The New Kids

Two weeks in and the Nady/Marte trade is looking very nice. Jeff Karstens takes a perfect game into the eighth inning at Arizona after holding the Cubs scoreless for six innings at Wrigley Field in his previous start. 15 scoreless innings against two first place teams: very impressive. And the other two pitchers acquired from the Yankees, Ross Ohlendorf and Daniel McCutcheon, have both pitched fairly well for the AAA club. One of the more impressive aspects of their performances has been that they’ve consistently pitched into the seventh or eighth innings with a minimal number of walks. Very un-Piratelike of them, and I mean that in a good way. Oh, and let’s not forget young Jose Tabata, rehabbing from a hamstring injury with the Rookie level club in Bradenton. In a game a couple of days ago, he homered twice. Sure this was at about two or three levels below where he will be playing the rest of the season, but it’s encouraging nonetheless.

Post Deadline Thoughts

Though the Pirates had no realistic shot at the post season this year, let alone a winning record, the losses of Xavier Nady, Damaso Marte and Jason Bay do sting. Well, really only Bay. Marte had only 2 months left in Pittsburgh and Nady would have been gone at the end of next year. Bay, though also a free agent after the 2009 season, would have been more likely to have been offered an extension than Nady. So, knowing that Marte was leaving soon and Nady, who is having a career year, soon after, I was more than fine with trading them now.

The return they got from the Yankees for the pair may turn out to be very good, but it's a little early to tell. Jeff Karstens did pitch well in his Pirate debut yesterday, and with two other pitchers and young Jose Tabata in the mix, I am optimistic. So they weren't able to pry David Price from the Rays for Nady, and they didn't receive the equivalent of 2 first round picks for Marte (A little aside: The chances of the Pirates receiving 1 first round pick and a sandwich pick for Marte in the off season were very slim. The Bucs would have had to a) decline Marte's option, making him a free agent, b) have Marte qualify as a Type A free agent [possible], c) offer Marte Salary Arbitration, d) have another major league team be willing to sign Marte to a contract worth around 3 or 4 million per year and be willing to sacrifice their 1st round draft pick to the Pirates in order to sign Marte. If the Pirates tried for the 2 picks, they would probably end up taking Marte to arbitration and receiving no draft picks. Their better option would have been to not offer arbitration and just accept the sandwich pick. Sorry, that was a long aside.) So the Pirates, a team with absolutely no depth in the minor leagues, acquired some much needed reinforcements. Sure, only Tabata has a realistic chance of being a star someday, but helping to restock the the minor league teams is worth the loss of two quality major league players.

Jason Bay, on the other hand, hurts a lot. The quality of players in return might exceed what the Pirates received in the Nady/Marte deal, but Bay is an elite player, and fan favorite. This deal might make sense in the same way the other does, but it is disappointing to lose a player of Bay's caliber.

The loss of 2 impact offensive players almost certainly means that 2009 will not be the year the Pirates return to contention. Even assuming Andrew McCutcheon shows up and performs well, and the combination of Steve Pearce and Brandon Moss can produce, and the new pitching delivers, with possibly a resurgence of Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny, it still might not be enough. Hopefully the Pirates can sign Pedro Alvarez and a few other impact players from this past draft, so that maybe 2010 can be our year. I know that's a lot of ifs, but ifs are all that Pirate fans have these days.

Just another summer?

Mid July: the time of year where the Pirates typically fade from moderate respectability. The glimpses of hope from the first half all but disappear. The team falls further below .500 and much further from the playoff picture. One or two trades later (veteran for “prospects”, usually), the Pirates somehow begin to win again. Not enough to get back into the postseason race, but enough to make us fans feel optimistic about the following season. The team put together a winning streak, led by an over performing (unbeknownst to us, though) young player. Maybe a mid-September slide ensures that we don’t come too close to a winning record, but otherwise a pleasing final two months of the season is had.

Will 2008 be any different? It doesn’t appear likely. As I write this, the Pirates are 8 games under .500 and about 10 games out of the wild card lead. Larger obstacles have been overcome, sure, but realistically the season will end in September. Winning record? Possibly. Playoffs? I don’t think so. Therefore it must be time to make some trades. With Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte the most likely to go, and with a number of potential suitors, the chance of quality prospects in return is decent. Deadline trades in recent years typically have not netted the Bucs much in return (Matt Morris [though this was kind of a backwards trade], Brian Rogers, Bobby Hill, Jose Hernandez, Ray Sadler, Ryan Vogelsong, etc.), though there have been a few good additions (Xavier Nady, Jason Bay, Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson, Jose Bautista, so pretty much our starting lineup). Wow, I’m suddenly compelled to stick up for Dave Littlefield: Though incompetent in the draft and free agency, Littlefield only made one awful deadline deal that I can think of off the top of my head (I’m not counting Morris for Rajai Davis as awful because it just cost the team money and Davis probably won’t amount to more than a role player): Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton for Hill, Hernandez and some minor league pitcher named Kucher or Mucher. If I forgot one, please let me know, but I think that’s it. Just one awful trade. Well done, Mr. Littlefield. But I’m hopeful this year. Frank Coonelly and Neil Huntington seem like they know what they’re doing. I still expect Nady and Marte to go, but the return should be more substantial than we’re accustomed to.

Which brings us to August, were a youngster fools us into believing for another year. Who will it be this year? Steve Pearce? Andrew McCutcheon? Uh…I guess that’s it. Okay, so I’m sounding all cynical, but years of losing has jaded me. Years of losing the same way. But despite all I’ve written, there really is hope. Sure the pitching has been awful this year and there is no depth in the Minors, but the offense has been very good and the team plays with more intensity than in recent years. That does count for something. And now that I think about it, the youngster who “over performed” last year was Nate McLouth, and he actually turned out okay. He even plays centerfield (for now), which has been the most common position for our false hopes.

