Five random thoughts (not deep ones) about the Pirates and baseball.

[fairgambit]

1. I knew the Bucs had a good shot at losing last night. What really ticks me off is, for the 2nd straight year, in front of a raucous and loving crowd, they got no runs and exactly 4 hits. I don't care who is pitching, being shut out on 4 hits in 2 consecutive Wild Card games is unacceptable.
2. I expect the Pirates to compete again next year but I also expect a drop off. I'm thinking 93 wins. Whether that gets them a WC is questionable.
3. The Cubs will win this Division next year and will probably be the top dog over most of the next 5 years.
4. I hope the Cubs win the World Series but I honestly don't care. I doubt I will watch much of the rest of the post season. I seldom watch games other than the Bucs. I guess that means I'm less a baseball fan than I am a Pirate fan.
5. FINALLY, the best part of this past season was not Bucco wins and losses, but sharing those ups and downs on this Board with all the Pirates fans. I won't list names for fear of missing someone, but you all know who you are. I hope we're all still here this time next year to share the joy of a World Championship, but no matter what the outcome, we are bound by our love for a group of over paid, underproducing, millionaire ballplayers. We must be crazy!

 

[nits74]

1. I knew the Bucs had a good shot at losing last night. What really ticks me off is, for the 2nd straight year, in front of a raucous and loving crowd, they got no runs and exactly 4 hits. I don't care who is pitching, being shut out on 4 hits in 2 consecutive Wild Card games is unacceptable.
2. I expect the Pirates to compete again next year but I also expect a drop off. I'm thinking 93 wins. Whether that gets them a WC is questionable.
3. The Cubs will win this Division next year and will probably be the top dog over most of the next 5 years.
5. I hope the Cubs win the World Series but I honestly don't care. I doubt I will watch much of the rest of the post season. I seldom watch games other than the Bucs. I guess that means I'm less a baseball fan than I am a Pirate fan.
6. FINALLY, the best part of this past season was not Bucco wins and losses, but sharing those ups and downs on this Board with all the Pirates fans. I won't list names for fear of missing someone, but you all know who you are. I hope we're all still here this time next year to share the joy of a World Championship, but no matter what the outcome, we are bound by our love for a group of over paid, underproducing, millionaire ballplayers. We must be crazy!

Very nice post. But remember, despite their salaries they are still human beings. And I think we connect more with baseball players than other players in sports because we can actually see their faces and they are in front of us just about every single day. Also, for older guys like you and me, it is the sport we grew up idolizing. Though it's not what it once was, the tradition and history will always have a hold on us I'm happy to say.

 

[nits74]

I think Kang's injury was the difference. Not that he would have carried the team but rather he could have made that one hit that they so desperately lacked in the closing weeks. How many runners were stranded over the last few weeks of the season? We needed his timely bat and that was the difference in winning the division or winning against Arietta.

Ned that did hurt, no doubt. And the fact that a dirty play by a member of the team that beat them last night makes it harder to stomach. That is one of many reasons I'm rooting for the Cards. If you're lurking Nittanyliun, I'm with you now.

 

[fairgambit]

Very nice post. But remember, despite their salaries they are still human beings. And I think we connect more with baseball players than other players in sports because we can actually see their faces and they are in front of us just about every single day. Also, for older guys like you and me, it is the sport we grew up idolizing. Though it's not what it once was, the tradition and history will always have a hold on us I'm happy to say.

In reality, I've never really been one to be critical of what ballplayers are paid. If I was in their position, I'd take every penny. It just seems like they should give some of it back when they get shut out for the 2nd straight year in front of a crowd that wanted a win so badly.

 

[fairgambit]

Ned that did hurt, no doubt. And the fact that a dirty play by a member of the team that beat them last night makes it harder to stomach. That is one of many reasons I'm rooting for the Cards. If you're lurking Nittanyliun, I'm with you now.

I still can't root for the Cards although, as I said, deep down, it doesn't really matter to me. What I am rooting for is snow for the World Series and that would be most likely with the Cubs, or Mets, in it.

