DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS
Getting ready for the first pitch …
Game: Pirates (71-67) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (75-63), 1:45 p.m., Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Pitchers: RHP Edinson Volquez (6-3, 3.51) vs. RHP Shelby Miller (8-9, 4.19)
TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan
Online: Live box score / Multimedia / Official media notes
More Sidd Finch Holdzkum, please.
Sidd Finch Holdzkovacevic.
I’m just going to do a lot of hoping today. I just can’t watch. The Pirates MUST prove they can win on the road, and it has to start now – no time left. Salvage one, please.
The Pirates are like your very smart kid that brings home a report card full of C’s. When you confront him about it he says, “What’s the big deal, I passed didn’t I ?.”
“But, you don’t understand, Dad. School is harder for us than it was when you were a kid. Our teachers all say so.”
I love that line.
What happened to grade inflation?
Hey, today it’s “No child left behind”
Doesn’t matter if they don’t grasp what they need to.
Never heard of anyone getting into the world series by being graded on the curve.
What?
Sorry, NMR. Just having a little bit of fun, following up on what Milo said. My kids have been known to say things are tougher for kids now as an excuse. I hear other people’s kids say that also.
Jim is the sweetest poster on the blog!
That wasn’t a reply to you, Jim, not that anyone can tell who the heck the posts are intended for most of the time.
Is this the real milo hamilton?
The Pirates are 2 games out of the second wild card spot, the same place they were before the series in St. Louis started. The teams they are chasing, Milwaukee and Atlanta, have also lost their last two games. One of those three teams is going to make the playoffs.
It’s the battle of who wants to lose it least.
Don’t forget Miami.
WV, you are right to think about Miami. They are three behind the Pirates and Braves in the loss column. However, they are 3-7 in their last 10 games and playing worse than the Pirates (5-5). I might include Miami if they start playing better, but not yet.
Bucs hit 3 HR yest. & only scored 4 runs. For having the best OBP in NL, they seem to hit a high % of solo HR. & they have been handing teams runs w BB, poor def – not to mention their own poor base running. This all has to stop today or the division is pretty much gone.
#sequencing
Yeah, I know. Bad sequencing.
By a measure that attempts to strip sequencing out of games, the Pirates have the best record in the NL Central.
The Pirates simply cannot afford to be swept for the second consecutive year in St. Louis.
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With many of the remaining games on the road, every game is critical here on out.
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Just remember, “the right move was no move”. See how that works after the Atlanta series ……..
Preach It Plandon Donovan!
Important game today, no question about that. But, also want to point out…the Cubbies and Phillies…Bucs next opponents are on a bit of a roll. Cubs 6-4 last 10….Phillies 7-3 last 10. Maybe not the”rollover” games we thought a few weeks back when we looked at the schedule
The Pirates just don’t have the required intangibles to be an actual contender. They needed to win at least 2 games in this series, and if they get swept, you might as well forget about any hopes of another post season run.
Short article on Holdzkum:
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/03/john-holdzkum-goes-from-prospect-bust-and-anonymous-podcast-caller-to-the-big-leagues/john-holdzkum-pirates/
“… he spent most of the signing bonus on a truck and “buying sushi every night.”
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Come on, which one of us hasn’t?
I can’t say…I haven’t ever gotten a signing bonus lol
Great story… lets hope for more scoreless innings from the Holdzker!
Hey Mac!
Hello everyone. This is the Captain checking in.
Can someone tell me what a palm ball is?
I’m perplexed.
Jandy – I’ve heard two descriptions: kind of like a change up and/or like a fastball, but without the velocity. Not sure if that helps.
I think its a way of throwing a change-up. You hold the ball with all your fingers around it, in your palm, instead of holding it with your thumb and your two fingers near your thumb
It was Dave Giusti’s bread and butter back in the day. Right, Biz?
Kind of like a poor man’s split-fingered fastball.
Palm ball isn’t thrown as hard but has a similar drop action to it. Dave Giusti threw it with the Bucs in the 70’s. Great pitch when you keep it down, but elavate it and it and it’s HR city!
I forgot that was a Giusti pitch. Thanks WV.
Thanks, guys, I’m getting the picture now
Three distinctly different, yet objectively correct responses.
