A.J. Burnett plays long-toss Tuesday afternoon in Busch Stadium’s left field. — DEJAN KOVACEVIC
Update 4:21 p.m.: Surprise, surprise! Look up in that photo, and that tiny guy in left field throwing long-toss is none other than A.J. Burnett. I’ll find out more about what that means once I get downstairs in a few, but thought that was worth posting right away.
4:40: Burnett tells me had no issue throwing — ‘None,’ he said, holding his thumb and forefinger together — and that he’s also had two other sessions out of public view. Can’t see how this is anything but great news for the Pirates.
Pregame notes 5:03: It’s a big game, and it doesn’t take much to sense that. The athletes, the coaches, even Clint Hurdle, came off as more tightly wound than the norm. Hurdle tried to downplay it: “Everybody keeps telling me it’s a big game. And then I’m told the games after this in New York are big games. It’s the next game. That’s what it is for us. It’s the next game.” When I reminded Hurdle that, since he’s been the Pirates’ manager, he’s often spoken of having to break down barriers, I also asked if playing at Busch is among those. “Yes,” came the answer, followed by a long pause. “Yes, it is.” … Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer begin their Class AAA rehabilitation assignments tonight in Indianapolis. Hurdle stressed that he doesn’t expect either back soon, but that it’s possible one or both could come up before the Sept. 1 recall period. “We don’t want them just to come back,” he said. “We want them to come back game-ready.” … I mentioned to Hurdle that the hot topic back home is how the Pirates will handle the returns of Harrison and Mercer — particularly as it relates to Jung Ho Kang — and he danced around it: “What manager wouldn’t want more better players on his team? And I do think that we’ll be able to figure it out and we’ll be able to put a good team and a good lineup out there every night. I’m just looking forward to those two getting through this healthy.” … Hurdle gave Arquimedes Caminero’s turnaround a big thumbs-up, not just in terms of results but in “absolutely everything. He’s looking like a real weapon for us.” Caminero’s take: “I had a little bump, some struggles. Everyone has that. I feel so good now.” … Francisco Cervelli will catch Gerrit Cole Wednesday, the better to prepare for that possibility down the stretch, Hurdle said. … Hurdle announced his rotation for the super-duper-big series in New York: J.A. Happ, Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke.
8:16: First pitch, Martinez to Gregory Polanco, 84 degrees, clear:
8:25: Pirates, 1-0, 1st. Kang drives an RBI double the other way. Man, is this guy on fire.
8:35: Cardinals, 1-1, 1st. The Cardinals get a run thanks to replay. Pedro Alvarez made a noble effort at a 3-6-3 double play that would have ended the inning, but the runner, Jason Heyward, clearly beat the throw. The first base ump, Ron Kulpa, clearly was focused on whether Pedro kept his foot on the bag. He did, but Heyward was there before that mattered.
8:54: Polanco triples off the top of the right-field fence on a drive that pretty much everyone in here thought was leaving the yard. No outs, third inning.
8:58: Leadoff triple going to waste?
Starling Marte pops up, Andrew McCutchen strikes out again …
Aramis Ramirez lashes a two-out RBI single in the third inning Tuesday. –GETTY
8:59: And Aramis Ramirezsingles through the left side. It’s 2-1 Pirates.
9:13: Bases loaded for the Cardinals in the third, and Locke gets red-hot Randal Grichuk to swing through high heat. Impressive. But here comes Yadier Molina with two outs.
9:14: Bounce-out to second. Good for Locke.
9:19: Pirates, 3-1, 4th. One thing Pedro can do is hit the Cardinals. My goodness. Bomb to left-center. No doubter. His 15 home runs against St. Louis since the start of 2012 are the most by any player in the majors. Oh, and this one was estimated in the Busch press box as 446 feet.
9:48: Pirates, 3-2, 5th. Jason Heyward taps an RBI single through the right side.
9:51: Cardinals, 3-3, 5th. Molina sac fly.
9:53: Cardinals, 4-3, 5th. Stephen Piscotty RBI laser into center. All the bad things.
10:11: More quality from the Snowman with a scoreless sixth. See above for background.
