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On location: Pirates 3, Braves 2 169
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS Getting ready for the first pitch … Game: Pirates (64-62) vs. Atlanta Braves (65-60), 7:05 p.m., PNC Park Pitchers: RHP Gerrit Cole (3-9, 3.78) vs. LHP Alex Wood (9-9, 3.07) TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan Online: Live box score / Multimedia / Official media notes Related
Braves Lineup
1. Jason Heyward (L) RF
2. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
4. Justin Upton (R) LF
5. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
6. Evan Gattis (R) C
7. Tommy La Stella (L) 2B
8. B.J. Upton (R) CF
9. Alex Wood (R) P
Pirates Lineup
1. Josh Harrison (R) 3B
2. Jordy Mercer (R) SS
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Starling Marte (R) LF
5. Gaby Sanchez (R) 1B
6. Travis Snider (L) RF
7. Chris Stewart (R) C
8. Jayson Nix (R) 2B
9. Gerrit Cole (R) P
So I guess we’re no longer “all in.”
Planned rests with an off day tomorrow. They announced when Walker returned he would off this game CH like to double up off days for Martin
Mistake in the Braves lineup, Wood is a lefty
Mistake in the Pirates’ lineup. Nix isn’t a Major League player.
Brewers losing 7-3 in the 6th. Let’s take good news where we can find it.
It is 7-5 after 8
Do you think they’ll promote Josh Bell to fill the hole in RF before Super 2 next year or protect Nutting’s wallet?
What hole? Polanco is going to be a great one and Snider has been hitting very well.
Polanco looks lost against lefties. Sniders best role is on the bench. Im sure NMRs comment was tongue in cheek but I for one am still not ready to call Polanco a great one. His first season has trended like Martes. Not to say he is exactly like Marte but seems similar so far.
It was absolutely tongue in cheek. But it also illustrates that the player who was supposedly one of the best 25 on Opening Day is sitting in favor of Travis Snider in the 3rd week of August, against a lefty.
One can simultaneously acknowledge the likelihood of Polanco becoming a great player while also admitting the reality that he has absolutely disappointed thus far.
Thanks NMR for the needed perspective on Polanco. Not sure where everyone who was rabid for his promotion (ascension) in June and swearing that there was “no good reason” he was still in AAA. I can see about 10 good reasons in how he has played so far. But he is gonna be good.
You bitter old man
Got tired of the non sense so here are the numbers for bucs payroll per USA today:
2011, 45M
2012, 65M
2013, 79M
2014, 77M
So not only are bucs spending less this season than last but they did so with increase in welfare & subsidies.
Even if using the most conservative estimates that DK uses the bucs received AT LEAST 50-60M in welfare & subsidies but only took their payroll up half of that. Realistically they got 80-90M and fact that payroll went DOWN is unconscionable w/ holes at 1B n RF to start season.
Spending for sake of spending is stupid but not addressing 1B was stupid. If payroll is under 90-100M next season than people are just suckers for buying tix, IMO. NH will say he only wants to spend on worthy players, but if nutting approves higher payroll, NH will find them.
Any chance we can let them actually finish playing baseball before having the same old boring conversations for the next six months?
I know everyone is just chomping at the bit to discuss a fresh topic like payroll.
Have I told you lately that I love you?
I was responding to a semi interesting interview i heard on radio. Former minority owner says nutting isn’t pocketing money but also said he’s cheap and looking to “address balance sheet”–code for paying down debt–while also saying he wanted nutting to sell.
This season isnt the issue. Whether or not city is being taken for a ride is. I know signing above slot draft picks isn’t cheap and paying down debt is smart. But at some point you need to plug holes. Dont tell us you want to win if increased revenue doesn’t increase payroll.
If i were nutting i’d want to pay down debt n increase value of club to increase div’s too. But don’t tell us you want to win. However at some point i’d want to pick my spot to anti up. Especially since NH has proven to be solid GM. Give him a chance to take team to next level.
Just so you know you’re not alone HM, I’m with you here.
OBVIOUSLY, Monster isn’t a reactionary.