That’s so baseball.
All I know is that Dave Giusti threw one.
If memory serves, the Pirates bullpen has logged the top 5 most innings in the past 2 years.
Eventually, this was going to catch up with them.
With 13 games after this series against teams with losing records, let’s not count them out just yet, eh?
Dave Giusti’s go to pitch was a palm ball. Of course, when he hung one it would really go. Just ask Johnny Bench.
Don’t remind me.
That pitch was around Bench’s eyes.
1972 playoffs…a heartbreak for Pirate fans indeed.
You said a mouth full.
Hi Revvie! I used up one of my allotted posts, but hey, SPunkster, you’re worth it
You get 2 a day.
Every single year I expect the business cycle to turn on the Cardinals and I hope that this is finally the year they begin a few seasons of trending downward. But, every single year they are right in it when the leaves start to change. Big game for the Bucs.
Becuz Nutting isn’t the owner.
You know what’s funny, NMR. I should know, but I would have to Google who the owner of the Cardinals even is.
Bill DeWitt. Bought them in 1995. His father owned the St’ Louis Browns & the Reds before him. It is the family business.
The Cards have been a great organization for many years. I hate to lose to them, as we have seen this week and last season in the playoffs, but they really are a class act.
I think Dejan needs to get his agent to get him a booking on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Just saw something funny…top five batting averages in the NL…4 of them are Pirates or former Pirates.
Quick. Someone hack Miller’s iPhone and see what can be dug up. Has Verlander made a start since the story broke ?
And WHERE does Kate Upton figure in all of this????
Wherever she wants.
Perfect answer, Milo
I’m partial to Jennifer Lawrence myself, but that’s beside the point.
Actually, Grumpy, I have a girl crush on Jen Lawrence. She’s classy.
Rebuilding teams are just so funny.
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The Houston Astros are actually producing and marketing t-shirts that say “PROCESS” on the front. Yeah, just what casual fans want to wear!
It was a 20 year “process” here, too, NM
Ha, exactly. Can you imagine Huntington & Co trying to sell “THE PLAN” shirts in 2010?
Not to mention the stuff that actually happened, equally hilarious – if not more.
I wonder what the area code was for the call with the anonymous tip about Sid being arrested last night. Good follow-up by the Ottawa Sun, btw, before publishing the story. “Who? He did what? No … keep talking. I’m getting it all down. We’ll get it posted immediately.”
Two words – Claude Giroux.
Sid’s much too boring to be arrested.
I prefer “politically correct”
Hey, this is a Pirates thread!
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I kid, I kid.
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I’m joking, I’m joking.
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Honest!
Starling Marte – wasting away in the 7 spot.
Marte-ritaville?
Some people say there’s sabermetrics to blame,
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but I know, it’s Clint Hurdle’s fault.
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It’s the really, really lost verse.
Fortunately, there’s booze in the blender. Or, we might not get through these games lately.
As long as Ike Davis is in the lineup I don’t think he has any choice but to bat Marte 7th.
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All Davis does is walk. Which is fine for a speedy hitter at the top of the order, but does absolutely no good at the bottom without anyone behind him to drive him in.
With the starting line-up, I’d much rather switch Marte with Lambo.
Top of the 7th, first and third with one out. Biggest inning on the season?
Ike might try swinging at those. He was whining last night, too.
Ike has been whining all season. His whining average leads the league.
Volquez has started a hit parade. Starting to look like the last 2 days all of the sudden.
Not looking like the Braves are going to cooperate again today.
Ike Davis – the bat is merely a prop.
I’m starting to think Lambo might be the best option there next year from the left side. I say that because I think there’s at least a decent chance Pedro gets traded in the off-season. If not, they really have a lot of LH 1b options and no clear favorite.
Jim……..Lambo will definitely be the most cost effective solution @ 1B in 2015
He stinks
Even the saber guys who use the weighted metric that show Ike Davis to be an above average hitter this year will add a disclaimer to be careful in extreme environments.
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Ike Davis and his walks are an extreme environment. Literally the only way he produces value.
I see the Slumber Company has made its triumphant return…
But, but … they crush Shelby Miller. This game’s in the bag.