10:40: Yikes. Jared Hughes just got smoked by a liner right near the face, though it appears his glove might have take some of the 98-mph Piscotty liner. He’s checked for a couple minutes, and that’s that.
Pirates Lineup:
1. Gregory Polanco (L) RF
2. Starling Marte (R) LF
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Aramis Ramirez (R) 3B
5. Jung Ho Kang (R) SS
6. Neil Walker (S) 2B
7. Pedro Alvarez (L) 1B
8. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
9. Jeff Locke (L) P
Cardinals Lineup:
1. Matt Carpenter (L) 3B
2. Kolten Wong (L) 2B
3. Jhonny Peralta (R) SS
4. Jason Heyward (L) RF
5. Randal Grichuk (R) CF
6. Yadier Molina (R) C
7. Stephen Piscotty (R) LF
8. Mark Reynolds (R) 1B
9. Carlos Martinez (R) P
mike
8-11-2015, 6:51 pm
not a micro follower of stats, but that lineup by the Bucs is pretty strong. You have some snap. You have some bang. Then you you have more snap..... doggone, you got some snap'n bang up'n down that card n'at, eh.
Florida Steeler
8-11-2015, 7:45 pm
No snap or bang with Ramirez batting fourth. Should be Pedro.
William Maloni
8-11-2015, 4:36 pm
Would be nice to get 5 innings out of Locke, giving up 2 or less runs. Anything better would be a shock. Let's hope the Bucs' hitting can keep us in the game with his generally, lackluster after three innings, pitching.
Pretty sure Hurdle won't do either of these but when J-Hay and Mercer come back and understanding that lots of different lineups will occur down the stretch, which of these 3 "everyday vs. RHP" lineups do you like better.
Polanco RF Polanco RF Polanco RF
Marte LF Marte LF Marte LF
Cutch CF Cutch CF Cutch CF
Walker 2B Walker 2B Walker 2B
Kang SS Kang SS Kang 3B
Ramirez 3B Cervelli C Cervelli C
Alvarez 1B Alvarez 1B Alvarez 1B
Cervelli C Harrison 3B Mercer SS
Pitcher Pitcher Pitcher
I guess for comparison, for the middle lineup put J-Hay 6th and drop Cervelli to 8th as that matches up with the 1st lineup subbing out at 3B.
Actually I'm intrigued with people's thoughts on hitting the pitcher 8th and J-Hay 9th? Our starters seem to only go 6 innings these days, so maybe 2 ABs then you are pinch hitting pretty early anyways.
Lastly, I like Walker going back to clean b/c it puts at least 2 RH hitters in between LH hitters. Imagine a manager having to decide if he wants to bring in a LHP to face Polanco for one batter or letting him face Marte and Cutch before getting to Walker or same thing later in the lineup before it gets to Pedro.
Guess the formatting didn't keep my columns very well sorry.
davidtgalbraith
8-11-2015, 5:20 pm
More like . . . you have 8 outstanding players to man 6 starting positions and 2 off the bench with Rodriquez as an outstanding defensive replacement as needed. Then put them in as appropriate each night in a way that gives you the best chance to win.
21 in RF
8-11-2015, 7:26 pm
Here are a few lineups:
Polanco, RF
Marte, LF
McCutchen, CF
Ramirez, 3B
Kang, 1B
Walker, 2B
Cervelli, C
Mercer, SS
Harrison, RF
Marte, LF
McCutchen, CF
Kang, 3B
Walker, 2B
Alvarez, 1B
Cervelli, C
Mercer, SS
Harrison, 2B
Marte, LF
McCutchen, CF
Ramirez, 3B
Kang, SS
Polanco, RF
Morse, 1B
Cervelli, C
Polanco, RF
Harrison, LF
McCutchen, CF
Ramirez, 3B
Kang, 1B
Walker, 2B
Cervelli, C
Mercer, SS
woodrow365
8-11-2015, 5:06 pm
DK- great meeting you at the airport this morning, enjoy your new bag!
