Results tagged ‘ clint hurdle ’
Pirates @ Phillies exhibition game one: 3/29
The Pirates face the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizen Bank Park tonight at 7:05 pm for first of two exhibition games. You can listen to the game on the Pirates radio network 104.7.
The Bucs will send right-hander Ross Ohlendorf to the mound to face Roy Oswalt.
- Dejan Kovacevic of the Post Gazette is reporting that Right-hander Mike Crotta will make the 25-man roster. The Pirates have not officially announced the news (read more here).
- With just a few days until opening day, Manager Clint Hurdle is ready to win. Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com asked Hurdle what he learned about the team through spring training that he didn’t already know, he said,
“These guys are ready to win. They’re ready to win.”
“You break things down on paper — we don’t have the names that other teams have. We don’t have the pedigrees, the back of the bubblegum cards that other teams have. But I have learned through playing the game, coaching the game and managing the game that the beauty of it is that the game is not played on paper. All we’ve got to be is better than the team that night we’re playing them. That’s one message we’re revisiting just about daily this spring.”
- Charlie Morton will face Cole Hamels tomorrow against the Phillies in the final exhibition game. Opening Day will kick off on April 1st in Chicago against the Cubs. I’ll be making the trip so if you’ll be there feel free to say hello.
- The Pirates sent a dozen minor league players to Philly for the exhibition series. This gives Hurdle ample players to use for backups. Most of the regular players will not play on Wednesday (or very limited) in order to be rested up for opening day on Friday.
Those players who traveled North with the ball club are: infielders Brian Friday, Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer and Benji Gonzalez; outfielders Brad Chalk and Starling Marte; catchers Eric Fryer and Kris Watts; and pitchers Anthony Claggett, Mike Colla, Michael Dubee and Jared Hughes.
- Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association adapted new protocols regarding concussions. There will be a seven-day disabled list for concussions that goes into effect on opening day (read more here).
Pirates
Lineup: Tabata LF, Walker 2B, McCutchen CF, Overbay 1B, Alvarez 3B, Jones RF, Doumit C, Cedeno SS, Ohlendorf RHP
Pitchers: Ohlendorf, Veras, Meek
Phillies
Lineup: Victorino CF, Castillo 2B, Rollins SS, Howard 1B, Ibanez LF, Francisco RF, Orr 3B, Ruiz C, Oswalt RHP
Pitchers: Oswalt, TBA
(Jose Tabata, Ronny Cedeno) Bundle up guys, the temperature tonight in Philly is supposed to be 33 degrees.
*Photo credit: @BucsInsider
A Rod homers off of Correia in Bucs 4-2 loss
Despite allowing a two-run home run to Third baseman Alex Rodriguez in the 1st inning, right-hander Kevin Correia was solid in the Pirates 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla., on Saturday afternoon.
Correia allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts. It was the first time this spring he pitched into the sixth inning. Correia threw 92 pitches (59 for strikes).
Correia told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I thought it was definitely my best outing in spring. I felt strong the whole time. You want your last Spring Training outing to be good. You don’t want to go into the season thinking about how you didn’t pitch well the time before. I felt pretty good about this one.”
Manager Clint Hurdle told Langosch of MLB.com, “I thought he got stronger as he went on. He expects a lot of himself. He never shuts himself down on an inning or an outing. He takes a lot of pride in getting the ball and pitching deep and getting as many innings as he can get. I thought it was a very good way for him to finish up.”
Correia is set to be the opening day starter on April 1st against the Cubs in Chicago.
The Pirates put one run on the board in the 2nd inning after a two out double by Jason Jaramillo which scored Pedro Alvarez.
Chris Dickerson extended the Yankees lead to 3-1 after singling to center field, scoring Outfielder Nick Swisher.
The Bucs brought the game to within one run after second baseman Neil Walker hit a sac fly to score Jose Tabata.
In the 8th inning, Mike Crotta gave up his first earned run this spring, a RBI single by Austin Krum giving the Yankees a 4-2 lead. Crotta’s scoreless inning streak lasted 10.1 innings.
