DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Getting ready for the first pitch …
Game: Pirates (58-51) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (48-62), 8:10 p.m., Chase Field, Phoenix
Pitchers: RHP Vance Worley (4-1, 2.54) vs. RHP Chase Anderson (6-4, 3.44)
TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan
Live box score: MLB.com
Pirates
LF: Josh Harrison
RF: Gregory Polanco
CF: Andrew McCutchen
2B: Neil Walker
1B: Ike Davis
C: Russell Martin
3B: Pedro Alvarez
SS: Jordy Mercer
SP: Vance Worley
Diamondbacks
CF: Ender Inciarte
2B: Aaron Hill
RF: David Peralta
C: Miguel Montero
LF: Mark Trumbo
1B: Jordan Pacheco
SS: Didi Gregorius
3B: Andy Marte
SP: Chase Anderson
Thanks Tom
DK, Has there been any suggestion by the team of trying any non traditional avenues of correcting the Alvarez throwing issue? Hypnotist? Meditation? Chicken sacrifice?
I thought that was a pretty classy gesture by Dejan to extend the start dates for those bloggers that are having problems. Most every start up has bumps in the road.
Hey Biz. I responded to your comment but apparently didn’t hit the reply button. I’m still learning. See below.
DK is a class act and good guy.
Go BenchMonsters Go!!!
So Subban signs for 9 million per year for 8 years?
Ya. Bergevin better have a plan for next off season. Gilbert at 2.8M might be as big a problem as subban making 1M or so too much. And if US dollar keeps going up, like it looks it will, then cap may be stuck in neutral. Nice to see them, boston and philly choking on the cap.
Goldschmidt gets my vote as the most sensible superstar on the planet. Great reaction to a nasty injury. Josh better not dig in tonight, though.
Over/under on JHay getting on base in the first?
Agreed, Biz. While I haven’t had any problems, I know many others have. I think one of the reasons so many people followed him here is because we sense the qualities in him that would do such a thing.
Yup, totally agree, his lady pitched in today. That says a heck of alot. We’ve followed Dejan for a long time, and we all know why
Twitter already alive with news that Goldschmidt is on the dl after b being hit by apitch last night. Many suggestions that cutch be wearing a lot of protective gear tonight b because of likely retaliation.
Radio what happened with Goldschmidt last night? I didn’t see anything in either of those clowns game stories today.
He was hit on the hand by Fieri in the ninth.
According to mlb he was hit in 9th by friereri
Thank you. It could not have been deliberate. Frieri hasn’t hit anything he wanted to all year.
Absolutely. I’ve NEVER paid for any internet news source in my life but I chucked some bucks on the 3 year subscription for those very reasons. So far, so pleased.
Me too
At Victory Field in Indianapolis this evening. Was hoping to report on Gerritt Cole’s rehab start but he is a scratch. Will try to give you an update later. Marte is leading off.
Thanks Lad, saw a report that they decided to do a side session, speculation was he would make his next start with the PBC
Walker out with tightness in his back New lineup
Harrison 4 Polanco 9 McCutchen 8 Davis 3 Martin 2 Alvarez 5 Snider 7 Mercer 6 Worley 1
Thats not good, PRNW has had problems with his back in the past
headed to the game. actually thunderstorm activity in the area and ‘only’ 98 degrees. Dome certainly comes in handy out here….LETS GO BUCS. Hope Neil is only out tonight but could see him getting tomorrow too for a 3day break. Like that Snider is improved to plug in there.
Cardinals up 6-1 on the Brewers and Lohse. Let’s get a win and pick up a game.
Masterson had given up 5 runs. Game changer.
All is well – Walker may be down but we have the fabulous M&Ms to take up the slack…
Would either of these guys even be on the D’Backs 25 man roster?
Yes they both would. They are fillers but dbacks have about 6 fillers.
AND I feel reeeeeaaaalllly good with Ike at clean up – after all he IS the long term solution at 1st base…
Very cool to have a guy like j hay to plug in almost any place.
BTW… nice slide!
Way to go Ike!!!!!
First out and last out in the 9th last night and an AWESOME strikeout with RISP…
Can anyone tell me why Lambo is in Indy and this bum is batting 4th for a team that thinks it is contending?
Here is a hypothetical…
If you put Ike and Gaby on waivers would anyone claim either of them?
Yes both. They don’t make much $$.
Pirates fans have taken over the pool area here at chase. Loudly chanting each pirates name, Yankees style.
Great catch by lunchie about 20 feet from my seat. Brilliant.
And now cutch.