Happ apparently starting Friday followed by Morton then Locke vs. NYM. I like this move. Assuming they don't skip anymore (and no off days I don't think) until the Sept. 1 call ups (Worley? Liz?), Happ is in line to start 4 more times (@ NYM, vs. Ariz, @ Mia and vs. Col.) while avoiding vs. SF. Of course I assume he probably has a very short leash vs. NYM so maybe doesn't make all 4 of these starts.
Man I am rootin for Happ. C'mon buddy. Find another gear brutha!!
melloDEG
8-11-2015, 6:26 pm
I am hoping they had something small they wanted to adjust with Happ, hence the skipped start - they have been after him for a while, I think they watch potential targets to see if there is something easy they can try, to boost performance. They have been pretty good with this.
davidtgalbraith
8-11-2015, 5:17 pm
Unfortunately I have to do my laundry this Friday night.
Banjo, he has to show no fear and let it rip tonight, and trust his stuff, and hope for some atom shots. He is starts out nibbiling and getting behind, that is all you need to know about his ability to handle real pressure on the road.
Won't hurt for the team to come out hitting to help the kid out.
Keith Carlson
8-11-2015, 5:23 pm
Looking forward to my first trip here at Busch. Taking in all three games. Let's win the series Buccos!
Hurdle owes you (and the fans) an apology for even having Locke on the team, let alone start against the Cards.
Just hope Skip gets his bullpen up in the third, just to anticipate Locke's
tendency.
(Obviously, not a major Locke supporter). Hope our hitters shine.
kevingray17
8-11-2015, 6:18 pm
Enjoy, but be prepared. If any of the Best Fans in Baseball find out you're from out of town, they will regale you with stories about how they are the BEST FANS IN BASEBALL (tm). It's quite sickening.
LonelyLibertarian
8-11-2015, 6:50 pm
Locke bashers are almost as pathetic as Pedro bashers.
They are OUR Bucs!
Lets go Bucs!
William Maloni
8-11-2015, 5:48 pm
What a pee-poor group of starting pitchers in the NY series; is Hurdle kidding?
Are you trolling? Lol. Or is that a sincerely held opinion? I would love it if he did, but it seems like the height of wishful thinking.
TheGreatOne21
8-11-2015, 6:51 pm
Three runs is 4 something Era. Against their staff, not sure that is applaudable for tonight. Not interested in one of those quality starts unless we score 5 or 6 runs
VABurgher
8-11-2015, 6:13 pm
For the glass half full crowd, remember we have 2 games in hand on the Cards, both wins of course, so we are theoretically only 4 games back. With a sweep we are only 1 back now that sounds pretty d%€! Good to me.
I know I know, you half empty fans will tell me we could be 6 games back, but I'll stick to the first scenario.
Speaking of breaking down barriers. Since August of 2013, when these games really started to mean something, including playoffs the Pirates are 4-18 at Busch Stadium.
And, in the 2 September series they've had there the last 2 years with the division title on the line they're 0-6.
A pleasant thought to begin game anticipation.... :)
Hank Blackbeard
8-11-2015, 6:32 pm
Luckily the Pirates aren't playing a history book.
Jayme 7
8-11-2015, 6:39 pm
But those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
VABurgher
8-11-2015, 6:50 pm
Sorry Jayme, that adage has little value when applied to sports. different players, circumstances, etc. I see very little value going beyond the current season when analyzing trends in sports, too many variables, and even that can be affected by injuries, etc.
If you must quote an adage that applies to Baseball try this: Momentum is only as good as tomorrow's starter.
TheGreatOne21
8-11-2015, 6:52 pm
That passes the eye test and recall Milo.
steelag70
8-11-2015, 6:53 pm
Very well said Ms Jayme. :)
steelag70
8-11-2015, 7:04 pm
@VA: Until they prove otherwise, the record at Busch speaks for itself.
Jayme 7
8-11-2015, 7:07 pm
@VAB: well, it's not a must by any means. And given the similarity in the rosters as well as the recency of the stats cited by Milo only a simpleton would deny that perhaps there are some lessons to be learned by our recent failures in Busch stadium.