Hurdle told Biertempfel of the Tribune, “He’s pitching out of the bullpen now and that’s not something he did last year. He’s a big guy (6-feet-6, 235 pounds), he repeats his delivery pretty well, he’s got good downhill plane. It’s hard sink, mid-90s mph sink and he’s added a complementary breaking ball. And he’s pounded the strike zone. Those things are always going to work. We’ll see how he finishes it off, but he has done everything he could possibly do to build his confidence and let us know that maybe we should give him an opportunity, and possibly sooner than later.”
Notes:
- Manager Clint Hurdle announced earlier today that Andrew McCutchen will bat third in the lineup this year. Jose Tabata will lead off for the Bucs with Pedro Alvarez batting fifth (read more here).
- James McDonald (left side) threw a successful three inning game against the Yankees Triple-A team today. He reported to feel fine afterwards (read more here).
- Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune reports that Pirates No. 1 prospect, Jameson Taillon threw three scoreless innings allowing three hits against the Yankees High-A team.
- The Pirates have lost five games in a row. Are the losses in spring training really important, or does it effect the team?
Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “We play every game to win. But if we don’t, we don’t. When we start the season, we’re not going to have any. We just haven’t played complete games for the last 10-11 games. You’ve got to throw a complete package out there. I’ll be more concerned when we’re running our regular team out there. We’ve been trying to take a very good inventory of all our players this spring and challenging guys in different situations. Winning’s always the intent, but the focus will shift to a higher degree of that once the season starts.”
- Catcher Chris Snyder was scratched prior to the game with back soreness (read more here).
- Colin Dunlap of the Post Gazette wrote a good article on Manager Clint Hurdle: “Hurdle lights Pirates fire”
Hurdle announces McCutchen will bat third this year
Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle announced on Saturday that Andrew McCutchen will bat third this season with Jose Tabata leading off.
Saturday’s lineup against the Yankees is close to what you will expect to see this season.
Neil Walker will bat second, Lyle Overbay will bat in cleanup with Pedro Alvarez batting fifth. Matt Diaz/Garrett Jones (depending on righty/lefty pitcher) will bat sixth and Ronny Cedeno hitting seventh. The catcher batting eight with the pitcher hitting ninth.
Many expected Alvarez to bat fourth this year, but Manager Clint Hurdle explained his reasoning. Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I think right now it just sets us up best. Pedro has a lot on his plate right now, and I think Overbay — at least with the spring he’s had — his confidence is good. We’ll start that way and see where it takes us.”
Expect Alvarez to be bumped up eventually. In just his first full season, batting him fifth takes a lot of pressure off of him.
What may shock most fans is that McCutchen, who swiped 33 bags last year, will be batting third, not leadoff.
McCutchen says his approach at the plate will be no different where in the lineup he bats.
McCutchen told Langosch of MLB.com, “It’s not like I’m an Albert Pujols that was a leadoff guy. That would be a big deal. I’m a guy that can do a lot. I can bring a lot to the plate. I can hit first. I can hit third. It’s not really a big deal.
“The sky is the limit from here. Run production should go up, and hopefully everything else will be able to go up as well. It really doesn’t matter where I’m hitting at. I’m going to be comfortable hitting there.”
Tabata is looking forward to leading off for the Bucs this year.
Tabata told Langosch of MLB.com, “I love it,” Tabata said of the opportunity to lead off. “I can walk. I can score more runs. I can steal more bases. I can do more things.”
*Photo credit: Pittsburgh-Post Gazette
Day 41 of Pirates spring training: news and notes
The Pirates will face the New York Yankees in Tampa, Fla., at 1:05 pm. The game will broadcast on FSN Pittsburgh (for the last time before it transitions into ROOT Sports).
Right-hand pitcher Kevin Corriea will face left-hander Manny Bauelos.
- Chris Snyder was scratched from the lineup today with a stiff back. Snyder missed two weeks due to the injury. He caught against the Orioles on Thursday night for the first time since being sidelined and it was reported that he was sore on Saturday.
Snyder told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “Maybe I did a little too much, too soon. We’re going to have to see (about the severity), come next week. I couldn’t tell you right now.”
