DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Morning, Lunatics …
• The Thursday column will be penned live tonight from PNC Park.
• There’s never anything wrong with a baseball team that a quality start can’t fix. Jeff Locke impressively became the eleventy-billionth in baseball history to prove that last night, with a little help from Ike Davis, Josh Harrison and two-thirds of the remaining competent portion of the pen.
• Fun video feature by the Marlins’ TV crew on Garrett Jones’ river ball.
• Few events are more predictable at the Steelers’ camp than Mike Tomlin ripping a practice performance, and that came yesterday. Of far greater substance, Steve McLendon has a concussion, and Ryan Shazier remains out with what must be the world’s most severe ‘boo-boo.’
Tomlin’s first pregame press conference takes place at 11:30 a.m. today, in advance of the preseason opener Saturday in East Rutherford, N.J.
• Heading back to 105.9 the X to host the 3-6 p.m. slot again today in place of Mark Madden.
• If you have any tech issues, email us at [email protected]
• Thanks, as always, for reading. And for your support of the site.
Yinzers catch Phrase of the day:
Expect to “Strive and not just survive”
The Pirates are 1 game behind in the loss column of the two wild card teams. As important, they are three games ahead of the next two teams, Atlanta and Cincinnati. The Pirates are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The one NL team to play better over that span is the Dodgers at 7-3.
Motto mention only 1 game back in the loss column for the division.
Wonderful information. Thank you, Tom
DON’T CARE ABOUT THE WILD CARD UNTIL DIVISION IS LOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Need to care about the wc! Postseason on any level is the goal.
Very disappointed in the Coverage of Pittsburgh sports on this site.
Example: Jim Furyks parking space empty or occupied?
JAL’s Counting Airplanes Morning Links
1 SB Nation
Kirk Gibson should be punished, but he won’t be
http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2014/8/6/5970097/kirk-gibson-arizona-diamondbacks-andrew-mccutchen-kevin-towers
2 Fangraphs
Andrew McCutchen’s Injury is a Huge Blow
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/andrew-mccutchen-fractured-rib-pittsburgh-pirates/
3 Bucs Dugout
Postgame: Jeff Locke pitches well, Russell Martin provides key hit in 7-3 win
http://www.bucsdugout.com/2014/8/7/5977525/postgame-jeff-locke-pitches-well-russell-martin-provides-key-hit-in-7
Nice win last night. We all know that we will not see every game like last night…nor will we see every game like the Tuesday “blow-up”, too. Would like to see them take today’s and the SD Series this weekend. Would be nice to build up some confidence before the Tigers arriv
I’m absolutely hammered at work…summer is usually this way…but wanted to say I was happy to see Locke do well last night and the boys pull out this win. Go Bucs!
Doesn’t your boss frown on drinking on the job? I didn’t know you could get “hammered” ?
+++++++++ – Thought the same, plan!
LOL you too! I’m buried…I’m swamped…better?
Buried and hammered on the job!
“Buried AND Hammered” on the job … think Lloyd Bridges in “Airplane!”
Oh Lord!
First lady that ever used a poor choice of words.
Spunky, won’t be the last time
Drinking swamp water on the job, which causes you to get hammered, and then buried.
Yikes!
LOL Hipposter! quit!!!
You can say that again! I didn’t watch last night (Tuesday’s debacle-fatigue), but saw highlights afterward. Many stepped up, & that was great to see. Encouraging that Locke righted himself after the dinger. Let’s take the series!
Ugh! Another lefty tonight. We need a shut down performance from EV, Karen.
That we do, Jim!!
Jandy, you really have to watch that business of being hammered on the job.
yinz kill me!
HI Jandy, does Tim Neverett write your blog posts?
LOL no way….he’s far too hyper for me
JANDY!!!
drinking on the job Jandy???
Really was pleased by Locke’s work last night after the Yelich homer on what was not that bad of a pitch. He could have gone in tank, but he didn’t just survive, the thrived! Tomlin would have been proud.
Yelich has a very sweet swing. Not surprised he was so highly rated.
Yelich has a chance to be a very good hitter for a long time.
DK, you might as well just take over 105.9 the X! You’re doing it every day.
On a serious note, any thought about doing a podcast for this site only?
Yes. But there’s been so much outside radio the past couple weeks it would have been excessive.
King of all sports media.
too much of a good thing aint such a good thing
The way Locke started, I thought it was going to be a long night of “2nd half Jeff.” To his credit, he became “Locke-Down Jeff” instead. Key hits and key at bats throughout the lineup in the 2 big innings. Watson and Melancon doing their part, although pitching w a 4 run lead,
Agreed. And nice to see major contributions from our 1Bs.