In little stretches (and/some not so little) Volquez has been Cy Young level pitcher. I would hope he is rising on the “re-sign” list.
I’ve got nothing to say other than I’m glad it missed him.
Uh oh…line drive almost hit someone?
No, first pitch to Cutch was aimed at his back, ended up behind him
Grrrr!!!! friggin &%%$#@(&*$!
I hate the Cardinals. That is all.
I hate the Brewers. And I still hate the Braves from 20 years ago.
I’ve known some really great coaches/managers. Men & women who have won multiple championships on many levels. And one thing that is never tolerated is a coach or manager saying anything to an opposition player. It’s just not done. Matheny is a clown.
I’ll second that emotion. But he’s just following the example of his mentor, Tony Larussa. The Cards have treated the Pirates this way for quite awhile now.
Not only to we give up too many on bases, we also certainly give too many back. Seriously, I thought Ike was a better 1b than he has been.
How sad is it that Pedro Alvarez is the better defender and he doesn’t even have his own mitt broken in yet?
I think we can all see where this is headed for next year. Or at least where it should be headed.
I’d love nothing more for Ike to force the issue and make them roster him as a Pedro backup plan, similar to what the Mets did with him and Duda this year.
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But man, that’s a tough argument to pitch right now.
Anybody hear whether Watson or Melancon are available today?
I want the Palm Ball pitcher!
I hear Joe Boever is available.
Not a Palm Itcher!!
Ugh. up to Ike again
Ryan Braun has returned to Milwaukee to be with wife for birth of their 1st child. The entire family will be tested for fertility drugs shortly after the birth.
I was gonna let it go. I proba ly should. But I wont. Infertility is not a joke. I lived through with my wife. It sucks. We have a beautiful adopted baby girl to show for it and wouldnt have it any other way. But while the premise of your joke was sound it just isnt funny to me. I see at least 6 others thought it was though so maybe i am just over sensitive to the issue.
What a time for a lousy strike call!
Well, there goes any chance they had of scoring this inning…
Shame on Marte for making intentionally walking Ike freaking Davis look like a good move. It wasn’t.
Gee, you’re kidding. They didn’t score there ? Those leadoff doubles are overrated anyway.
Now I know why I try not to watch games if I can help it. Hazardous to my health.
I’ve been watching MLB since 1959 and I can’t recall EVER seeing a team so inept at getting a runner in from third with less than 2 outs as this one. Unreal.
Inept – a good way to describe this team.
Here comes Mr. Blown Save. It’ll soon be 1-0 Cardinals.
Wait, you’re talking about Tony Watson?
Well, at least Watson can’t blow a save here. Only Brad Ziegler has blown more.
What an absolutely ridiculous statistic.
OK, we’ll put it this way. He’s come into 36 games with the lead, and surrendered it 7 times. That’s not a very good percentage. I don’t like the term blown saves for non closers either. I’ll go with surrendered leads.
Prior to this year, he only surrendered 5 leads in 48 career opportunities.
I’m sorry, surrendered 5 leads in 53 career opportunities. That Burrell math again.
Thank you, John Jay.
This Martin guy is pretty good. Invest!
JHay looks a little tired, today. Maybe he can suck it up for this at bat?
Well, he sucked , but he also was put in the deep hole with that bunt call.
I’d like to say that I didn’t expect Cutch to strikeout, but I’d be lying if I did.
I think Dusty Baker figured out the formula on him a few years ago.
How can a team be so gutty (because they are gutty) yet so lacking in testicular fortitude?
I guess that’s why they call it baseball. You just can’t predict it you know.
Ya gotta have ballz (as in adding pieces to your arsenal) in order to have testicular fortitude. Take that up with the front office.
I am neither watching nor listening…just periodically reading the comments here. I don’t get the feeling this is going to end well. But I hope that’s just me.
Wasn’t just me. Just saw the score. WOW. The ship just sank…incredibly disappointing series.
You know, this all is kinda funny. In a macabre, gallows sort of way.
It should be written by Stephen King then.
So, our offense today is Walker – even getting on to lead off innings – then pretty much zilch?
I know he is not popular on the blog, but Tabata has a career average near .350 in this park, and it looks like he won’t even sniff an at bat in the whole series.
