggles continued as he allowed two singles, a walk, and two earned runs in the 8th.
Joel Hanrahan picked up a four out save, striking out two. Hanrahan’s three saves lead the majors.
The Pirates are now 3-1 on the season. The Cardinals fall to 1-3.
Pre-game News and Notes: Pirates @ Cardinals 4/4
The Pirates (2-1) will face the St. Louis Cardinals (1-2) tonight at 8:15 PM/ET. The first of a three-game series.
Right-hander Charlie Morton will face Right-hand pitcher Kyle Lohse.
- Morton had a great spring training where he had a 2.63 ERA. The 27-year-old allowed eight runs (seven earned) on 15 hits with six walks and 12 strike outs over 24 innings.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Cash Kruth of MLB.com, “Charlie pitched better than anybody in camp, and good for him. That’s why the next step will be the more interesting step. The season will come and we’ll see what that brings. But confidence has been built.”
- Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington said that the club has not yet decided whether left-hander Scott Olsen will need to make some Minor League rehab appearances before rejoining the big league club. Olsen (left shoulder inflammation) is currently in Bradenton, Fla., for extended spring training.
- Neil Walker’s decision to score home in the 9th inning against the Cubs on Pedro Alvarez’s dribbler, was a gutsy one. Walker said, “Had to take the chance, just had to.”
Thanks to aggressive base running, Walker’s run turned out to be the winning one in the 5-4 victory on Sunday.
Walker told Colin Dunlap of the Post Gazette about his decision.
- Buster Olney of ESPN tweeted some good news for Pirates fans: they may not finish in the basement of the National League Central this year. “Talked with several scouts who think the Pirates will finish ahead of the Astros this year — PITT is better, to them, and Houston is worse.”
Pirates:
Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ryan Doumit C, Garrett Jones RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Charlie Morton RHP
Cardinals:
Ryan Theriot SS, Colby Rasmus CF, Albert Pujols 1B, Lance Berkman RF, Allen Craig LF, David Freese 3B, Yadier Molina C, Skip Schumaker 2B, Kyle Lohse RHP
Post game Notes: 4/3
- Following today’s game, the team will travel to St. Louis, where they open up a three-game series against the Cardinals. Right-hand Pitcher Charlie Morton will face Right-hander Kyle Lohse.
- The Pirates struck out 12 times against Cubs starter Matt Garza in the 5-4 victory on Sunday. Garza’s 12 k’s were a career high.
- Third Baseman Pedro Alvarez is looking forward to the Pirates home opener on April 7th –his first home opener as a big leaguer.
Alvarez told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “They are great fans to play in front of. I don’t think there are any fans out there like the Pittsburgh fans. You can tell, obviously, with the Steelers and the Penguins and with us. I’m definitely very excited, and I feel very fortunate to be able to play in front of them this year.”
- Manager Clint Hurdle was late to post the lineup before today’s game against the Cubs. There were discussions on whether Andrew McCutchen would sit out due to a stiff neck he got from a diving catch in Saturday’s game. “My neck’s a little sore. It’s from diving on that cement out there (in the outfield).”
The lineup was posted, McCutchen’s name in the 3rd spot, but about 30 minutes before the game, he was scratched from the lineup. He was given treatment and was sitting for precautionary reasons.
Pre-game Notes: Pirates @ Cubs 4/3
The Pittsburgh Pirates will face the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 PM/ET today at Wrigley field for the final game of the series. The teams have split the first two games.
Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf will start for the Bucs against Right-hander Matt Garza, who is making his Cubs debut.
Ohlendorf did not pitch longer than 4.2 innings in a start this spring. He told Evan Drellich of MLB.com, “I feel really good with where I am right now. Pitching coach Ray Searage] and I worked on some things the last week or so that I think are really going to help. Also, my arm feels good, and that’s very important at this point.”
- If the Pirates win today, it would be their first road series win July 27-29 (Colorado) of 2010. The Bucs only won four road series last season (17 games overall).
- Following today’s game, the team will travel to St. Louis, where they open up a three-game series against the Cardinals.
- The Pirates Double-A team, Altoona Curve, announced it’s opening day roster.
The starting rotation is as follows: left-handers Jeff Locke and Aaron Thompson and right-handers Bryan Morris, Aaron Pribanic and Jared Hughes.
Farm director Kyle Stark told Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror, “I expect that staff to not be there long. Some of those guys have had success in that league and have a couple things they need to do, and if they do that, then we’re gonna look to challenge those guys [in Triple-A].”
Tim Alderson, a first round draft pick in 2009, will start the season in the bullpen.
Some notable position players include: Catcher Tony Sanchez (Pirates No. 2 prospect), Shelby Ford, Starling Marte, Brock Holt and Quincy Latimore.
