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Final: Pirates 5, Cubs 0 169
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS Getting ready for the first pitch … Game: Pirates (72-68) vs. Chicago Cubs (64-77), 5:25 p.m., Wrigley Field, Chicago Pitchers: LHP Francisco Liriano (3-10, 3.91) vs. LHP Felix Doubront (3-4, 5.56) TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan Online: Live box score / Multimedia / Official media notes
SWEEP!!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Let’s play two!”
Looks like there are 50 people at Wrigley
you can hear the vendors hawking ice cream and cold beer, etc. on the broadcast. Kind-of annoying.
We need to get to the 10th, just so we can hear Wehner pronounce the new Cubs pitcher: “Schlitter”.
Is Cutch still at 80%? He does not seem to be the same player as before the beaning in AZ. Chris, you were at that game, right?
yes, and yes, clearly Cutch is not at 100%. He has said so. Game plan is to pitch him chest high and in and he just can’t seem to get around on those, at this point.
Does seem like we lose half our outs on the bases.
Cubs, who I don’t think steal many bases, obviously have created ‘Bermuda Triangle’ watered-down area right before 2b bag. But Marte needs to pay attention to what happened to Cutch yesterday and adjust. It’s called paying attention, Starling. You’ll eventually learn.
How do you “plan for a lop-sided win” in game 2? jW is strange sometoms.
He had the right idea, chose the wrong word. Substitute “hope” for “plan” and you’ve got it. Properly describes the strategy, use the best you have now, worry about game 2 later.
Fair enough, Chris. We are living on hope these days, for sure.
Time for a JHay special. Let’s go Josh!!!!
What else?
AND he comes through on an 0-2 pitch. Thank you Wesley Wright for an awful 0-2 pitch.
Way to go! Let’s get a couple of more!
Need some insurance. Tony 2-bags up.
Game and a half at wrigley on a saturday afternoon?!?! Now that’s livin da dream! Jim, i hope you’re on your 3rd budweiser and have a couple for me.
Time for a big inning.
Hail Szczur! Cubs rookie with an awful throw from CF, but Polanco probably scores anyway with his speed. Tony comes through, big insurance run, 5-3 Bucs.
For the Bucs late innings, better to be “Wright” than “Wong”, eh?
Now let’s hold this lead and get the win and break the 4-game losing streak, please.
Holdzkom in to get his first major league save…. go get em KID!!
Ok, good. Very good chance we’ll need you to do that again in about 3.5 hours, kid.
Oh man get up Jay Hay
Oh no……
Baffling, truly. Alcantara swings out his shoes every other at bat, but took 6 pitches against Holdzkom. Good for the kid to get the strike 3 call.
And Baez, with the WIND BLOWING IN, swings to try to hit one high into the wind and can’t catch up to 95 MPH heat. Ah, young kids… they will test your patience.
Carlos Gomez of Milwaukee called. He advised Baez & Alcantera to not swing so hard.
RAISE IT. Raise it about 6’8 high. Holdscom a very impressive 1-2-3 11th for his first major league save. Have to say I’m impressed with his stuff. The long-awaited help for the bullpen has arrived. Now thoughts and prayers that JHay isn’t seriously hurt.
I think JHay’s ankle is still tender from when the Padres guy fell on him at 2b. So, maybe this is just an aggravation and he’ll be ok to go in a day or two. Fingers crossed.
Cubs post game show says next game has a 4:45 start. They need to take a 1 hour break after less than 5 innings? Are they kicking people out & making them re-enter?
I know Wrigley is an icon, but are there plans for them to revamp the field itself and drainage system, etc? Seems to me the actual field is sub-standard at best and impacts things like how quickly they can play after rain, etc.
I know Pedro wants to continue to work at 3B and to be a “HOF” 3B. But for THIS team, in 2015, the only spot I’d let Pedro take a sniff at is 1B in a platoon. It’s not the Bucs job to do what Pedro wants long term and JHay (or Walker at 3B and JHay at 2b) has earned that spot.
I think you’re right about the Pedro part, cmat. But, there’s no way Walker goes to 3b. JHay is a much better 3b. And, why flipflop guys who are comfortable? I still say Pedro may get shopped. Maybe not. We’ll see.