Monster, have I told you lately that I <3 you?
Just waiting for the Boss to throw out another “old and tired” comment.
.
.
How is that season ticket upgrade working for everyone?
Awe shucks….blushing.
#isitoctoberyet?
Some info on Ground Chuck: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/08/central-links-dirks-cubs-morton-meyer-reds.html
Martin should be playing tonight. Period. That’s all.
But but but Nix is in the lineup and he stinks! Martinez!
I’m keeping my record clean on those guys. Only time I’ve mentioned any one of them was to compare Martinez’s face plant into the left field wall to the great Lonnie Smith.
I will say for the record that when Nix comes to the plate he has the appearance of a baseball player that would like to hit the ball. Morel looks like bad luck Shleprock walking up there…”this can’t possibly work out”
They both stink.
I was waiting for that
Leave it to the a Rev for some perspective.
THE Rev, not the “a Rev.”
I think you were right the first time, AW.
Jays take 9-5 lead in ninth.
Its a final
Funny how in the last week or so Federal St has bent over backwards to tell us of the record number of tickets they’re selling & all the attendance records they’re breaking. Then today a former minority owner pops up out of the blue to assure us Nutting isn’t profiting from it.
I don’t know where the profits have gone & I really don’t much care. It’s just pretty evident where they haven’t gone.
.
And I promised myself I wouldn’t get dragged into it again. And I’m sorry. I’m putting myself on suspension.
Milo, I guess I just don’t get why a former minority owner who previously butted heads with nutting (at least he claims so) would fib to cover for nitting if he was in fact profiting from the lack of payroll? Or maybe I am missing something obvious.
I do agree with hm in that it is smart business to pay down debt, etc. but I am also sick of hearing him say he wants to win if that is how he chooses to spend the increased revenue. Disingenuous at best.
Starbucks is not sufficient, so I have already uncorked a nice bottle of Zin, to help me get through tonight’s game. I would offer a glass to Martin who is going to watching with me and contruting about as much.
“Contributing” — swear I hasn’t touched the Zin!
I’m touching it now
DK – just curious on your thoughts about the scheduled days off for walker and Martin. I could see it more for walker since he didn’t look quite 100% yet last night. But Martin? Are they thinking brewers are the bigger series so they are throwing in the towel for this one?
I would think they would be doing all they could to get a win tonight before a big weekend series with the 1st place team…
As someone pointed out somewhere else, on the positive side, the bench looks better with Polanco, Martin, Walker and Alvarez!
Every cloud has a silver lining. I would just prefer us to start our best 8 behind cole to end this losing streak.
Nice start, Cole.
Should have given Martin and Walker last night off when things got out of hand.
From now on, it’s LeGarrette Blunt.
Dear Lord: BREAKING: #Steelers RB’s @L_Bell26 & @LG_Blount arrested for pot possession in Ross. Bell also charged with DUI. More 7:30 @KDKARadio
Dumb Azzmunches!
Haha. Phillies no doubt. At least it wasn’t pouncey.
For the record, not funny. But milo’s comment was.
How many Cris Stewarts does it take, laid end-to-end, to equal the distance of a Gattis home run?
Too many to count.
Who is it again who is the third string – now starting – running back of the Steelers? I forgot.
Where’s Dwyer? And i think blunt got swagger confused with schwagger. Could cheech n chong be any more careless? 20 grams!?!?! It’s Rossi’s fault.
the midget Dri Archer?
Memo to Le’Veon Bell and LeGarret Blount: Marijuana is NOT legal in PA. That is all.
Didn’t mean to hijack the thread.
True. Heard it was 20 grams, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days and up to $500 fine. Most first timers get one year probation and a fine. Can’t wait to see whether they get suspended and/or fined by the Shield.
I wish I could say they needed to be scared of Tomlin but Tomlin is part of the problem. He let’s Pouncey run wild without punishing him.
Saw it on twitter – The Doobie Brothers Backfield.
That guy in front of the parking garage, you know “if it ain’t cold it ain’t sold”, will have t-shirts for the next home game. He had one that said – Ray Lewis shot Joey Porter.