I wonder the same thing, Patrick. Snider hasn’t had a hit in forever. Polanco’s in a horrendous slump. Tabata kills the Cards in this park.
crap
That sound you just heard? The Pirates postseason chances going up in smoke.
Those last 3 days ? That’s how it’s done. Hope they took copious notes.
Doubtful.
Wow amazing how a 2 out walk came back to hurt them. Just don’t have it on the road in big games.
4 straight losses. By 5 runs. Beaten by one of the weakest hitters in the league 2 games in a row – Peter Bourjos. Throw in Kolten Wong and Randall Grichuk, and that’s just a killer 3 game series.
The last 2 Septembers the Pirates played 6 games at Busch Stadium, and lost all 6. And effectively lost the division in both instances.
And that’s why the Cardinals are winners and the Pirates are, well, the Pirates.
And one of those last year was the infamous ‘Marte dropping the lazy fly ball in the ninth’ game. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never thought the same of him since.
Do you guys realize that their chances of finishing below .500 is better than making the playoffs?
Yep, that pretty much sums it up.
And McCutchen should have to buy a ticket for as deep as he plays. In that situation, with the winning run on 2nd ? Good Lord.
Hate to say this about one of the good guys, but that’s a selfish move.
Yeah, I’m sure nobody LIKES to get beat on a ball over your head, but there’s no justification what-so-ever in that situation.
Curious as to what Bannister’s job or others in the dugout if Cutch is standing over in Europe.
The man with the $50m contract tells himself how deep he’ll be playing, not Jeff Banister.
Doesn’t mean I agree with it, but I seriously have a difficult time seeing the database guys who create the information for the coaches to use overriding Cutch.
I believe the coaches do it but one can wonder about the implementation.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/nick-leyva-positioning-the-pirates-infield/
Even look at last night. He’s got his back plastered to the centerfield wall with Wainwright up and guys on 2nd & 3rd. Cost them big time then too. And you’re right, it is selfish. The team doesn’t want him there.
Here you go guys, take a look at this.
https://twitter.com/colin_dunlap/status/507268969968185344
That contradicts this, which was an interview in 2012, the Pirates shifting has only gotten more structured.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/nick-leyva-positioning-the-pirates-infield/
Thanks for the link, and you’re certainly within your rights to disagree, but I’ll say again that there’s no way Dan Fox and Nick Leyva have more pull than Andrew McCutchen.
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If Cutch wants to play deep, he’s going to play deep.
Yes.
From everything I’ve read, from people I trust, you’re 100% correct.
Interesting.
At some point the Pirates need to sit him down and explain there are a lot of catch-able outs falling in front of him
http://www.fangraphs.com/spraycharts.aspx?playerid=9847&position=OF&type=fielding&pid2=9847&ss1=2012&se1=2014&ss2=2012&se2=2014&cht1=fielding_made&cht2=f
That link doesn’t work, doubt this one will, not the best comment format.
http://www.fangraphs.com/spraycharts.aspx?playerid=9847&position=OF&type=fielding&pid2=9847&ss1=2012&se1=2014&ss2=2012&se2=2014&cht1=fielding_made&cht2=fielding_not&pos1=ALL&pos2=ALL
McCutchen is a fine player no doubt, but he’s not much of a center fielder.
Shame Cutch is hurt. That is killing this team as to production and big play ability. I am at a loss to see the value in playing a hurt player when Marte can play center and Tabata at least can swing the bat. But CH knows more than me so he is the expert.
Run total vs STL & Milw: Pirates 145 scored, 125 allowed.
13 wins, 22 losses.
2-13 in one run games against the Brewers and Cardinals. One of those losses was technically by 2 runs but it was a walk off.
Team is not out of it but it doesn’t look good. Unless Cutch magically gets health shortly team is struggling now. Miller should be suspended for that pitch.
Nah, if MLB didn’t see fit to suspend Delgado for his obviously intentional right-in-the-spine fastball, nothing will happen to Miller.
Well, looks like they won’t win the division. Time to set sights on the WC. Yes, they looked bad in STL, but now they get 13 games against CHC, PHI and BOS, teams that are a combined 40 games under .500. Bucs have beaten up on the lowly teams this season. They are not done yet.
