The 'Burgh Blues

The 'Burgh Blues tag:,2008-05-14:/14061 2008-08-17T02:28:07Z Where We Give Blood for Runs! Movable Type 4.14-en-trunk--20080321 Duke'd: Pirates can't rally back tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.439601 2008-08-17T01:39:42Z 2008-08-17T02:28:07Z

The Pittsburgh Pirates have two on with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, down 7-4 to the New York Mets. The Buccos have scored three times off New York relievers in this very frame, and I'll be...

Lefty Zach Duke yielded nine hits (two homeruns) and six runs in another sub-par outing. I am convinced now that Duke has an injury of some sort, whether it might be a tired arm or some other mysterious issue. Romulo Sanchez gave up a run in the eighth after walking three, and Tyler Yates followed with a scoreless ninth (in which he struck out two).

Southpaw Pedro Feliciano enters to face the switch-hitting Ryan Doumit. Can the .325 slugger come through?! We'll see in a matter of minutes. Stay tuned, ladies and gents.

Update: Doumit flies out to left, and the incredibly awful clutch hitter Adam LaRoche grounds out to finish the ball game. At least they scored four... right? The Pirates have now dropped three straight, and if the team doesn't figure out some way to win, I swear I'll go mad. Martinez dominated the 'rats again, and you would think after seeing the righty for the second time in a week, we'd be able to hit him a little harder then we did. Kind of a weird blog post, so I've decided to wrap up with some alarming stats:

Random Numbers:

33-30, 22-38

Those are the home and away records (respectively) for Pittsburgh this season. The squad had been dominating at PNC before running on this awful stretch in August. Is the ball club an inch away from falling into utter and complete disaster?

4-10, 4-11

Pitching records held by right-hander Ian Snell and after tonight's debacle, Zach Duke. Snell was expected to pitch with an opposite record in 2008, but the former staff ace has tumbled off the charts. Duke's days in the Bucco rotation may be slim, as another poor outing may have the left-hander sent to Triple-A Indianapolis. Where is Tom Gorzelanny, anyone?

10.00

Combined ERA of right-handed starters John Van Benschoten, Yoslan Herrera, and Matt Morris. Each pitcher made five starts, totaling 63 innings of wild baseball. The tycoon trio allowed 70 earned runs and each did their part in destroying the Pirates pitching staff.

578

Number of runs Pittsburgh has scored. The team was on pace to score over 900, but now, they may not even reach 750 total. Outfielders Xavier Nady and Jason Bay led the offensive charge, and now that they're gone, it is up to... Brandon Moss?

God, you gotta love these Buccaneers!

]]> Marvel tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.438841 2008-08-16T08:07:25Z 2008-08-16T08:23:38Z

Los Angeles Dodgers #54, RHP Jason JohnsonType-1 Diabetic - THINK CURE for Juvenile Diabetes...

Los Angeles Dodgers #54, RHP Jason Johnson

Type-1 Diabetic - THINK CURE for Juvenile Diabetes

]]> Bucs finding runs at a premium tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.438831 2008-08-16T07:24:42Z 2008-08-16T17:02:07Z

I, here at TBB, refuse to blog again until the Pittsburgh Pirates offense returns its ability to produce runs. The ball club has scored eight times in the past four games, dropping a series to a team that is actually worse then they...

JB I, here at TBB, refuse to blog again until the Pittsburgh Pirates offense returns its ability to produce runs. The ball club has scored eight times in the past four games, dropping a series to a team that is actually worse then they are (Cincinnati Reds). The Bucs have scored twice in the past two days, facing two opposing pitchers with road ERAs over 5.00.

I refuse to blog about a squad who relies on SS Jack Wilson to provide the night's offense (Wilson went deep for the first time this season). I am not going to write about the 'Burgh's tremendously improved pitching staff that is not being back by a single, solitary bat.

I'm especially not going to discuss 1B Adam LaRoche, who goes 3-for-3 before stranding the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the eighth. For that matter, I refuse to blog about the 'LaRoche Bros.,' who thus far have been nothing but an utter disappointment.