Looks like a long year for Steeler fans too…
Hope the rooney’s call in some chips and keep suspensions at 1 or 2 games. For obvious reasons more than 2 would be head scratching and just as infuriating as what these 2 probably did to get pulled over.
That worked well for Ben
Hey MHM. I think 1 game at most for Blunt (intended, thanks Milo). I’ve read that the NFL is interested in reducing penalties associated with simple possession. I’m more troubled by the DUI arrest for Bell. The NFL takes DUI seriously, whether high or drunk, as it (con’t.)
should since DUI can result in injury and/or death to others. Simple possession, while illegal, is largely considered a victimless crime as evidenced by the misdemeanor class and light penalties.
They will get more than 2. A positive test is an automatic 4. Possession implies use. Bells DUI will compound things. Bell 6 Blount 4 is my guess.
com’on…you only get 2 for knocking out your lady
And Ray Rice gets 2 – something wrong about this IMHO
Hi AJS: Agree in principle but I haven’t heard of any positive tests yet. Bell will be tested by police because of the DUI, although he can refuse. Blunt will not be tested by police but may be tested by the NFL. I think we need to see how the testing issue shakes out
Google it, you’re not even close. Too long & involved to get into here. Tomlin will take his own action like he did with Santonio Holmes.
I’m referring to AJS suspension thoughts. Tomlin had Holmes sit a game & you never heard another thing about it. And remember Hines’s DUI ? I didn’t think so.
Casper, I agree with the premise above. With any luck his blood alcohol wasnt too high and they werent speeding too much. I buy that they would rather smoke than pop pills but keep it indoors.
There was a time in the burgh when they would have never been written up -,driven home in exchange for a couple of game tickets
Serious question…doea this make dri archer the starter? Yikes.
Idiotic behavior.
At least they’re getting along.
Any word on whether the DUI was for pot or alcohol?
Ha. You beat me to it.
Wait, when did they get pulled over? In the afternoon? They were drinking that early? I hope not. Would obviously be better if alcohol wasn’t a factor.
1:30 this afternoon, on the way to catch the plane.
So they have chronic anxiety when flying?
Sounds like a defense to me
Let me add that a DUI is not just for alcohol. It is for any substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. In PA, there is a DUI for marijuana.
For what it’s worth: http://law.justia.com/codes/pennsylvania/2012/title-75/chapter-38/section-3802
So bell and Blount arrested for possession of dope tonight? How long is that suspension mandatory?
Did someone actually down vote a question? I wouldn’t down vote even people I disagree with, let alone an honest question. Sorry my question offended someone.
I fixed it ;-), got you back to zero
Fixed X 2…
Thanks man. Didn’t want to up vote myself just to correct that. I thought I might have to change my name and avatar. Witness protection style. Guess my question rubbed someone the wrong way.
CD–I got one yesterday for asking about what size screen to get in a MacBook. On the 12 question thread. Someone’s just messin’. Or seriously disturbed.
Thanks guys, guess I shouldn’t take it personally. Need a thicker skin to be on the blog. Hope you guys are doing well and blog with you soon!
Is Chris stewart really hitting 290? That doesnt seem right.
That’s what the box score says…284
Martin is hitting .458 in his last 10 games. Since the all star break, he’s hitting .478. For the full season, with over 100 at bats, it’s .290.
If we can’t sign Martin for next year, Stewart should be considered.
Does anyone else find the fact that Bell received the DUI at 1:30 in the afternoon more troubling than anything else?
.
Assuming it’s a DUI (tests to be seen), that implies he was drunk and operating a motor vehicle during a time period that families are out on the roads.
From the good news dept.: Clint Barmes homered today for Indy. It was his only hit in 4 ABs.
Trib reporting the DUI is for marijuana
Not for Bell, pot charge is on Blount
Snider has been playing some decent ball
To steal a line from DK…STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!
Lucky it isonly 2-0.
I was hoping for some kind of distraction but this isn’t what I had in mind.
