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<![CDATA[Pittsburgh Sports Forum - Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins & Pirates Message Board & Blog - Bucco's Talk]]> http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/ The Pirates Forum main Discussion Message Board for Pittsburgh Pirates Blogs, Discussion, Contests, Rumbunter Podcasts, Minor League News, Videos and More! en Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:13:04 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png <![CDATA[Pittsburgh Sports Forum - Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins & Pirates Message Board & Blog - Bucco's Talk]]> http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/ Pittsburgh Pirates Podcast Rum Bunter Rum Bunter Podcast Pittsburgh Pirates,Baseball,MLB,Buccos yes My First Pirates Thread!!! http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15979-My-First-Pirates-Thread!!!?goto=newpost Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:21:57 GMT ...and it's a Kipper special!!!!

:D

per facebook...

Queensr˙che have been invited by the Seattle Mariners to throw out the first pitch before their June 26th game against the Pittsburgh Pirates!! Eddie Jackson will represent the band, tossing out the pitch from the mound!!


that is all!

:yo: ]]> (419)BlackNGold http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15979-My-First-Pirates-Thread!!! no Dunio : Identity of the 2013 Pirates http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15977-Identity-of-the-2013-Pirates?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:50:37 GMT shin.jpg Last night's shutout victory over the Cincinnati Reds mayhave been a defining moment of the season. It also may be an indication that the Pittsburgh Pirates now feel like they belong in the NL Central divisionrace.

The Pirates have played second fiddle to the Cardinals and Reds for several years. We've watched the Reds bully the lowly Pirates andwe've watched the Pirates roll over and take it. Those days, however, seem to be behind us. The Pirates aren't going to take it anymore.

In consecutive seasons, the Reds have been throwing at Pirates star Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen was drilled in the back by Cincinnati pitcher Mike Leake again Monday night. After Aroldis Chapman almost decapitated Neil Walker with a 99 MPH fastball, the Pirates were just waiting for theiropportunity to send a message back to the schoolyard bully.

Last night, Charlie Morton drilled Shin-Soo Choo in his Choo-Soo Shin on the first pitch of the ballgame. Reds starting pitcher Mat Latos was obviously displeased as he yelled at Morton from the dugout.

Yelling from the dugout was all the Reds did to "standup for themselves" as the Pirates put an exclamation point on the victory by shutting out the Reds.

The Pirates appear to have an identity for the first time ina long time. Veteran leaders like AJ Burnett and Russell Martin have a lot to do with the tough guy mentality this team possesses. That same leadership will be a significant reason this club will continue to win ballgames and refuse to be bullied.

With that kind of mental toughness, expect this team to still be in contention in September. Regardless, the final 2 games of this series will be fun to watch.
Attached Images
]]> Dunio http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15977-Identity-of-the-2013-Pirates no Minor League Daily Update: 6/18 Treasure Trove http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15976-Minor-League-Daily-Update-6-18-Treasure-Trove?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:52:50 GMT Link here (http://buriedtreasurepirates.blogspot.com/2013/06/treasure-trove-618.htmlhttp://) for a detailed recap of minor league action ... Link here for a detailed recap of minor league action

Highlights:

AAA

DNP

AA

Adalberto Santos 2-5, HR

A+

Alen Hanson 4-5, 2 2B
Eric Avila 3-4, 2 HR

A

DNP

A-

Colton Brewer 5IP, 5H, 0ER, BB, 2K
Elvis Escobar 1-3, BB, 2K

GCL

DNP

DSL 1

Tito Polo 1-3, BB

DSL 2

Richard Mitchell 2IP, H, 0ER, 0BB, 2K ]]> McCutchenistheTruth http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15976-Minor-League-Daily-Update-6-18-Treasure-Trove no Fuck the Reds! http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15975-Fuck-the-Reds!?goto=newpost Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:02:54 GMT Time to vent!
*
What the **** were the Reds so ****ing mad about after Morton hit Shoo? Seriously, like they didn't know it was coming? :nIn::nIn::nIn::nIn::nIn:
Have they not noticed what's been going on? Reds pitchers have been playing dodge ball with Pirates batters for the last two season, but when a Pirates pitcher has the nerve to throw one at one of their batters, they have a vag attack. **** Latos, **** Dusty Baker. Do they not understand how baseball works? ****ing fairies :jagoff::jagoff::jagoff: ]]> El Sid http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15975-Fuck-the-Reds! no Minor League Daily Update: 6/17 Treasure Trove http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15972-Minor-League-Daily-Update-6-17-Treasure-Trove?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:32:24 GMT Link *here* (http://buriedtreasurepirates.blogspot.com/2013/06/treasure-trove-6172013.html) Highlights: AAA Stolmy Pimentel - 6IP, 5H, R,... Link here

Highlights:

AAA

Stolmy Pimentel - 6IP, 5H, R, 0ER, 7K, 2BB
Tony Sanchez - 2-4, 2B, HR

AA

DNP

A+

Alen Hanson - 1-4, K

A

DNP

A-

Isaac Sanchez - 5IP, 3H, 5K
Harold Ramirez - 2-4, K
Elvis Escobar - 3-4

R

DNP

DSL 1

Tito Polo - 1-4, HR
Julio De La Cruz - 1-4, K

DSL 2

Michael De La Cruz - 1-3, 2BB, K
Johan Herrera - 3-4, BB

DSL 2 ]]> McCutchenistheTruth http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15972-Minor-League-Daily-Update-6-17-Treasure-Trove no BUCN Perfect : Reel in the Reds Before This Gets Out of Hand http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15971-Reel-in-the-Reds-Before-This-Gets-Out-of-Hand?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:30:58 GMT How long are the umpires going to keep allowing the Reds pitchers to hit batters on purpose? When is enough going to be enough? I hate to compare two... How long are the umpires going to keep allowing the Reds pitchers to hit batters on purpose? When is enough going to be enough? I hate to compare two different sports, but the Reds must be taking lessons in dirty play from the Philthy Flyers.

Mike Leake hit Cutch in the neck in 2010 with a 90mph pitch.
Aroldis Chapman hit Cutch last August with a 101mph pitch.
Leake hit Josh Harrison in the leg the following day.
Last night, Cutch was hit in the back by Leake in the 4th inning.
Chapman then threw a 100mph ball at Neil Walker’s face.
(That's just the highlights of this rivalry. Others were hit too.)

Mind you, this nonsense that went on last night was while the Reds were WINNING the game. No warnings were given by the umpires. What gives?? Are they trying to have another incident like the Dodgers/Diamondbacks game?? As much as it angered me that Liriano didn’t retaliate, it also made me respect him a little more for not being petty. BUT, we’ve now given the Reds the impression that we aren’t going to fight back.

After the game, none of those idiot reporters asked Hurdle about the situation. Neither the Tribune Review nor the Post-Gazette have any coverage about it. Either Hurdle is keeping quiet because he’s going fight back in tonight’s game, or someone better put out the Bat Signal for AJ Burnett to come in and regulate these a$$holes.

My friend @matt0323 said that the Reds are like the O’Doyle’s from Billy Madison. They’re picking on us and basically saying O’Doyle RULES!! The sad part is we’re letting them get away with it. Kipper said “now we have to rely on acoustic singer Charlie Morton. Not holding my breath.” I have to say, I’m right there with him because I can’t imagine Charlie will retaliate tonight.

I’ve read that Chapman can be an erratic pitcher. Ok, well, AJ can be a little bit wild sometimes too. But you don’t see AJ pitching at people above the waist on purpose. If you didn’t see the Rays pitcher get hit with the line drive this weekend, go check it out. He had a concussion and stitches in his ear and that was from a line drive, not being HBP. It’s awful to watch it and see the way he falls after he’s hit.

