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Pirates Morning Report: The Left Hand Reliever Saga

During the 2022 season, the Pirates have trotted out an array of left-handed relief pitchers. The number is 8 to be exact. Even though it is easy to look up all 8 relievers I will only name 2 of them in this blog. After all, the other 6 have families and friends, probably some children, and let’s face it, they all stunk. These relievers should have a special place in the hearts of all Pirate fans. Without these relievers the Pirates probably would have won at least 10 more games. These relievers have helped the Pirates achieve their goal of 2022 in acquiring a top 5 draft choice in 2023. The Pirates may even get a better pick than that. We are not going to get into heavy analytic stats, just some basic pitching numbers to show how much they have contributed to this goal. I feel that each of these 6 relievers should receive at least a $250,000 bonus at the end of the year, unless they start to improve their performance.

The lefties have thrown 107 innings plus and have given up 72 earned runs. See, I am being kind and not even mentioning all the runs they gave up. This comes out to an ERA 6.06. Dillon Peters who pitched early in the season and is now on the IL, with left elbow inflammation, threw 39 of those innings and had an ERA of 4.58. When you take out his numbers, the other 7 had an ERA of 6.88. In the 107 innings they gave up 111 hits, walked 52 and struck out 99. They almost got up to a strike out per inning but just could not quite do it. When you consider a lot of the time, they were brought in to face left hand hitting batters, these are pretty amazing numbers. I will admit, as bad as these numbers are, I thought they would be even worse. Let’s put it this way, they looked a lot worse doing it. You would think that the Pirates would have to do something in the free agent market to help this situation out in 2023, but maybe not.

If Dillon Peters can come back fully from his injury that will be a big plus, but that may be a big if. There was a left hander, who made a very brief appearance this year, Cam Alldred. He is not even on the 40-man roster, but pitched one inning giving up no runs, 1 hit and striking out 1. He graduated to AAA in the middle of last year and has pitched all of this year there. His numbers have been very good. He has appeared in 39 games, 37 in relief, has an ERA of 2.09 in 64 innings. It will be interesting to see if he might be a September call up. On the other hand, because he seems to be doing so well, they might not, since the drive for the number 1 overall pick in the draft is really heating up. Right now, the Pirates would get the 4th pick. However, they are in a dead heat in the loss column with the Tigers. They are only 3 ahead of the A’s and believe it or not they are just 6 ahead of the putrid Nationals. The loss column is the important number, because any late games that would be cancelled due to weather may not always be made up, unless it affects the playoffs. With 38 games to go the Pirates are smelling blood. Expect to see a lot of Heineman, Allen, Van Meter, Newman, Gamel, and those left hand relievers, as management strives for the worse record in baseball. Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Pirates Morning Report, Psychologically Destroyed

Final Score: Pirates 2 Braves 14

How The 2023 Pirates Did: A lot better than the 2022 Pirates. Unbelievably only 5 of the 2023 Pirates were in the starting lineup. Heineman, Van Meter, Newman and Gamel were in the starting lineup, not to be confused with the Four Horseman of Notre Dame. This was the pure horseshit of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Mitch Keller was the beneficiary of such a starting lineup. The Van Meter error in the top of the fourth open the flood gates. Oneil Cruz hit the hardest ball in the history of statcast at 122+ MPH. The ground ball that Van Meter missed was 25.8 MPH, the slowest ground ball ever missed in the history of baseball. Just kidding but doesn’t that sound good. Greg Brown was saying before the game, that this would be the first time since the late 1890’s when the Braves and the Pirates started playing baseball, that the Braves would win every game of the season. He said it would be good for the Pirates psyche if they could win the game. By losing 14-2, I think the whole team will need to be replaced and checked into the nearest mental hospital. With such a blowout game the Pirate booth was babbling more than usual. When Kirby Yates came into pitch, Capps mentioned he could not remember many pitchers doing that well their 1st year after Tommy John Surgery. He mentioned Adam Wainwright as the only one, that he could remember. I suggest that he look in this year’s current pitchers, for the name Justin Verlander. Do you even think these guys put an ounce of work in, covering baseball? It’s hard to believe they get a paycheck. Do you ever get the feeling that if the Pirates only had 2 announcers and did a simulcast that your cable bill would be a lot lower?

