12 Games Under .500 but OH GARRETT JONES!

So the lack of "w's" have led to a lack of desire to update our fair blog. But on the heels of the All-Star game, I thought I would feature a Pirate all-star; Garrett Jones! Okay, maybe Jones is just an all-star in our minds, but if his bat remains as hot as he is then despite the standings it will be a fun rest of the summer watching Pirate baseball.

Before I dazzle you with my photo skills of Mr. Jones, I must set the stage. My Favorite Laroche girls were sitting in Dunedin, Fl watching warm-up's and batting practice as we eagerly waited for our Bucs to take on the Blue Jays. I was standing in earnest trying to get a few balls signed for myself and my friend's boys. One of the players that game over to me was sweet little Garrette Jones. He signed my ball (and I must say he has perfect handwriting to go w/ his perfect. . .tan, yeah, that's right!) and had a chance to chat w/ him for a bit. I told him what fun it's been to watch him play and hit so well and that I hoped to see him in the Burg some day. I found my way back to my seat and shared my baseball signages I was able to garner with the other half of My Favorite Laroche. I showed her my Jones ball and we both realized he was "just beautiful" as my friend would say! So not only were we watching our favorite Laroches but we were on Jones watch as well! Then it came, Garrett had a nice hit and has he found his way back to the dugout, I yelled something like "way to go Garrett." And that's when it happened, he looked up and gave My Favorite Laroche girls a thumbs up and a sweet smile! Mind you we were sitting about 4 rows away from the dugout so we knew the Jones love was ment for us!! That made the whole Dunedin Day worth it.

Now with the stage set, the trading of Nyjer Morgan led to Mr. Jones finding his way from Indy to Pittsburgh. Playing left field has lent itself to be a bit of a challenge for Jones but there's no doubt his bat hasn't found PNC Park too challenging. Jones has hit several homeruns since being called up not to mention the base hit and extra base hits he's delivered! As you will see soon, Garrett's a leggy, tall guy but he's swift and speedy like the wind! The boy can run him some bases! I will say, despite some bad baseball the Pirates have been playing lately, sitting in our seats on the 3rd bases line clearly remains the best place to view the game -- wink, wink!

Ode to Nyjer Morgan a.ka. Tony Plush and the Polar Bear, Eric Hinske

Despite being picked off 10 out of 28 steal attempts, one of the most exciting thing is seeing Nyjer steal 2nd. He loves to slide and get all dirty w/ his trade mark chew stain all over his jersey.

Another view of Morgan on 3rd -- notice his tall socks!! We like tall socks!

Morgan is very speedy -- this is Tony Plush sitting on 3rd trying to score
for the Bucs!

This is T-Plush and Little Andy doing during their pre-game warm-up stretches. Okay, a bit of a side bar here. . . but doesn't little Andy look good?! Oh, and we love the alternate "P" jeresies!

This is a shot of Morgan at the plate during Spring Training. Nyjer's walk-up music is "Blow the whistle" As he walks up, he's sort of dancing as he steps up to to the plate. He digs in and w/ that wide stance, he continues to do his little dancing bobble as he awaits the pitch. He really is swinging to
the music in his head!

This was Nyjer being introduced during Open Day at PNC

Wow, it's been a really busy day for Uncle's Neil and Frank! First we open the door the our old friends the Yankees when they come-a-calln' for a right handed bat. And next, the Nationals finally wore us down like a really bad want-a-be prom date. After much haggling, we wrapped up and shipped Utility Man Eric Hinske, Left Fielder Nyjer Morgan and Relief Pitcher Sean Burnett all w/ big red bows and a nice card attached to their respective buyers.

Now Burnett I'm not really too sad over. Yeah, he has turned his crap around lately by being a rather decent 1 out guy. But Sean, really can ya try to wear your hat stright in Washington? He always had that "deer caught in the head lights" look about him. As the other half of My Favorite Laroche likes to say, "he's caughtn' flies" w/ his mouth hanging all open.

I wasn't even to bothered to see sweet Hinske gone. If you're wondering why I called him a polar bear, well, in a between innings Q & A blurb one of the questions was some thing like if you were an animal which one would you be. Well, Mr. Eric promply proclaimed he would be a polar bear cuz of his size. I liked his imagination so his nickname has stuck w/ me.

But sweet polar bear hasn't really been as productive as what was thought he'd be. He signed a 1 year deal as he came into spring training; battleing w/ others for a roster spot as a bench player. He did win it, but hasn't done much else since. Yeah, he's made a few good defensive plays and had a few quality at bats, but the power's just not there and he's left alot of runners stranded. So, I'm glad Neil pulled the trigger and moved Eric to open up a spot for who else. . . but sweet Garrett Jones! I'll comment later on Jones cuz he deserves his own post! But I'll tease ya w/ he's darn tan and HOOOOT! He makes minor league tall pants look extremely good!