That was nice to see, DJ. They both had big 2-run doubles.
YES! I was already plotting the move of Locke to the pen and recalling Cumpton (as I continue to play armchair GM) but he really got it back together in retiring 13 straight…… back from the brink!
Haven’t heard much about Jarvis Jones this camp. Second year will often tell the tale on the player path — projected high riser, steady/solid or “wish we drafted someone else.” Right now, somewhere closer to the last category but keeping an open mind.
Tomlin had to have him, right? So far not much from Jarvis. Let’s hope it kicks in soon.
can he play third base?
Anyone have any sleepers they’re rooting for to make the final Steelers roster?
Personally, I’m a fan of NT Daniel McCullers, CB Shaquille Richardson, and WR Justin Brown.
With you on McCullers, Dom. We really need help there. Dri isn’t a sleeper, but I loved that pick from the start. He is going to make plays, I think.
Yep, I’m really rooting for McCullers. His ceiling is much higher than his opponent Hebron Fangupo. I really don’t see the logic in going with Fangupo. One local report said their money was on Fangupo. Although, I don’t disagree he is the favorite, what could possibly be the upside in Fangupo? He is nearly 30, was active in just 10 games last year, played in only four, and recorded no tackles.
I amazed at the things LaRussa says with a straight face. For such a great Manager, he really has idiotic, not well thought out things to say on a regular basis IMO.
He’s an azzmunch!
“Azzmunch” is putting it mildly. And that goes for Kirk Gibson, too.
Agree, Karen, but if I use the correct terminology, I may get banned from this blog!!!
Just use the “Sorry, I was hammered at the time” defense, Jandy.
He’s a lawyer. Go figure.
Jonathan Papelbon cleared waivers.
Cole Hamels and Marlon Byrd do not.
Many are rooting for a Byrd claim by us. Can’t see it long term, but sure would like to see it right now. Like Milo said, too rich for the Pirates’ blood.
Not bad from Marlon’s standpoint. He probably knew, like everyone else, that the Phils would stink. But, they offered him the ridiculous contract, and now he might get to play for a contender if the Phils will eat some of the salary. Doubtful it’s the Bucs, though.
To Byrd’s credit, he must have a really good training regimen: He’ll be 37 the end of the month, and has 21 bombs to go with 64 RBIs. Not bad at all. And inspirational since he regrouped after almost losing his right leg in college!
The same guy that told me Byrd cleared waivers is so mad about the contract that he thinks if anyone claimed him the Pgils should just let him go because they wont contend and that vesting option is terrible. I said they should pull him back and at least get a mid level prospect. Hes not emotional about this at all…sarcasm.
Thus far, Byrd has earned every dollar of his contract.
.
That’s more than Bucs can say about Gerrit Cole!
.
Byrd will never again be a Bucco.
Groatie: The issue with Byrd’s contract isnt 2014, or even 2015. It’s the $8M virtually guaranteed for 2016. Just another Ruben Amaro special – like the AJ deal. But I”m on record as saying Bucs COULD and SHOULD (but WON’T) trade for Marlon. He’d fit in nicely.
I heard from a Philly fan that he read Byrd did as well. Maybe he was misinformed.
If no one else wants too simply because it doesnt fit the on going sentiment around here good work by both Ike and Gaby last night. RBIs for both of them in the roles they were meant to play. Ike has no excuses but boy is Gaby misused.
Facing another lefty, I’m trusting Gabby gets the start tonight. Maybe THIS will be the day he gets good and untracked … 2 BOMBS for Gaby!
I think he’ll definitely be in there, Bay. Gaby has been scuffling, but I’m hoping last night might have been the start of a hot streak for him. We need everyone pulling the rope w/o Cutch, Pedro, PRNW, etc.
That was Gaby at bat man! Before he drove the poop out of that double, he drilled a foul ball down the right side. The stars were aligned in that moment, perfect storm for him.
I assume “Gaby is misused” means he is asked to face RHPs. Other than early in the season, pre-Ike Davis, I think he is mostly asked to hit left handers and hit them well. The fact that he is NOT is what concerns all of us.
Yeah, historically Gaby hits RHP very well. He has struggled this year, especially of late. Hopefully, he gets back on track. He ripped that ball last night the opposite way.
Me and the typos. Historically, he hits LHP very well.
Gaby has in fact hit LHP less this year (118 wRC+) than his career average (141 wRC+), but just to add a little perspective, he’s still been the 10th best 1B against LHP in all of baseball and the best platoon hitter at that position in the game.
I certainly would not have guessed that, NMR. It seems to me that his troubles vs. LHP this year are pretty much very recent. I think he’ll heat up.