Therefore, at 55-67 (.451 folks), I will not write another blog entry until the club rolls out AT LEAST four runs. I plan to stand by that for as long as I can, which will hopefully be until Saturday night, where Pedro Martinez (3-3) matches up against lefty Zach Duke (4-10) for the second straight outing. PNC will be bumpin', (just as it has been recently), at 7:05 PM ET. Will I see you then? Lets see some runs put on the board... early and often!

Welcome to The 'Burgh Blues, Alvarez! May he not get injured within the next five, ten days. The number two overall pick in the 2008 MLB Amateur draft signed at the last minute Friday night; a move that had me at a little more then just surprised. Third baseman Pedro Alvarez, led by super-agent Scott Boras, will be taking home a hefty $6 million dollar contract to momma and poppa. Were owner Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington bullied into this ginormous deal? Only time will tell.

]]> Captain Clutch: Michaels' big hits of '08 tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.431091 2008-08-11T04:21:51Z 2008-08-11T05:46:28Z

It was a valiant effort by starter Jason Davis, but early miscues and a meltdown from reliever Tyler Yates sealed a frustrating defeat on Sunday afternoon. The Buccos fought hard in a 6-3 loss, moving on after dropping two straight to the Phils. Davis...

JB 6-3 loss, moving on after dropping two straight to the Phils.

Davis walked in four in a six-inning game, allowing four-hits and two unearned runs in the righty's first Major League start since 2005. Aside from the same number (35) and hair dresser (dirty facial scrub, wet long hair), Jason reminded me of a solid Matt Morris. When I say that, I don't mean Morris' ugly 0-4 record earlier this year; I am merely thinking of the way Jason commands the strike zone like the former All-Star Cardinal did.

As I could easily sit here and type away about all the Pirates mishaps, I actually have decided to post about the "clutch" season Jason Michaels is currently having. During the sixth inning of today's contest, Michaels brought in Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit with his 11th double. Michaels' two-out hit tied the game up at three, posting another huge at-bat from the veteran outfielder.

Here is a list of his other clutch at-bats from the season:

5/30, @ St. Louis - Though Pittsburgh dropped the match, Jason Michaels hit a huge bases-clearing double in the ninth inning. He smacked the clutch line drive with two outs while facing Cardinals closer (at the time) Ryan Franklin. Third baseman Jose Bautista unfortunately left Jason at third for the game's final out.

6/02, @ St. Louis - In the seventh, down 4-0 to the Cards, manager John Russell called upon Jason Michaels to hit for back-up catcher Raul Chavez. The bases were loaded, and it was that time again for Michaels to come through. On the first pitch he saw from ace Adam Wainwright, Jason went deep to tie the ball game up. It was the first pinch-hit grand salami by the Bucs since Craig Wilson did the same in 2003. The Pirates happily went on win, 5-4.

6/05, vs. Houston - Starter Paul Maholm dominated the Houston Astros, giving up just three runs (two earned) in an eight-inning performance. Still, the victory was in much thanks to our man Michaels, who homered in the very first frame. The outfielder's second big-fly of the season gave his team an early 3-0 lead, one Paul and them would never look back on.

7/12, vs. St. Louis - Arguably one of the greatest Pittsburgh Pirates games of all time, the Buccaneers came back down 10-4, evening the score in the ninth. Homers and RBI hits disemboweled the Cards bullpen, which had originally been backed by a 22-hit performance.

After a 10th inning bomb by third baseman Troy Glaus, the 'rats were down yet again. Luckily, 'Michaels being Michaels' launched a game winning two-run shot to beat Tony LaRussa's squad 12-11. The extra inning extravaganza instilled Michaels' name in the 'Burgh history for good.