So, our upper management is now competent. Our team manager and coaches seem all right too (cut Jeff Andrews some slack, people). The team plays harder and more as a team than under Jim Tracy, and probably Lloyd McClendon. The Curse of the Center Field Tease has been broken. A winning record can’t be too far behind, can it?

Pirate Musings

The Draft

Alright, so I’m a bad blogger. It’s been nearly a week since the amateur draft and I haven’t posted anything. I’m here to make up for it. So I do like picking Pedro Alverez in the first round. (I like it very much. Ha ha.) I’m not too terribly worried about Scott Boras being his agent. I mean, the Pirates currently have one of his clients in Xavier Nady and five or six odd years into his career there is nothing too terribly unusual or cumbersome about his contract. The Boras factor could pose a problem six years into Alverez’s major league career when he reaches free agency and demands $20 million per year. Though under that scenario, Alverez must have been putting up some special numbers if he could possibly demand a salary that high. So at the very least, the Pirates could have Alverez for six years. If he’s awesome and they can’t sign him, he could be traded for quite a bit. If he’s a disappointment, they’ll probably save a little money. The other issue with Alverez is his recovery from a broken hamate bone in his hand. So, I’ve read that the hamate bone is useless. I have also read that having the hamate bone removed (which is what Alverez did) will sap a hitter of his power for 12 to 18 months. So I guess that means it takes the hand up to a year and a half to learn how to deal with its missing useless little bone. Whatever you say. Anyway, the Pirates seem unconcerned with this, so I suppose I should be as well.

The Pirate’s second round pick, pitcher Tanner Scheppers from Fresno State is another intriguing option. He too is coming off injury, this one a fracture in his throwing shoulder. This injury was enough to scare most teams off someone who was thought to be a high first round pick not too many months ago. Well, if he can make a full recovery, Scheppers seems to have tremendous upside. The Pirate’s system is not exactly rich in pitching, so the risk here is absolutely worth it.

Capps Blows…

…Save. Matt Capps does not blow. Sorry for the misleading headline. He’s a tremendous pitcher and I’m very happy with him as the team’s closer. But even the best closers cough up the lead now and then. This one stands out more because it was against the lowly Washington Nationals and because this is not a way the Pirates lose. Actually the Pirates seem to lose in only one way: The starting pitcher struggles and the offense can’t quite make up for it. Also, the way the Pirates win is similar: The starting pitcher struggles and the offense barely compensates for it. So I guess when Capps figures in the decision it’s news. Also, to give the guy a little credit, it was his third straight game and the ball really was flying out of the yard that game.

Is Duke back?

Over his last 8 starts, Zach Duke has put up some very nice numbers: a 4 and 2 record, a 3.40 ERA and a WHIP of 1.37 (which is good for Duke)I don’t want to jinx him, so I’ll say no more.


Sorry, Doug. I was wrong.

Back in March, I was trying to figure out who would make up the Pirate’s bench. I figured there was no way Doug Meintkeiwicz would make it, despite some impressive sound bites early in camp and the respect his teammates showed for him. I questioned why the team would need a second bench coach, since he wasn’t likely to see the field often. Well, here we are in June, and though Doug does not have the most impressive stats, he has made a legitimate contribution to the team. He has filled in (bordering on a platoon, really) at third and played a little right field, in addition to some spot starts at first, his natural position. And though it seem most games he starts he ends up with an error and an 0 for 4, the games that he does contribute in he practically becomes the Pirate’s only offensive catalyst. And, of course, he doesn’t back down from a 6’10” behemoth. My apologies, Mr. Meintkeiwicz.

Pathetic Pitching Perturbs Patient Pirate Partisan

Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny figured to be the two horses in the Pirate’s starting rotation this season. They were easily the two most consistent starters a year ago and they’re young. I figured the only way they wouldn’t pitch just as well, if not better, than last year would be if they got injured. Well, two months into the season and neither one is hurt. Unfortunately, they’ve pitched much worse than I could have imagined. Gorzelanny has had some trouble with bases on balls in the past, but this seems new to Snell. Four walks in a game would have been ridiculously high for him the last couple years. He’s already surpassed that on a few different occasions this year. And Gorzo? I hate to hit someone when they’re down, so I won’t.

Through April and May, Paul Maholm has pitched about as well as he did in the first third of 2007. Last year, he turned that so-so start into a very consistent and efficient 15 starts or so from June through August. Perhaps more of the same is on the way.

Zach Duke has looked very good at times this year, but quite awful at others. But this year, the good innings appear much more frequently than they have the last year or two. At least with Duke, we know walks will never be much of a problem.

Phil Dumatrait has looked very good in almost every one of his starts. Very good for three or four innings. Very bad for one or two. He’s still young and he’s only made a half dozen starts for Pittsburgh, so I remain optimistic.

Breaking news: Bryan Bullington, the first overall pick in the 2002 draft and very infrequent member of the Pirate’s pitching staff, was called up today from AAA Indianapolis. Marino Salas was sent down, so it appears Bullington is here for long relief, at least for the time being. He has had little success in his two previous stints in Pittsburgh. I seriously hope the third time’s the charm.

Tonight’s game: Speaking of pitching, Phil Dumatrait delivered perhaps the best pitched game by a Pirate this season: 7 innings, 2 infield singles, 0 earned runs, 2 walks, 9 strike outs and, most importantly, a win.

Watch out for the Bucs!