Just two spring training games remain, and two exhibition games in Philadelphia before the season starts on April 1st. Snyder being out could change the pitching plans.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Biertempfel of the Tribune, “It could have an impact on our catching situation. We need to re-evaluate and revisit what the issues are. For it to happen again after just catching a night game … we’ll see. It definitely could jeopardize what we do with the roster and who goes with us.”
Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that if Snyder is out for the beginning of the year, Ryan Doumit will be the opening day catcher with Jason Jaramillo as the backup.
Jaramillo will replace Snyder in the lineup this afternoon.
- Earlier this morning, the Pirates cut four players from camp: Left-hander Brian Burres, Infielder Andy Marte, Catcher Dusty Brown and Infielder/Outfielder Corey Wimberley (read more here).
With Marte cut from big league camp, Steve Pearce makes the Pirates opening day roster for the first time in his career (read more here).
- James McDonald is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game today in Tampa against the Yankees Triple-A team. This marks McDonald’s first outing since March 11th. The Pirates would like him to throw about 50 pitches.
Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that If for some reason McDonald is not ready to start on April 6th, Jeff Karstens would be asked to spot start in the rotation. If not, Karstens will remain as the long inning relief pitcher in the ‘pen.
- Three relievers remain for two final spots in the bullpen. Lefty Garrett Olson and Right-handers Mike Crotta and Chris Leroux.
- On Friday’s edition of Baseball tonight, Buster Olney discussed what must go right and what could go wrong for all 30 major league teams. Here is what he had to say about the Bucs:
Olney: “For the Pittsburgh Pirates. What must go right? The rising group of talent, positions players. Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata must continue to grow. You know what? Scouts really like the high ceiling players they’re putting together.
Now, what could go wrong for the Pirates? The rotation appears to be thin again. This torpedo, the Pirates went 57-105 last season. Neal Huntington, their General Manager, is in the last year of his contract. They are not committed to him long term.”
Pirates
Lineup: Tabata LF, Walker 2B, McCutchen CF, Overbay 1B, Alvarez 3B, Jones RF, Cedeno SS, Jaramillo C, Correia RHP
Pitchers: Correia, Crotta, Veras
Yankees
Lineup: Gardner CF, Jeter SS, Teixeira 1B, Rodriguez 3B, Swisher RF, Posada DH, Dickerson LF, Nunez 2B, Romine C
Pitchers: Bauelos, TBA
Biemel not ready; the making of the bullpen
As it was reported earlier, Joe Beimel will not start the season with the club. Beimel (left elbow) threw a bullpen session on Thursday without issue and is scheduled to throw again on Sunday. He says he is 100 percent healthy but needs time to get into game shape.
Beimel told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I started looking at the calendar and realized it was going to be pretty hard to do,” Beimel said. “I’m not going to go out there if all my stuff isn’t working. I don’t want to have to rush to get ready for a date that doesn’t really mean anything. It is Opening Day, but I’m looking to be healthy for the entire season. I think this will work out to be best for myself and for the team.”
Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Beimel will remain in Florida when the team heads to Philadelphia for two exhibition games. He will continue to get work in minor league games. If Beimel is not ready by April 7th, when the minor league season starts, he could join one of the Pirates minor league affiliates to get work there.
Although the team has not officially announced who will make the ‘pen, Manager Clint Hurdle said there are some relievers who are “definitively in.”
Joel Hanrahan has been named the closer and Evan Meek was named the set-up man. Long reliever Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop and Veteran Jose Veras are most certainty in the bullpen as well.
With Beimel out of the mix, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports the following relievers are in the mix for the two open bullpen spots: Left-handers Garrett Olson and Brian Burres, Chris Leroux and Rookie Mike Crotta.
Olson has made two appearances with the Pirates since being acquired from Seattle. He’s allowed three runs on three hits over two innings with two walks and one strike out.
Burres has made five appearances this spring (two starts). He’s allowed six runs on 15 hits over 14 innings with five walks and seven strikeouts.
Leroux has allowed four runs on 10 hits over 8.2 innings with three walks and two strikeouts.
Crotta has not allowed an earned run this spring (10.1 innings). He’s allowed just four hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Correia gets opening day nod; Maholm, home opener
Manager Clint Hurdle announced on Thursday that Kevin Correia will be the Pirates opening day starter in Chicago on April 1st. Paul Maholm is slated to pitch the PNC Park home opener on April 7th.