8/1, @ Chicago NL - Recently acquired Jeff Karstens shut down the potent Cubs lineup in August's premiere match, but wouldn't have picked up his first Buccco career victory without Mr. "Clutch" Michaels. As the weaker post-trading deadline Pirates were displayed, Michaels put smiles on every doubtful fan's face. He went yard off Chicago starter Jason Marquis to bring in two runs on one mighty swing. Pittsburgh won 3-0, and while Jack Wilson drove in a critical run, Michaels co-starred with Karstens in the Friday matinee game.

So there you have it. He may not be a David Ortiz or Aramis Ramirez, but if GM Neal Huntington didn't pick up Michaels from Cleveland... who knows what kind of season this team would be having. Here is to Jason's next big game.

Next on TBB: Does anyone else smell a big apple? The Pirates head to Shea Stadium in New York tomorrow, as Pedro Martinez takes the hill in a April make-up game. Southpaw Zach Duke looks to pitch the same way he did last week in Arizona, holding the D'Backs to just two runs. Game time 1:10 PM ET Monday.

Also, important to point out this is the 50th post for The 'Burgh Blues; a number of which I'm very proud of. Thank you to all of those who are reading, and please continue to do exactly that!

]]> Hansen's Soda: Pirates prevail in 12 tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.428631 2008-08-09T07:56:36Z 2008-08-09T09:12:23Z

This was truly a spectacular big-league win. Quick recap here, since it is currently 1:59 AM in Los Angles. Pittsburgh Pirates southpaw ace Paul Maholm threw seven innings of three hit ball, aiding in an outstanding 2-0, 12-inning victory over the Pennsylvanian rival Phillies.As Maholm...

JB outstanding 2-0, 12-inning victory over the Pennsylvanian rival Phillies.

As Maholm K'd his way to 10 hitters, Phillies starter Joe Blanton held the slowly dying Buccaneer offense to one single solitary base-knock over his own seven frames. If it wasn't for a single by infielder Doug Mientkiewicz, Blanton could've pitched his way to an August no-hitter. The "Mient Man" however stopped any chance of that happening, as his "veteran mind power" was put to good use.

Both 'pens held the ball game down following the seventh, scattering just a couple of hits (and extra base-hits). For the 'rats, middle reliever T.J. Beam struck out three in an impressive two innings, while other names like John Grabow and Denny Bautista shot up their own share off goose eggs.

Intern closer Craig Hansen earned himself his first Bucco save, as the young fire-baller walked two in the 12th frame finale. The Craigster was saved thanks to a Brandon Moss diving double-play catch and throw, stranding shortstop and former MVP Jimmy Rollins at second. Both players (Hansen and Moss) were acquired in the Jason Bay-Manny Ramirez deal, and systematically helped to win a critical opening affair. Oh, you've got to love that Boston fever!

The Bucs grabbed a late lead thanks to RBI hits by outfielder Steve Pearce and Freddy-Steady Sanchez in the top part of the 12th. Including Ryan Doumit's 25th double, the Pirates accumulated seven hits, topping the Phils by just one dunker. Reliever Les Walrond took the loss, as Beam earned himself his third Major League career victory.

What impresses JBizzle the most about this game? Aside from the excellent pitching, the Pirates newbies were shown off with great pride against a pesky cross-state rival team. Moss' catch was one of the best I've ever seen, and though he walked two, Hansen threw himself a huge save in his first opportunity.

Next on TBB: There can't be much justice this weekend in topping this game. Huge describes all there is to say about the Bucs' win. If Pittsburgh goes on to lose the series, my fan mentality will hold onto this contest, just so that I can be look back and relish ridiculously in the W.

Former ace Ian Snell looks to take the series quick and spiffy, matching fellow righty Brett Myers (4-9... yegggh) in the second game of a three-game set. Catch the .461 hipsters, with a wonderful 53-62 record, tomorrow at 7:05 PM ET.

]]> Spheroid-ed! tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.424851 2008-08-07T00:44:30Z 2008-08-08T05:38:21Z

The 'Burgh Blues has had its spheroid posted on the MLB Community Blog home page. Please check it out and leave some excellent feedback. Thanks to Mark Newman, MLBlogs.com, and especially to all my readers who have truly made "blogging for .500"...