Last night I was ranting on twitter about this and so was @theangryfan. With all the focus on concussions in sports, it sickens me that baseball umpires aren’t taking a stance against these rogue pitchers that are hitting people in the heads. A baseball to the head at 100mph could easily kill or significantly injure someone. I’m not just talking concussion, I’m talking brain damage, paralysis, etc. It’s unnerving that the umps are willing to take that risk without even so much as a warning.

Everyone on twitter was outraged last night and calling for the Pirates to start hitting Reds batters. They’re bullying us and we’re lying down and taking it. We look like fools. I want to hear all of your thoughts about this, whether you think there should’ve been a warning given last night, about the Reds doing this to other teams, should we retaliate, etc…… ]]> Gretch326 http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15971-Reel-in-the-Reds-Before-This-Gets-Out-of-Hand no Aroldis Chapman needs to be stopped. http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15970-Aroldis-Chapman-needs-to-be-stopped?goto=newpost Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:17:07 GMT Seriously, this guy is a major *******. In Game 1 of this series against the Reds, he threw a pitch against Neil Walker that, if Walker had been a... Seriously, this guy is a major *******. In Game 1 of this series against the Reds, he threw a pitch against Neil Walker that, if Walker had been a fraction of a second slower in responding too, might have done him severe physical damage. Who the hell throws a 100 MPH fastball at somebody's head?

The league needs to rein this ******bag in. And it's not just the Pirates, they said on TV that he did it to Nick Swisher earlier this year. MLB needs to tell the Reds to put a short leash on this guy, or else suspensions will follow.

/rant ]]> Beast http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15970-Aroldis-Chapman-needs-to-be-stopped no The Pirates need to go ahead and #FreeJordy http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15969-The-Pirates-need-to-go-ahead-and-FreeJordy?goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:08:12 GMT As promised earlier by Gretch, the post in which I argue for why the Pirates have to go with Jordy Mercer at shortstop for the rest of this year:... As promised earlier by Gretch, the post in which I argue for why the Pirates have to go with Jordy Mercer at shortstop for the rest of this year: http://rumbunter.com/2013/06/17/its-...-jordy-mercer/ ]]> CampbellSproul http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15969-The-Pirates-need-to-go-ahead-and-FreeJordy no Battling Bucs : The Barmes/Mercer Debate http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15966-The-Barmes-Mercer-Debate?goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:59:01 GMT The weakest position in the Pirates lineup is clearly shortstop. Clint Barmes began the year as the starter but recently has been yielding playing... The weakest position in the Pirates lineup is clearly shortstop. Clint Barmes began the year as the starter but recently has been yielding playing time to Jordy Mercer. When it comes to the fan base Mercer is the popular choice to handle the shortstop duties because he has a better stick but once you factor in defensive values most metrics say there is likely to be at most one quarter of a win difference between the two over the remainder of the season. That is really insignificant.

The bottom line here is that neither player is really a good option. Teams usually aren't going to have great options at every position but they need to be a little bit more attractive than what the Pirates currently have. Take RF for example, that is probably the Pirates 2nd biggest weakness currently but Snider, Tabata and Sands are all at least interesting players who have the potential to be good options. Barmes and Mercer on the other hand are like Alex Presley a perfectly acceptable bench option but not exactly someone you want to count on starting everyday. The solution is to upgrade the position but that is unlikely to happen this year. The potential trade market for shortstops looks pretty barren with the only attractive potential options being Jimmy Rollins and Alexi Ramirez. It can't even be assumed that the Phillies or White Sox will sell but if they don't the market only gets worse. A guy like Nick Punto from the Dodgers interests me but that is more due to his ability to play 2B and 3B and hit lefties well as he is no longer an everyday shortstop option.

So fixing the spot by trade is unlikely to happen. That leaves internal options but outside of Mercer and Barmes the only other real option is Chase d'Arnaud and he really is just more of the same. He has some nice tools but overall really isn't starting material. Josh Harrison and Ivan De Jesus are also down in AAA but they are like Garrett Jones and Brandon Inge are in the outfield. Guys who can sort of play the position but who you don't want there for an extended time period. Realistically upgrading the shortstop position this season either externally or internally isn't going to happen.