Pirates:
Jose Tabata LF, Neil Walker 2B, Andrew McCutchen CF, Lyle Overbay 1B, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Matt Diaz RF, Jason Jaramillo C, Ronny Cedeno SS, Ross Ohlendorf RHPUpdate: McCutchen said he had little soreness in his neck from dive yesterday on ball hit in outfield.
*Manager Clint Hurdle says lineup is not up yet because they are waiting on health status of Andrew McCutchen who has “upper body” injury, according to Colin Dunlap of the Post Gazette.
Cubs:
Starlin Castro SS, Darwin Barney 2B, Marlon Byrd CF, Aramis Ramirez 3B, Carlos Peña 1B, Geovany Soto C, Alfonso Soriano LF, Tyler Colvin RF, Matt Garza RHP
*Photo credit: @MikeShaeffer
Ex-Bucco Ian Snell retires
Former Bucco Ian Snell has decided to retire after seven years in the majors.
Snell, 29, was drafted by the Pirates in the 26th round of the 2000 draft.
His best season came in 2007 when he went 9-12 with a 3.76 ERA while striking out 177 batters in 208 innings.
In June of 2009, Snell pitched a 17 strikeout game for the Triple-A Indians. You can read the recap (by Indianapolis Indians radio broadcaster Scott McCauley) from the incredible game here. Snell was traded to the Seattle Mariners in 2009 (along with Jack Wilson) for Ronny Cedeno, Jeff Clement and right-handed pitching prospects Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.
Snell went 0-5 with 6.41 ERA in 12 games, eight of them starts, with the Seattle Mariners in 2010.
This past offseason, Snell signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. He decided to retire after being optioned to the minors.
“The initial hope was he was going to be someone who could give us protection at (Class AAA) Memphis,” Cardinals General Manager John Mozeliak said. “It’s not a huge hit to us at this point.”
He retires 38-53 with a 4.80 ERA.
Bucco news and notes: 1/14
- It’s still undetermined where pitcher Tim Alderson will start the 2011 season. He will have to prove to Pirates Farm Director Kyle Stark during minor league spring training that he is ready for another shot at double-a.
“I have no idea where I’m going to start the season,” Alderson said. “Probably, I’ll go back to Altoona, but I’m not really looking to where I’m going to be. It’s about how I’m going to react and be able to pitch. If I can pitch (well), no matter where I’m at, I’ll have a good shot of getting back to where I used to be.”
Here, he tells the story of how it felt to be demoted to High-A in 2010.
- The Kansas City Royals have signed left-hander Jeff Francis to a one-year deal.
Francis, who has spent seven seasons with the Rockies, has a 55-50 record with a 4.77 ERA in 150 games.
The Pirates were reported to be interested Francis. Clint Hurdle managed Francis for five years when he was manager in Colorado.
- Former Pirates pitcher Ian Snell signed a minor league deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.
- Jose Tabata did not make MLB Network’s “Top 10 left fielders -right now” list that aired on Thursday night. He did, however, receive a mention to those players to just miss.
Winter meetings updates/rumors/signings: Day one
I will continue to update this post throughout the day on any rumors and signings that happen during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
*5:10 PM-
Ken Rosenthal tweeted this: Pirates looking at free-agent RHP Kevin Correia, among others.
Correia went 10-10 with a 5.40 ERA in 28 games (26 starts) with the San Diego Padres. In eight seasons (combined with the San Francisco Giants and Padres) he has a record of 36-43 with a 4.57 ERA. Correia,30, averages 6.6 strike outs per nine innings.
*4:30 PM-
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington when asked about reports that teams have asked about Andrew McCutchen: “I wouldn’t always believe what you read.”
*4:22 PM-
General Manager Neal Huntington says Ryan Doumit is Pirates starting right fielder for 2011 “as we sit right now”. He also would do some catching.
*3:55 PM-
According to Dejan Kovcevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, the Pirates are “deeply interested” in right hand pitcher Jeremy Accardo.
Accardo, who turns 29 on December 18th, appeared in five games (6.2 innings) with the Toronto Blue Jays during April 2010. He allowed six runs on 12 hits with three strike outs and three walks. Accardo was non-tendered by the Jays on December 3rd and was due to make $1.08 million.
In 41 games with the Blue Jay’s Triple-A team, Accardo went 2-2 with a 3.64 ERA and had 24 saves. In 42 innings pitched he allowed just one home run, walked 14 and struck out two.
*3:08 PM-
According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, A couple of teams have approached the Pirates about Andrew McCutchen (not the Red Sox) Bucs would have to be “overwhelmed” in order to trade the center fielder.
*2:01 PM-
Agent for Scott Olsen told MLB Trade Rumors that “nothing is done yet” on one-year deal with the Pirates.
*1:45 PM-
According to Jen Langosch of MLB.com, The Pirates have tentatively agreed to a one-year contract with Scott Olsen. The deal is pending a physical (which would happen later this week) and is incentive-laden.
Olsen, 26, became a free-agent in November after being out righted off the Washington Nationals roster.