But the move that stuns me the most is Nyjer Morgan. I've been a fan ever since he was called up last season when Xaiver Nady was hurt. I remember seeing him and wondering why his uni. didn't fit him right. His hat was huge on him and his pants just hung off of him. But he has grown into his big league clothes this season! He may not be that good at the plate, he is above avg. in defense. And what he lacks in offense, he makes up in character! He's just sooo much fun to watch. He loves to enteract w/ the crowd in left center field. And his playful attitude seemed to be infectious throughout the ball club. I loved to see him chest bump the Pirate Parrot as he would run out for pre-game warm ups and as he took the field for the first inning. Sweet Tony Plush got his name cuz during and interview, he made the comment that "my gentlemen's name is Tony Plush." That nickname has really caught on w/ the fan base. Hopefully the fans in D.C. will appreciate T-Plush as much as we here in the Burg have.

I'm not sure about the players the Bucs recieved in return, but I'm willing to give them all the benefit of the doubt. After all, Uncle Neil's last trade has seemed to work out well so far. And again, not only do we get to see Garrett Jones in Pirate's black and gold, but after tomorrow we will see Jeff Salazar in left field as well. He's another spring training, minor league free agent signee that has smoked AAA. Tomorrow's game will be interesting to say the least.

Now a few T-Plush pictures for you viewing enjoyment!

2 hard loses in 2 days = the boys need a day off. . . or the mets to come to town.

Well, it's been a rough few days for the boys in black and gold. Yesterday they faced the hard to hit Grienke from the Royals. They did manage to have his number but those darn rain drops had to kill the 7th inning rally. But Sir Adam was 3-3 w/ a walk and little Andy batted his brother in on a full triple o right field. It was rather exciting to see the ball up close and personal hit off the wall while Andy motored to 3rd.

But how quick the tides to turn. Cuz today, Sir Adam could see the ball if it were placed on a tee and Don Long was hand over hand swinging w/ him. Three strike outs and a soft ground out isn't going to cut it Big A! However, my grieve tonight actually lies w/ sweet sweaty, UN-steady Freddy Sanchez. C'mon son, ya need to get the ball throw the gaps when the bases are loaded. He left too many men stranded that were in scoring position. After out hitting the Cubs 9 hits to 7, the Pirates should have won this one. We are a dismal 10-22 against teams in the central division. We need to start beating teams in our division if we're going to be taken seriously. C'mon it's the Cubs -- they have more head cases on their team than we have power hitters. We should be aiming for the Milton Bradley's of the Cubs. I watched their game against the White Soxs on Saturday -- they loked horrible out there. We need to take advantage of their head-cases and smack'm around a bit.

Oh well, I guess we can't win them all but it would sure be nice to try. We've lost two in a row. We now need to win the next two in order to stay somewhat competitve w/ our division -- and let's hope the Astros start sucking again like they did at the start of the season. But even if we lose, the Mets will be in town Thursday for the make up came. The way they are playing, we should be able to complete the true sweep and take the 4 game from them here at home. Don't worry boys, you can knock around some Met's tail in a few days.

See at the Ball park!

Another Interleague "W" off the bat of another Bucco homerun

Jack Wilson rounding 3rd after he hit his 2nd dinger of the year.
He's been robbed on several occations at PNC but not last night!
(pic. courtsey of the post-gazette)

Four home runs in 2 games by 4 different buccos - ya got to love that!

I think our boys love wearing the throw back uni's. They've kicked some tail in all three that they've worn either the 1909 turn back the clock jersey or the throw back nergo league Homestead Gray's jersey. And I must confirm these uni's look sharp and make the boys look like real baseball players! One added bonus to the throw backs are the tall socks. I must say, seeing all most the entire team wearing the high sturp pants brings as sense of nostalgia. Baseball, afterall, is the sport of the 1900's. It's what ya think off when you picture that time in sports history. Greats like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and of course Honus Wagner. But I must say, the off white Gray's uniform was by far the uni that looked the nicest on the boys. But despite Adam trying to rock the throw back, his high water looking pants were too fun to observe.

So tomorrow the boys go back to using the standard Sunday day game jersey. Let's hope that by shedding the throw backs, the boys don't lose their bat power in the process. C'mon, in two games, mostly every player in the line up that at least one hit. Last night we saw Jack Wilson, Jason Jaramillo, and my left fielder w/ the potty mouth, Nyjer Morgan all hit home runs. Tonight, we had Delwyn Young get it done w/ his 3 run blast but he didn't stop there, he also showed he can do something on defense by grapping 6 pop-ups in right field. Guys like Adam and Freddy also had big at bats in the past two games too. Even little Andy got into the mix by smacking a triple off the left field wall that also hit the outfielder right on his head -- ough! Overall, it's been an electrifying to watch.

