2016 Pirates

[stillmatic32]

Yeah what a terrible series. Knocked out of the game early in all 3 games, never really challenged the Cubs at all.

 

[psaboy]

Lack of pitching kills.

 

[thedddd]

Lack of pitching kills.

Yeah and just like what happened to Garrett Richards I worry about that with Cole.

 

[thedddd]

Giants Designate Vin Mazzaro

Wonder if the Pirates bring him back on a minor league deal?

 

[thedddd]

Great first game for Kang!

 

[Darkstone42]

I love you, Jung-ho Kang.

 

[ramburgh]

Looking ahead to the off season - I hope they Pirates give qualifying offers to both Cervelli and Melancon. Either one might accept and if they do not then the Pirates will get compensated.

 

[Darkstone42]

I wonder if Polanco will be slotted in the leadoff spot at some point this season. He's been tremendous at getting on base, plus he's got wheels and pop. Jaso's been great there, but Polanco has been similar (even better, really) with plus speed to boot. It would also allow Cervelli to hit down in the order a bit more.

I'm guessing at some point, if Kang finds last year's form, Cutch turns back into Cutch, and Polanco's breakout is real, we'll see something like this:

Polanco
McCutchen
Marte
Kang
Jaso
Harrison
Cervelli
Mercer
Pitcher

Cervelli's a better hitter than Harrison, but I think Harrison's baserunning would play really well in front of a guy like Cervelli who's so darned good at putting the ball in play, enough to break the 6-9 best-to-worst convention.

 

[thedddd]

Well Kang with another HR tonight started the rally. Nice comeback.

 

[ramburgh]

Kang makes a huge difference as he adds a legit power threat. I would like to see Freese getting 3-4 starts/week between 1st and 3rd. This keeps Kang and Jaso fresh.

I would love to see the Pirates sign Lincecum or trade for a solid SP well before the deadline. A rotation of Liriano (L), Cole (R), Lincecum (R), Taillon (R), Glasnow (R) looks solid. Lincecum could take over for Vogelsong or Lobstein and transition into the rotation. Locke and Niese need to go. This team doesn't make the playoffs of either of them is in the rotation much longer. Nicasio isn't too far behind them either. If not Lincecum, this needs to be the year where they acquire a top notch SP for the second half.

I think they are solid offensively and on the bench and would focus on just adding one big piece to the rotation.

 

[stillmatic32]

Be nice to quit getting drilled by the Cubs.

 

[thedddd]

Boy this is getting pathetic playing the Cubs.

 

[psaboy]

Sad thing is Cubs are young and on the rise, while the Bucs are now getting a bit old. Window for this player set closing fast. Feel bad for Cutch, he deserves chance for series. Who could the Bucs put on trading block for a 1 or 2 high end pitchers?

 

[stillmatic32]

Cutch has had some chances, he has as many playoff RBI as me.

The Cubs have some good young hitters, but what's really helped them get so good so fast is guys like Arrieta and Hammel turning into studs in the middle of their career.

That said, the Cubs are killing it and right now it's looking grim.

 

[thedddd]

 

[thedddd]

Cutch has had some chances, he has as many playoff RBI as me.

The Cubs have some good young hitters, but what's really helped them get so good so fast is guys like Arrieta and Hammel turning into studs in the middle of their career.

That said, the Cubs are killing it and right now it's looking grim.

Yeah McCutchen hasn't produced in the post season is an understatement. He got on base but only one extra base hit. Without him producing they aren't moving on right now.

As for the Cubs all their starting pitching except Hendricks is over 30. If Rizzo is their centerpiece he is 26 and if long term Marte is 27 so age wise for that one piece is not much different. Also it is not like McCutchen is old he is only 29. Also the Pirates Ace is 25 along with Glasnow and Taillon on the way, they truly could be positioned for a run well after McCutchen is the center of this team since they have talent in the system.

 

[redskin4209]

Finally we beat the Cubs. Hanson is being called up really that's good news. I like his speed but looks like he will be on the roster for a short period of time.

 

[thedddd]

Giving up two HR's and five runs to the Braves is not good. At least they out slugged them for the win. Hopefully they can do what they should against them and win at least 3 of the 4.

 

[thedddd]

Pirates sign Francisco Cervelli through 2019

Great news, probably something done due to the Elias Diaz injury.

 

[thedddd]

Jaso half way to the cycle in the first inning.