Key Moment of The Game: Van Meter’s error, Van Meter’s error, Van Meter’s error, Van Meter’s error. Thank God, the final was not 3-2.

Next Game: Not till Friday night, proving there is a God. Phillies in Philadelphia. The Pirates will help another team advance closer to getting into the playoffs. For the 3 games against the Braves, the Pirates scored 4 runs, on 14 hits, 4 walks and struck out 28 times. Yesterday, the Braves scored 14 runs, on 14 hits, 8 walks and struck out 11 times. My own feeling is that most of the strikeouts were designated strikeouts just to keep the game moving. By Sunday Night, the Pirates will feel the same way as W. C. Fields, when he wrote on his gravestone, I’d rather be here than Philadelphia.

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Pirates Morning Report, Wow, That Was Fast

Final Score: Pirates 1 Braves 6

How The 2023 Pirates Did: Like a lot of teams, they were dominated by Max Fried. Michael Chavis did hit a home run and Jason Delay got a hit, as the Pirates were only able to get a total of 3 hits. Chavis was able to get the only walk. J. T Brubaker pitched a nice 4 innings giving up 0 runs on 1 hit and 1 walk. Then in the top of the 5th, all hell broke loose. It started with a home run and then the Braves got 5 straight hits, single double, single single, single. They essentially put on a hitting clinic. The last 2 singles were on the first pitch and the double was on the 2nd pitch. They went with the pitches and did not try to swing for the fences. Even the home run by Travis d’Arnaud did not seem like a hard swing. He just stayed with pitch and took a nice even swing. It was also on the first pitch of the at bat. Brubaker’s pitches were not all that bad. This was just a good team showing what it takes to hit the ball and score runs. Let’s hope the Pirates were paying attention, but who knows.

Key Moment of The Game: When Max Fried took the mound, the Pirates were doomed. He pitched a great game and the Pirates only hit the ball hard a few times. Even Chavis’s home run was on the cheap side going over the short fence in left field. The only hope was that Brubaker would match him pitch for pitch and he did that until the 5th, when the Braves showed what a Major League team looks like.

Next Game: This afternoon, Braves, in Pittsburgh. The Braves will be going for the season sweep today. Kevin Padlo got optioned down to AAA yesterday when Ke’Bryan Hayes was activated. He went 0 for 11 but only struck out once. He always looked like he needed a chiropractor. I am sure he will be back in September. With Hayes back, I think there is a good chance that 7 or 8 members of the 2023 Pirates will be in the starting lineup soon.

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Pirates Morning Report, Say a Little Prayer For Roansy

Final Score: Pirates 1 Braves 2

How The 2023 Pirates Did: They did not have a great game, but they were the only positives. Cruz hit a home run, with Reynolds, Castro, Marcano, and Chavis getting one hit each. Reynolds did look lousy in his other at bats, especially in the bottom of the 9th against Jansen when he took a 92-mph fast ball right down the middle and then was called out on a perfect pitch that painted the outside corner. The story of the night was the strong pitching performance of Roansy Contreras. He could have had a little better command as he walked 3. He struck out 5 but threw only 89 pitches, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings. I was shocked that the Pirates let him come out for the 7th inning. Then I almost had a stroke when Dwayne Underwood Junior, had a 1,2,3 inning. All Pirate fans should say a little prayer for Roansy, that his arm stays healthy, because this guy is the real deal. Even though the Pirates are trying to limit his work, it is no guarantee, that he won’t avoid arm trouble. Look at the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg. The one thing about Contreras is that he looks so loose out there, and his motion seems so effortless. Cue Dionne Warick and let her rip.