Replay stinks — even when it goes our way.
Put a 90second limit on it. Any call not definitive by then stands automatically.
Dbacks fans—yes they have some–howling over the cutch grab. Looked to me that it bounced off his glove and couldn’t ever see it touch grass. But I’m biased.
Outstanding. 4-straight extra base hits for J- Hay.
I’ve seen enough. JHay starts at 3b the rest of the way. And has the job going into next year if I were running things. Pedro snider and Ike can battle it out for 1b.
Jeez,
I see this throw from all star 3rd basemen all the time – bounce the ball rather than risk it sailing. You Pedro Bashers are getting silly.
Color me crazy, Lonely, but do you see 23 errors from those all-star 3rd basemen all the time?
your constant defense of pedro is what’s ridiculous and constant attacking Ike and Gaby
and another in the dirt
Cmat: Does Pedro make good throws to first in the warm up grounders between innings? Just wondering if the problem is only during actual play.
I’ll watch more closely
He only attempted one practice throw and bounced it. He watched the between inning entertainment on the big screen the rest of the time.
Thanks for checking that out. I was just wondering if it was extending over to basically playing catch. Not a good sign.
Idea: next homestand any fan can pay $24 to make ten throws from third base. Proceeds matched by a sponsor and invested for the resign Martin fund.
CMAT – I will personally pay YOU $240 if you can field 10 ground balls at third and make 8 throws to first that someone like Ike Davis can catch.
And what say you to that?
I don’t know where this sudden grief for Davis comes from. He made an error yesterday. It happens. Pedro’s throws are disasters and we shouldn’t lose sight of that and start tainting Ike with it.
Lonely is the only one who constantly berates Ike…he thinks we forgot the dumb comments he made about any criticism of Pedro being RACISM
He is the “Lonely” Libertarian.
It is sad. I’m rooting for Pedro and it’s just sad at this point. He is obviously aiming the balls and that never works.
Deal. I can’t field but I can throw to first on a line every time.
amazing
obviously Ike’s fault
No – that one was all on Pedro – but u have got to be blind to not notice that the Long Term Solution to our 1st base problem is batting .240 and has a half a dozen home runs since we gave up a very nice pitching prospect to solve our problem
Pedro is a menace at third. Good grief.
And yes – I like Pedro – and would like him to fix this thing – I liked Steve Blass and watched him go through two years of hell…
Bashing gets us NOTHiNG – a damaged Pedro has NO value. He is not tradeable – he is not going to get claimed on waivers – so the Bucs are stuck
I like Pedro as well and would love nothing more than to see him get over this. Blass was a little before my time but I get your point. Yes, we are stuck with Pedro with no trade value at this point, but we’re not stuck with Pedro starting at 3rd.
These comments are true. I’ve been saying since last year (even before Travis Sawchick) that Pedro should be converted to a 1st baseman. Then trade him or Ike.
There are only 3things NH and CH can do at this point
1. Play him and tell pitchers to deal with it
2. Start practicing with him at 1b in a hurry
3. Send him to Indy to work on the throws.
Or employ a shift put mercer close to Pedro and he can throw the ones el toro fields.
You can’t send him to Indy-that is silly – the union and his agent would never let it happen. I may come across as a Pedro fanatic, but I am closer to DK on him I think. You bashers only make the problem worse-he is what he is. Right now you get a case of brand balls 4 him
If he had options the Bucs most certainly can send him down. And I don’t care what boras and the union say.
He has no options left…cannot be sent down. But he does need a long stint on the Convenience List.
I can’t see the game. What did Pedro just do this time?
Air mailed a throw to first again.
Thank you, Barb.
Wow. Enough is enough.
It is time to do something to help Pedro. I suspect it should involve pinch-hitting and substitutions in low pressure situations. Or trade him, low value or not. This is torture.
Try Frieri at 3rd?
I feel for Pedro, I really do. This is truly heartbreaking. I remember watching Steve Blass do the same thing and I hate to see Pedro go through the same. The Pirates need to do or find someone to help him and quick.
I don’t understand how we can play Pedro at this point. It isn’t Major League Baseball at this point.
And Ike Davis is?
Davis batting: .244, Pedro .237. Davis errors: 6, Pedro 23, not updated for tonight.
I agree it would be nice to see if Lamborghini can hit ML pitching, but I have no certainty he would be an upgrade in the field. How many ML games has he played at first?
(Won’t bother to correct my spell checker)
Pedro better Hr numbers, 15 to 6.
Masterson gave up 5 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings for the Cardinals against the Brewers. Hard to see that as an upgrade.