The rotation is as follows: Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton, James McDonald.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Colin Dunlap of the Post Gazette, “There are two significant dates for every team, Opening Day and the home opener. Kevin and Paul have piggybacked each other throughout spring. We actually had pretty much of a spilt house internally. … For every [stat] that would make you think this, there was another one that would make you think that. At the end of the day, I wanted these two guys leading the pack and thought this way.”
Correia, who signed a two-year contract with the Pirates this offseason, went 10-10 with a 5.40 ERA with the San Diego Padres last year.
This spring Correia has allowed 14 runs (13 earned) over 18.1 innings with six walks and 15 strikeouts.
Correia allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts his last start against the Boston Red Sox. He even went 2-for-2 with a RBI at the plate.
This will be his first career opening day start in his nine year career.
Correia told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “It’s a good honor for me, but I know there is a lot of work that is going to be involved with every five days. It’s not just one start. Every one is important. It is nice to go out there on a day that kicks off the season, but like I said in the past, in our rotation we need every one of these guys to pitch like they’re the best pitcher on the staff at some point in the year for us to do what we need to do. I am excited about it, but I do know that there is a lot of work.”
Maholm is the longest tenured Pirate on the team. This will be his seventh season with the Bucs. Maholm went 9-15 with a 5.10 ERA last year. Maholm allowed two runs on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts over six innings his last start against the Minnesota Twins. Maholm has allowed just four walks over 20 innings of work this spring, while striking out 13.
After the news was annouced, Maholm (@Maholm28) tweeted: Found out that I get to start the home opener and get the year started right at pnc. Very honored #letsgobucs
Maholm told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “You’re not going to see me bitter. I’ve started Opening Day and it’s definitely an honor and fun, but to get to start the opener at home — hopefully it’s a sellout and a packed house — to get the season started off right there is going to be big. I think it’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
Ohlendorf is coming off an injury plagued season in which he only threw 108.1 innings. The right-hander went 1-11 with a 4.07 ERA.
This spring, he has allowed 12 runs (11 earned) over 9.2 innings (4 starts) with five walks and nine strikeouts.
Ohlendorf allowed six runs on eight hits with two strikeouts over three innings his last start against the Orioles. He was scheduled to throw six innings but was pulled early due to a high pitch count.
Morton’s struggled during the 2010 season going 2-12 with a 7.57 ERA. Morton gained his confidence back after working with pitching coach Ray Searage and has had himself a great spring training. Over 14 innings, Morton has allowed just two runs on nine hits with one walk and eight strikeouts. Morton is also back to throwing his sinker (who former pitching coach Joe Kerrigan told him to stop using) which has been referred to as a “Roy Halladay type sinker” by ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian.
Morton threw six shutout innings allowing just four hits, no walks, with five strikeouts his last start. His ERA this spring is just 1.29.
Hurdle told Langosch of MLB.com, “Charlie has 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.”
McDonald was acquired from the Dodgers at the trade deadline last July. He went 4-5 with a 3.52 ERA over 11 starts with the Bucs.
This spring McDonald has allowed six runs (three earned ) on 10 hits with three walks and two strike outs over 6.2 innings.
McDonald has been sidelined since March 11th with left side soreness. He is scheduled to throw in a minor league game on Saturday.
*Photo credit: (Corriea, Maholm, Ohlendorf, Morton, McDonald) Yahoo! Sports
Hurdle positive about the Bucs future
Clint Hurdle was announced as the new Pirates Manager on November 15th, 2010. Just four months later and Hurdle has already played a huge effect on the young team. It’s noticeable in the players confidence, attitudes and approach during games.
Ask any player about their new skipper and you are bound to hear a list of great comments –nothing at all negative.
Hurdle is loud and honest, but what’s most important, he is positive and inspirational.
I’ve been a big fan of Hurdle’s for many years and believe the best decision the Pirates made this offseason was hiring him.
Hurdle is an amazing person . His positivity is captivating. He’s an inspiration, to not just the players, but to everyone.