 

[nits74]

In reality, I've never really been one to be critical of what ballplayers are paid. If I was in their position, I'd take every penny. It just seems like they should give some of it back when they get shut out for the 2nd straight year in front of a crowd that wanted a win so badly.

I agree and posted in another thread how wonderful and supportive the fans have been. I'm confident in saying there are none other like them. It was absolutely chilling to be in that park during pre-game introductions, etc. Then Cole goes out and immediately lets the city down. We can talk about the lineup, etc., but this loss was squarely on him. Am not and never have been as impressed with him as most everyone else. I'm just a fan and guess I'm wrong, but personally I just don't see "it" in him. People can quote stats, etc on him, but something intangible seems to be lacking in my view.

 

[fairgambit]

I agree and posted in another thread how wonderful and supportive the fans have been. I'm confident in saying there are none other like them. It was absolutely chilling to be in that park during pre-game introductions, etc. Then Cole goes out and immediately lets the city down. We can talk about the lineup, etc., but this loss was squarely on him. Am not and never have been as impressed with him as most everyone else. I'm just a fan and guess I'm wrong, but personally I just don't see "it" in him. People can quote stats, etc on him, but something intangible seems to be lacking in my view.

Agree on Cole. To me he seems like one of those California beach guys who loses and just says "Whatever dude". I know that's stereotyping and probably not fair, but it's how I feel.

 

[widowmaker]

Last night's game winning run was scored before an out was recorded. I can't imagine that's happened very often in the history of playoff elimination games.

 

[JoeLion]

I think it is going to be very difficult for any team to get past Toronto. I'm picking them for the WS.

 

[hagberg]

Agree on Cole. To me he seems like one of those California beach guys who loses and just says "Whatever dude". I know that's stereotyping and probably not fair, but it's how I feel.

I thought Cole looked like his youth and first year with so many innings finally caught up with him. I felt like the game was over the first time they showed a closeup of his face. Also, the announcers last night mentioned that he threw more pitches >95 mph than any other pitcher; that takes a toll on any arm. I hope he and Searage talk about that and come up with a better approach for him next year.

I agree with earlier sentiments about sharing this space with fellow Pirates fans, especially because there aren't many in this neck of the woods. Whether agonizing, cheering, "strategerizing", arguing or rejoicing, it has been a pleasure, gentlemen.

 

[EPC FAN]

Agree on Cole. To me he seems like one of those California beach guys who loses and just says "Whatever dude". I know that's stereotyping and probably not fair, but it's how I feel.

Yeah, that's what a lot of Phillies fans said about Cole Hamels. Then he went out and won a World Series MVP, which shut a lot of that group up.
I posted yesterday that home field means a lot less in baseball than other sports. A great pitcher puts that crowd to sleep.

 

[NewYC]

I agree and posted in another thread how wonderful and supportive the fans have been. I'm confident in saying there are none other like them. It was absolutely chilling to be in that park during pre-game introductions, etc. Then Cole goes out and immediately lets the city down. We can talk about the lineup, etc., but this loss was squarely on him. Am not and never have been as impressed with him as most everyone else. I'm just a fan and guess I'm wrong, but personally I just don't see "it" in him. People can quote stats, etc on him, but something intangible seems to be lacking in my view.

It's definitely more than intangibles that Cole lacks. he simply is not as good as other playoff teams' aces. Out of all the teams in the NL playoffs he is the worst top pitcher. With wainwright healthy, he would be the 3rd pitcher on St Louis (and no kidding, maybe number 4). I've never thought he was an ace, but he could become one. He is quite young. Arietta wasn't really an ace until this year. The bucs have more guys coming up. the sooner they get there the better.

 

[bison13]

When Arrieta was 25 like Cole is now, he was losing double figure games with a 5+ ERA here in Baltimore. Cole is an ace, and not even at his peak yet. He had 32 K's in 25 innings previously against the Cubs this year. Arrieta is Koufax-like right now.you cant compare them. Cole's big plan this spring should be his change-up. Refine that so he throws it in FB counts. I read that he threw less than 100 of them on the year. basically 3 a game. If nothing else, use it a tad bit more just to keep guys guessing a little more.