Yup. But it’s the cards so all press is positive.
Pedro’s “issue” is far more than a psychological Steve-Blass-like thing. This is his third consecutive year in leading all of baseball in errors. And it’s always been throw-related with him. He’s strong, but he’s just not accurate. Move him to first, or even the outfield.
Hey Ghost — I like your thinking. Thought maybe a corner outfield spot in addition to first but considering the difficulties in the corner spots at PNC, I don’t think he could handle the outfield unless he shed 25 lbs. He runs well for a big man, but not well enough currently.
No room for him in the of. 1b or bust.
Valid points all. Basically, rest of Pedro’s career will depend on whether or not his bat comes around. For his defense, I’m just thinking about where a team could stick him that would somewhat reduce the liability of his wild arm.
I’m gonna sound nuts for saying this, but Pedro may be fixable as a third baseman. But he isn’t ready to play it right now, and I agree it’s psychological.
It occurs to me that all the bunts has led to a lot fewer double plays, given that so many pitchers are two-seaming it so much more.
Question one: shouldn’t the dbacks be bunting toward third??
Question two: shouldn’t Pedro between innings try 2-4 real throws to first?
After watching 2 Pedro throws on a bounce to first, I think this may be something they’re trying with him. Those 2 throws are hopping on the grass, which makes it easier for Ike.
And at pnc they can install a patch of astro turf to make the bounces true.
“No room for him in the of. 1b or bust.”
No room in OUR outfield. If he can start hitting again, someone will find a place for him. Just don’t need to seem him fielding THIRD base for us anymore. For now, play him off the bench or send him to Indy.
I would not take marte or polanco out of the lineup so Pedro can’t get at bats there to show his stuff.
Didn’t suggest that. But every game a lefty always comes off the bench to bat. And each of our outfielders eventually do need day off. If they can run Martinez out there, they can run Pedro out there. (Getting ahead of ourselves declaring Pedro already converted to OF, though.)
In other news, Bucs bats taking the first 6innings off again. Shocked that they can’t catch up to Chase.
Were would this team be without the AWESOME Ike Davis?
Funny how beanball has become an afterthought.
Thankfully. Had this been the Reds…
Glad to see your travels allow you to add to the discussion, Gulliver. Looking forward to your posts from your itinerary next week.
To me its weak to throw a 90 mph pitch as someone who basically can’t or doesn’t retaliate. I understand it has to be done but I still hate it
You obviously said this long before the 9th inning.
Come on Pedro. Pulling for ya.
Crap. Was hoping last nights big pinch hit would jump start him. But his burden continues.
Needed a broom to hit that pitch.
Looks like Ollie still has some zip on the ball.
Ollie who
Game 1 winner, Perez.
Forgot, you are at the game. TV showed him in bullpen, warming up.
Alert. Pedro replaced at 3b by morel.
Pedro is lost.
Vanimal not as sharp tonigt as when I saw him at AT&T but how good has he been to boost this rotation?
Speaking of Garagiola/smokeless campaign. Does Snider have a load behind his lower lip? Surely he is too smart for that?
I’ve noticed how prominent that bulge is too, recently. Maybe he always chewed but less conspicuously(?) But now that Snider is actually hitting, I doubt he’s going to change anything. You know how superstitious these guys get. Shame. Would be better to not change his underwear.
Not trying to argue your point, but “smarts” are irrelevant when talking about addiction. Doctors, lawyers and other professionals, who obviously have loads of “smarts,” have some of the highest rates of substance abuse. Unfortunately, it often takes scare for people to change.
Half of those guys graduated in the bottom half of their classes.
Just kidding. You make a good point.
I hear ya. I quit chewing about 20 years ago (after I was done with baseball). It was the hardest thing I ever did on a personal level. Why did I quit? I had a scare. If I could get a promise that I’d never have consequence to it, I’d go buy a can right now. Daily struggle.
I’m not a Pedro basher. Pulling for him. Sad for him. But he is approaching unplayable at 3b this season. If you all howl about hurdle pitching anyone not named melancon Watson and Hughes hiw can you be ok with Pedro on 3b????
Or Davis on 1st?
Wow. Early pull of vanimal with 2pitd no one on.
Another nice game for the Vanimal…I’d say he’s made a strong case to station the rotation.
Cards have won. We could really use this one.
Hughes isn’t close.
This isn’t good.
If they aren’t careful, Ollie might win 2 games!
Mark trumbo. Another Kevin towers trade masterpiece.
Wow. Bad pitching followed by good pitching.