If I were to judge the Pirates based solely on the just completed three game series against the Giants, I would have to consider them a playoff caliber team. Impressive hitting (one huge offensive game, one with just enough, and one come-from-behind win with some nifty clutch work), solid starting pitching (Duke pitched very well up to the eighth, Dumatrait was fantastic, and Maholm was decent, save one bad inning), and exceptional defense (no errors *, a handful of double plays, and some highlight reel catches). Unfortunately, this series may have been the exception to the rule. But I’m very glad that I was able to watch a dominant three game sweep by my Bucs.

In the larger scheme, there were certainly some specific positives to take from the series:

Two struggling key players starting to come around: Freddy Sanchez, now hitting from the leadoff spot, had seven hits in the series. Adam LaRoche, always a slow starter, had a couple big hits, including a home run and the go ahead RBI single on Thursday. I’m very encouraged by the fact that the Pirates offense has been fairly decent this year despite Sanchez and LaRoche struggling, along with Jose Bautista and whoever is playing shortstop. I realize that Nate McLouth will not hit 50 home runs this year and Xavier Nady will not drive in 162 runs, but even if those two come back to earth a bit, we’ve got Sanchez and LaRoche waiting to take their place. Barring injury or trade, the Pirates could easily finish in the middle of the pack this season in most offensive categories. I know that doesn’t sound very impressive, but for this team it is.

The backend of the rotation improves: Zach Duke, who is very crucial to the starting rotation being better than average, had his second consecutive strong start on Tuesday. Granted, the opponents for these two games were Washington and San Francisco, but the fact that he did pitch well against anyone is good enough for me. And Phil Dumatrait, who pitched three fine innings against Washington last week before a power outage caused a delay, followed that up with a terrific 5 2/3 on Wednesday against the Giants. Dumatrait nearly pitched 6 scoreless innings in that start, which I believe gives him more scoreless innings pitched than Matt Morris this year (I just made up that stat, but seriously, it might be true). If Duke and Dumatrait are capable of this, at least on occasion, it takes a lot of pressure off Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny. And those two could probably use that to help them get back on track.

The bench improves: I love Nyjer Morgan. He seems like a great person and he plays very hard. But languishing on the bench and starting once every three weeks is no way for him to develop as a ballplayer. Now he has the chance to play regularly, I assume in left field with our lord and savior Andrew McCutchen in center, for the AAA team. So to fill the roster spot, the Pirates acquired Jason Michaels from the Indians. Michaels is a veteran who can play anywhere in the outfield (center may be questionable however) and can provide a more imposing bat off the bench. Since Nate McLouth is superhuman, most of Michaels starts should be in left or right field, as Jason Bay and Nady will surely need more days off before long. With open spots on the 40-man roster and a small price to pay for acquiring Michaels (an insignificant player to be named, plus the Indians will pay a large chunk of Michaels’ salary), this deal has little downside. It helps the team this year and it allows Morgan to progress as a player.

Next up: 4 games against the Atlanta Braves. Now we find out if the Pirates are turning the corner and becoming a better team, or if a lesser team just made them appear better.

If only we had starting pitching and defense...

Two of the biggest factors in the Pirates' early season troubles are the absence of Jack Wilson and the presence of Matt Morris. In the three plus weeks since Wilson went down with a calf injury, his replacements at shortstop have committed ten errors. It usually takes Wilson about 4 or 5 months to reach that figure on his own. The Bucs desperately need him back, but he hasn't even begun a rehab assignment yet. The recent word is that the team hopes he returns for the series against the Giants on May 6. That might be optimistic.

In brighter news, the Pirates plan to recall pitcher John Van Benschoten from AAA on Sunday. The team has not yet said how he'll be used or what current player will be moved to clear a spot on the roster for him. One would have to assume that Van Benschoten will start since he is a starter and he is doing a fine job at that in Indianapolis. Therefore, especially after yet another horrendous performance tonight against the Phillies, Matt Morris would appear to be the odd man out. Tom Gorzelanny has not pitched well all year, so he could be a candidate to be sent down to the minors, but that seems unlikely, and potentially very unpopular with Pirate fans. The obstacle with Morris however, is his contract. He is guaranteed over ten million dollars this season, plus a one million dollar buyout for next year, so that would be a lot of money for the thrifty Pirates to eat. The post-Gazette website reported that a compromise is possible: Morris could retire, thus saving face by not being released, and receive a settlement of something less than the total money he is owed. That option would certainly be ideal for the Pirates, perhaps less so for Morris. However it goes down I think it's the right move for the Pirates. Even if Van Benschoten pitches like he did last year for Pittsburgh, which was very Morris-like, it would be more productive for the team in the long term to find out he's not the answer than to keep sending Morris, a player who has no future beyond this year with the Pirates, to the mound every five days. We'll see what happens.

The Pirates on TV: Friend or Foe?

I often complain about the lack of televised Pirate games. I always find someone to blame for there being usually no more than a dozen games in a given season that I can watch out here in California. I could blame the 'liberal media', or maybe the conservative corporations that own said media and make a hefty profit off of them. Sorry, wrong rant. Anyway, perhaps I should be thankful that more Pirates games are not televised.

Today I watched my third Pirates game of the year, all against the Cubs. All three games were won by the Cubs, by a combined score of 26 to 16. Not exactly a number that paints our pitching staff in a favorable light. I don't have the stats in front of me, but I'm pretty sure the Pirates have won fewer than 40 percent of their games that I've been fortunate (fortunate?) enough to watch. This also applies to games I've attended (though they did have an impressive come-from-behind win at San Francisco last year that I witnessed). The common baseball fan might be saying to themselves, "40%? Why golly, that sounds pretty good for the Pirates." Well, allow me to correct you: since I became a fan in 1988, the Pirates have won fewer than 40% of their games just once, 38.3% in 2001. In fact, their combined winning percentage since then is 46.8%. Who's laughing now, cynics?