Key Moment of The Game: In the top of the 5th, after a leadoff single, Michael Harris II hit a cheap home run to give the Braves a 2-0 lead. Yes, I will call it cheap, just because it ruined a great performance by Contreras. I can write like the Pirate broadcast booth every once in a while. Plus, who cares if he is the 2nd and Dwayne Underwood is a Junior, enough of all this nonsense. Just like in the song The Cheap Seats by Alabama, the game was close so we will count it as a win.

Next Game: Tonight, Braves in Pittsburgh. Since I started covering what I consider to be the 2023 Pirates, the most that have started is 6. Some games only 5 have been in the starting lineup. Even though I am a little bit on the fence about him, I still think that Jason Delay has done enough to be at least the backup catcher to the hopefully upright Roberto Perez next year. It would be wonderful to see a starting lineup that had 7 or 8 of the 2023 Pirates. This is what a Pirate fan looks forward to, forget about winning.

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Pirates Morning Report, 9.5 Runs Per Game Equals 2 Losses

Final Score: Pirates 5 Reds 9

How The 2023 Pirates Did: For the third consecutive game only 5 of the 2023 Pirates were in the starting lineup. Brian Reynolds’s bat cooled off going 0 for 5. The other four, Castro, Mercano, Chavis and Delay had 5 hits among them. They also drove in 4 of the 5 runs with Marcano getting 2 RBIs, and Delay and Castro getting one each. Zach Thompson did not pitch a great game but seemed to be doing alright, only throwing 78 pitches through 5 innings, giving up 3 runs. No question, he was dancing through the raindrops and the double play ball was his friend. The fact remains he threw only 78 pitches and should have come out for the 6th inning. We had just had a bullpen game the night before, so it would have made more sense for the starter to go as long as he could go. When it comes to bullpen usage only The Shadow knows. He brings in one of our awful left-hand relievers, Manny Banuelos, and he promptly walks the first two batters. The Reds give us an out. Then Banuelos gives up a single, triple, and single that scores 4 runs to break the game open 7-2. Where do they find these left-hand pitchers.

Key Moment of The Game: It was early in this one. The Pirates had taken the lead in the bottom of the first, 2-1, and had runners on second and third with one out. Greg Allen hit the ball hard, shocking as it may be, but right at the drawn in shortstop and Ben Gamel taking a nap, was easily doubled off third. Again, this just seemed to set the tone for the game. Mike Minor got out of that inning and pitched into the 6th before giving up 3 more runs. By that time, our overworked bullpen was well on its way to losing the game.

Next Game: Tonight, Braves in Pittsburgh. In the last 2 games the Pirate pitching has given up 19 runs, 27 hits, and 8 walks. You are not going to win many games with that run prevention. The bullpen gave up all but 3 of the runs. I can’t wait to have a 1 run lead going to the 9th. It probably won’t happen this week.

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Pirates Morning Report, 3 Hours 34 Minutes of Living Hell

Final Score: Pirates 1 Reds 10

How the 2023 Pirates Did: Other than the fact that Rudolfo Castro hit a home run, they stunk just like everyone else, including the Reds pitching staff. Only 5 of the 2023 Pirates started and they went collectively 3 for 17 and collected 4 walks. Cruz had another throwing error which led to a run, and still looks lost at the plate. Tyler Beede did not really pitch all that bad. In the 4th the Reds got some bleeders and bloopers for hits and then they just teed off on him, as he probably ran out of gas. It really didn’t matter as the Pirate’s bats were as quiet as church mice. The Reds pitcher’s must not have known the score, or thought they were playing the Yankees, instead of the Pirates. They walked 8 batters, including 2 in the bottom of the 9th leading 10-1. The top of the 6th was a game synopsis. There was catcher interference that needed reviewed. Next a hit by pitch that needed reviewed. Two strike outs in a row. Another walk and a pop up to the infield to end the inning. Six batters, one ball in play and the bases loaded took a long time to execute. The game took 3 hours and 34 minutes to play and was just plain excruciating to watch. No one had to be told that this was the 4th and 5th place teams in the embarrassing National League Central Division. This was fireworks night, so the fans had to stay until the end of this God forsaken game, that set baseball back 100 years. Shame on the Pirates and Reds for playing this great game so poorly and slowly to boot.