Rico
8-11-2015, 7:30 pm
Ah Milo and steel, you're full of jumbo. The past record means absolutely nothing because it's been built mostly on stupidly close games (see the three one-run extra-inning games this year) and has no predictive value whatsoever. Yeah maybe I'll concede some psychological factor, but as far as saying the Bucs need to "prove themselves" or need to "break down barriers", that's kind of silly. they've shown they match up well against the Cards and there's nothing magical about Busch, so please stop.
Milo Hamilton
8-11-2015, 7:40 pm
Rico - so I guess you're picking Germany in the next World War.
steelag70
8-11-2015, 7:47 pm
@Rico...then there's nothing magic about the Buccos' record at PNC.
Rico
8-11-2015, 8:20 pm
Yeah we'll see guys!
AJS
8-11-2015, 6:19 pm
Man that NY series rotation is a nightmare. You hate to see all three going in a set. Payback for all the Cole AJ Liriano series.
Realistically, the Pirates may have a hard time beating Martinez tonight. He has been pretty much lights out since becoming a starter this season. Overall, the Cardinals' pitching has been superb. Only 55 runs given up since the All Star break, all but one earned. While the Bucs' pitching has given up 110 runs, mostly by starters. Twice as many runs! Fortunately for us, the Cards' hitting has collapsed. A team BA of .239 and 85 runs scored since the break while the Pirates have been hitting .269 with 104 runs. So, the contest is likely to be between their excellent pitching and our strong hitting.
I'm cautiously optimistic that the Cervelli move might be good to get Cole back on track. He hasn't been bad but not ace quality lately. Need him to go deep tomorrow night.
The catcher has no bearing on Cole's performance lately.
TheGreatOne21
8-11-2015, 6:54 pm
Agree. Besides, you play your best picture. Goodness, a caddy catcher needed to be one of the best in the game? If Martin were here, would this be a debate?
steelag70
8-11-2015, 7:02 pm
Yeah because that never works for Jon Lester.
pgiannaris
8-11-2015, 7:03 pm
Steelag70. Not blaming Stewart but Cervelli and Stewart are like fire and ice. Good change up. I do believe that the catcher has the ability to make a difference during mound visits.
steelag70
8-11-2015, 7:09 pm
Then you must give credit to Stewart when Cole was on that great first half run.
Jayme 7
8-11-2015, 7:15 pm
I love the move by Hurdle. No attack or criticism of Stewart intended but if we end up in the WC, Cervelli's bat in the lineup is essential. Very intelligent by Hurdle to get them acclimated this early.
Whovian87
8-11-2015, 8:13 pm
Stewart's avg is .286, OBP .328, and .348 slug. Cervelli is 20, 50 and 80 points better respectively. Stewart as a backup catcher has done well. If he were a true league wide starter he wouldn't be here anymore. Of course Cervelli is first choice, but it's not like Stewart has been a failure during his outings.
TheGreatOne21
8-11-2015, 6:43 pm
It seems that Cole starts off a series with the Cards. Tonight reveals what he has 'on the road' against top pitcher and team. I have little hope he pulls it off, and if does pitch well, please offense, show some clutch hitting on the road, and then get him out if we have a close lead come 6th inning or 7th---seen that horror show too often where a walk or hit quickly overturn a good outing.
At what point was Locke scratched and Cole put in his place? Does Cole know he is starting?
Naje
8-11-2015, 6:45 pm
Playing a hunch that Alvarez is gonna lash a couple of Martinez's offerings to the left-center gap... one just might clear the fence too.
Martinez is very, very talented...and even though he shut down the lineup last time he faced the PBC, the Bucs have a book on him. Last game, they took a lot of early strikes... some real meatballs there too. Have a feeling that if Martinez shows that tendency tonight, he's going to have some problems.
Got a sense that Alvarez mashes a couple tonight...a searing line drive or two to left-center.
For anyone to downplay the importance of this series in light of trailing by 5, must think fans and players are stupid. We don't need the perspective nonsense.
The last time, the team left ALL kind of runners on base, and suffered 3 nightmare loses, I believe or all in extra innings.
