By Dejan Kovacevic | Trib Total Media
LAKELAND, Fla. — Looking ahead to first pitch …
Game: Pirates (2-5) vs. Detroit Tigers, exhibition
Starters: RHP Jeanmar Gomez vs. LHP Drew Smyly
Time: 1:05 p.m.
Site: Joker Marchant Stadium
Radio: 93.7 The Fan
Here is the official live box score.
Here is the TribLIVE’s Pirates page. I’m on the scene.
Here is some of my talk yesterday with Gaby Sanchez …
And here is the visitors’ lineup …
- Starling Marte, LF
- Alex Presley, CF
- Russell Martin, DH
- Matt Hague, 3B
- Travis Snider, RF
- Josh Harrison, 2B
- Clint Robinson, 1B
- Michael McKenry, C
- Jordy Mercer, SS
UPDATE 4:43 p.m.: Here’s my news story just filed on some weirdness with Martin that took place after the game. Wouldn’t make too much of it just yet, but …
DK,
I like where the Pirates will be on offense this year. Not just what they have been doing this spring so far. But, the overall talent appears to finally be there on offense.
I think the defense should be pretty good. Not great but not bad.
I am concerned about the pitching. Can we expect AJ to do what he did last year again? I see a small step backwards. Wandy will be a good, not great. But then I see big question makes for the rest of the staff until mid season when Charlie, Cole and FL are ready. But even with them you have to question the initial results. I’m not looking at the overall results so far in the spring with the pitching.
Do you think the Pirates make a trade before coming north? Obviously, we have a number of first basemen and outfielders that might bring some return along with a decent prospect.
You hearing anything on that front?
Lets try to bring back an old tradition, shall we?
Firsties!
ummm…
I don’t know what happened! When I posted I was the only one up. Then I was foiled by PetroSteel at some point during the night! Curses!
That’s PetroSteel.
He’s a Foiler.
Probably PetroSteel posted for first time in the new format, and it was waiting for approval. At least that answers the question of when that happens does the new post go up at the original time it was posted.
At least. That question had kept me up at night.
Saw that one coming a mile away.
ZING!
So Gabby Sanchez was part of a time honored tradition of trading for guys who are hurt?
Eesh.
Nothing showing up under the Sanchez link. Is that an iPhone phenomenon or are you just screwing with us?
Maybe you were in a hurry to get to the beach and forgot the link. I found the story but from the tease, i wondered if there was additional video conversation.
He’s just trying to keep you on your toes, Drew
I was thinking of typing That’s Not My Toe
but I probably shouldn’t.
::snicker::
Flacco: 6 yrs, 120.6 million. I hope the Ravens have to eat that crow!
I was VERY happy they paid top dollar.
Enjoy Flacco Balmer.
The more the better.
Do Ravens eat crow?
If they don’t yet, they will
I think Flacco will serve the Ravens well. His short game is nothing to toot the horn about in terms of completion percentage, but he’s become savvy @ limiting interceptions. His long passing is Bradshaw-like elite. That organization knows what it’s doing, unlike the Pitt football program.
Hoka Hey everyone!
Can’t wait to see how Jeanmar Gomez mows ‘em down today.
.
.
.
DK: On a more serious note…have you talked to Charlie Morton and chatted with him about how the rehab is coming? Is he still on track for trying a mid-year return ??
Charlie gave an interview this week. Sounded like he was pleased with how he was progressing. I believe he expected to face hitters this coming week.
DK: Yes, he will.
Just caught up on the chat.
“They need a couple of total $#%^%$ types.”
- They need MORE $#%^%$ types??? Haven’t you read my posts?
“Promised myself I wouldn’t spend this whole trip bashing Florida”
- Why not? Go for it. Gotta be right on target. I mean, it must be why no one comes here anymore.
“This is the Internet at some of its worst.”
- Again, haven’t you read my posts?
“Holiday In Cambodia”
- I prefer Turtle “Crick”
“Get back to being a lot more annoying”
- Again, haven’t you read my posts?
I predict that by July, we’ll complain that Tabata is too muscular for baseball.
I’ll leave you with a final thought.
“If hope can spring eternal here, then truly hope is never fully extinguished.”
+1
+2
Wouldn’t that make him PetroAluminumFoiler?
Now THAT’S a post.