Key Moment of The Game: It wasn’t so much the key moment as it set the tone for whole game. Tucupita Marcano opened the game for the Pirates by doubling to the right field corner. Bob Walk and Joe Blockhead were extolling on how baseball smart Marcano is, when he got picked off second base. Bob Walk said I guess we were talking nonsense, which sums up his whole broadcast career.

Next Game: This afternoon, Reds in Pittsburgh. Maybe they will be able to play a 4-hour game today. Who cares what goofy lineup Shelton comes up with today. That was a disgrace to baseball last night.

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Pirates Morning Report, Always Nice to Beat The Reds

Final Score: Pirates 5 Reds 4

How The 2023 Pirates Did: Six of them got to play last night and it was Michael Chavis who got the walk off hit. Jason Delay was the only member not to get a hit. Madris had 2 hits, Cruz, Castro, and Reynolds had one each. I will admit that it was the 29-30 year old rejects that had the big game. Newman had 2 hits, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Ben Gamel had 3hits and 1 RBI and did not mess up too bad in the field. He did have one bonehead baserunning move, but all is forgiven in a win. Bryce Wilson a non-member, in my mind, of next year’s starting rotation, none the less pitched a solid 7 innings, giving up 3 runs on long balls, but only allowing 3 other hits, all singles and not walking a batter. Both he and Zach Thompson have had their moments this year. It would be nice to see them become next year’s Will Crowe. They have about another 6 weeks to show their stuff. It is always nice to beat the moronic Reds, who without a doubt have the worse manager in baseball. He makes Shelton look like Einstein.

Key Moment of The Game: In the bottom of the 9th the Reds bring in the lefty, intentionally walk Bryan Reynolds, to face the left hand hitting Gamel. Gamel works the count to 3 and 2, them gets hit by a pitch to load the bases. Two pitches later Chavis put the Reds out of their putrid misery.

Next Game: Tonight, Reds in Pittsburgh. It would be nice to see a lineup with 7 to 8 members of the 2023 Pirates. Newman and Gamel have been hot lately, so they made need a rest. Could Padlock start tomorrow. He could be the key to victory. I just can’t help myself, but I think it was pretty clever. Or how about starting Parking Meter, that may be the ticket to a victory. Ok, I’m done now. It’s been a long season.

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Pirates Morning Report, Happy Birthday Roberto

Final Score: Pirates 8 Red Sox 2

How The 2023 Pirates Did: Again only 5 were in the starting lineup and Bryan Reynolds had an even bigger game last night. He hit 2 home runs and drove in 4 going 3 for 4. Oneil Cruz finally got a hit, but Marcano, Cruz, and Madris all hung collars. Michael Chavis came in to pinch hit and went 1 for 2, with an RBI double. J. T. Brubaker pitch a great game going 7 innings giving up only 2 hits, hitting one batter, no walks, striking out 7, throwing only 84 pitches, and facing just 23 batters. Of course, The Shadow would not let him come out for the 8th inning, it would make too much sense. Colin Holderman pitched an impressive 9th, striking out 2 and throwing only 9 pitches. Overall, a very good night for the 2023 Pirates. A great way to celebrate Roberto Clemente’s birthday.

Key Moment of The Game: Even though Brubaker was cruising along, it was nice to see the 2 out lightening in the bottom of the third. After 2 were out Newman and Reynolds singled and Ben Gamel, DHing for the 2nd night in a row, doubled in the 2 runs to give the Pirates a 4-0 lead. It was nice to see another team make a questionable fielding play. From that point on with the way Brubaker was pitching the Pirates had the game well in hand. Now, that is the definition of a dominant performance.