The Cards always seem to be able to do the little things that win big ballgames. Fundamental baseball. I don’t see it from the Pirates.
I want to compliment CH for going to his closer early, but I also want to criticize him for trying to squeeze another inning out of a guy who has been pitching 1 inning at a time for years? All those arms in the pen and the St Louis furnace in a day game also perplexing.
23 games left – 14 of them on the road. Question now is, can they win 11 of them ?
My gut reaction would be a resounding no at this point. They just don’t seem to have any clue on how to capitalize on scoring opportunities, particularly on the road.
11 of the 23 or 11 of the 14 road games? Are you computing the number of wins needed to break .500? No offense, but Big Fat Hairy Deal. We’ve been there, done that. Playoffs or Bust, nothing less.
The SI curse strikes again.
Off topic, but here’s an article on recent late-season extensions(you asked last week, right?). I thought Pence was during the off season last year, was wrong.
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http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/09/recent-september-extensions-2.html
Thanks, NMR. I did. Sounds like Pence would have been better off waiting. Not good for chances of signing Russ.
I think sore ribs strike again…
Sounds like a very tough loss. Can they stay inwild card? Cubs are better now. Crew plays cards.
Well one good thing out of today: I can go to sleep early. Don’t have to stay up until 11pm to watch them lose. That is already taken care of. Have good evening all…
Edinson Volquez, man. WTF.
He is pitching very well almost every game now. What a bargain.
Another game where a deeper bullpen might have made a difference. How many is that since July 31? People not criticizing NH are simply blind homers.
NO. Another game where our OFFENSE did not show up…can’t score a run OR move guys over with runners on 2nd – no matter how many outs. This one is on the offensive OFFENSE.
I think you are both right.
DJ, Tribs nitter comparing Hackenbrg to Crosby. Really? did you ever suggest to him about journalists not being cheerleaders for the team they are covering.Stupid article and stupid comparison.
I didn’t understand a thing you just wrote there.
Watching this team blow games and waste opportunities is getting tiresome. Its like there is no killer instinct anywhere in this line up.
I think that is where A.J. Burnett would have helped this team as much as anything.
EC3…and the Pirates’ streak of winning seasons ends at 1. On a positive note, in only 2 years Russell Martin has become one of my all-time favorite Pirates. What a ballplayer! Too bad he isn’t 25 and signing him to a long contract would be a no brainer.
Really sad. Can see us finishing below 500. 3 out of the last 4 years choking at the end.
DJ trib article where Adamski compares the Penn State QB to Sidney. What exactly didn;t you understand here. The writer writes nothing but puff pieces in support of the nits. His role should be objective in reporting should it not?
Me DJ.
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Blog owner DK.
Just absolutely brutal today. You can kiss the NL Central goodbye.
Now let’s just hope Hurdle, Cutch & the leaders of this team regroup for a run at the Wild Card, because they still have a puncher’s chance at that.
Just always remember …………
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“the best move was no move”.
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Remember this come the 28th.
How could we forget, Plan, since you’ve reminded us weekly since the deadline?
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[smiley face]
Point well taken, DJ
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Plan only speaks the truth.
Gee, thanks for that, FL Steeler. Now try this downvote on for size, buster.
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Plan knows I was just busting.
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[smiley faces all around]
Thank goodness for Milwaukee losing 8 in a row, or we’d be out of this thing. With games left against the Brewers (3) and Braves (4), plus nobody else on the schedule over .500, there is still NO excuse for this team not making the playoffs this year.
Another season where the Pirates only hope is measured by the misfortune and bad play of other teams? The team less sucky gets a prize? Sorry if I can’t root for that kinda take on playing winning baseball. Kinda like winning bronze because 4 ahead of you disqualified..meh.
Another? When was the last time? 1997? They won 94 games last year.
The excuse is that NH didnt go get a bat. Last year the formula was Byrd and Morneau. This year there was no help for Right field and first base has been a problem all along. Last Year NH fixed it. This year he didnt. Pretty simple.
Furthermore, You can also attribute some blame squarely on the nibble at the plate pitching staff that will walk more than 100 more batters in 2014 than they did in 2013