Blogs

LOS ANGELES — Manager Jim Tracy thought Tom Gorzelanny’s stuff was better today in the 7-5 victory against the Dodgers than it was a few days ago against the Cardinals. Gorzelanny wasn’t so sure about that. “I think my stuff was … pretty good today,” Gorzelanny said. “The fourth inning is what got me.” The [...]

LOS ANGELES — You meet all kinds of people on van rides from airports to hotels. Well, except in Milwaukee. I can’t recall ever sharing an airport shuttle ride there with anyone other than the driver. I mean, do anyone go to Milwaukee? But I digress. Earlier this week in St. Louis, I rode in [...]

MILWAUKEE – Here I am again, back at what was Ground Zero for Randall Simon’s career. Back when I was just the backup Pirates beat writer, the main guy never liked coming to Milwaukee so I covered at least one series here each season. I don’t mind Milwaukee, overall. Of all the National League towns, [...]

ST. LOUIS — So much for spring training stats, eh? Tom Gorzelanny had a miserable time on the mound in Florida, struggling in the first inning and not getting much better after that in every game. His spring ERA was a whopping 7.96, and he allowed 28 hits in 26 innings. The left-hander has done [...]

HOUSTON — Observations from the first two days of the season: &#149 Monday, in the season opener, Mt. Lebanon native Don Kelly had a chance to make his major league debut truly memorable. With two outs, two on and the scored tied at 2 in the ninth, Kelly pinch-hit against Astros closer Brad Lidge. It [...]

HOUSTON — I opened my eyes an instant before the foot smacked dead-center into my forehead. Wham! Pleased by the solid thud of Nike-to-skull contact, my attacker giggled as he readied for another kick. I was pinned down, my escape route blocked by a beverage cart. All I could do was tilt my head to [...]