On the plus side, the Mets, even with Cespedes, are not an offensive juggernaut. But on the flip side, I agree, oh ugh.
trailrunner
8-11-2015, 7:59 pm
Yikes! I hope Locke can look like the guy that started on 7/4 vs Indians.
chethejet
8-11-2015, 7:05 pm
Like all things, the Cards starting pitching will regress. Outside of Wainright, they don't have a pitcher who has been consistent horse for a full season. Lackey, Lynn I don't think they hold up all season. Cards offense is OK but if the pitching starts to show some cracks, no question they can be had.
Bucs top 5
Kang 1.5
Cutch 1.0
Polanco 0.8
Cervelli 0.8
Marte 0.6
Cards Pitching is what is keeping them going - Hopefully the Bucs bats woke up against the Dodgers - beating Kershaw and pounding them Sunday night would be a nice start.
Seems to me like Mercer is going to be the odd man out. He can certainly platoon with Walker against lefties and spell Kang and Jay Hay. Ramirez has started to hit lately and is a legit HR threat - so he probably needs to start 8 out of every 10. Kang should be rested - start 8 out 10 too would be a good idea. Jay Hay can start 9 out of 10 by swinging out to the corner outfield. If Walker starts 9 out of 10 that means Mercer gets ~ 4 starts - can pick and choose matchups - maybe get this to 5 or 6
Maybe. The Padres just signed Bud Norris. Cost them nothing but the pro rated major league minimum for the rest of the season.
steelag70
8-11-2015, 8:04 pm
From what I understand Shields has cleared waivers and can be traded to any team now.
Florida Steeler
8-11-2015, 8:11 pm
He would look better than Happ, Locke, or Morton.
davidtgalbraith
8-11-2015, 8:16 pm
Lotta money!
MADSports66
8-11-2015, 8:17 pm
I read somewhere (maybe here?) that his contract is a bit on the high side, and more alarmingly, his road ERA is 4+ while his home era is good (going off memory)
Milo Hamilton
8-11-2015, 8:22 pm
Shields is guaranteed $63 million over the next three years. He does not have a no trade clause.
Pirates
8-11-2015, 8:41 pm
No Chance whatever! Forget him!
Durka
8-11-2015, 7:59 pm
Russel Martin just did that thing where he jumps on the dugout railing and catches the ball
He is just wonderful. Kudos kudos kudos to NH. And Aramis Ramirez, STILL inexplicably batting 4th, should be arrested for theft. Absolutely stole an RBI from Gung Ho and a run from the Pirates.
steelag70
8-11-2015, 8:41 pm
Wait until he REALLY gets used to major league pitching!!
I see all the Ramirez hate on here and not that some of it isn't warranted, but the man went 7-17, 3 RBI's last series. He deserves a fair bit of the criticism, but the guy the credit he deserves when he does well.
But then who will people point their spur of the moment frustration at??
safetydave
8-11-2015, 8:50 pm
at the asylum the rip currents are always in the forecast
Florida Steeler
8-11-2015, 8:53 pm
We all get it that the two of you like the guy and everyone has a right to their opinion. But, facts are facts and the guy is done. 4 errors in 13 games and 5 double plays. He has added nothing.
Adam
8-11-2015, 8:54 pm
He's the goat right now but, really he's been playing much better of late. I doubt he'll be an every day guy once they're healthy. He gives them options off the bench though.
Smiley57
8-11-2015, 8:55 pm
52 games left. Patience. Maybe you're right. Maybe not. But I believe he still has enough left to make the team better.
Whovian87
8-11-2015, 9:02 pm
Well Florida I believe he just gave them the lead. He also gave them 3 rbi's last series as well. Maybe that's nothing to you but the guy has been coming on the last few games so until JHay gets back I'll be happy with the good stuff he's doing and be upset when he faults. I don't expect him to play daily when JHay is back anyway.
Purple Moose
8-11-2015, 8:47 pm
Why is Cervelli hitting behind Walker and Alvarez?
I saw someone on here post a stat a few days ago that he is hitting around .400 from the 8 spot. I'm a little surprised he hasn't gone to 7, but if he's going to hit close to even .350 at 8 seems silly not to leave him there.