+1
some baseball links
JAL’s Hemingway’s Whiskey Morning Links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCpmcIYdIDU
GENERAL DAILY UPDATED BASEBALL SITES
1- MLB Transactions
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions
2-MLB Trade Rumors-Pirates
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/pittsburgh_pirates/
3 Go Buccos- Pirate News (from external sources)
http://gobuccos.com/pittsburgh-pirate-news/
4 Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 Spring Training Tracker
http://www.piratesprospects.com/st2013
BLOGS and such
5—Pirates Prospects
Prospect Notebook: Looking at a Few 2013 Breakout Candidates
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2013/03/prospect-notebook-looking-at-a-few-2013-breakout-candidates.html
Draft Prospect Watch: Big Days For Bryant And Appel
http://www.piratesprospects.com/2013/03/draft-prospect-watch-big-days-for-bryant-and-appel.html
6 Bucs Dugout
Pirates take on Orioles, Red Sox
http://www.bucsdugout.com/2013/3/1/4043396/pirates-take-on-orioles-red-sox
7 This Is Getting Old
Roster Watch: Bryan Morris
http://thisisgettingold.net/2013/03/01/roster-watch-bryan-morris/
8 WHYGAVS
When will we see Gerrit Cole in Pittsburgh?
http://www.whygavs.com/pittsburgh-pirates/february-2013/when-will-we-see-gerrit-cole-in-pittsburgh.html
9 Rumbunter
Andrew McCutchen’s Hometown Is Rightfully Proud of Cutch
http://rumbunter.com/2013/03/01/andrew-mccutchens-hometown-is-rightfully-proud-of-cutch/
10 Green Weenie
Boston Bests Bucs 5-2
http://oldbucs.blogspot.com/2013/03/boston-bests-bucs-5-2.html
Orioles Bomb J-Mac In 6-5 Win
http://oldbucs.blogspot.com/2013/03/orioles-bomb-j-mac-in-6-5-win.html
“Hemingway’s Whiskey” by Kenny Chesney 2010 Chesney’s 14th album has been certified Platinum. This is the title song from the album.
NEWSPAPERS and MAGAZINES and Other Media
11 Bradenton Herald
Recap: Baltimore vs. Pittsburgh
http://www.bradenton.com/2013/03/01/4415815/recap-baltimore-vs-pittsburgh.html
12 KDKA
A.J. Burnett: We Fall Down, So We Learn How To Get Back Up
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/03/01/a-j-burnett-we-fall-down-so-we-learn-how-to-get-back-up/
13 Fox Sports
Brazil developing baseball talent
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/brazil-developing-baseball-talent-could-be-next-pipeline-for-mlb-players-030113
14 New York Times
Global Event Succeeds Where It Needs To
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/02/sports/baseball/world-baseball-classic-is-still-finding-its-footing.html?_r=0
15 ESPN
Drew Sutton’s dreams and realities
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/red-sox/post/_/id/25214/drew-suttons-dreams-and-realities
16 PBC SITE
Bell embracing role as Pirates’ hitting coach
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130301&content_id=42157814&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit
McDonald keeping focus on limiting walks
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130301&content_id=42136060¬ebook_id=42160114&vkey=notebook_pit&c_id=pit
SPORTS WEBSITES
17 Baseball Prospectus
Introducing the BP Bullpen (Mis)management Tool
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=19753
18 Fangraphs
Pittsburgh Pirates Infield: Depth Chart Discussions
http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/pittsburgh-pirates-infield-depth-chart-discussions/
I would appreciate it if no one makes fun of my name (Pat4PGH and others in the past)…I was named after my late mother. That was her first name too. Let me tell you,…that women was as tough as nails, but she had a little problem with oily skin. So please,..this is a very sensitive area for me…
Go Bucs!
That’s a heartwarming, wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. We would never imply disrespect for your mother.
And interestingly, there is a parallel to my name. You see, I was also named after an important woman in my life. My wife.
Drewella DeVille.
Sounds like there’s as much truth to your story as Petro’s.
The Lunatic Asylum’s edition of Dejan’s Fables
+1
Did Hanrahan pitch last night?
Was listening to a little bit of last night. Got a smile on my face when they said Drew Suttton was playing 3rd for the Sox. Reminded me of that great walk off homer he had last year.
I was also smiling because I knew he wouldn’t be our #1 pinch hitter off the bench this year.
+1
Hope we can get some runs in the top of the first, so we don’t start this game in the hole, too, with Jeanmar on the hill.
Seems like half the games last regular season started with us giving up runs early. Or a bundle in one inning.
But it is Spring Training. (yawn)
Hanrahan did not pitch last night
Sanchez and McKenry seem to be locks for the bench, any early thoughts on anyone else?
Tabata with his new, muscular body.
Tabby hasn’t had any appointments at a certain clinic in Miami, has he?