Great recovery by Hughes!
Zieglers tough but this has to be the inning.
As I was saying…… Boy does this team love to hit late.
At some point, when Hughes comes out…I’m going to start cleaning the kitchen, fix the car, mow the grass, etc. You know, the same stuff that I do in the 8th inning when Watson comes out and pitches.
It wasn’t Watson esque.
No it wasn’t, but he got the job done. Has been getting the job done most of the season when brought in with ducks on the pond and left them where they were.
No doubt. I love lurch.
Lots if Bucs fans roar as cutch drives in JHay. And the poolside fans all jump into the pool on celebration.
That crew out at the Pool is a riot!
Got to love that power hitting first baseman we have – thanks Neal!!!!
Side note: ridiculous at chase field the center field wall is both 410feet away AND 20 feet tall. Unreal
Mart-ann finds a way. And speed kills.
And on that note a good chunk of the 31k on hand starts for the exits and it’s raining outside which around here us a miracle.
Mores than these 8th innings?
Morel, yes, HAMMERED, that one. Unreal it was blasted 415+ and not a HR.
Id say good managers move to go to morel in the 6.
They showed replay of Martin’s 2 RBI chopper on MLB Network. Martin should have been ruled out for interference. Ball hit him in back as he was running inside running lane.
Not complaining about result, though…
They rarely call that
Trammel comes out and protests that, they call it. Was clear as day in the replay.
They were out of challenges because brainiac used it on cutchs grab.
Watson should NOT come in to this game.
It is tony though. Predictable Clint.
Agree, big time.
The 8th inning wake-up call. Becoming a tradition.
JHay has to play
Polanco can sit
I’d like to see them more offensively consistent in early innings, but if they have to wait until the 8th and they can get it done, so be it. Wouldn’t mind seeing them try Pedro at 1st. Not ideal but worth a shot with his power. Just wonder what gets into his head
I’m sure Pedro is trying his best and is thinking all the right things. But funks can get ugly, and Pedro just never had an accurate arm to begin with. This is over Pedro’s head. Time for the Pirates to act. Three years of leading MLB in errors is enough.
I have no doubt he is trying his best and funks happen. I think he has to play through it, but without DH where can you play him without hurting the team too much
Okay, guess it’s beanball after all. Pull and FINE that SOB.
Pure Kirk Gibson. He sucks at everything but beanballs. Cutch was livid. Have to believe marky mark answers? Tho I don’t like it per se.
Another right handrer has joined mm in the pen. For ejection purposes?
Walk on a roll.
Again – please down vote me – but what the F is the reason for trotting out Ike Davis when you have a guy hitting over .300 at Indy.
The guy hitting 300 in indy killed tripple a pitching last year and then stunk at the pro level. Ike has a history of flashing power at yhe pro level. Lambo is an emergency option at best.
This one is on the coaching staff, unless Goldschmidt was lying — made a very statesmanlike comment after the game. I do not think he wanted retaliation (Tim just referred to his attitude). Again, I would fine the Mgr & coaches before the pitcher.
Gibson is an absolute idiot. He will join Kevin towers on the rubbish pile soon.
Well we can bring in Frieri and he can nail the first D-back and sit down
Yeah, we can’t have Liriano thrown out. Or Watson.
“Gutless. Where was that in the first inning, Snakes?”
Bob Walk just climbed a few notches in my book.
He’s hyperventilating over this on the postgame show right now. I’ve never seen him so livid…way to go, Bob!
Sometimes Walkie drives me nuts…not tonight. RIGHT ON! GUTLESS VIPERS!!
MLB had better fine and suspend the cr*p out of Delgado…and Gibson, who’s never grown up since his glory days in Detroit (I lived there then-hothead!).
NOOOO – Frieri needs to nail a d’back
It is big ern. This will be interesting.
Looks like your plan is in place. Who do you want?
Hey All.
Pretty crummy that Cutch got beaned. Glad to see the Bucs pick up a few to pretty much sew it up.
Love the site and happy to see so many regulars here. Off to the beach tomorrow for some r&r -will absolutely include checking in!
Night all.
Randy
Get two outs and then throw one to the back side.
Now.
Yes, please
Good for Frieri .
So do u think cutch wanted a hbp there or ?
I think he will want to beat the crap out of this team tomorrow and get on with the real business, winning the division.
Raise it. Nothing for 7 and 7 runs last 2 innings. This team is a force late.
Wonder what the NL would do if the Bucs announced that Frieri would be starting tomorrow?
Could be fun
HA! They’d probably throw him out before his first pitch!