No doubt they are, Jim, and at the worst possible time with the recent – seemingly month-long – stretch of lefty starters.
Platoons just aren’t very easy to assemble in the league right now. Maybe that means we should be happy with Gaby…and maybe it means we shouldn’t waste a roster spot on the concept in the first place.
He faced a righty on that putrid at bat in Arizona the other night. He is called on to pinch hit against righties way too often. Usually in a this is my last bat scenario. I dont see it happen as often that Ike is sent up against lefties.
Gaby might just be platooning w the Big Bull next year. I would not have guessed that a month ago.
If we start seeing banner ads for strip clubs on this site we’ll know that DK is spending too much time in MM’s seat…
Haha! No chance!
DK, was that you on the air yesterday? I thought madden took too many valiums or something.
I’m waiting for the Starbucks banner ads. I am retired AF living in Europe and travel a lot. Whenever I go to a Starbucks (often) I have a student’s paper which mentions Starbucks. Showing it to a barista usually scores a free drink. Just think how many drinks from a banner ad!
DK, with Jeter about to tie and ultimately pass Honus Wagner on the all time hit list, maybe you can look at both players and put them into perspective relative to each other?
I’ll do that right here: Honus Wagner is the greatest shortstop of all time. There.
Eight NL Batting Championships. Wait, I forgot that batting average is an old-fangled statistic that involves luck and fortuitousness that sabremetrista’s discredit. Maybe, he looked at a lot of pitches? Yes, that’s it. Advantage Flying Dutchman.
Actually, I think they’d say it’s more correct that batting avg. is not the only useful stat. Wagner had a .391 OBP, .467 Slg%, .858 OPS, 151 OPS+, 996 XBH, 723 SB, etc. Everybody loves career .328 hitters, though – even SABR guys. He was a beast!
Honus Wagner has a bWAR of nearly 120.
Jeter has a bWAR of 71.5
Jeter is certainly a special player but if he played in, say, Kansas City or Houston, he would not nearly be as hyped as he is in these types of comparisons.
Jeter is indeed a special player. But what is even better, all these years, he has kept himself out of the bad publicity nightmare. That says TONS in today’s sports world. The guy is classy.
And he’s gotta be approaching Wilt Chamberlain in one specific category. Guy must be pretty darn good at break-ups!
You never see a bit spotlight on a break up in the media. Just that it happens, or he is seen with so-and-so. No drama.
I asked a major league ump I met (the guy that got nailed in the cajones at a buc game a week or so ago) who his favorite player was in all his years in majors and he said Jeter
You talking offensive rebounds, NMR?
Haha, something like that, Jim.
Randomness: 1) Our fans in 1st base seats need to give the opposing player a hard time when he reaches in for a ball; 2) One thing that gives me hope about 2014 Locke vs. 2nd half 2013 is he is not walking many guys now. He’s giving himself a chance.
What’s your logic for #1? I personally wouldn’t give them a hard time but if they pay for a ticket, they can act like a doofus if they want.
Simply means that fans don’t just let the opposing team reach INTO the stands and easily catch Pirates’ foul balls. Stand your ground, get your hands up and try to catch the ball.
Ah, Gotcha.
Sorry for the poor wording. What I meant is if a guy is reaching into the stands, our fans should be trying to catch the ball – same as everywhere else. Pgh fans are too polite in this regard and just let players catch the ball. I didn’t actually mean harassing the players.
I can’t agree less with what you are saying, in at least two of the instances the fans were little kids…one of them a cub scout no less! Most of us have zero grasp that we are fighting an opposing player for a ball, trying to hold drink, not fall on ass, etc…
People seem to grasp the concept in other markets.
Saw a video of Justin Verlander tossing Kate Upton a baseball at a recent game. Such shameless pandering is usually offered only to kids by players. What was he thinking??
He wasn’t
maybe he was “thinking” with another part of his anatomy
buggeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s good to back yinz nutcases. Big change here DK and I was totally in the dark about it. Does this mean you’re no longer witht he Trib?
That’s right buggee, Dejan is on nhis own.
When asked why Mark Melancon was used with a 4-run lead last night, Clint Hurdle explained that he needed work because he hadn’t pitched in three days.
.
Yeah Clint, the bullpen really had things under control Tuesday night. Goodness…
He didn’t need work until Wed. He was fine on Tues as Gomez and Wilson were imploding.
Watson unavailable Tuesday night after pitching three days in a row, one being a 4-run lead.
.
So of course the next night it’s Melancon’s turn to pitch with a 4-run lead.
With you on the Melancon/Watson situation, NMR. I don’t get it.