In 17 games (15 starts) with the Nats in 2010, he went 4-8 with a 5.56 ERA.
Olsen is coming off two injury plagued seasons with Washington. In his previous three seasons with the Florida Marlins he had at least 31 starts and pitched at least 176.2 innings.
His career stats (six seasons) is 37-49 with a 4.85 ERA in 130 games (127 starts).
An official announcement could come by Friday.
*1:03 PM-
According to Jen Langosch of MLB.com, the Pirates have shown interest in Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves right hander is set to make $6.667 million in 2011, but Atlanta are interested in parting ways with the starter, covering most of the salary. It’s possible the Bucs could pay $1-2 million and not have to trade any player in the deal.
Kawakami, 35, went 1-10 with a 5.15 ERA in 18 games (16 starts) with the Braves in 2010.
The Pirates are also rumored to be eyeing shortstop (he can also play second and third base) Brendan Ryan of the Cardinals. Ryan hit .223 with two homers and 36 RBI in 139 games.
*12:17 PM-
The Pirates talks with starting pitcher Brandon Webb have gone cold according to sources. The Bucs have not contacted Webb since November 22nd. Justin Duchscherer, Jeff Francis and Scott Olsen are still on the Pirates radar.
The Pirates are willing to trade Evan Meek or Joel Hanrahan for a “significant offer” but they are not shopping them around.
*11:40 AM-
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, an informed source told him the Pirates “would love” to trade Ryan Doumit.
Winter Meetings kick off, Pirates have a lot of work ahead
Monday kicks off the first day of the Winter Meetings held at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The Pirates have several gaps to fill for the 2011 season: a starting pitcher (or two), a first baseman/right fielder, shortstop and bullpen help for Evan Meek and Joel Hanrahan.
The young Bucs can be penciled in for next season: Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen, and James McDonald.
“We feel it’s important to provide this young group of players weapons that will help them experience success in 2011,” President Frank Coonelly said. “More help is coming quickly through the much improved minor league system, but there are needs that we’re trying to address now to enable us to win in 2011. If we can address these needs without giving up prospects who we believe will be a part of our long-term success and without impeding our ability to lock up the young players who we are developing to long-term agreements, we need to do that.”
“We are targeting players on the market who will address these needs without jeopardizing our longer-term goals,” Coonelly said. “We have the financial resources available to address these needs, and we are looking forward to adding more talent to the improving young talent that has joined the roster over the past two years.”
The Pirates reportably were interested in Jorge De La Rosa (who re-signed with the Rockies) and first baseman Lance Berkman (who signed with the Cardinals). But there are many other players the Bucs could peruse: first baseman Derek Lee and Carlos Pena, right fielders Jeff Francouer, Jack Cust and Matt Diaz, shortstops J.J. Hardy and Jason Bartlett.
Steve Pearce and Lastings Milledge (who was non-tendered) could also be filled from within the organization to play first base/right field.
We are comfortable with Steve Pearce filling a role on the major league club,” General Manager Neal Huntington said. “We continue to be open to Lastings Milledge returning, too, but we are also exploring other potential fits.”
Starting pitching is the most important for the Pirates to fill. Scott Olsen is rumored to be in serious talks with the Pirates. Other options include: Brandon Webb (reports that the talks have gone cold with the cy-young award winner), Justin Duchscherer and Jeff Francis.
Thursday marks the Rule 5 draft and the Pirates have the first pick. Starter Aneury Rodriguez is the favorite, The right-hander went 6-5 with a 3.80 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 113.2 innings in Triple-A (Tampa Bay Ray’s organization).
The 40-man roster currently has four spots open.
Brandon Webb also on Pirates radar
The Pirates are also reportably after starting pitcher Brandon Webb. The right-hander has spent all seven major league seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is 87-62 with a 3.27 ERA, averages 7.3 strike outs per nine innings. Webb also averages around 200 innings pitched each season.
Webb missed the entire 2010 season and only logged four innings in 2009 due to right shoulder bursitis and had surgery by Dr. Keith Meister of the Rangers on August 3, 2009.
Webb was drafted in the eighth round of the 2000 draft. He won the Cy Young award in 2006 and is a three-time all star and led the National League in wins in both 2006 and 2008.
Webb is known for his sinker and according to Sports Illustrated: “Webb said he probably uses it at least 80 percent of the time, and it used to be closer to 90 percent”
Webb also throws a change that clocks in the mid-80′s as well as a curve in the low 70′s.
Baseball writer at MLBFanhouse.com’s Ed Price tweeted this: #Pirates GM Huntington said “We’ve got some flexibility and are kicking some tires.” Possible high-upside fit is RHP Brandon Webb.
Baseball writer for ESPN.com and Baseball America’s Jerry Crasnick tweeted this:
Teams with an interest in Brandon Webb: Dodgers, Pirates, Twins and Rangers. And don’t rule out Nationals, Reds & Cardinals
Kristy Robinson
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