On the pitching end of the game, Paul Maholm found his groove after a few shaky innings. He showed why he's the #1 started in the rotation by only walking one, striking out 2-3 and basically throwing strikes for contact and allowing his steller defense, headed by Jack Wilson, to have his back. And last night performance by the newly called up Virgil Vasquez was incrediable. Coming out of Spring Training, Vasquez didn't really garner favorable comments. He has a power arm but like most of our power arms; lacked location and control. Well, he must have ate his wheaties cuz ol boy was dealing first pitch strikes like I miss spell words. But Virgil, do something w/ your hair son. I know minor leaguers don't really rake the cheese in terms of salary but c'mon, I'm sure you can spare the $20 for a trim. If not, I've got me some great scirrors. I can trip ya around the cap. As I watched him do his pre-game warm-ups, I noticed his hair conformed around his cap like a set of wings on his head. If ya don't believe me, check out this pic. from the Post-Gazette.

Only 5 games out of first and 4 games under .500 -- YOU CAN DO IT! Now if only those pesky Astros would begin to crap their pants and lose some games, we would be able to leap frog over them and be even more the mix of things. We've got one more game w/ the Royals and then a 3 game set w/ the Cubs. After watching the Cub's game today, I'm thinking we've got a shot at taking at least 1 maybe 2 games from them.

Okay, off to dream a little dream of you!

"Cutch Happens!"

(Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Okay I'm stealing my title from one Mr. Rocco Demaro who hosts Pirates extra innings after the radio broadcasts of the games. Last night after the Pirates provided me w/ my first of the season walk off win, Rocco coined the phrase "Cutch Happens." I like it! I like it a lot I say!

What started out as a semi-decent quality start by Ross Ohlendorf where he gave up 2 runs on 5 hits w/ 3 walks and 2 strike outs, turned out to be a nail bitter right down to the last batter! My theory of Pirate hitters unloading a ton of offense and scoring junk loads of runs in one game and then going cold fish in the next, seemed to be playing out rather well last night. Face the Indian's Ace pitcher, Cliff Lee, the Buc's bats were barly moving. Lee was rather effecient in is pitching; striking out a lot of my beloved bucs. But then came the 6th and the Pirates began to play small ball and it payed off; cutting the lead in half. The very next inning Lee seemed to lose his composure and gave up a game tieing score in when he walked McCutchen w/ the bases loaded. But the moment game in the Pirate's half of the 9th. Jack Wilson tempted fate and stole 3rd w/ one out. And young, dynamic Andrew McCutchen was staring down the Indian's bullpen hack w/ a 0-1 count, McCutchen sharply signled to left field to score the winning run!

After seeing this youngester in Spring Training and getting a chance to chat w/ him as he signed a ball for me, I knew he was going to be everything he as tauted as. As many blog posts and articles pointed out in the latter days of spring training, Andrew made it REALLY difficult for the front office to send him back to AAA. But Kyle Stark, Director of Player Developement, at a gut instinct that McCutchen needed a little more "seasoning" as they called it. And seasoning was completed in timely fashion! Not only can he hit, which he's now sporting a 13 day hitting streak, but he's fast as all get out, and because of that quickness, he's got center field LOCKED DOWN!

As I read blogger from around the net, reports and articles from baseball gurus and stat keepers, I'm seeing a trend in what all are saying. Each avenue of baseball news points to Andrew McCutchen only becoming a greater factor in the Pirate's drive to turn the page of losing to meaning baseball again in the Burgh!

If that can't get ya excited for Pirate's baseball consider this. A mear 160 miles or so, roughly 2 1/2 hrs., in a small country town of Altoona Pa rests a team called the Altoona Curve. This is very important because the Curve happen to be the AA Minor League team for the Pirates. Basically, Altoona is 2 stops away from PNC Park. Right now, as of this week, our #1, #2, and #3 hitting positional players prospects are all nestled in Altoona wearing Curve colors and perfecting more their skills at Blair County Ball Park (BCB). In most estimations, 2 of these players will be drilling pitches off the Clemente Wall in about 2 years. Combine that w/ our top pitching prospects are all either in AA or already in Indy at AAA and our #1 draft pick from 09 is already signed and in the system working on his skill-set, the Pirates are positioning themselves for greatness in the not so desent future!

It's a great time to be a Pirate's fan!! Ya better jump on the carvan now while there's still room cuz w/ Pedro hitting his second homer in as many games and w/ Brad Lincoln wiffing pitches past AAA hitters, the bus may fill up fast very soon!!

LET'S GO BUCS!

Raise the Jolly Roger - Cleveland still sucks!