That leaves us with Mercer and Barmes as really the only options. There are compelling cases for each one. The best case for Barmes is that he probably isn't really as bad at the plate as he has been so far this season. He got off to a terrible start at the plate last season and rebounded fairly well posting an OPS of .650 over the last 4 months. An OPS of around that level plus the value he brings defensively is likely more value than Mercer can provide. The best case for Mercer is that both players will likely bring similar value but the highest upside is with Mercer. Not only that but Mercer could have a future with the Pirates beyond this year whereas that seems highly unlikely for Barmes. Even if the affects of an upgrade are minimal seeing what we have in Mercer is in its own way beneficial.

In actuality there is likely to be little difference between the two so that would seem to imply a third option is needed to improve the team, using the two as a tandem is such an option. Using Mercer at short in games where offense would seem to be at the premium makes sense and using Barmes at shortstop in games where defense would seem to be the most important also makes sense. One could put a lot of factors into determining which games are which but in reality there is only one major factor that needs considered and that is the Pirates starting pitcher. On days when big strike out guys like Burnett and Liriano take the hill infield defense isn't as important and conversely when ground ball guys like Morton and Gomez take the mound infield defense becomes immensely important. Tag teaming the shortstop with starting pitchers may seem odd but I believe it is the best way to get maximum value out of a weakest position in the lineup. ]]> battlingbucs http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15966-The-Barmes-Mercer-Debate no Minor League Daily Update: 6/16 - Buried Treasure Treasure Trove http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15965-Minor-League-Daily-Update-6-16-Buried-Treasure-Treasure-Trove?goto=newpost Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:55:23 GMT Link here (http://buriedtreasurepirates.blogspot.com/2013/06/treasure-trove-6162013.html) - Click for a recap of the minor league actions in the... Link here - Click for a recap of the minor league actions in the Pirates farm system

Highlights:

AAA

Tony Sanchez - 1-4
Andrew Lambo - 1-3, HR

AA

Jameson Taillon - 5IP, 6H, R (unearned), 0BB, 6K
Gregory Polanco - 2-4

A+

DNP

A

Barrett Barnes - 2-4, BB, 2K
Josh Bell - DNP
Stetson Allie - DNP ]]> McCutchenistheTruth http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15965-Minor-League-Daily-Update-6-16-Buried-Treasure-Treasure-Trove no <![CDATA[Rumbunter : The @RumbunterPodcst - the one with Pirates' GM Neal Huntington]]> http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15961-The-RumbunterPodcst-the-one-with-Pirates-GM-Neal-Huntington?goto=newpost Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:53:59 GMT We sat down to chat with NH for 15 minutes yesterday...

About 40 minutes later, we had the longest interview we've ever done with the Pirates' GM, and the most information we've ever had packed into one episode!

HERE YOU GO: http://rumbunter.com/2013/06/15/pitt...is-hands-full/

As always, your feedback and comments are greatly appreciated! ]]> cocktailsfor2 http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15961-The-RumbunterPodcst-the-one-with-Pirates-GM-Neal-Huntington no More Josh Bell http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15958-More-Josh-Bell?goto=newpost Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:48:44 GMT ---Quote--- CHARLESTON, W.Va. — During a recent game at Appalachian Power Park, Low-A West Virginia hitting coach Orlando Merced stood in the...
Quote:
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — During a recent game at Appalachian Power Park, Low-A West Virginia hitting coach Orlando Merced stood in the dugout and demonstrated to Josh Bell what he wanted him to do with his swing.