Kyle Stark of ESPN wrote an excellent story on Hurdle’s task ahead of him. And his approach is simple. “Why not us? Why not now?”
I encourage everyone of you to read this article, despite who you root for (Be sure to watch the video on ‘pressure facing prospects as well).
*photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
Day 38 of Pirates spring training: news and notes
The Pirates will face the Baltimore Orioles at 7:05 PM in Sarasota, Fla. Ross Ohlendorf is scheduled to pitch six innings followed by Evan Meek (one), Garrett Olson (one or two) and Chris Leroux (one). The O’s will send Jake Arrieta to the mound.
Meek will be pitching on back-to-back days for the first time this spring.
Olson will be making his second appearance since being claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.
- As it was reported yesterday, James McDonald (left side) will pitch in a minor league game on Saturday (read more here).
- Joe Beimel is scheduled to throw off the mound today. Beimel (left elbow) has had two successful days of playing catch on flat ground.
- This spring John Bowker is fighting to make the club as the Bucs fifth outfielder, and he’s making the most out of every opportunity. Bowker is batting .313 in 16 games, with three home runs, seven RBI and three doubles. Since missing four games (sore left wrist), he has hit safely in nine of the past 13 games.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “He’s had a good spring. You look for the quality of the at-bats and the ability to see pitches and not burn up at-bats in a hurry. He’s done a lot of that since we gave him that time off. He’s come back and done very, very well.”
The outfielder, who can also play first base, is out of options, so if the Pirates do not keep him on the 25-man roster they could lose him to another club.
Bowker told Biertempfel of the Tribune, I’ve come off the bench before. I think of myself as a good pinch-hitter because I usually give a good at-bat. If I can get a start every once in a while, too, that’s a plus.”
“I’m not trying to think too much about that. I know I’m out of (minor league) options. I’m just trying to make a good impression because this is my first spring training with these guys.”
- According to Forbes.com, the Pirates are ranked last (30th) in baseball in net worth of the franchise at $304 million.
The average MLB franchise is now worth $523 million, an all-time high. The New York Yankees (Ranked No. 1) are worth $1.7 billion.
- Charlie Morton will start Friday against the Rays and throw about 80 pitches. Also scheduled to pitch: Joel Hanrahan (one inning), Jose Veras (one inning) and Daniel McCutchen (one or two innings).
Pirates
Lineup: McCutchen CF, Tabata LF, Overbay 1B, Walker 2B, Alvarez 3B, Jones RF, Cedeno SS, Snyder C Ohlendorf RHP
*Snyder (lower back soreness) is back in the lineup for the first time since March 9th.
Pitchers: Ohlendorf, Meek, Olson, Leroux
Orioles
Lineup: Roberts 2B, Markakis RF, Lee 1B, Guerrero DH, Scott LF, Pie CF, Reynolds 3B, Wieters C, Hardy SS, Arrieta RHP
Pitchers: Arrieta, TBA
Who is Mike Crotta?
Right-hander Mike Crotta has quietly had himself a great spring. In eight appearances (10.1 innings), Crotta has not allowed an earned run. He’s held the opponents to just four hits (.114 opp avg) with one walk and three strikeouts.
So just who is Michael Crotta? You may, or may not have heard of the 6’6″ righty.
The 26-year-old spent the 2010 season with both Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis where he went 7-10 with a 4.42 ERA in 28 starts (156.2 innings) combined.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com after just two appearances this spring, “He’s definitely got the attention of some people. He’s pitching with purpose.”
Crotta still remains with the big league club but will most likely start the season back at Triple-A.
His future with the Pirates is an interesting one. Crotta is on the 40-man roster, but he will be competing this season with some of the Bucs best starting pitching prospects; Bryan Morris, Rudy Owens, Justin Wilson and Jeff Locke are all either slated to start in Triple-A, or they are not too far behind. Let’s not forget about Aaron Thompson and Tony Watson who can also start. Brad Lincoln, Brian Burres and Daniel McCutchen could all wind up in Indianapolis too.
While he’s not a prospect to keep an eye on (a career 4.61 ERA in five minor league seasons), I’d say his spring stats are more than worthy of some attention.