Next on TBB: As much as I'd like talk about RHP Jeff Karstens and his recent stellar performance, it's time to move to the city of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia) as lefty Paul Maholm faces former Oakland A's starter Joe Blanton in the series opening game. I'll have a beautiful wrap on Karstens when he makes his third Pirate start this week, which if all goes as planned, will be another shutout. Stay tuned.

]]> Snake Bites Swelling tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.421361 2008-08-05T04:16:55Z 2008-08-05T04:36:01Z

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!Somebody, anybody, tell me why. I mean - Shawn Chacon was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2006... and that's the reason why I like them? This 'exhaustion' day in and day out is too much to bare. I...

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Somebody, anybody, tell me why. I mean - Shawn Chacon was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2006... and that's the reason why I like them? This 'exhaustion' day in and day out is too much to bare. I will never, ever, never, ever-never-ever give up on the Buccaneers - but my life is way too good right now to endure 'Pirates baseball.'

After Andy LaRoche and Ryan Doumit were feet away from entering the stands, the 'Burgh bullpen imploded to allow a total of six runs in the eighth frame. These guys are better than this, I truly believe that. In no way does a 51-61 record,(after tonight's poo-belly defeat), reflect this ball club......... or does it? Oy.

I will always be a fan, especially with the simple hope of getting to .500. Still, the way the pitching has gone, this squad will be lucky enough to get 65 victories. They can do this (.500), but with contests like these, it hurts... it hurts.

ARI 13, PIT 5 - 6-RUN BOT 8. Lefty John Grabow pitched his way out, kind of.

]]> Revamped club feeling more like 'Pirates' tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.418911 2008-08-03T18:31:14Z 2008-08-04T06:05:35Z

This is a true Buccaneer ball team. They're gritty. They're tough. They look perfect in the Pittsburgh black-and-gold uniforms. Even if on paper they don't seem like much, the Bucs front office has turned this roster into something very different...

So the 'Burgh is missing their (former) All-Stars and baseball greats. Without Xavier Nady, Jason Bay, and Damaso Marte, a regular baseball fan would look at this team and simply say "yikes." However, if one was to actually stop to analyze what General Manager Neal Huntington has done to the Pirates, they would not be saying yikes, but more like "oohh, ahhh." Huntington has added depth to a destroyed and depleted farm system, and on top of that, added solid Major League-ready talent.

Andy LaRoche looks right in a Bucco uni. Brandon Moss looks right in a Bucco uni. Craig Hansen looks right in a Bucco uni. Though these guys may not be anywhere close to greatness, each and every player dealt for brings something special to the table. I am going to say that this 25-man squad is not going to be able to get the job done for a .500 record, but as we slowly creep our way into next off-season, a 17th straight losing year looks highly unlikely.

It is sad to say that this little speech will do nothing to convince you of what I am saying. No fan should be proud of a 51-60 record, but even with the trade-tolls taken offensively, this can and will be a strong club from now until August next year. The Buccos showed their "true grit" after taking an early 2-0 lead over Carlos Zambrano and the Cubbies. Oddly enough (kidding) Ian Snell was shaken up after the courageous comeback, giving up four runs in the next three frames.

The new Pirate prospects showed two tough faces on Sunday, as homeruns (good and bad) determined the Windy City 8-5 defeat. Brandon Moss went deep in the second against the Big-Z, and Andy LaRoche hit a critical two-run bomb to tie the game up at five. LaRoche's bomb came in the 8th against southpaw Neal Cotts, and gave him three RBIs in his first three Buccaneer contests. Craig Hansen, unfortunately, could not keep up the newbie momentum, walking the catcher Geovany Soto in the eighth. Lefty Sean Burnett tossed two back-to-back homers to Reed Johnson and Alfonso Soriano, smacking the last nail in the 'rats coffin.