Merced reinforced the advice when Bell was on deck, and the 20-year-old responded by crushing a towering home run to right field to score two runs in an eventual 7-5 win over Delmarva. It was his eighth home run of the season, and it came on the same day Bell was named the starting right fielder for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

“(Making the All-Star team) was one of my goals last year, and it's good to get it this year,” Bell said. “I wasn't really expecting it. I didn't know how the voting process worked or anything. It was just one of those things where I played my butt off for a couple months and I was happy to get selected.”

A knee injury ended Bell's first professional season after just 15 games, but the Pirates' second-round pick in 2011 is enjoying a healthy do-over with the Power. Entering the season, Baseball America ranked him the Pirates' sixth-best prospect and the best power hitter in the system. Through 61 games, Bell had a .286 batting average with 18 doubles (tied for fifth in the league), 46 RBI (fifth) and a .477 slugging percentage (15th).

Merced said Bell has a few more holes in his swing than fellow prospect Stetson Allie but that Bell is making the transition well hitting from both sides of the plate. If anything, Merced said, Bell tries too hard to create power instead of relying on his natural power.

“He's 20 years old,” Merced said. “He wants to put a little more of that leverage that he has with his strong body on the ball. I want him to learn how to be a little more under control and stay on the strike zone with his level bat as long as possible. That's something that Allie has conquered maybe a little quicker than Bell has, but, really, those two guys are going to make an impact on this organization and the big club sooner than maybe people expect them to.”

On most nights, Bell bats third with fellow All-Stars Dilson Herrera, signed as an international free agent in 2010, in front of him and Allie behind him. It's a combination that works well for all three, Bell said.

“Stetson hitting behind me gives me a lot of confidence,” he said. “I don't have as much pressure in the box because if I don't move the guy over, I know Stetson will and vice versa with Dilson and I. Dilson is so versatile at second base; he makes sick plays then moves guys over and gets a lot of runs. (Allie's power) is very impressive, especially in batting practice.

“It's always a show.”

Allie said he and Bell, in particular, push each other and believes that's one reason they have been so successful.

“During work days, we teach other little things or go in the cage and talk,” Allie said.

“I think the biggest thing he always says to me is have fun, and I think that's something I need to do to be successful is have fun and realize it is the game I've played since I was born. Josh plays the game real hard and just has fun with it.”

Karen Price is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach her at kprice@tribweb.com or via Twitter @KarenPrice_Trib.

Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/pirates/4...#ixzz2WDJ7h3rj
Follow us: @triblive on Twitter | triblive on Facebook
I can't wait!!!!! This is getting exciting waiting for this group of kids to be in Pgh. ]]> exNCite http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15958-More-Josh-Bell no <![CDATA[BUCN Perfect : Pirates Pitching: Who's Going to be the Odd Man Out?]]> http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15955-Pirates-Pitching-Who-s-Going-to-be-the-Odd-Man-Out?goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:25:16 GMT AJ Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez, Jeff Locke, Francisco Liriano, and Jeanmar Gomez: 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitching rotation.
~Gomez begins his rehab assignment today in AAA Indy. Rodriguez is currently on the 15 day DL. Both are having forearm issues.
So the looming question is: When all these guys are healthy, who’s going to make the cut to start, and who’s gonna go to the Shark Tank? I played a little “ask the expert bloggers” today again with @jdunio and @campbellsproul to get their thoughts. Not as funny as last time because I wanted real answers and opinions this time.
Justin and Campbell’s predictions were pretty much in line with my thinking. If Gerrit Cole continues to do well, Morton will go to the bullpen, along with Gomez. If things with Cole don’t pan out, he’ll most likely go back to Indy. Rodriguez deserves his starting spot. We think the Pirates are moving towards a starting rotation of Burnett, Locke, Cole, Rodriguez, and Liriano. Campbell says Gomez isn’t a long term solution. Justin said its good that we have options, presumably in case of injuries.
Hurdle was quoted in the Trib saying, “Thursday is the only start he’s guaranteed,” in regards to Charlie Morton. It’s been one year since his Tommy John surgery. Justin and Campbell are optimistic about Morton’s start tonight. They think we’re going to see a Charlie Morton circa 2011. Campbell thinks he’s full of potential and Justin says “pound them with the sinker.” Justin is predicting 5 innings, 4ER, 3K, 86 pitches.
Campbell said, “Locke, Cole, and hopefully Taillon will be the cornerstones over the next few years.” I really, really like what Locke has been doing out there. You can see the effects of shadowing AJ in his pitching. With his 5-1 record, he’s struck out 55 batters and pitched into the 7th inning twice. He had one outing of only 4 innings. His control is amazing, considering how out of control AJ can get. AJ, although a little crazy at times, seems to be a great mentor and someone the Pirates should keep around even after retirement. We saw Tuesday what Cole is capable of doing. Fingers crosses Taillon can fit in there with them.