Anyway, my point is that it is probably much easier on my heart and mind and soul if I just read about the Pirate's losses online. I'm less invested in each game that way. Each of these three games this year began with Nate McLouth reaching base by hit or walk. So I'm immediately excited and optimistic. Shortly after, each time, McLouth was out on the basepaths, once on a fielder's choice, the other two on pickoffs. I should take those first inning gaffes as a sign to lower my expectations for the rest of the game. But sadly I never do.

Nate McLouth is a Golden God!

Wow. Seriously, wow. Nate McLouth, bench player/spot starter/pinch runner the last 2 seasons is thriving as an everyday player for the Pirates this young season. He has at least one hit in every game thus far, leading the majors there. He's also tied for the National League lead in doubles and among the leaders in runs, RBIs and batting average. So it should come as no shock to anyone that this very night, our beloved center fielder hit a 3-run home run with two outs in the ninth against the Dodgers and their previously unscored upon closer Takashi Saito to give the Pirates a dramatic 6-4 victory. There was no television for this game where I live, but I was following along on mlb.com's gamecast (I converted, thanks Cub). One nice thing abouts mlb's gamecast is that they have video footage available pretty soon after most scoring action happens. So I got to watch McLouth's winning shot while listening to Vin Scully call it. That was fantastic. The win put the Pirates over .500. I know it's early, but I plan to get as much enjoyment as possible from the Pirate's winning record. I'll also get a little extra enjoyment tomorrow at work as the guy whose desk is next to mine just so happens to be a Dodgers fan. But I'll try not to gloat too much.

One week in

It's one week into the season and it's hard to tell how the Pirates look, at least compared to previous victory-deficient seasons. The offense has been better than a typical Bucs offense in April. The starting pitching has been a little weak though. With the exception of Gorzelanny on Monday, all the starters pitched have pitched well enough to keep the team in the game, but usually not anything to get excited about (Snell on Sunday, clearly the exception). Today however, Zach Duke has pitched quite well. He became the first Pirate of the season to pitch into the seventh inning. He allowed ten baserunners (8 hits, 1 walk, 1 hit-by-pitch), but only one run. Duke also had six strikeouts, which is a nice total for him. Unfortunately, the Pirate's offense has not yet shown up (it's currently 1-0 in the eighth, and the Pirates have 1 hit). The last time I posted during a game, the Pirates came from behind to win, so I'm hoping for the same thing tonight.

Other Bucs News:
Over the weekend, the Pirates signed closer Matt Capps to a two year deal, at an affordable rate even. So, that's three three key players the team has signed to multi-year contracts in the past few months. All three players are good enough to start on most teams and they're certainly players the Pirates need to win. And the contracts are very team/ownership friendly too. I'm impressed.

(error on Osoria; 2-0 Cubs. Boo.)

McCutchen Watch: Though he's hitting just over .200, future Gold Glover/All-Star/Hall of Famer (not too much pressure, right?) Andrew McCutchen already has two homeruns for the AAA team. This modest bit of success is encouraging since he got of to such a rough start last year. I hope he starts to put up some impressive numbers so the Pirates are forced to make a decision on him.

Well, back to the game for me.

(Bautista leads off eighth with single! That's encouraging.)

Pirates pull through in eventful game in Atlanta

The Pirates were able to pull off their second extra inning victory of this young season on Thursday in Atlanta, 4 to 3 over the Braves. Before the game started, poor Mike Hampton of Atlanta suffered yet another injury, this one a strained pectoral muscle that will send him to the Disabled List. Not that I wanted him to have a good start against Pittsburgh, but I certainly feel for the guy. He hasn't pitched since 2005 due to a variety of injuries and he was so good once upon a time that I can't help but pull for him. Anyway, the Pirates had their own injury concerns in this game as well. Jack Wilson left with a strained calf moments after he drove in the tying run in the seventh inning. His injury does not appear too serious and he could return this weekend in Florida. Freddy Sanchez also left the game early due to his lingering shoulder. Manager John Russell called it precautionary though. Hopefully he'll be back tomorrow.

But the most interesting part of the game came in the 10th when Bobby Cox brought in a lefty, Royce Ring, to face Adam LaRoche. Knowing is overused bullpen was running low on available arms, Cox moved his current pitcher, right-hander Chris Respo, to left field while Ring pitched to LaRoche. Ring struck LaRoche out and then Cox moved Respo back to the mound, with right-handed hitter Xavier Nady due up, and summoned a new left fielder from his bench. At that point, position players were more plentiful than pitchers so this would seem to be a smart move. It did backfire to some degree, as Nady drove home the eventual winning run off Respo. I still like this strategy and I was shocked to learn afterwards that this was the first time it's been used in nearly 18 years.

Tonight was also the return of Zach Duke. Well, in the first five innings Duke slightly resembled the phenom he was in 2005. In inning number six, he looked like last year's version. I'm really pulling for this guy, so I hope he can build on this start and return to being, at least, an effective major league starter.

Bucs win opener 12-11

It wasn't pretty, but the Pittsburgh Pirates were able to hang on and defeat the Atlanta Braves in 12 innings today. One of the team's strengths nearly cost them the game though. Of all the reasons for the Pirates to lose, I would have ranked late relief pretty far down the list. But that's moot, since they won. I know they won their first 3 last year, so I don't want to get too excited, but I'm very pleased with the team's hitting tonight. I don't expect 12 runs in a game to happen often, but I just hope they can keep the bats hot.