 

[Norm Petersin]

Disagree on Cole's. He could be a Cy Young winner shortly. He is still learning the ropes. The Bucs have some great young players, and more coming in the minors. Need to fix the hole at 1B

 

[MrDibbs]

Cole went into that game with no margin for error. The kid had a lot of pressure and it probably showed. Didn't help that the Cubs scored their first run before the Pirates could get an out.

In fact, the whole team had no margin for error - 4 hits (and 2 of them from their pinch hitters).

Actually, in retrospect, you really have to give a lot of credit to the Cubs and their scouts. I feel that they were well positioned defensively for some of the balls that the Pirates did hit - enabled them to make relatively easy plays out of what could have been some offense for Pittsburgh.

I guess that I'm over this Pirates season - feels a whole lot like last year.

 

[Michael.Felli]

Yeah, that's what a lot of Phillies fans said about Cole Hamels. Then he went out and won a World Series MVP, which shut a lot of that group up.
I posted yesterday that home field means a lot less in baseball than other sports. A great pitcher puts that crowd to sleep.

Cole Hamels,
Brett Myers,
Jamie Moyer,
Joe Blanton

Who woulda ever thunk that this crew woulda won a World Series.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ation-playoff-review-and-world-series-preview

 

[BBG65]

Ned that did hurt, no doubt. And the fact that a dirty play by a member of the team that beat them last night makes it harder to stomach. That is one of many reasons I'm rooting for the Cards. If you're lurking Nittanyliun, I'm with you now.

Agreed. Kang was a huge loss and it was a dirty play. His injury must be really serious, a week in the hospital after surgery and then a wheelchair.

 

[psuarva]

I would have liked to see the Pirates advance, but the Cardinals are going to win the next series regardless of who they play.

 

[bwifan]

Don't follow the Bucs much so question for you fans... Is there much pressure on Hurdle and get rid of him or does it seem to be falling more on the players?

 

[bjf1984]

Don't follow the Bucs much so question for you fans... Is there much pressure on Hurdle and get rid of him or does it seem to be falling more on the players?

Pressure on Hurdle.............was that the question? (not sure by the wording of the post)

I would think not. Team has won a ton of games the last three years (Is there any team out there that has won more the last three years than the Buccos? Seriously, thinking about it, they just might be at the top of the heap).
Anyway, I think most people think Hurdle has done a real nice job "managing" this team and the rosters over the last 4-5 years.
Personally, I hate his game day strategy/decision making, but I am a fan of his "managing" of the club.....and wouldn't want to see him replaced (well, maybe once the game starts they could send him back to the clubhouse and have a more aggressive guy call the shots - that would be fine by me)

 

[Obliviax]

1. I knew the Bucs had a good shot at losing last night. What really ticks me off is, for the 2nd straight year, in front of a raucous and loving crowd, they got no runs and exactly 4 hits. I don't care who is pitching, being shut out on 4 hits in 2 consecutive Wild Card games is unacceptable.
2. I expect the Pirates to compete again next year but I also expect a drop off. I'm thinking 93 wins. Whether that gets them a WC is questionable.
3. The Cubs will win this Division next year and will probably be the top dog over most of the next 5 years.
5. I hope the Cubs win the World Series but I honestly don't care. I doubt I will watch much of the rest of the post season. I seldom watch games other than the Bucs. I guess that means I'm less a baseball fan than I am a Pirate fan.
6. FINALLY, the best part of this past season was not Bucco wins and losses, but sharing those ups and downs on this Board with all the Pirates fans. I won't list names for fear of missing someone, but you all know who you are. I hope we're all still here this time next year to share the joy of a World Championship, but no matter what the outcome, we are bound by our love for a group of over paid, underproducing, millionaire ballplayers. We must be crazy!

Baseball is a weird game. The best team doesn't always win. That's why a .600 record, 6 wins and 4 losses out of ten, is considered a very good team. Cubs get a key injury and the season is a complete waist for them. My tribe suffered some really bad breaks early in the season (crushing the ball right at someone while the other team is dropping bloops in for doubles) and it affected them mentally. After the all-star game, they brought some promising kids up and had one of the best records in the league after the break and missed the playoffs by two games.