What do you guys think? Agree or disagree with our predictions?
**In other news, Campbell and I are both huge #FreeJordy believers. If you watched last night’s game you’ll see why he should be playing instead of Barmes. Barmes is almost at Ryan Braun level of hatred in my book. Campbell is working on a #FreeJordy article over at Rumbunter so stay tuned for that. If they don’t get rid of Barmes I’m going to start picketing outside PNC Park after work LOL ]]> Gretch326 http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15955-Pirates-Pitching-Who-s-Going-to-be-the-Odd-Man-Out no <![CDATA[Black n' Gold Blitz : Pittsburgh, Are You Ready For These Buccos?]]> http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15951-Pittsburgh-Are-You-Ready-For-These-Buccos?goto=newpost Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:35:50 GMT I fully realize that there are ups and downs in a 162 game baseball season. The Pirates have experienced plenty of ups and downs so far after only... I fully realize that there are ups and downs in a 162 game baseball season. The Pirates have experienced plenty of ups and downs so far after only 60+ games. The one thing that continues to impress me is the fact that these Pirates don't seemed phased by success or disappointment. After only taking 1 of 3 from the Reds, and being sweeped by the Braves, Pirate teams of past years would have folded BIG TIME. That winning 1 out of 6 would have turned into winning 1 out of 10, and next thing you know you are really making things difficult on yourself to climb back into the race. In a year where the division that used to be called the "Comedy" Central, the NL Central division could be the best division in all of baseball. The Cardinals, Reds, and Pirates are all clicking on all cylinders, and its taken one of the best starts since 1992 for the Pirates just to keep pace. With all that said, I hope Pittsburgh is ready to embrace this team once again, and stand behind them for the long haul. Just take a look at this statistic that was floating around Twitter last night. (courtesy of @MichaelWaterloo)

#Pirates win 11-8. Improve record to 39-26. 18 wins away from matching 2010 win total (57) Won 39th game in 2010 on Aug. 7. It's June 12.

Take some time and read that again. That was just 2010...only 3 short years removed for this up and coming team. This team has come a long way, and alot can be attributed to alot of people, but the city of Pittsburgh needs to prepare themselves for a stretch run....not just a spark and to watch the team fizzle out again. After 65 games this year the Pirates are 39-26. Last year after 65 games they stood at 34-31...not quite the knockout team we remember right? In 2011, after 65 games they stood at 32-33. The previous 2 seasons the fan base was giddy as can be with the production of the Pirates, and they stood just around .500 on both occasions. This year, the Pirates are lighting it up and stand an astounding 13 games over .500. I realize that the Pirates have a long ways to go, but this team is leaps and bounds above the previous two versions.