TBS is NOT very funny

So now that the "Superstation" is playing with the big boys, broadcasting MLB games nationally, they will no longer be the home of the Atlanta Braves. This is upsetting because as a Pirates fan in California, I only get so many chances to watch my team play. With about 6 games per year against Atlanta, I could count on 3 or 4 being on TBS. Not any more. I do realize that in addition to the post-season, TBS will show a game of the week every Sunday. But seriously, what are the chances that they'll squeeze in a Pirate game? Not good. So here I am: It's Opening Day, the Pirates are playing right now (4-2 Braves in the 6th) and normally I would be watching the game on TBS. But this year I'm reduced to watching the GameCast on ESPN.com, which I actually kind of like. But sill. Anyway, enough complaining, I've got to go see if Bautista can keep the inning alive: "J Bautista grounded out to first, X Nady scored" Woo-hoo! (4-3 Braves, still in 6th)

And to those who didn't make it

Sean Burnett:

It would have been such a nice story if Burnett had made the team. The first round pick from 2000 has had quite an eventful seven plus years in the Pirate’s organization, from his flashes of brilliance in the Majors in 2004 to the multiple arm surgeries that followed and the last couple of years in the minors trying to get back to being the pitcher he once was. And then this spring, he switches from starting to relieving to better his odds of making the major league team. And he pitched phenomenally: 10 innings, I run allowed, 3 hits allowed, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts. Seriously, that’s fantastic. But management’s plan apparently was to see if Burnett could make the transition to the bullpen, in hopes of salvaging his career, which will continue in Triple-A. At first it seems harsh, to have Burnett pitch his heart out to prove himself all over again, and then send him to the minors the last couple days of Spring Training. What the Pirates actually did, in selecting Phil Dumatrait, another lefty with comparable major league experience but lesser results, over Burnett for the last bullpen spot, was keep two potential major league caliber pitchers in their organization. Burnett, not a member of the 40-man roster, has no choice but to report to the minors (unless he pulls a Duffy, and skips town). Dumatrait, an off-season waiver pickup from Cincinnati, could opt for free agency if he didn’t make the big league team. Though it certainly stings for Burnett, and for all the Bucs fans pulling for him, he’s made the short list in case the Pirates need another reliever, which I’m sure they will at some point before long.

Steve Pearce:

Pearce was sent to the Pirate’s Minor League camp weeks ago, and his chance of making the team out of Spring Training was never strong. This despite putting together a tremendous season a year ago. Pearce started in high-A ball (75 at-bats: .347 avg., 11 HRs, 24 RBIs) and advanced through AA (290 at-bats: .334, 14, 72), through AAA (122 at-bats: .320, 6, 17), all the way to Pittsburgh (68 at-bats: .294, 0, 6). An amazing run for a player we all have high hopes for. But I would much rather see him play every day in AAA this year than sit on the bench in the majors. Xavier Nady will most likely be traded by the end of July, and at that point, at least I hope, the glorious Steve Pearce era will begin.

Masumi Kuwata:

I’m usually not too sentimental (despite my obvious man-crush on Sean Burnett, and well, Freddy Sanchez and Ian Snell and…) but I couldn’t help but be moved by Kuwata’s story. Here’s a guy who was a superstar on the diamond for years in Japan. Back when he was still in his prime, he wanted strongly to play in the Major Leagues, but his team in Japan wouldn’t let him out of his contract. Years go by and now Kuwata, though with diminished skills, is finally granted the opportunity he long desired. And of all teams to sign with, he chooses Pittsburgh. So he suffers a bad ankle injury and doesn’t make the major league team in 2007, but he gladly rehabs and heads to the minors to continue his dream. Someone at the time asked him how he could go from being a superstar in Japan to riding buses across the Midwest as a minor leaguer. He responded, and I’m paraphrasing, that he was just happy to be playing baseball in America. This guy’s freakin’ awesome. Anyway, a few months pass and Kuwata gets called up to the majors. And he makes his first appearance at Yankee Stadium! He pitched fairly well for his the first few weeks, including his now infamous strikeout of Ichiro Suzuki on like a 62 MPH curveball. But then the struggles began. Hitters caught on to him and his stuff just wasn’t as good as it used to be. He ended up with some horrible statistics (which won’t be repeated here since this is a heart-warming story) by season’s end, and it looked like retirement was in store for him. But the Pirate’s offered him another contract and an invitation to Spring Training in 2008. Kuwata mulled it over and eventually accepted. Despite pitching fairly well this spring, Kuwata never really had a shot to make the team, which is understandable. But I’m glad he came back for another try. (Warning: I’m about to get extra sappy) Baseball needs more players like Masumi Kuwata. It’s refreshing to hear about a baseball player who loves the game so much he’s will to play for less money than he used and travel in worse conditions. Kuwata decided to officially retire this week. Though he made little difference in the team’s performance while he was here, it was an honor to have him nonetheless.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2008 Opening Day Roster

Pitchers:
Matt Capps
Zach Duke
Phil Dumatrait
John Grabow
Tom Gorzelanny
Paul Maholm
Damaso Marte
Evan Meek
Matt Morris
Franquelis Osoria
Ian Snell
Tyler Yates

Catchers:
Ryan Doumit
Ronny Paulino

Infielders:
Jose Bautista
Chris Gomez
Adam LaRoche
Doug Mientkiewicz
Luis Rivas
Freddy Sanchez
Jack Wilson

Outfielders:
Jason Bay
Nate McLouth
Nyjer Morgan
Xavier Nady

Pirates Preview 2008: The Outfield

I was all excited to write about Steve Pearce and where he might fit in on the Buc’s team this year, but his reassignment to the Minor League camp on Monday kind of dampened my spirit; probably Pearce’s spirit too. Though he’s out of the picture for the opening day roster, barring an injury or trade, I do expect him to up at some point this year.

As for the starters, Jason Bay will certainly be the left fielder. It’s strange how one bad year caused such a drop in his status among major league outfielders. A year ago he was considered one of the top outfielders in the league and a superstar in the making. Now he’s washed up? I think it’s a little premature for that. I fully expect Bay to return to his 2004-2006 level, so maybe a .280 average, 30 homeruns and 100 RBIs will silence the critics.