Durka
8-11-2015, 9:13 pm
.431 from the 8 spot
Whovian87
8-11-2015, 9:18 pm
Thanks Durka.
wsamcap
8-11-2015, 8:55 pm
OK, StL doesn't give too many breaks, so make this good
Actually that was a pretty smooth move by the runner.
As DK has sometimes noted - there are other professional ballplayers playing agin ya.
Pedro made a good move, the runner made a better one.
Close enough to the running lane, no challenge, looked close but good to me.
briancroasmun
8-11-2015, 9:27 pm
My point is that there are two lines that the runner is supposed to stay between and you can see Heyward stepped outside, even if not by much. No other baseline has those lines, so the old "3 feet" rule is harder to prove. Pretty easy to see if a guy steps across a line.
wsamcap
8-11-2015, 9:12 pm
There isn't a 1st baseman in all of MLB, AAA, AA or NY Penn League who doesn't record an out there. Except the guy who just didn't
As Billy Bean said. Fielding doesn't matter. To a point. Pedro's bat has to be in the lineup. This lineup, with Harrison subbing here and there, can be enough to go further than any team since 1992
Early count fastballs from Martinez and guys are pouncing...they learned from the last time they faced him. Watched so many good pitches early in the count go by for strikes. This time, they're read. Oh, and Pedro's going to drill another one.
He's been missing with his curveball too and eventually that will be mashed as well
skeeziks7
8-11-2015, 9:30 pm
Why is everyone worried about who will start when Harrison and Mercer get back? It's a good "problem" to have. You play whoever is doing the best at the time.
Exactly. Although it's tough if you are on a roll as a hitter to sit down simply because it is someone else's time to play Hope they don't start a rolling day off thing again. Need basically an every day line up
NDirish
8-11-2015, 9:40 pm
Because Hurdle makes the wrong decisions frequently.
If Hurdle doesn't have a quick hook for him if he struggles after all of his sudden meltdowns, well then our suspicions of his decisions will be proven right yet again.
Hughes is only just now warming up. Someone wake up Hurdle. Every Locke start is the same. First sign of trouble in the 5th and you get him out of there. How many times does Hurdle have to see this?
When he has struggled all night and gotten out of several jams you have to have someone ready in the 5 th
BD
8-11-2015, 9:55 pm
Sh where is the Cervelli mound visit them searage to let Hughes get warmed up
timpj5
8-11-2015, 9:56 pm
Everyone breathe... You can't pull ur starter in the 5th every time it's a close game. That's a great way to make sure the bullpen is worn out for the playoffs. We're scoring on Martinez, we'll stay in this... He's the 5th starter, he's actually doing better than most 5th starters in the league and he hasn't gotten much help from the defense tonight
TheGreatOne21
8-11-2015, 10:01 pm
TIm, not in this case. This case with a lead 3 1 is crucial,and you don't save the damn Bull Pen for the rest of season'--- goodness, call up in Sept. Horrible managerial act by Hurdle, and does it all time in these type of games with Locke.
Great work Hurdle letting this guy pitch that predictable inning of squandering another lead and probably game. Unreal how the same sound track happens every game.
Plus a great chance to bust this game open, and nothing in 5th.
Think most people know the best CF is in LF but much like Crosby playing where he wants on power play, guess you have to give into star
pieratz
8-11-2015, 10:07 pm
I cringe when I see some of the throws, knowing the cannon Marte has. Cutch's arm is not +
Whovian87
8-11-2015, 10:08 pm
Marte seems to have the better build for center especially because he has one of the best outfield arms in the league, but the odds of that happening are about 0.
agree. this is not being negative tonight seeing this same nightmare
Parker
8-11-2015, 9:54 pm
Just 1 call would be nice tonight. He has squeezed Locke all night. Matinez has gotten almost every close call. Thats not his fault there. Had him struck out and this umpire decided once again to be the show. Miserable. It continues to happen though.