I think one under-reported issue this year with the Bucs is Neil’s lack of range, especially since the back injury. I am 70% with you on just leaving Neil at 2B and JHay at 3b, but have an itch to explore.
I believe, though, that the metrics show JHay being among the top few 3b in MLB, defensively. I agree on Walker, though. He’s had a terrific offensive season, but he’s very slow now.
PIRATES LINEUP, GAME 2 (NO JHAY) and you won’t like this lineup……
LF Starling Marte (R)
SS Jordy Mercer (R)
CF A. McCutchen (R)
2B Neil Walker (S)
1B Gaby Sanchez (R)
RF Jose Tabata (R)
3B Brent Morel (R)
C Chris Stewart (R)
P F. Liriano (L)
The top 4 guys need to hit like a top 4, & Frankie needs to give them 7 solid innings @ 100 pitches. The last 5 in our lineup don’t look very potent to me.
you know, with wind blowing in, the last 5 just may be the ‘punch and judy’ that we need. We’ll see.
let’s hope Frankie saves the day.
Bucs got a run, but that was a chance to jump all over Doubront. He couldn’t find the plate. But, as has happened so often this year, we obliged with the ill-timed DP. It’s just been one of those years where we squander a lot of chances.
Did I hear Wehner say Cutch was 1 for his last 24? That coincides with this recent oh-so-close skid.
A game w/o JHay is like a day w/o sunshine. Not to mention a line-up w/o production. Hope one is enough (been sort of impressed with Cub relievers).
Let’s not count him out for later in the game, Patrick. It is JHay, after all.
The HOPE is the Bucs can get a few more runs and we can rest him up… as well as Russell Martin. But I’d say both should be available if needed, especially Russ.
Just read about Holdzkom’s path to the Bucs from Baseball America. Heartwarming story. If you like stories of long shots making it, of guys just refusing to quit, of guys admitting their mistakes, you’ll love him. Try to get through it w a dry eye. This wimp couldn’t.
yes HIGHLY recommend everyone read that excellent piece. Speaks highly of Holdzcom and some old veteran managers still toiling in independent ball. AND scouts and FO types that trust their scouts. Nice story.
It actually speaks well for the Bucs’ scouts & front office.
Wonderful story. Thanks, Jim.
In other news, AJ Burnett makes his 30th start today. That start worth a cool $2.5M. But what’s a few million bucks when you have a loaded roster of young talent like the Phils do? Why oh why was a second year option involved in this deal? Zero reason. #Amaro-is-a-fool
Dumbest GM in MLB.
I will second that.
He is coming around though. After spending the trade deadline and waiver deadline saying his team didn’t need to rebuild, he has finally publicly admitted it will be a ‘tough few years’ ahead as they rebuild. Doubt he will be the one rebuilding.
Have you seen their TV money? AJ’s deal is pocket change compared to it. And I agree, Amaro is a fool. Even Pat Gillick won’t be able to fix that fiasco.
Different point. They have a barren farm system and a decrepit roster, so that $$ has bought them nothing. The AJ option, which was unnecessary, cost them a chance to trade him for useable prospects.
Frankie’s change is great, but like most games this year, his pitch count is high. At this rate, looks like his limit will be 6.
he lost ability to locate his change up that inning… inexplicably. Most sailed way high and way outside. Yes, he was dominating but now have to hope to get him thru 6, and hope for some more runs. Wilson, Hughes and all hands on deck in the ‘pen.
I don’t see Watson or Melancon being available.
I don’t think so either. It would be way cool to see Holdzcom to get saves in both games though…
I saw some Philles fans calling him “Ruin Tomorrow.” I got a chuckle out of that
Bunch of great college FB games on tonight. Where were they all afternoon when the country had to suffer through all those big school/little school match-ups?
has anyone heard anything on Jhay? Man, if he’s down for a while we’re in trouble.
JANNNNNDY! No news on J Hay that I have heard and you are very right.
LADDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks, friend. Good to “see” ya
You too Blogmother!
All I’ve heard is ankle discomfort, Jandy.
Thanks, Jim, you’re still the sweetest poster on the blog :*
Polanco is just lost. I don’t get continuing to give him key at bats right now.
Honestly, Jim, he’s in a bad slump now for sure
I still love the guy. He’ll come out of it. But, maybe not this year.
