Pirates at Braves Series Thread|06/03-06/05

[Darkstone42]

After salvaging a game against Cincy in their three-game set, the Pirates (35-22) will look to get back on the winning track in Atlanta (34-22). The Pirates are 3-1 against the Braves this season so far, but overall, I think the teams are pretty evenly matched right now, so this should be a tightly played set.

The pitching matchups are projected to be Burnett (3-5) vs. Medlen (1-6), Locke (5-1) vs. Minor (7-2), and Rodriguez (6-3) vs. Teheren (3-2).

Tonight's Medlen vs. Burnett matchup is interesting to me since both pitchers have suffered from a lack of run support so far this season, but have actually pitched well. A 1-0 game is very possible if that trend continues. I would like for the Pirates to break their trend, though, and give AJ some run support for a change.

Go Bucs!

 

[steelparrot]

Pirates calling up Hughes and Reid. Reid needs a 40-man roster spot.

This is our 2nd 'we need bullpen arms TODAY' move of the year. Zagurski might stick around until Morton comes back, just because he didnt pitch yesterday.

 

[thedddd]

I missed something why no McCutchen tonight?

 

[Darkstone42]

I missed something why no McCutchen tonight?

Probably just giving him the day off. I haven't seen anything about an injury. I imagine Hurdle just wants to keep him fresh.

As for the proceedings thus far, a couple line drives off Pirate bats in the top of the first, just right at guys. Hopefully it's a sign that the Pirate hitters are seeing the ball well, and we can give AJ some support.

On AJ, the Braves are stretching their at bats with him by fouling pitches off. A lot of them. Hopefully he can find a groove for an out pitch to shorten these at bats, or else he won't last long.

 

[sychmd]

aj walking more batters.

 

[Darkstone42]

aj walking more batters.

He got squeezed. Lots of pitches over the plate called balls. Martin got tossed, actually, because of it.

 

[thedddd]

Just got back and with this and Penguin game man not a good night.

 

[sychmd]

terrible nite so far.

 

[evolver115]

MLB umpires are out of control. Over the past three to five seasons, we have officially seen the wheels come off for the vast majority of these so-called professional umps. They've become larger than the game.

It's not about them. We aren't paying our money and spending our time to watch them act like tough guys. They can't call a consistent game, and they seem to almost relish the opportunity to eject players/managers. It's pathetic.

 

[element1286]

I heard there was an umpshow last night. Wish I could have seen it, I checked the pitchfx, and didn't see anything egregious. But with umps it's usually their demeanor that is the most loathsome, moreso than the actual calls.

 

[bamabear82]

The umps really wanted to make sure everyone knew who was in charge last night. Between some of the calls behind the plate and that ridiculous no-call at 2nd these bastards should be fined or punched in the neck or something.

 

[Darkstone42]

I heard there was an umpshow last night. Wish I could have seen it, I checked the pitchfx, and didn't see anything egregious. But with umps it's usually their demeanor that is the most loathsome, moreso than the actual calls.

The thing that bothered me was that AJ didn't get a single call on the inside corner. The inning after he got chased, Pedro struck out looking on the same pitch the umpire had been calling a ball for AJ all night. Even if the strike zone isn't accurate, it should at least be consistent so the players know what to expect.

 

[element1286]

The thing that bothered me was that AJ didn't get a single call on the inside corner. The inning after he got chased, Pedro struck out looking on the same pitch the umpire had been calling a ball for AJ all night. Even if the strike zone isn't accurate, it should at least be consistent so the players know what to expect.

Gotcha, those are the worst.

 

[element1286]

The umps really wanted to make sure everyone knew who was in charge last night. Between some of the calls behind the plate and that ridiculous no-call at 2nd these bastards should be fined or punched in the neck or something.

What call was that, I saw the Walker play where he was for sure out, but the ump missed it, is that what you mean?

 

[bamabear82]

What call was that, I saw the Walker play where he was for sure out, but the ump missed it, is that what you mean?

 

[steelparrot]

The offense is looking like the first week of the season. At least we have won a few low scoring games.

We need to get the bats going again.

 

[Darkstone42]

Gaby Sanchez put a nice swing on a ball. That was nice to see.

Now if Cutch can come through with a two-out hit here, we'll have a little something going.

 

[Darkstone42]

And he did! 2-RBI double! Roped it right down the third base line!

3-0 Buccos!

 

[hokiehi21]

Go Buccos!

 

[Darkstone42]

Go Buccos!

I saw Anthony Rendon got called up for the Nats. How has he looked? I perused his minor league stats and saw his plate discipline has been pretty remarkable on the farm, and he got on base awfully frequently, but I was just curious as to how you think he looks so far as a Major Leaguer.