There were good signs, but there we also signs of some needed improvement. My feeling, and the feeling I will have for many months, is that Huntington didn't deal for enough much-needed pitching. Then again, who was and is willing to give up... pitching. Moss, LaRoche, and even Steve Pearce (who went 2-for-4 today) will keep this ball club from falling apart. As Doug Mientkiewicz blatantly pointed, "This is Nate [McLouth] and Ryan's [Doumit] team now." Nine games under the wonderful five hundred mark, it's going to be one helluva season finish

Indy Update: With another bogus and questionable start, Ian Snell may be bumped from the rotation. This may give way to former New York Yankee Ross Ohlendorf, who is twirling gems down in Triple-A. Last night versus the Toledo Mudhens, Ohlendorf struck out nine in 7 2/3 innings of work. Ohlendorf has MLB experience, but none at all as a starter. We'll see how this goes, especially with left-handed Tom Gorzelanny improving alongside Ross.

Next on TBB: It's going to be quite the battle in Pheonix this week, as the Bucs head to Arizona to take on the D-Backs. Fantastic one-sided match-up on Monday, as the clear underdog Dan Haren (11-5) fires against the favorite Yoslan Herrera (1-1... total sarcasm by the way). Eastern game time is 9:40 PM, and I'll be interested to see how this series turns out following the previous Mientkiewicz-Big Unit debacle.

]]> Surely Surreal tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.417641 2008-08-02T19:02:48Z 2008-08-03T20:32:20Z

LF Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles DodgersLF Jason Bay, Boston Red SoxCF Ken Griffey Jr, Chicago White SoxLF Xavier Nady, New York YankeesC Ivan Rodriguez, New York YankeesNever thought you'd see pictures like these, did ya? The craziness of July has...

LF Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers

LF Jason Bay, Boston Red Sox

CF Ken Griffey Jr, Chicago White Sox

LF Xavier Nady, New York Yankees

C Ivan Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Never thought you'd see pictures like these, did ya? The craziness of July has come and past, but left its mark with some remarkable trades. Check back tomorrow for a Bucs/Cubs series recap. Huge 3-0 victory last night in Chicago; Jeff Karstens is clearly the man. Only place to get the regular dosage of Pittsburgh and Major League baseball craziness is at 'TBB!'

]]> August is Four Sail tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.414481 2008-08-01T00:36:53Z 2008-08-01T01:43:56Z

What is there to say? What is there possibly left to say about a day like July 31st, 2008? The MLB Trading Deadline is a day where baseball is turned topsy-turvy, and the weirdest of weird occurs. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, trading away canadian left-fielder Jason Bay as part of a three-team deal instated a real rebuilding process, but for this blogger, it all had a little more meaning then just that.

Jason Bay is a Boston Red Sox. I mean... what. Only in my crazy video game fantasy drafts would Jason Bay actually be playing for Beantown. But, he is and he will.... and I am more then just "shocked" about it. Who knows what's going to happen to his career, but I know that Fenway Park's Green Monster will never be the same again, for me....

And for the Red Sox fans. Manny Ramirez gone Hollywood? As if it was a freak accident, the All-Star and 2004 World Series MVP will be playing for former Yankee manager Joe Torre in the home of wierds... Los Angeles. Ramirez's antics will fit just fine in a city of freaks, and I am more then allowed to say this being a man who grew up in the wood.

So what did the Buccos get? Hope for a better tomorrow. 3B Andy LaRoche, OF Brandon Moss, and RHPs Craig Hansen and Bryan Morris. These prospects are said to have a very bright future, but with three out of the four being added to the 25-man roster tomorrow, the future... is now? All have pretty fantastic scouting reports, but being slapped right onto a Major League team may have it's hardships.

My anger about this three-team trade is different than what I believe my viewers are thinking. Rooting for my postseason squad, the New York Yankees, I will automatically have to root against Jason Bay as he is now apart of the Boston Red Sox ball cub. In a race that has become more exciting then it looked at one point, Bay for the Sox against Nady for the Bombers will be one strange sight.