Don't ever give up. Hamels, or one of the other players, could step up and be a "baumgartner" on any given year (Cory Kluber for the Tribe last year). You just never know.

 

[fairgambit]

I would have liked to see the Pirates advance, but the Cardinals are going to win the next series regardless of who they play.

They will beat the Cubs. We would have given them a better series over 5 games, but I was totally wrong about the WC game so maybe we'd go out in 3.

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Question for Bucco fans about future rotation - has anyone heard anything about how Taillon's rehab is going (tommy john AND the hernia)? If he ever gets back to 100%, a future 1-2 punch of Cole and him might make for an extended run with the current core of players.

 

[PhillipintheValley]

Cole needs to improve on three things. He needs to develop a third pitch that he is confident in and throws. I don't care if it is a change or something else.

He needs to learn how to pitch. This is related to #1 above, but it is more. Like most young pitchers, he relies on his talent more than his head. He is a thrower right now, not a pitcher. This should come with time if he's bright and committed. Once he masters his craft, he will be very good. I think Ray can get him there.

Finally, he needs to get control of his emotions. He is a very emotional guy and you can tell in some critical moments that he lets his emotions get the better of him.

If he can do these three things, he could be the best pitcher in baseball.

 

[Obliviax]

They will beat the Cubs. We would have given them a better series over 5 games, but I was totally wrong about the WC game so maybe we'd go out in 3.

A problem with the format is that the cubs (or pirates, had they advanced) are now not in synch with the pitching rotation. Having to use your ace to get past the WC play-in game, is a disadvantage compared to the next team who's rotation has been set up and rested.

 

[PhillipintheValley]

A problem with the format is that the cubs (or pirates, had they advanced) are now not in synch with the pitching rotation. Having to use your ace to get past the WC play-in game, is a disadvantage compared to the next team who's rotation has been set up and rested.

MLB looks at that as a benefit of being the division winner. What makes that hard to swallow for the Bucs and Cubs is that they were better than all the other division winners. I wonder if MLB would ever consider giving the top 3 winning percentage clubs the bye instead of the division winners?

 

[Obliviax]

MLB looks at that as a benefit of being the division winner. What makes that hard to swallow for the Bucs and Cubs is that they were better than all the other division winners. I wonder if MLB would ever consider giving the top 3 winning percentage clubs the bye instead of the division winners?

Agree with all of that. I believe the teams also play more games in division than out. So the Pirates have an even more difficult schedule given they play the Cards, Cubs and Reds more than they play the weaker teams in the East or West. There's no perfect system when selecting teams in playoffs. NFL, NHL, NBA and NCAA all have the same problems.

I get it, you want an advantage? Win the division. Just tough watching the Mets and Dodgers advance when the Pirates are a better team.

 

[TheGLOV]

1. I knew the Bucs had a good shot at losing last night. What really ticks me off is, for the 2nd straight year, in front of a raucous and loving crowd, they got no runs and exactly 4 hits. I don't care who is pitching, being shut out on 4 hits in 2 consecutive Wild Card games is unacceptable.
2. I expect the Pirates to compete again next year but I also expect a drop off. I'm thinking 93 wins. Whether that gets them a WC is questionable.
3. The Cubs will win this Division next year and will probably be the top dog over most of the next 5 years.
5. I hope the Cubs win the World Series but I honestly don't care. I doubt I will watch much of the rest of the post season. I seldom watch games other than the Bucs. I guess that means I'm less a baseball fan than I am a Pirate fan.
6. FINALLY, the best part of this past season was not Bucco wins and losses, but sharing those ups and downs on this Board with all the Pirates fans. I won't list names for fear of missing someone, but you all know who you are. I hope we're all still here this time next year to share the joy of a World Championship, but no matter what the outcome, we are bound by our love for a group of over paid, underproducing, millionaire ballplayers. We must be crazy!

#5 I'm against it!