Me too…hopefully he overcomes it sooner rather than later
His swing is a mess. It was always long, but it is ridiculous right now.
Agreed, Jim. Like the idea of less movement pre-swing. Could take a page from Cutch there — head still, very relaxed and THEN explosion.
I always liked Steve Garvey’s batting stance
Another stance of the same ilk. Simple and little, if any, movement.
With the short pen, I’m thinking Clint will go with Frankie again in the 7th. With him nearing 100 pitches already, that’s usually pretty dangerous.
Makes me cringe
Get your beads out Saint!!! lol
LOL Puckers!
Ya Jim… 100 seems to be the magic number anymore.
+++, Pucky.
Maybe not, Frankie has his towel around his neck
Good call, Jim
All right Marte!
Looks like Jandhi, Puckers, Jim and Laddy only 4 in the hot tub tonight.
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How’s the water?
it’s awesome…come on in
Jandhi: Left a link to a Mike Johnston column this morning. Might read it.
Thanks, DJ I’ll do that!
Didn’t know they had one at Wrigley.
Water warming up DJ after Cutch just lasers that ball up the middle!
Don’t need no Ice Buckets tho.
Did you bring beer, DJ? We ‘re running low.
I have a few extra Michelob Ultras I can share
Got it. Figured between you four you’d been through 2 cases. And a bottle of Merlot for Jandhi.
<3
Did I skeer Chris away>????
no just trying to be not so rapid-fire
Ha! You’re preachin to the original perp
I’ll stick my big toe in. Enjoying the game.
Hey hey, Bodacious
We’ll 3 run lead can the pen hold it for Liriano?
I know it is early and certainly not buy the book…. but I would let that big tall guy pitch the 9th.
Holdzkum bought Grilli’s book? WTH!
I won’t hold it against him if he keeps pitching the way he has been lol Go Texas Holdzkom!
. . . and careful there, Laddy. Don’t want to overuse him.
.
Ya gotta know when to Holdzkum, know when to Foldzkum.
Priceless DJ!
Yeah, going to beat that one to death. Promise.
“Ya gotta know when to Holdzkum, know when to Foldzkum.”
DJ on a roll. LOL
Love it. The Kenny Rogers of the blog.
Fingers crossed. Not only for this inning, but for 8 & 9. Lafromboise, anybody?
sure, why not? i like what holdscom has down, why not try Lafromboise?
there he is
I dislike “wild” Justin.
Jordy has kind of mastered that SS to 3b play with runners on 1st/2nd. My son likes that when he plays SS, but you don’t see it often.
yes was thinking the same thing Jim. Love that SS to 3B forceout.
Very good, Gregory. Take that walk vs the LHP. & I doubted him? Sheesh. Great spot to put this away here. Gotta bunt to 3b there, Morel. Oh well.
Mind-numbing. Physical errors are one thing but bunting hard to 1B is CLUELESS. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE NEXT SEASON ABOUT THIS CONTINUED LACK OF BASEBALL IQ.
And Stewart picks up Morel, just as you suggested earlier, cmat. Still, if Morel had pushed the bunt to 3b, that single plates 2.
Ya Jim…. you would think Major League Ballplayers woulda thunk that towards third was the better option.
Not that bunting is easy …but he pushed that way alllll the way.
Nice, Stewart
I was the first in line with the torches and pitchforks earlier in the year with Mr. Stewart… but he has been very serviceable at the plate (and getting better defensively).
Love Stewie.
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Speaking strictly Family Guy, of course.
Brewers are down 5-2, Braves are up 3-0. If everything holds, the Bucs close to .5 game of both of them.
When someone refers to Jim on the blog, everyone else knows exactly who they mean. Good thing you got in early.
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You could probably even drop the “S” now. That, my friend, is notoriety.
. . . or change it to “sweetest person on the blog.”
OK Lambo, time for a timely base hit and Mr Hughes can sit down. Don’t use him Clint if this gets to 6-0.
Has anyone else noticed the Chicago version of Front Row Amy behind the plate? She is blond and in the second row, but appears to be rather attractive and in minimal upper body clothing. She is to the first base side of the ump and in a white ball cap.