*Photo credit: Derick Hingle
Burres struggles in 10-6 loss to Astros
Left-hander Brian Burres had his first rough outing of the spring on Wednesday’s 10-6 loss to the Houston Astros in Bradenton, Fla.
Burres entered the game without allowing a single run over nine spring innings. But that didn’t last long as Burres allowed two in the first inning after allowing a lead-off hit, a four pitch walk (six straight balls thrown), a RBI double by Hunter Pence and a sac fly by Brett Wallace.
The Pirates quickly tied the game at two in the bottom of the first after a walk by Neil Walker and a home run by Andrew McCutchen off of J.A. Happ — his first of the spring.
The Bucs tacked on two more runs to take a 4-2 lead in the second, but Hunter Pence homered off Burres in the third to cut the lead to just one run.
More trouble came in the fifth for Burres. Angel Sanchez and Pence hit back-to-back doubles and Tony Manzella, who pinch ran for Sanchez, scored on a fielding error by Matt Diaz in right field. Jason Michaels doubled, but advanced to third on a bad throw by Diaz. Wallace hit a sac fly scoring Michaels and taking a 6-4 lead.
Burres combined to allow six runs on 10 hits with one walk and two strikeouts over five innings.
Burres told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “Even when I was throwing strikes, it wasn’t where I wanted them all the time. Little bit wild with the strike zone today. I wasn’t keeping the ball over the plate enough and when I was, it was up and they did a pretty good job taking advantage of it.”
Pedro Alvarez hit his first home run of the spring in the sixth –and it was crushed to deep center field.
The Astros combined to score four more runs off the Pirates relievers, three off of Tyler Yates in the ninth inning.
Notes:
- Lyle Overbay continued his hot spring, going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk. He seems to feel pretty comfortable as a Bucco (He’s batting .425 ).
Manager Clint Hurdle told Langosch of MLB.com, “This man is determined this spring. He has made a conscious effort of getting out of the blocks clean. The confidence should have been built up. I think he’s found an approach that is going to work. It’s good to see.”
- Ronny Cedeno had a good day at the plate, he went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
- Ryan Doumit went 2-for-4 with a run scored but he allowed two passed balls (one scored a run in the seventh) and was picked off twice, at both first and second base.
- Mike Crotta pitched a scoreless ninth inning and has yet to allow an earned run this spring (10.1 innings).
- Ross Ohlendorf is scheduled to start on Thursday against the Orioles in Sarasota, Fla. He will pitch six innings followed by Evan Meek (one), Garrett Olson (one or two) and Chris Leroux (one). The O’s will send Jake Arrieta to the mound.
- The members of the 2010 Eastern League champion Altoona Curve received their rings in a pre-game ceremony held at McKechnie Field.
- On Monday, Pedro Alvarez, Josh Fields and Josh Rodriguez stayed after the game for additional batting practice with Manager Clint Hurdle, hitting coach Gregg Ritchie, and several other coaches. Today after the game, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Alvarez stayed after again, but this time he was joined by Neil Walker and Ronny Cedeno.
Hurdle told Langosch of MLB.com, It’s something I’ve always done. I would have preferred to have done it a few times earlier, but we waited because of the workload these guys have been carrying. It’s just more practice is all it is.”
So what exactly is the focus of the session? Manager Clint Hurdle said, “Sometimes you have to find a way to slow the game down. When you’re behind the fastball and ahead of the soft stuff, it’s a very uncomfortable place to be. Sometimes you get up there and just have too much going on. All the thinking needs to be done on-deck. Once you get in the batter’s box, you need to compete.”
- Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune reports that James McDonald (left side) is scheduled to pitch on Saturday, most likely in a minor league game. McDonald has not pitched more than three innings in a start this spring and has been sidelined since March 11th. If all goes well on Saturday, he could remain in Florida to pitch a minor league game on the 31st –putting him in line for an April 6th start for the Pirates. If he suffers any set backs, Jeff Karstens or Brian Burres could be used as a spot starter.
Biertempfel of the Trib also reports that Chris Snyder (back soreness) who has been sidelined since March 9th will be in the lineup on Thursday against the Orioles.
Kristy Robinson
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