Series Thread: Cubs @ Pirates

[Darkstone42]

Cervelli singles up the middle, and the Bucs have the lead!

 

[Darkstone42]

Kang got his first three RBI with his first extra-base hit! This is also his first multi-hit game, for what that's worth.

Watson conceded a home run, and we're 8-6 with Melancon coming on now to try to close it out.

 

[steelparrot]

I think maybe we should have traded Melancon in the offseason....

 

[Darkstone42]

That low velocity is alarming, but man, hard to blame a guy for giving up three runs when only one ball was hit hard, and the rest were choppers and soft bloops.

 

[Darkstone42]

I also think if Harrison had thought to take two steps backward instead of just jumping, that 2-RBI single turns into at least one out instead, and at most one run.

 

[Darkstone42]

I expect a DL stint for Melancon if that velocity doesn't come back. Have to consider using Watson as the closer in the interim, though. Although he hasn't been great either. Slide Hughes up to 8th and Caminero into 7th?

 

[thecrow124]

I expect a DL stint for Melancon if that velocity doesn't come back. Have to consider using Watson as the closer in the interim, though. Although he hasn't been great either. Slide Hughes up to 8th and Caminero into 7th?

The bullpen, outside of Hughes and Scanlon(?) has been pretty bad. The options at AAA have for the most part been bad. I say that because I don't really see much being able to help our bullpen from within the organization.
It is quite possible that we are victims of our own doing. The relievers that we have that are getting hit hard are the relievers that throw hard, well, other than Melancon who seems to be tossing BP. It just seems to me that currently, teams are looking fastball, inside against our relievers, and I don't care how hard a guy throws, if a hitter can eliminate all but one pitch and an entire half of the plate, he is going to hit pitches, even if they are good.

 

[element1286]

Rough start on defense for Harrison so far.

I didn't see the last inning, fell asleep on the couch, was surprised to find the 9-8 loss when I woke up.

Hughes has been a pleasant surprise. Don't understand their lack of use of Bastardo, figured he would be a 7th inning guy.

 

[Ewa PGH Fan]

I expect a DL stint for Melancon if that velocity doesn't come back. Have to consider using Watson as the closer in the interim, though. Although he hasn't been great either. Slide Hughes up to 8th and Caminero into 7th?

I know it's still early but how much longer do they wait for his velocity to come back before starting the DL stint? I'm not sure waiting any longer will help at this point.

 

[Darkstone42]

I know it's still early but how much longer do they wait for his velocity to come back before starting the DL stint? I'm not sure waiting any longer will help at this point.

Honestly, having him pitch in leverage situations with regularity could very well delay the velocity recovery, and he could start to betray his mechanics, which could lead to an injury or worsen one which already exists. Sitting him for a bit could be a good investment in late-season Melancon, who we will need.

 

[GenJac]

Last nights Pirate loss started out looking like Hurdle was giving the Cubs a gift. Playing a gifted 1st baseman in right and a gifted outfielder at 1st to begin the game. Pinch hitting a pitcher who is like giving up an out. The Korean is not major league material and with Mercer hurt they are playing one man short. Add a closer that was lucky, not good from day one.

 

[GenJac]

I understand the reasoning, not sure if I agree, with having the pitcher bat eight. What I don't understand is why teams walk the eight to face the pitcher. It's not like he is a .275 hitter with 20 home runs. Usually he is a very weak hitter.

 

[thecrow124]

Last nights Pirate loss started out looking like Hurdle was giving the Cubs a gift. Playing a gifted 1st baseman in right and a gifted outfielder at 1st to begin the game. Pinch hitting a pitcher who is like giving up an out. The Korean is not major league material and with Mercer hurt they are playing one man short. Add a closer that was lucky, not good from day one.

Not sure why I feel the need to respond to this post, but I am pretty sure you have very little if anything at all correct. Hurdle was using a RHH line-up against a left handed pitcher. Hart is no longer a good outfielder, and every Pirates fan is hoping he doesn't play there more than about 10 games this year because his knees probably can't take much more than that. Rodriguez was in RF because Polanco so far hasn't been able to hit lefties at the major league level. Lastly, Melancon was never lucky, he has been unlucky at times, but never really what I would consider lucky. He may get results that appear to be above his talent level, but that is more of a factor of the defense behind him that it is him being lucky.

 

[Darkstone42]

Good comeback inning for the Bucs. Polanco and Harrison look to be getting going, which is great for the team.

 

[Darkstone42]

Stewart's gunned down two runners this game with absolutely perfect throws. Good to see from the backup catcher.

 

[Darkstone42]

Polanco with an outstanding at bat, and he shoots a grounder through the left side to bring home Jay-Hay. Bucs lead 5-4!

 

[Darkstone42]

Melancon's warming to pitch the 9th. I think I'd rather just leave Caminero out there. The Cubs couldn't touch him.

 

[Darkstone42]

Melancon had a tidy ninth despite the low velocity. Excellent command can trump lesser stuff, and the Shark had that today.

 

[stillmatic32]

Good to see the bats get cracking toward the end of the series.