Right field seems to be set too. When healthy last year, Xavier Nady but up solid numbers and provided many clutch hits. Assuming he’s healthy this year, his numbers could approach Bay’s. However, Nady is the most likely of all Pirates to be traded, so we might not get to see those numbers in their entirety. If he’s healthy, and producing fairly well, Nady will be gone by July 31.

Center field is the only position, other than catcher, with a legitimate competition going on. (Okay, the bullpen too, but Evan Meek versus Phil Dumatrait is hardly exciting.) Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan are competing for the starting job. Early on it seemed that if McLouth won the job, Morgan would start the year in AAA, since he’s less experienced and in more need of regular playing time. Assuming that option plays out, coupled with the departure of Pearce and part-time outfielder Ryan Doumit battling Ronny Paulino for the catcher’s job, who does that leave as reserve outfielders? Kevin Thompson? That’s it? So, I think this competition will not end when the season begins. I expect McLouth and Morgan to share time in center, pretty evenly. This gives the team a solid fourth outfielder and perhaps even raises the competitive spirit on the team a bit. Whoever eventually winds up as the regular will have to make way for Andrew McCutchen by next year, so…

2008: LF Bay, CF McLouth/Morgan, RF Nady

2009: LF Morgan, CF McCutchen, RF Pearce ?

Spring Training Musings

Arrogant Yankees to play 59 year old actor against Pirates:

Having the highest payroll in professional sports and having won 26 World Championships apparently just isn’t enough for the vaulted New York Yankees. Now they’ve got to rub it in our perennially losing faces. So Billy Crystal signed a one day contract with New York and the Yankees figure playing him against Pittsburgh is their best bet to make their comedic golden boy look good. Oh, we’ll see. Paul Maholm’s gonna show them a thing or two. But seriously, I’m not sure what I would do if I were Maholm. Spring Training is important. I’m sure Maholm does not want to waste any opportunity to get in shape for the season and worrying about facing Crystal could affect his mental approach to the game. Do you pitch to Crystal like you would any other hitter? Do you lay one in there for him? Or do you throw one up and in as payback for My Giant? We shall see.

Duke receives pay cut; Savings to help offset money wasted on Jim Tracy’s staff:

Though it was only a decrease of $10,000, Zach Duke’s pay cut this season seems unusual to me. Usually when this happens in the pre-arbitration period of a player’s career it’s because said player missed a significant amount of playing time the previous year(s). Duke did miss a small chunk last year and his performance was uninspiring, but giving a cut to a young player the team still has hopes for strikes me as odd. Perhaps they’re hoping it will work as motivation, but knowing the Pirates, it was probably just penny pinching.

Now, to contradict my last statement…

Already this offseason, the Pirates have signed Freddy Sanchez to a multi-year contract extension and engaged in talks with closer Matt Capps, first baseman Adam LaRoche and pitcher Ian Snell. These are actually three young players that I feel are vital to the team’s success over the next few years. All three could be had for below market value if they are signed. I don’t expect all will be, at least not before the next offseason, but the fact that these extensions are even being considered reeks of smart player management. Maybe the new management is actually not like the old management. One can only hope.

Pirates Preview 2008: The Infield

So I really meant to have the entire Pirates preview up before Spring Training games started. However, my wife and I took an awesome vacation for about ten days in February and upon our return, I developed a debilitating addiction to PackRat on Facebook. Though not fully recovered from said addiction, I’ve decided to press on with the preview.

The starting infield appears to be set with Adam LaRoche at first, Freddy Sanchez at second, Jack Wilson at short and Jose Bautista at third:

LaRoche got off to a horrible start last year. Absolutely horrible. Though perennially a slow starter, I definitely expect a better first half this year. My guess at final stats: .285, 28 homers, 105 RBIs.

Sanchez has not disappointed yet, so for all I know he’ll hit .400. Though .315 with 80 some RBIs might be more realistic.

Jack Wilson’s great, but I hope he’s hitting eighth this year. Despite a hot final couple months last year, I see Jack pulling in a more standard .270 with a dozen homers.

Baustista should continue to see some across the board improvement. He sacrificed some power last year and became an overall better hitter, as his strikeouts dropped considerably and his average increased slightly. I think he’s going to continue to become even better and could go as high as a .280 average this year with 20 homers.

Barring injury, I can’t imagine anyone currently on the roster ousting one of these four. Even if Neil Walker tears the cover off the ball in Spring Training, he’s still heading to Triple-A to get some more work in at third base. So I guess the real question is the bench.

Since he’s signed for one million dollars, and he has experience at multiple positions, Chris Gomez should make the team. He’s old and he’s a weak hitter, and to be honest, he might be a step down from Jose Hernandez, but he’s a competent fielder. I just hope he’s not thrust into the starting lineup for an extended period for any reason. That would be bad.

Earlier in the year I figured Josh Wilson would have a good shot at making the team as another utility infielder. He still might, but with non-roster invitee Doug Mankiewicz playing well, even practicing at third, and showing good leadership, Josh Wilson’s status is in doubt. Though Mankiewicz seems like a good guy, he really needs to impress across the board to have good shot. His experience at first base means very little with LaRoche, a solid fielder himself, firmly planted there. And with Ryan Doumit and Xavier Nady having experience at first as well, you have to ask if a roster spot is worth a second bench coach. I would expect Wilson or someone like Luis Rivas to get the call, especially if Sanchez is not ready to go. He hasn’t played the field yet, as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery, but if Sanchez is fully healed and playing well, and no other starters are ailing, expect Gomez and Josh Wilson to be riding the pine in Atlanta on March 31.