Next Game: Tonight, Reds in Pittsburgh. Surprisingly Kevin Padlo did not start last night. I still expect to see him in the outfield. The Reds come to town as Pirates will battle for the cellar in the National League Central. There should be some really good starting lineups as the Pirates try to maintain their position for next year’s draft, currently they would pick 4th.

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Pirates Morning Report, Walk on By

Final Score: Pirates 3 Red Sox 8

How The 2023 Pirates Did: Roansy Contreras did not have his best start after his stay down in AAA. His command was not good and really did not seem to have his strike out pitch going. He did go 6innings giving up 4 runs, 6 hits, 4 walks, but looked strong at the end. Two more pitchers like him and Pirates would be formidable. Only 5 of the 2023 Pirates started the game. Bryan Reyolds had a good game going 2 for 4, hitting his 18th homer of the year and driving in 2 runs. The bullpen was mediocre, but the good news is that none of them should be pitching for the Pirates in 2023. It’s not often you see a pitcher who gives up 3 runs, 3 hits, and 2 walks in one inning, does a chest pump after the inning. Where do the Pirates find all these awful left-handed relievers? They must have some amazing scouts.

Key Moment of The Game: The Pirate pitching staff issuing 7 walks. One walk was intentional, but 3 of the other 6 walks scored and the 4th forced in a run with the bases loaded. An early Christmas for the Red Sox, as the Pirates help another team get to .500 ball.

Next Game: Tonight, Red Sox in Pittsburgh. In just 2 games Kevin Padlo has established that he can’t hit, can’t field, and can’t run. Expect him to start the next 7 games at least. In 7 at bats, he has accounted for 8 outs. Who cares about giving the young Pirates playing experience. You can learn by simply watching. I am waiting for at least 7 of the 2023 Pirates to start a game. So far, the most has been 6. Last night it was only 5. What the Pirates should do is sign about 5 more players that are garbage, send the rest of the young players down, and even be more obvious about trying to lose games. Maybe then there will be an investigation.

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Pirates Morning Report, We Need a Pop Up Drill

Final Score: Pirates 3 Red Sox 5

How The 2023 Pirates Did: Simply put, they did not do well at all. Mitch Keller who currently is diagnosed with right shoulder fatigue, did not look good, but still could have gotten out of those two innings with only 3 runs scoring, if the Pirates were able to corral pop ups and fly balls. Why Cruz was not charged with an error on the pop up in the 1st inning is anybody’s guess. The 2023 Pirates only got 1 hit for game and that was Jason Delay, who is not a cinch to be playing next year, but he has been the best catcher this year. Believe me the competition has not been too tough. Even though I just wrote yesterday that Ben Gamel should not be on the team next year, it would be nice to see the Pirates make him the permanent DH for the rest of 2022. It could be something that Gamel does really well, if given the opportunity. One thing is for sure, he can’t field. The bullpen did an outstanding job holding the Red Sox scoreless over the last 7 innings. Cruz continued his struggles and the rest of the 2023 team could only get 1 hit in 18 at bats with 3 walks.

Key Moment of The Game: The entire first inning was a disaster on all fronts. The Red Sox started the game with a single, 2 walks, and 3 more singles, with one being the misplayed pop up. They had 3 runs and there was nobody out. Then the Pirates went the next 7 innings getting only 1 hit. They fired the hitting coach about this time last year. Maybe this is what the team needs now, no instruction.

Next Game: Tonight, Red Sox in Pittsburgh. Roansy Contreras goes tonight, and it will put a little more interest in the game. I imagine that new call up Kevin Padlo will get another start, just to ensure another loss and to continue to put garbage on the field. He has only played 3 games in the outfield in his professional career, so expect to see him in right field soon. Right now, there are only 3 teams with a worst winning percentage than the Pirates. If the season ended tomorrow the Pirates would have the 4th pick in the draft. This has been their goal all season, and they won’t stop trying to be the worst.