I was thinking the same thing....frustrating! Someone should let him know about Einstein's definition of insanity of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result
pieratz
8-11-2015, 10:06 pm
How come we only get Hurdled when it doesn't pay off? The team is 20+ over .500
TheGreatOne21
8-11-2015, 10:09 pm
agree 21, and this is not second guessing. Their manager had a lefty immediately get up with Isha and Polanco starring up at them if Cervelli had walked. Different in winning mindset and going by the BOOK
Battleship Bob
8-11-2015, 9:54 pm
Oh weel. You're only going to get so far with minor league pitching. Locke's arm is slightly better than Cutch's tho...
LOL< that was a frightening throw. I know he has been fantastic, but boy he had a chance tonight to really help us nail this team. Common thread by him this year against them. But be nice to have a real starter against the Cards just once of first game of series. I swear it is Locke most of the time. He pitches scared with the lead. Credit to him for not giving up 7 runs with some getting out of jams, but he flat out stinks under pressure.
AJS
8-11-2015, 9:55 pm
And once again Lockes implosion starts with a single walk. He always crumbles after a walk.
Alright... does it take a ball peen hammer to the noggin? I mean EVERY GAME Locke falls apart in the 5th. Why isnt the pen ready? Gawd Flippen poodles in tutu's is that frustrating. Dang!!!
With all of the advanced stats the Pirates use should be able to know this is the trend for Locke
Jayme 7
8-11-2015, 10:04 pm
@ Bubba: I feel your pain. I understand you don't wanna go the bullpen too early but goodness gracious, the Locke Meltdown is getting as sure and easy to predict as Old Faithful. Those who fail to learn from history....
Steven J Smith
8-11-2015, 9:56 pm
And the first crooked number of the game goes to the Cards.
He has the occasional game when he is rolling but you can tell early on what kind of night he will have. Tonight from the start struggled with his control. So ready for a 4 inning night
skeeziks7
8-11-2015, 9:56 pm
The Pirates really have only one starter right now that they can count on.
I like what you did groundhog dating us with that double comment
pieratz
8-11-2015, 10:05 pm
daying*
NDirish
8-11-2015, 9:57 pm
I guess I am labeled "a 5th grader" here for speaking the thuth. Everyone with a brain saw Locke was done. Nothing happens. Hurdle is a nice guy. He is the worst manager
++++ has never been a good manager. That Rockies team was loaded and he threw it away. Too nice a guy with certain people-- Locke being one of them.
Champyinz
8-11-2015, 10:08 pm
That Rockies team made it to the World Series. Not saying hurdle doesn't make mistakes. He should've taken Locke out there earlier but to call him worst manager in baseball is a bit exaggerated.
NHCOACH
8-11-2015, 11:32 pm
TOTALLY AGREE! Worse game manager I have seen in all my years.
Gregg
8-11-2015, 9:57 pm
Tough way to make a living: counting on a late rally even when you have an early lead. But I'm guessing it will still happen.
Hurdle does a nice job with the lame pitching his has to work with. Also does anyone else think searage maybe tired of the average arms he has to work on. Would you like to go to work everyday and find that your boss hired someone for u to train or manage with no ability or prior experience Everyday would be a challenge. Soon u leave for another job where you have competent people to work with
Florida Steeler
8-11-2015, 10:15 pm
You are right Bernie. How can Hurdle beat the Cards with Locke, Happ and Morton? Not going to happen.
blurjose
8-12-2015, 12:04 am
Hurdle is indeed a bad in-game manager. But nowhere near as bad as Nutting is an owner.
Parker
8-11-2015, 9:58 pm
This is a joke. That pitch to Kang was not a strike. He gets every call. Not just being a homer tonight.
August 11, 2015
Final: Cardinals 4, Pirates 3
669by Dejan Kovacevic • Game previews
ST. LOUIS — Looking ahead to first pitch …
Game: Pirates (65-44) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (71-40), 8:15 p.m., Busch Stadium
Pitchers: LHP Jeff Locke (6-6, 4.31) vs. RHP Carlos Martinez (11-4, 2.57)
TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan
Online: Gameday | Multimedia | Media notes
A.J. Burnett plays long-toss Tuesday afternoon in Busch Stadium’s left field. — DEJAN KOVACEVIC
Update 4:21 p.m.: Surprise, surprise! Look up in that photo, and that tiny guy in left field throwing long-toss is none other than A.J. Burnett. I’ll find out more about what that means once I get downstairs in a few, but thought that was worth posting right away.