Pirates Sign Sanchez to Extension; World Becomes Better Place

Today the Pirates have signed 2-time All Star Freddy Sanchez to a contract extension that could last through the 2010 season. The deal calls for 4 million this year, 6.1 million in 2009 and an option for 2010 at 8 million which the team can exercise or it could become automatic if Sanchez makes 635 plate appearances in 2009. The second baseman stud also gets a few hundred thousand as a signing bonus. [All contract details courtesy of ESPN.com]

Not only does this make my recently purchased Freddy Sanchez jersey worth more emotionally (or even spiritually), this does improve the team. The Pirates have no clear cut heir apparent to Sanchez in the minors, so us loyal fans know that we're going to be seeing at least one great player in the lineup every day. (Shortstop Jack Wilson and Left Fielder Jason Bay are signed through 2009, but Sanchez is the most likely of the three to last that long in Pittsburgh, and this piece is about him anyway, so that's why I'm singling him out as the "great player.")

I'm very excited by this move and I hope other fans are too. Maybe this could lead to a slight attendance increase, more player contract extensions, and in only a few more years, a winning record.

Pirates Preview 2008: Catchers

I’ve been delaying my Catching preview, waiting until Johnny Estrada or Paul Bako signed. Well, that didn’t happen. So, it looks like 2008 will be the Ronny Paulino show.

Everyone seems to love the Paulino from 2006, but hate the one from 2007, or at least the one from the first two thirds of 2007. This is yet another situation, like the one with Zach Duke, where we don’t know which performance we’ll see. I don’t expect a battling average over .300 like in ’06, but I do see a more consistent Paulino emerging this year. There are a number of reasons why.

1) Paulino has experienced a better than expected rookie year and a disappointing sophomore year. He’s seen the high and the low already, at least individually (team-wise: all low), and that experience should keep him, at least mentally, leveled.

2) Paulino has lost some weight in the off season, which doesn’t necessarily mean his performance will improve, but at least it implies he’s focused on getting better.

3) Jim Tracy no longer manages the Pirates. Tracy managed his players too passively, Paulino in particular.

4) John Russell is the new manger. Russell, a former catcher, should be of great help to Paulino. Russell understands the position and Paulino should benefit from this hiring more than any other Pirate.

As it appears now, Ryan Doumit will back up Paulino. Doumit is a very good hitter and a versatile player. He just has trouble staying healthy. Management does seem more interested in him playing right field than catching, so perhaps that could cut down on his injury time. Either way, Doumit is switch hitter with a little pop. He’s a much better left handed hitter than right (in ’07, .852 OPS from left side, .666 from right), which might mean, wherever he plays, it will be in a platoon situation. If Paulino struggles, and the Pirates do want Doumit to catch, the two of them could make a fine platoon: Doumit vs. righties: .865 OPS, Paulino vs. lefties: 1.055 OPS, 2007 numbers. Though defensively, even with his dropped throws and other problems last year, Paulino is superior.

Beyond those two, the Pirates don’t have many options. The only other catcher currently on their 40-man roster is Michel Hernandez, who has basically been a catcher at various AAA teams the last few years. And looking over the remaining free agents, only Kelly Stinnett and Damian Miller remain. Actually, I could see the Bucs signing either one of those two. And honestly, either would make a decent backup. Someone who starts once a week. That would push Doumit into an already crowded outfield, but if the Pirates would rather Doumit play the outfield, as they’ve stated in the past, they might as well get on with it.

Pirates Preview 2008: The Bullpen

Late relief was one of the Pirate’s strengths in 2007. Second year pitcher, and first year closer, Matt Capps did a more than capable job of converting his few save chances. Set-up men Solomon Torres, Shaun Chacon and John Grabow, on the whole, performed very well too. And lefty specialist Damaso Marte was phenomenal. The other two bullpens spots last year left a lot to be desired.

So where does that leave us in 2008? Well, Torres was traded to Milwaukee for two minor league pitchers who are unlikely to see any big league action this year. Chacon became a free agent and has yet to sign with any team. And despite some competitive bids, the Pirates have not made any significant additions to this group. So the Pirates took one of their strengths, and shaved off 40%. That doesn’t bode well.

But here’s the deal: It’s just the bullpen. I know, I know, the bullpen is vital for a team to be successful. But this team does not project to be much of a contender. I’m not saying they won’t contend, because the ’97 team looked much worse than this one, just that they don’t seem like they will. Some year, maybe even this one, everything will fall into place and the Bucs will win. Sure, many players will have to overachieve, but if we’re talking about overachieving anyway, let’s count on the bullpen to do that too. Why go out and sign 2 or 3 veteran relievers to multi-year contracts when the team doesn’t appear to be ready to win. Filling in the bullpen is something you do when you know you can compete. I’d rather the team spent that money signing Capps, Freddy Sanchez or Adam LaRoche to an extension.

But back to the bullpen, so we’ve got Capps, Marte and Grabow in place. There are rumors that the team is still talking with Chacon about returning. I could see that happening. They have already signed over-the-hill journeyman Elmer Dessens to fill a bullpen spot, and maybe be a spot starter. Franquelis Osoria and Romulo Sanchez both pitched fairly well last year in their limited appearances. Those two should vie for a roster spot. A handful of other young relievers made mostly forgettable appearances too: Brian Rogers, Juan Perez, Josh Sharpless, and Jonah Bayliss. I’m actually not sure if they’re all still around, but I could see one or two of them making a positive impact at some point this year. I also expect Sean Burnett to sneak in as a long reliever. He’s out of minor league options so it’s worth giving him a shot in the bullpen.

Projected Pirate’s Bullpen:

Matt Capps, Damaso Marte, John Grabow, Elmer Dessens, Sean Burnett, Franquelis Osoria and Jonah Bayliss (unless Chacon returns).