 

[hagberg]

nm

 

[ILLINOISLION]

1. I knew the Bucs had a good shot at losing last night. What really ticks me off is, for the 2nd straight year, in front of a raucous and loving crowd, they got no runs and exactly 4 hits. I don't care who is pitching, being shut out on 4 hits in 2 consecutive Wild Card games is unacceptable.
2. I expect the Pirates to compete again next year but I also expect a drop off. I'm thinking 93 wins. Whether that gets them a WC is questionable.
3. The Cubs will win this Division next year and will probably be the top dog over most of the next 5 years.
5. I hope the Cubs win the World Series but I honestly don't care. I doubt I will watch much of the rest of the post season. I seldom watch games other than the Bucs. I guess that means I'm less a baseball fan than I am a Pirate fan.
6. FINALLY, the best part of this past season was not Bucco wins and losses, but sharing those ups and downs on this Board with all the Pirates fans. I won't list names for fear of missing someone, but you all know who you are. I hope we're all still here this time next year to share the joy of a World Championship, but no matter what the outcome, we are bound by our love for a group of over paid, underproducing, millionaire ballplayers. We must be crazy!

They WERE random.....#s 1 2 3 5 & 6!

 

[EPC FAN]

Cole Hamels,
Brett Myers,
Jamie Moyer,
Joe Blanton

Who woulda ever thunk that this crew woulda won a World Series.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...ation-playoff-review-and-world-series-preview

The bullpen, which is what really matters, was lights out that season. Also, the Phillies could really hit, work counts and take walks. Ruin Tamaro Sooner then proceeded to let hitters go and go all in on starting pitching. He did that in a hitter's park, proving that not all Stanford grads are all that bright.

 

[fairgambit]

They WERE random.....#s 1 2 3 5 & 6!

Dang. l never noticed that and I guess no one else did either. I fixed it. You're a sharp one ILLINOIS!

 

[Mixolydian]

Pressure on Hurdle.............was that the question? (not sure by the wording of the post)

I would think not. Team has won a ton of games the last three years (Is there any team out there that has won more the last three years than the Buccos? Seriously, thinking about it, they just might be at the top of the heap).
Anyway, I think most people think Hurdle has done a real nice job "managing" this team and the rosters over the last 4-5 years.
Personally, I hate his game day strategy/decision making, but I am a fan of his "managing" of the club.....and wouldn't want to see him replaced (well, maybe once the game starts they could send him back to the clubhouse and have a more aggressive guy call the shots - that would be fine by me)

I'm not good at math, but they finished behind the Cards all 3 years, so... They might be second though...certainly in top 5.

I do not agree with all of his decisions either, but I am a Hurdle fan and hope he is here for a long time.

 

[nits74]

1. I knew the Bucs had a good shot at losing last night. What really ticks me off is, for the 2nd straight year, in front of a raucous and loving crowd, they got no runs and exactly 4 hits. I don't care who is pitching, being shut out on 4 hits in 2 consecutive Wild Card games is unacceptable.
2. I expect the Pirates to compete again next year but I also expect a drop off. I'm thinking 93 wins. Whether that gets them a WC is questionable.
3. The Cubs will win this Division next year and will probably be the top dog over most of the next 5 years.
4. I hope the Cubs win the World Series but I honestly don't care. I doubt I will watch much of the rest of the post season. I seldom watch games other than the Bucs. I guess that means I'm less a baseball fan than I am a Pirate fan.
5. FINALLY, the best part of this past season was not Bucco wins and losses, but sharing those ups and downs on this Board with all the Pirates fans. I won't list names for fear of missing someone, but you all know who you are. I hope we're all still here this time next year to share the joy of a World Championship, but no matter what the outcome, we are bound by our love for a group of over paid, underproducing, millionaire ballplayers. We must be crazy!

I'm starting to have another (not so random) thought. Maybe we need Jeff Banister as our manager. Wins a division and has his team up two games on Toronto. Something Clint hasn't accomplished as yet with the Bucs, and with better talent than Texas.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Dang. l never noticed that and I guess no one else did either. I fixed it. You're a sharp one ILLINOIS!

Sorta like a Big 10(14) official walking off a 5 yd illegal procedure penalty on PSU:

1yd 2yds 3yds 5yds 6yds.....!

 

[fairgambit]

Sorta like a Big 10(14) official walking off a 5 yd illegal procedure penalty on PSU:

1yd 2yds 3yds 5yds 6yds.....!