The reason for the Pirates new found success? If you ask me, its a MUCH improved starting rotation, a bull pen that ranks among tops in MLB, and players that are finally starting to produce like the Pirates expected them to at the plate and in the field. That being said, I hope the city of Pittsburgh and its fans everywhere are prepared to be involved and invested well into August. It will be an adjustment to Steelers fans, but for once, training camp and preseason football games won't lead the sports segment in Pittsburgh. No, if all goes according to plan...it will be the Pirates. I've said for years that Pittsburgh is a baseball town that is just waiting to be woken up. This is the year that the city gets awaken to see a Pirates team they are proud to support. Lets Go Bucs! ]]> BnGBlitz http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15951-Pittsburgh-Are-You-Ready-For-These-Buccos no BUCN Perfect : #Cole45: MLB Debut http://www.pghsportsforum.com/forum/showthread.php/15948-Cole45-MLB-Debut?goto=newpost Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:34:54 GMT Last Wednesday when rumors started circulating that Gerrit Cole was going to make his MLB debut Tuesday 6/11, I got on StubHub, found seats in my... Last Wednesday when rumors started circulating that Gerrit Cole was going to make his MLB debut Tuesday 6/11, I got on StubHub, found seats in my favorite section, and then called all my friends to see who wanted to go. Little did I know that it would be a game I’d never forget.

Friday night, I left to take a weekend off from the crazy city life, watched the Penguins lose miserably, and then I woke up hung over on Saturday. I had been keeping a close watch on FB and Twitter waiting for news regarding whether Cole would start. FINALLY, in the early afternoon Saturday, the Pirates made it official that he would be starting Tuesday’s game. Good news for me since I already got tickets!!

Monday I was bored at work, and with Twitter abuzz about Cole, I was creeping all day long to see what was being said. I came across a tweet from the Pirates on how to win #BucSocial tickets for Tuesday’s game. Voted all Pirates for the All Star Game, sent my screenshot to prove it, and tagged it #VotePirates. Four o’clock came around and WINNER, WINNER CHICKEN DINNER!! Not only was I going to the game, but now I was sitting in a suite!! Sold my tickets in peanut heaven before I left work, and went home to decide what to wear.

I don’t want to come off sounding like a whiny brat, but the #BucSocial suite was pretty boring. The only food provided was chips, trail mix, and some peanuts. No drinks, not even pop. I was really surprised that they didn’t have more going on. As far as their claim of it being Wi-Fi enabled? I have to disagree because I couldn’t even get my twitter to work. During the 6th inning two girls came in with a camera and took a picture of the group. The view was great and it was an awesome game, but I’d rather sit in regular seats.

I’m guessing most of you caught the game on TV, or you listened to it on the radio. I’m not going to bore you with a summary of the entire game, but here’s the important parts… Cole pitched 6.1 innings, allowed 2 runs to score, had 0 walks, and struck out 2; he faced 27 batters. In the second inning he singled to bring in Martin and Alvarez. Cutch had a double, Marte and Alvarez homered, and Marte and Cutch had a stolen base each.

San Fran was salty about the 8-2 score in the 8th inning, and their pitcher hurled a ball behind Marte, and he was warned about it. Two batters later, Cutch at the plate, he hits Cutch right in the behind and gets ejected since he had been warned already. You stay classy San Fran. Also noteworthy, the hometown crowd is thoroughly sick of Clint Barmes. We all know I can’t stand him, and that he gets out almost every time he’s at the plate. The crowd booed loudly twice at his inability to generate any offense, #FreeJordy.

Cole wowed the PNC Park crowd. The fans were absolutely electric the entire game. He was throwing heat; his pitches were in the upper 90s all game. When he singled and two runs scored, the crowd was on their feet! When he left the game, they gave him another standing ovation, and were louder than I’ve ever heard a crowd at the park. He was asked about having the bases loaded and needing to get out of the jam: “Get over it and let’s go.” His thoughts on leaving the game in the 7th? “I was trying not to look up, because I felt like I was going to smile.” Spoken in the words of a true badass.

The hash tags #Cole45 and #GerritCole were both trending nationally on twitter last night. I know some of the people in the crowd last night were only there to see him pitch. I also know those same people probably won’t be back the rest of the season. But you know what? I’m ok with that because they gave Gerrit a warm Pittsburgh welcome, and he dazzled them with a great game. I don’t know about you guys, but I totally see AJ Burnett, Jeff Locke, and Gerrit Cole all being badasses together.
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