Na Lad… real Bucs fan are only watching the game.. Root crowd shots just irritate them more than Nuttings wallet chained up tighter than two coats of paint! LOL
Hard to miss. She is in every pitch. And when she made her entrance early on, she showed off her Cub tat on her back! Shiver me timbers!
Steelers and Cortez Allen agree to a four year extension.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/writer/jason-la-canfora/24697971/steelers-cb-cortez-allen-agree-to-four-year-26m-extension
A bit premature if you ask me. He was ranked as one of the worst CBs in all of football in the preseason.
I’m with you, Dom — but only sort of.
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My guess is they plan to go CB with their first-rounder this year. Too much changeover if you need TWO draftees.
Curious who they keep vs let get away in secondary.
Unless Ike has better than average year, he’s gone.
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Not familair with Gay’s contract status.
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They need new blood there . . . difference-makers, not middling guys.
Thanks Dom. I think that is a good thing. I like his upside for sure. Plus he always makes me think of the Neil Young tune “Cortez the Killer”
Neil’s in my top 5 all-time.
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And a great song, great guitar.
Seems premature to me also, but I’m guessing that they are once bitten twice shy after they blew it with Keenan Lewis a few years back.
Hughes through the 8th on 8 pitches. That’s what you Luke to see.
Chapter and Verse.
Jordy is getting hot
Mercer Mercer me!
I am turning the game off so the Bucs win. It worked with Iowa earlier today.
First-guessing at this point… but with both MM and TW going 2 innings today, I would NOT send Hughes out for the 9th (and also a 2-inning stint). 5 run lead, so have to think forward now at this point. Let Axford or Gomez finish.
or Cumpton.
That was same type of Cutch pissed off swing that injured him in the 1st place
Gotta say, thought this game would be tougher. Hand it to the pitcher, Jordy & the “b” team.
Nice when a plan works out, eh Chris M?
Yes, just like I planned it. or how WE ALL hoped it. Was feeling like game 1 was gonna slip away, Cardinals-style, so a ‘sweep’ is a satisfying Saturday surely.
DJ, that is quite a good read on Johnston. Thanks for the link. ANyone else interested, here it is…
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/mike-johnston-s-coaching-journey-takes-him-from-australian-outback-to-stanley-cup-challenge-in-pittsburgh-182208789-nhl.html?soc_src=mediaconte
Thought so as well.
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So many different angles this year. A sportswriter’s dream.
for sure!
Dang, Polanco >:<
Greg wondering aloud who will play RF for Bucs in Philly vs. RHPs (all 4 games). Personally, even as bad as Gregory looks with the swing, I go with GP and see if he can get it going in a hitter’s park. At least if Snider is not healthy enough to play in the field.
The kid looks overmatched, though. It’s tough to watch him not able to hit the heat
I’ve said it a million times, but Tabby hits RHP & LHP very similarly for his career. If Snider can’t go, he could start a couple. My guess is Clint would go w Lambo, though.
Love Jordy, but he’s no JHay
Jordy has really improved this yr defensively. But, that’s one play he’ll probably never be real good at. He’s just not fast enough to get out there on those pop flies. But, it doesn’t come up much.
RAISE IT!!!!!!! WOOP WOOP!!!
Hey, it finally ended!
RAISE IT!!! Sorry for slopping that water out of the hot tub when I jumped up.
Laaaaad! Mop that up, please!
Hot Tub Time Machine?
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I will take 1979, please.
PLAN!!!!! Sweep sounds good, but I will only go back to 2010 in the time machine. Good to see you and thanks for the shout out last night. Saw it this morning.
Anytime, Laddy!
All in all, a very nice day of baseball at the Friendly Confines. 0 runs allowed in 14 innings. Excellent start by Frankie & he finally got good run support. Also, some timely hits by the Bucs. Let’s hope JHay is back soon. We really need that sweep tomorrow.
Cubs had been hitting the ball, too. Good day for the staff.
I called for a sweep way up top, and it was delivered.
Planstrodamous strikes again.
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Need to keep winning for any chance of post-season play.
Need to keep winning for any chance of post-season play.
POT Century
The nostra stuff is copyrighted
So I tested out how to “bid” on playoff tickets today, I got switched to the MLB site, had to get another customer number, had to give details of my life
Used to be, I’d just call Val, a wonderful worker/agent at Federal St and she would take care of things