4:40: Burnett tells me had no issue throwing — ‘None,’ he said, holding his thumb and forefinger together — and that he’s also had two other sessions out of public view. Can’t see how this is anything but great news for the Pirates.
Pregame notes 5:03: It’s a big game, and it doesn’t take much to sense that. The athletes, the coaches, even Clint Hurdle, came off as more tightly wound than the norm. Hurdle tried to downplay it: “Everybody keeps telling me it’s a big game. And then I’m told the games after this in New York are big games. It’s the next game. That’s what it is for us. It’s the next game.” When I reminded Hurdle that, since he’s been the Pirates’ manager, he’s often spoken of having to break down barriers, I also asked if playing at Busch is among those. “Yes,” came the answer, followed by a long pause. “Yes, it is.” … Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer begin their Class AAA rehabilitation assignments tonight in Indianapolis. Hurdle stressed that he doesn’t expect either back soon, but that it’s possible one or both could come up before the Sept. 1 recall period. “We don’t want them just to come back,” he said. “We want them to come back game-ready.” … I mentioned to Hurdle that the hot topic back home is how the Pirates will handle the returns of Harrison and Mercer — particularly as it relates to Jung Ho Kang — and he danced around it: “What manager wouldn’t want more better players on his team? And I do think that we’ll be able to figure it out and we’ll be able to put a good team and a good lineup out there every night. I’m just looking forward to those two getting through this healthy.” … Hurdle gave Arquimedes Caminero’s turnaround a big thumbs-up, not just in terms of results but in “absolutely everything. He’s looking like a real weapon for us.” Caminero’s take: “I had a little bump, some struggles. Everyone has that. I feel so good now.” … Francisco Cervelli will catch Gerrit Cole Wednesday, the better to prepare for that possibility down the stretch, Hurdle said. … Hurdle announced his rotation for the super-duper-big series in New York: J.A. Happ, Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke.
8:16: First pitch, Martinez to Gregory Polanco, 84 degrees, clear:
8:25: Pirates, 1-0, 1st. Kang drives an RBI double the other way. Man, is this guy on fire.
8:35: Cardinals, 1-1, 1st. The Cardinals get a run thanks to replay. Pedro Alvarez made a noble effort at a 3-6-3 double play that would have ended the inning, but the runner, Jason Heyward, clearly beat the throw. The first base ump, Ron Kulpa, clearly was focused on whether Pedro kept his foot on the bag. He did, but Heyward was there before that mattered.
8:54: Polanco triples off the top of the right-field fence on a drive that pretty much everyone in here thought was leaving the yard. No outs, third inning.
8:58: Leadoff triple going to waste?
Starling Marte pops up, Andrew McCutchen strikes out again …
Aramis Ramirez lashes a two-out RBI single in the third inning Tuesday. –GETTY
8:59: And Aramis Ramirez singles through the left side. It’s 2-1 Pirates.
9:13: Bases loaded for the Cardinals in the third, and Locke gets red-hot Randal Grichuk to swing through high heat. Impressive. But here comes Yadier Molina with two outs.
9:14: Bounce-out to second. Good for Locke.
9:19: Pirates, 3-1, 4th. One thing Pedro can do is hit the Cardinals. My goodness. Bomb to left-center. No doubter. His 15 home runs against St. Louis since the start of 2012 are the most by any player in the majors. Oh, and this one was estimated in the Busch press box as 446 feet.
9:48: Pirates, 3-2, 5th. Jason Heyward taps an RBI single through the right side.
9:51: Cardinals, 3-3, 5th. Molina sac fly.
9:53: Cardinals, 4-3, 5th. Stephen Piscotty RBI laser into center. All the bad things.
10:11: More quality from the Snowman with a scoreless sixth. See above for background.
10:40: Yikes. Jared Hughes just got smoked by a liner right near the face, though it appears his glove might have take some of the 98-mph Piscotty liner. He’s checked for a couple minutes, and that’s that.