This may not have been my best wrap on a Trading Deadline, nor one with much detail and delight. Still, when there are ridiculous trades such as Pudge for reliever Kyle Farnsworth straight-up going down, the crazy baseball world has to halt for a moment and not write... but just think and ponder what the future may look like. For the Red Sox and Dodgers, the super of superstars were acquired, but for the Steel City Buccaneers, the sunset was overpowered by the upcoming sunrise.

Next on TBB: A long, long August. With the Majors best outfield now split up in the American League East postseason race, Nate McLouth will have to find some new corner outfield mates as the 'Burgh takes on the Chicago Cubs in the Windy City. Former NY Yankee Jeff Karstens (a part of the Nady/Marte deal) will get the start against righty Jason Marquis. Eight games under .500, and with the struggles that have been against the Cubbies, this is going to be quite the weekend. Game time 2:20 ET.

* For those of you intrigued by this post's title, check this out.]]> Oy Vey: Trading Deadline Tomorrow tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.410771 2008-07-31T05:45:23Z 2008-07-31T06:02:38Z

Will #38 remain in Pittsburgh black-and-gold, or will he be dealt for another "surprise goody bag"? With another bogus post from Sir Behr over here, tomorrow's write-up will be one of great excitement, valor, and possible spills of depression. I work during the day for eight hours, so the fun will have to wait until around six or seven o 'clock pacific.

Be there, or be square.

]]> 50 Wins tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.407851 2008-07-30T06:22:00Z 2008-07-30T06:29:00Z

capt.63f9249aff4f483196f3052112b1ee86.rockies_pirates_baseball_pagp112.jpg

50-57. Seven games under. Ultimately, 'nuff said. Last year, the Buccos were 42-61 on July 29. John Russell is credited for the improvement. Another late night, so I'll check in with all of you tomororw. ]]> Baseball is beddy beddy good to me tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.405501 2008-07-29T04:52:37Z 2008-07-29T05:47:33Z

Since I did way too much running around today for a Monday this evening, I have decided to compile all the good (and a little bad) baseball stuff into one giant list. From purchasing futons, to reserving Soul Calibur IV for the Xbox 360, and eventually chowing down on some sushi, it is understandable that I am just a tad pooped.

So, here it is:

JBehr's Baseball World - July 28th, 2008

- (Quick NY Yankee stuff) Bombers' destroyed 13-4 by the friggin Baltimore Orioles

- Starter Mike Mussina lit up for 6 ER; my boy lefty Damaso Marte struck out two in one frame

- [No this is not turning into a Yankee/Bucco blog, I just got to check up on the former

Pittsburgh residents] X-Man himself (OF Xavier Nady) finally showed his true colors, hitting his first Yankee long ball in front of the New York Crowd

- Boston, Rays both dropped their games; Yankees still looking pretty 3 GB

- Alright, moving on to the greatest offensive team the Steel City has ever seen... ever? Let's just allow your old pal here say that much...

- Buccaneers, led by righty Ian Snell, dominated the Rockies 8-4 in the series' opener

- Many great things occurred from this contest; most importantly Snell lasted seven innings, giving up 4 ER yet picking up 8 Ks... 'twas quite thrilled!

- Nate The absolutely, positively, ---ely Great hit big fly #22, and was it a big fly, measuring at 448 ft AND bounced into the Allegheny River; just genius, pure genius

- Mclouth picked up 2 RBIs, sending his season total to 72

- Rookie (maybe?) Steven Pearce picked up 2 RBIs, though the right fielder went 0-for-2 on the night

- Right-handed reliever Denny Bautista reared back and fired, tacking up a line of 2.0 IP 4 K; lowering his ERA to 3.41

- Lastly, former Yankee Jeff Karstens (dealt in the Nady-Marte trade) will join the Pirates rotation; he'll most likely start Friday or Saturday

- At the above, am I the only one prepared and sort of excited for this game? Jeff's 2006 short-stint was actually a lot of fun

----------

There you have it. Big hug for those who actually read the notes, and hopefully I will receive a serving of comments-galore. Days like this really give me a strong reasoning behind my love for the game of baseball. Want to thank everyone for helping to raise my view count to over 2000 hits the past week! That was awesome, and I honestly did not expect it.