Take notice to this swing cuz it's the swing of victory! Adam hit is second in as many games tonight to continue his trend of hitting well at home. He was 3-4 tonight w/ his SECOND stolen base of the season! Ya don't expect that from him. After all his. . .well. . . the slowest player on the roster - but not tonight I say. Even Greg Brown comment that Adam was "feeling a little feisty." And feisty he was! Not only another sold offensive night but he took care of business w/ his glove as well.

And yep, Zack Duke came home and found his command right where he left it -- in the strike zone at PNC Park! I would contend that Duke is our Ace of the rotation and in a perfect world leap frogs to the #1 spot! Again, not only was Duke dealing outs to the Indians but the first run was created off of Duke's bat! He's the alround guy we need more of.

Not only was Adam smacking the ball around, but mostly every one in the line up was laying on the lumber tonight. Got to give some shout outs for sweet Jason Jarmillo! The boy wonder behind the plate that we snagged from the Phillies for jogging Ronny hit is #3 home run of the season. I'll swallow my words and say I'm glad he's the back up to Ryan cuz his arm is great behind the plate, he calls a nice even game, and he's doing soooo much better than expected w/ the bat. Sadly I don't have a pictures transferred of J.J. so show the virtual world our diamond in the rough, but I shall recify that later.

Overall, great win for the bucs -- we now need the Astros to suck wind so we can climb out of the basement! Looking forward to tomorrow's rubber match from the PBC club -- hopefully the rain holds off at least until we get the lead!

Ian Snell smells but thank goodness for the Adam Bomb!

Adam Laroche sporting the ultra super Alternate Jeresy! Isn't it nice?!!!

On a night when our #2 rotation guy was facing a #4 rotation guy, ya'd think the Pirates would be assured a "W" . . . Well. . . this the Pirates we are talking about here. That so didn't happen.

I can't even sugar coat this train wreck that is Ian Snell w/ any colorful verbage. Snell SUCKED big time - and I mean BIG TIME. Even sweet quite, positive John Russell had to admit in his post game interview that Snell's focus, command, arm, everything was gone. He tried to put a good spin on it by saying he usually gets better as the game goes on. . .but he didn't. Now if this management team is serious about holding players accountable for their performance, then Snell needs to be benched at best. But honestly, I would love to see him back in AAA -- Indy needs another head case to even out Gorzo. and Rule 5 draft pick himself; Donny Veal. That gesture would sound the alarm that inconsistant play is NOT expectable any longer in the Burg! That would go along way to repair the fizzling fan-base who are still bitter party for many over the Bay, Nady, and most recently, McClouth trades.

Personally, I would like to see Coach Joe use Snell as the batting dumpy for bullpen side sessions. Maybe after getting plunked by his fellow bad pitchers would show him just how important it is to pitch inside correctly -- FIRST PITCH STRIKES IAN! On a more hostile level, what if Coach Joe use his trusted bat to "show" Ian how batters are hitting his pitches -- and if he comes a bit too close to Ian's head. . .well. . .that's baseball!

But this "L" can't be totally blamed on Smell, I mean snell! Albeit, about 95% of the losing effort is his fault, the other 5% must be blamed on the lack of offense - again. When Cleveland gave us a few free passes, we couldn't capitalize on them. Until the ill-fated rally in the 9th, we could only muster 3 hits, that's it 3 lousy hit. So it's not like the bats were helping to dig them out of the hole Snell put them in. But in their defense, our boys Andrew McCutchen, Robizon Diaz, and my favorite Laroche, Adam did have some deep, and I mean deep fly outs. Actually, about another foot or so and McCutchen would have had a 3 run jack. But it wasn't to be and even w/ the 9th inning resurgence we couldn't drive in the tieing or even winning runs.

But the night wasn't all bad. On a personal note, I made a new friend! And the other half of My Favorite Laroche found out she has a really good text message plan! And there was a nice 465 ft. home run by the elder Laroche to start the 9th and avoided a shut out by a really bad team. But in true Adam form, he w/ the bases loaded he flies out the end the game. Now Adam's not really a singles kind of hitter. He either jacks them, grounds out, strikes out, or comes up w/ a double. I was expecting a strike out but was hoping for a 4th ball to walk the tieing run in but alas that didn't happen.

If there is any comfort in last night's baseball world, it is the Brewers lost and Houston suffered an "L". That means we are still only 2 wins away from getting out of the basement. And the Brewers are 2 games under first place! Hopefully Zack Duke can regain his winning ways and lead us to the promise land of victory! Not sure if I'll catch the game tonight. I'm not sure I want to put myself through the pain and agony that is Pirate's baseball. I may opt to spend a relaxing evening fishing at Brady's Run. They need my bait more than I need to ulcer!