Regarding the Steeler situation, check out Dejan’s tweets in the upper right hand corner
How quickly the narrative changes. One week ago, the Pirates were 9 games over .500 and leading 4-1 in the 4th. Tonight the game thread focuses on the drug arrests of two football players.
Who is this guy, Tommy Lasorda ?
yes, drug chat interspersed with the ever present analysis of the top secret motives of our team’s management and the scrutiny of our finances by our experts who apparently have knowledge our BMTIB doesn’t possess
From a purely arm standpoint, Cole is still hitting high 90’s with a +90 pitch count in the 7th inning. Despite the score, that’s encouraging.
yeah, he’s looking okay…his face is bright red…must be drinking out of Snider’s cup
Ha! Good one.
Got to get to this kid, now. This inning!
Cole did fine in his come back debut. Where are the runs to support him?
Can’t have everything….or…anything
Well, I want MORE, dangit! >:<
Its hilarious listening to Walk talk about why Watson had problems vs the Nats “his biggest problem was walking the first guy…well, then that bloop single…and then the home run”.
Now we can unleash our power-laden bench.
Maybe Cumpton can pinch hit?
New column/thread up on Steeler mess
Lunchie!
See!! He’s been ripping the ball and making decent throws regularly…good for him
very much improved.
Lunchbox
All hands on deck.
WHAT the . . .
YAY!!! Tie game!!!!
You must have brought us luck.
I hope so!
Cunning offense scores again!
Seems like a week since they got a break.
WTH are these guys swinging at????
Nice, Melancon.
very nice!
DK’s new article about those dipshi*ts from the stillers is up. In case anyone wants to read it. Couldn’t agree more on all of his points. And I am so disappointed in both of them. I feel like their parents. Grow up.
The chance to play the game they love for a living. And a ridiculously comfortable living at that. Grow up. I am offended by their gall. Handicap their team due to their selfish behavior. Which is clearly illegal both by the state of PA and the NFL. Inexcusable.
Get somebody on for Marte. I would love to see him have another positive clean-up experience.
Jordy starts ‘em off
Did I just see that happen???
Oh My!
Ah, nothing like a major league game to observe excellence.
We needed this one bad
Truth
WOOP WOOP! We win! Raise that friggin jolly roger!
I basically sent the same text message to my wife when they won…”Raise the freaking jolly roger! The pirates won a flipping game finally!!!”
Raise it! Hey there Blogmother.
:dancin:
Well, I’ll be! WE SURE NEEDED THAT!!
Lad, Jandy, hello!
.
Much, much needed win!
Hey Plan. Good to se you. Very much needed indeed. A very enjoyable baseball game.
I caught the 9th.
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Nice to see Gaby get the winner.
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Now to undo the 7 game losing streak with 7 wins.
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Good seeing you also, Laddie.
Hey Hey my favorite Purple People
At least you didn’t call me a Purple People eater.
For the firdt time in a week Raise the Jolly Roger!
Hooray !
Finally!
The Jolly Roger comes out of mothballs. Nice win. Now the Pirates can set their sights on going 1-0 on Friday.
Thank goodness. I certainly didn’t want another August swoon. Let’s pick up it on the weekend. Oh wait we go to Milwaukee for the weekend. Blech!
Ike’s first steps out of town? Two LH pinch hitters then Gaby stays in against a right hander.
OK Loonies, I’m off to bed….4am comes much too quickly…sweet dreams to all
RAISE THAT JOLLY ROGER, it’s been a while…and this is a satisfying comeback win against a tough team. So glad they got the runs in the 8th and avoided facing Kimbrel.
House of Horrors up next. So very good to see Cole pitch well, with velocity… was doubtful he could do so
Just a little alumni news: Matt Hague, in his first game for the Buffalo Bison (Blue Jays) – playing 3B, 3 for 4, knocking in 2 runs and scoring 2 runs, including their game-winner.
FREE MATT HAGUE TORONTO! FREE MATT HAGUE!
So, one team put its closer in the 9th inning of a tie game, and the other didn’t. The team that used the closer won the game after he pitched a scoreless 9th.