[Picture at right not recent; showing #32 in his "glory" days]

Tomorrow is my first 'Camp Staff Softball Game,' so I may have to man right-field rather then post on the Pirates. Hopefully, I'll get a

chance to shoot out one efficient blog post. That is all for me, except I have one last small tidbit to share with you...

- Sitting at home... probably doing his late-night laundry... I just wanted to give a shout out to former Houston Astros pitcher (and the ultimate #1) Shawn Chacon. His one month anniversary of being released was on Saturday, after he played a game of "Choke-It-Out' with GM Ed Wade. Chacon, you are the man...?

* Apologize for the grammar mishaps and ridiculous punctuation errors. I am shutting my eyes as I write this, and on top of that... come on, it is called blogging!

]]> Second-half Streaking tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.402741 2008-07-28T02:49:21Z 2008-07-28T03:13:27Z

The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped three out of four to the worst team in baseball, the San Diego Padres, after annihilating the ball club 9-1 four days ago. There is no question that the Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte deal affected the Bucs from...

JB The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped three out of four to the worst team in baseball, the San Diego Padres, after annihilating the ball club 9-1 four days ago. There is no question that the Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte deal affected the Bucs from taking what should've been an easy two or three victories this weekend. The 'rats scored 11 in the next two contests following Thursday's win, and were held to just one run by Padres' ace Jake Peavy on Sunday afternoon. When this "great offense" faces an ace like Jake, it's just a travesty.

There is not much I can say in this blog post... since everything is just plain old depressing. My Bronx Bombers aren't even helping out to heal the pains, as they are losing 7-2 to the Boston Red Sox in the season finale. Xavier is 0-for-3. In terms of the 'Burgh though, it is becoming a small baseball disaster. Jason Davis, who has an ERA over 4.00 in the Minors, was called up to replace JvB in the rotation (who was moved to the bullpen rather than shot by a firing squad after another horrific start). No matter how much I say it, without pitching, this team is done for.

Next on TBB: Ian Snell (3-8) will get a chance to redeem the team after getting swept by the Colorado Rockies a week ago at Coors Field. Snell's ERA has sky rocketed to 6.10, and after having an outstanding 2007 season, Snell has completely lost it in '08. Jason Hirsh (0-0) takes the mound for the Rockies. Game time at 7:05 PM ET.

Quick shot out to owner Barney Dreyfuss, who did so much for the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for many long years. Dreyfuss, along with pitcher Goose Gossage and a few others, was inducted into the Hall of Fame yesterday in a very deserving ceremony.

]]> Welcome to the Rivalry tag:theburghblues.mlblogs.com,2008://14061.400521 2008-07-26T22:31:50Z 2008-07-26T23:19:17Z

New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox battle Saturday with a few newcomers entering the mix. Recently traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates, lefty Damaso Marte retired DH David Ortiz on just four pitches with a swinging strikeout. Marte was...

JB New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox battle Saturday with a few newcomers entering the mix. Recently traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates, lefty Damaso Marte retired DH David Ortiz on just four pitches with a swinging strikeout. Marte was removed after only one batter, but manager Joe Girardi and the Bronx Bomber infield walked to the mound with huge smiles as the reliever departed.

Nady is 0-for-2 with a walk, run scored, and was hit on the right toe by southpaw Javier Lopez. Nady looks a little overmatched thus far, but I have no doubt in my mind he will perform huge for New York. More to come tonight, including a wrap on the Padres/Pirates affair.

By the way... Right-hander John Van Benschoten is up to it again. He has thrown 30 pitches in the first inning, walking three and gave up a long three-run bomb to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. It's embarrassing to see this man in a Pirates' uniform.

]]>