He also missed a perfect opportunity for Stolmy to back up a dominating performance Tuesday night. Kid is never gonna get any better if Hurdle uses him once every two weeks.
Cubs are reportedly going after Hamels. They lost out on Tanaka. Wouldn’t surprise me if they went hard after Lester & Price as well. Things are about to change in the NL Central. I hate it.
Walker not playing again. Here’s how the Pirates not being truthful over the years comes in handy. When they said not to worry, I didn’t believe them. Great thing about them, they only lie about the important stuff.
.
So all’s well with Gerrit Cole then ? Sure it is.
Walker has played once in the last 6 days. Smells a lot like 2012 doesn’t it ?
There must be a fee to put guys on the DL now. That’s all I can figure.
He apparently needs to take his own bed with him when they take road trips now
If you put a player on the DL he is out for 15 days. If your medical people say a player can return in a week you keep him off the DL. If recovery takes more time you can backdate the DL.
Stinks!
I know they can back date it. But, our bench is short in the meantime, JAL. We keep having pitchers who are done pitching batting.
I don’t see the linkage in the post, they said Walker has a back problem, it got better, played a game and tightened up again. That is pretty clear and no lie present.
Did the Bucs actually sell Jay Jackson to Milwaukee today? I know he is not a big loss, but really? To the Brewers? For cash? Now? Why? What good could come from such a move?
Cash Jim. These are the Pirates.
I know, Milo. But, holy crap. How much money does that get them vs. the signal it sends? It never ends with this organization. The mis-steps, the cheapness. It just never ends.
Jay Jackson is a 26 yo reliever with no Major League experience and an ERA close to 5 in AAA.
.
We should be praying that Milwaukee needs him at the big leaguelevel this year.
Keep in mind, that is an organization who raided us of a promising young pitcher who is far from MLB ready via Rule 5 this off-season, and has stunted his development by keeping him on the roster all year. Why help them in the middle of a pennant race?
Haha, certainly not telling you what to get upset about, Jim, but this is about a 1.5 on the impact scale and I can’t remember ever seeing you as upset. The Pirates are wearing you down, man!
I just think it is tone deaf, NMR. I know Jackson probably can’t help Milw. But, to give up anything to a direct competitor for just $$ right now seems dumb to me. For the little money it brings, why do it?
Why? I’d say because they don’t care about pissing off a smattering of fans that pay this close attention?
.
Don’t get me wrong. I can’t think of a single reason to do this, but I also can’t think of a single way it matters.
I guess I am just frustrated that they can’t/won’t make a deal to get a relief pitcher, when they are clearly available – some good ones for just $$ as a matter of fact – yet they sell a guy to the team in 1st place. I know he can’t pitch, but …
You don’t have a pulse if you’re a Pirate fan and aren’t frustrated at that very fact, Jim.
Just to throw gasoline on the fire, the Rule 5 guy magically went to the DL when BrewCrew went in toilet in July and they needed pitching. And Pimental is still eating a roster spot.
Yes they did. The Pirates certainly don’t need pitching help… so why not!!
Dodgers acquired Roberto Hernandez formerly known as Fausto Carmona.
hey Revvie, 42 years, right?????
Right. This month.
Congrats my friend
Yankees announcers commenting that the reason David Robertson is available today in a 1-0 game. Joe Girardi sat him down after he’d warmed up yesterday when the Yankees extended their lead to 4 runs in the bottom on the 8th. Wait a minute, I thought warming up counted.
That’s what should have happened with Watson. He is pitching too much, and Melancon is not pitching enough.
Agreed. But I will say this Jim, who else could you trust ? Even with a 4 run lead. And that ain’t Hurdle’s fault.
You’re right. He only has 3 guys he can trust. He should have a couple more, but they decided not to get anyone last week. They need to add to that pen ASAP.
I did think Melancon should have pitched during that mess on Tues night. I think you have to put your best guy in the toughest spots. I understand resting Watson that night, but I didn’t get not pitching Melancon.
Melancon pitched last night because there was a lead in the 9th, and thats when Melancon pitches because he’s the closer and that’s when closers pitch.
.
No matter of trust about it.
But, it wasn’t a save situation. That usually means Melancon has to go sit in the corner and watch Guy Fieri pitch.
The Tigers lose three out of four to the Yankees and come to Pittsburgh on Monday.
How’s the Tigers Pen looking these days?
In the past week, Soria is 3.00 and three others (Alburquque, Coke and Nathan are 0.00 in 6 1/3 inns.) It’s the starters who are superlative. Three of the four games in NYC were decided by one run: two wins for the Yanks and one for the Tigers.
*smacks forehead*