His ex-wife probably mailed it to him, like a certain linebacker we all know and love.
Wasn’t she from Miami?
I still think Tabata will be on this team. An if Inge shows that he can still hit I would think he has a good shot.
JAL’s #18 is a good link on that discussion. He doesn’t mention Dejesus, although Indy is probably where he’s headed. He had a great winter league.
The backup SS battle is one thing I’m wondering about
Russell Martin has that.
Like
The guy in the #18 article projects Chase in the minors and Mercer as a utility man that can play short.
And Sands is out of options?
Sands has one option left
Sands has one option year left. FYI, Gaby also has options left and so does Harrison and Presley.
Thanks!
Last year when the slide was nearing its end I wished that Mercer would have played more
Today’s lineup
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306159_10151510979702931_200273969_n.jpg
Good to see Martin getting some hacks today
Enjoyed the article and video on Gaby. I think he has a good chance to be good and make an impact this year.
I was waiting for him to say to DK “So I hear you weren’t too impressed that I was one of the players that was brought over here at the deadline”.
Seriously DK, how often do players/coaches (in any sport) speak to you -and take issue- about what you have written?
Forgive me, what is the history of today starting pitcher? I don’t recognize the name.
Radio,
My guess is that his history, nor his stuff, are pretty good.
i’m too lazy to check but here’s my guess.
- tall guy
- had their eye on for years
- can’t pitch
6-3, 200
Only gave up 2 in the first on 2 hits and a walk. ERA for the Spring is down to 23.14.
Sounds like a spot-on assessment.
Then. If the following set of circumstances occur (again)…
1. It’s July and the Pirates are in striking distance of a playoff race, and
2. The Pirates’ third, fourth or fifth starter has two consecutive below average starts, and
3. Jeanmar, a man in desperate need of a nickname, has two consecutive above average starts in Indy, then…
Exactly 13 of us will demand that they sit “X” down “so we can see what the young guy can do”.
In the midst of a playoff race(!)
Then if they’re crazy enough to do it, we’ll complain that “X” is sulking in the bullpen and demand that he be traded because “he doesn’t want to be here”.
Then if Jeanmar flops, we’ll make snide comments about Neal, Jeanmar and his downward plane.
We don’t even have to watch the season. We know what’s gonna happen.
Sounds like another spot-on assessment.
BTW, Jeanmar got through the second unscathed, but just gave up a 2-run dinger to Miggie after walking the leadoff hitter in the third.
He had his ERA down to 13, but now it’s back up to 19.
But, don’t forget, it’s only Spring Training!
Drew, I wish you would have said “Spoiler Alert”.
So far today we’ve had a Foiler and a Spoiler.
Good thing Dan Pastorini isn’t here.
Because, well, you know
And by the way. I think I have his nickname.
867-5309
Insanity:Repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Jeanmar, they got your number,
ERA’s over nine.
Neal, you are Dumb and Dumber,
8-6-7-5-3-0-9 (8-6-7-5-3-0-9)
8-6-7-5-3-0-9 (8-6-7-5-3-0-9)
See? It repeats.
+1
like
http://pirates.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=491646#gameType='S'§ionType=career&statType=2&season=2013&level='ALL‘
And I think we have our #5 starter.
Another perfect fiasco of a game. On the bright side, at my age, routine is comforting.
+1
Double amen. But, on the bright side, Marte has our first hit.
Ain’t no posts on your Dukes thread, Drew.
Marte with “both” Pirate hits today through 7. But it’s only Spring Training.
Pitching after Jeanmarred has been flawless. Zagurski, Melancon, Hughes.
Whoa! Saw a Pirate catcher named Paulino in the box score and concluded I had finally lost my mind.
You know, I honestly thought Joggin Ronnie might have been an option this offseason.
Wonder what would have happened if PRNW had stayed at catcher?
You’ll know I’ve succumbed to the temptation to turn right on Might Have Been Lane if my next 7 posts are links to Country & Western songs
+1
Hindsight is an easy thing to do
Gaby @ 3b is a sign that the Pirates are preserving weak options should it turn out that Pedro Alvarez is what he’s seemed to be – Il Busto.
I don’t think Gaby at third has anything to do with Pedro. I think it has to do with helping to evaluate bench options.
I have to agree with 21. I think they’re beyond the “Busto” stage with Pedro.
The club will sink or swim with Pedro
Looking for flexibility
I think pitching will determine if they sink or swim. I agree that they’re looking for flexibility, but not as it relates to Pedro. 30 homeruns and more importantly, 85 RBIs puts him pretty close to where I think he needs to be.
Fantasy Leagues
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