Lets sweep the Cubs!

[steelparrot]

Just in the nick of time, they started their firesale today trading Dempster to the braves. Move em fast Theo!

 

[Darkstone42]

The Cubs have played pretty well lately, so the Pirates will just have to keep playing better.

No Dempster helps!

 

[NDHoosier101]

 

[BigBlueNation111]

Good luck Buco's!!

 

[magnumo]

Good news and Bad News

Yeah, the good news is that the Cubs trading Dempster to the Braves should make the Cubs a weaker opponent for the Pirates. But the bad news is that the Cubs trading Dempster to the Braves should make the Braves a stronger competitor for a playoff spot.

Note: Dempster is claiming there is no deal:

Braves acquire Ryan Dempster from Cubs | MLB.com: News

And the MLB Trade Rumors site says that, as of 2:57pm, Dempster was in the Cubs clubhouse, preparing for tonight's game against the Pirates:

Braves Could Acquire Ryan Dempster: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Apparently, Dempster has a full no-trade clause..... and the Cubs have not yet convinced him to accept a trade to the Braves. Probably just a matter of time, but one never knows.

 

[sychmd]

hope for the best: 3-0
expect the worst: 1-2
realistic outcome: 2-1

a sweep is between best and realistic, and wouldnt the MO be good.

 

[Etrius24]

Bedard came out of the gate looking like it was the middle of April!!!! Giggidity

 

[thecrow124]

Bedard came out of the gate looking like it was the middle of April!!!! Giggidity

Unfortunately for all involved, so did the offense.

 

[Etrius24]

Crow.. I agree it is troubling that the offense did not help Bedard...I will try to look at the positives... 2 hits over 7 innings 11 strikeouts... He made bats miss... He was dominating.

It is the 9th inning and I am still holding out hope for some late inning magic..

The other night when Pedro hit that homer to tie the game I was walking in the clouds I was so happy...

For the first time in a long time I see this team play and I believe they can win and do special things all the time... So here is to hoping for another miracle.

At the minimum it is 2 effective starts in a row for Bedard and considering Karstens just threw a gem yesterday...I am feeling a lot better about the back of the rotation for now.

So there is still positive energy here.

 

[Burgh Sports Rule]

It is nice that Bedard & the back end of the rotation is indeed pitching better recently. However, I am once again starting to become concerned with this offense.

The 5 runs we got in the game the other night were by walks. Only 3 yesterday, although Sanchez pitched well for the fish & yes, the Pirates did still win the game. Zero tonight, with only 2 hits. Couple that, with the Reds not missing a beat without Votto yet & it is a concern. The Pirates, seem to be striking out in games at a high rate again too.

We need to jump on the Cubs & Maholm tomorrow & even this series.

Here's hoping Neal will get us some help pretty soon? Be it a hitter, more pitching or both.

Also, it would be nice for the Reds to cool off a bit & to hit a tougher part of their schedule as well.

I would like to thank the Brewers for not showing up at all in that series against the Reds! That really did not help the Bucs cause at all.

Burgh

 

[thecrow124]

Not a good sign, last night we make Jeff Samardjza look like Verlander now we are making Paul Maholm look like Cliff Lee. The offense really needs to wake up.

 

[thedddd]

Not a good sign, last night we make Jeff Samardjza look like Verlander now we are making Paul Maholm look like Cliff Lee. The offense really needs to wake up.

So true and the fact that the Reds are playing the Astros, the Pirates can't afford these games right now.

 

[Etrius24]

At least we salavaged the last game of the series and the win tonight over the Astros.. it is 2 in a row...This team just needs to keep winning... 3 of 4 or a sweep with the Astros would really help this team maintain its blistering pace.