Not noticeably good, but considering the expectations of the team, it should be adequate.

Pirates Preview 2008: Starting Pitching

According to the Bucs’ brass, the team’s 2008 starting rotation will consist of, in likely order, Tom Gorzelanny, Ian Snell, Paul Maholm, Matt Morris and Zach Duke. Believe it or not, I’m okay with that. Clearly it’s not the best rotation in the majors, but it does have a chance to be pretty decent.

If Gorzelanny and Snell pitch about as well as they did last season, and that’s a reasonable assumption, then we have one of the better top two starter pairs in the league. Well, maybe the division. But still, that’s not bad. These two pitchers are young and they’ve been healthy. They have good control and they can get strikeouts, Snell in particular. An improvement, by both of them, is really not out of the question.

And then there’s Maholm. His final E.R.A. from last year is not impressive, but that number is seriously thrown off by his last two starts. These two starts came after he missed a few weeks with a minor injury. So, before the injury: 4.32 ERA; after the injury: 30.86 ERA, which resulted in an ERA for the season of 5.02. 5.02 looks bad, 4.32 looks respectable. I’m willing to believe that we’ll see a lot more of the 4.32 Maholm this year.

I do realize that Matt Morris is years removed from his prime. He was fantastic for a number of years in St. Louis, but those years are passed. What I did see from Morris last year was two very good months. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, those two months were in San Francisco, as a member of the Giants. My point is, if he could do it for a little bit last year, he can do it again. For a full year? Probably not, but maybe long enough to get us some return at the trading deadline. Cynical? Me? Yeah, I hope the Pirates win this year and I think they do have quite of few very good players, but realistically they’ll trade Morris in July if they can get something in return. And Morris won’t be a part of the team’s plans for 2009 anyway, so it’s not a big loss.

So what to make of Zach Duke? We all want to see that Greg Maddux-like rookie we saw three years ago. But will we? Duke gave us a tiny glimpse with his last start of 2007. (7 innings, 8 hits, 1 run, 0 walks, 4 strikeouts) Was it a sign of things to come? Will Duke regain his pre-Tracy/Colburn mechanics? Or should we just get used to last year’s results? I seriously have no idea. But I can hope.

So, I said earlier that the starting rotation is pretty nice. And then I went and pointed out some major question marks. Well, when discussing starting pitching one must always take into account the potential for injuries. This could be a problem for Pittsburgh. After the top five, we would have to turn to Sean Burnett, Bryan Bullington, John Van Benschoten and then maybe Elmer Dessens. Burnett had a great month in the majors four years ago, but it’s been injuries and the minors since. Bullington and Van Benschoten have also had injury issues and limited time in the majors. Dessens has been around and had a little bit of success in places like Cincinnati, but that time has passed. I trust him for long relief, but if he makes the rotation at some point in 2008, we’re in trouble.

Do Clothes Make the Man?

This past Friday was a very big day for me. I received in the mail a Freddy Sanchez jersey (pictured) which I had ordered the previous week. This is only the second Pirates jersey I have ever purchased, and the first in just over 17 years, Andy Van Slyke being the previous. I’m not sure why it’s been so long. There have certainly been some good players in that time. Brian Giles, Jason Kendall, Denny Neagle and Aramis Ramirez, to name of few. They have of course all moved on, but at one time or another, they were all deserving of having their name on the back of a $100 shirt. Maybe the dollar amount turned me off a little or maybe, though I hate to admit it, the losing soured the idea for me. Or maybe it’s just that the foolishly optimistic (and superstitious) part of me finally realized that the last time I bought a jersey, the Pirates won their division the following season (following two seasons, actually). So, maybe this is their year. Right?

[Author’s note: One year ago I bought a new Pirates hat and a new Pirates t-shirt. I remember thinking to myself “With this new hat and t-shirt, and the acquisition of Adam LaRoche, the Bucs are sure to contend this year.” As it turned out, the Pirates went 68 and 94, finishing in last place.]

Another potential reason I avoid buying jerseys is the chance that the particular player whose name is emblazoned across the back could be traded soon. Van Slyke played four more years in Pittsburgh after my original purchase, so I didn’t really have any cause for concern. But the thought always lingers. Anywho, I figured Sanchez would be a safe bet this time. He’s a great player. He’s a fan favorite. And he’s not due to become a free agent for two more years. Also, I recalled reading somewhere just after the 2007 season ended that Pirates' General Manager Neal Huntington planned to offer multi-year contract extensions to Matt Capps and Freddy Sanchez. That cinched the deal. The first week of this month, I placed my order, sat back and waited for my brand new, glorious, Pirate-for-life Freddy Sanchez jersey to arrive. Five days later, and four days before the jersey actually did arrive, I read this article on the Post-Gazette’s website. So apparently, Huntington and company plan to just sign Sanchez for this one upcoming season. And then they’ll see where it goes. I know this doesn’t mean that Sanchez will be gone after this year, but it still hurts a little. At least for now, I’ve got myself a slick jersey of the Bucs best player.

The Offseason Doldrums

As a rather intense baseball fan, I get quite a bit out of the offseason. I really enjoy following the trades, free-agent signings, Hall of Fame voting and so forth. It’s not as much fun as the actual baseball season, but there’s enough going on to keep me excited. And during the offseason, I love talking about such things with other baseball fans. The problem is that most baseball fans I know do little other than follow their own team’s moves. That means I have to stay on top of the A’s moves, the Giants’ moves, the Dodgers’ moves, etc., if I’m to engage these people in some serious offseason baseball chat. The problem is, these other fans don’t return the favor.

So I go up to coworker #1, let’s call him Sonny. So, Sonny’s a Giants fan. He follows his team well enough to know what’s going on with them. He knows Bonds is gone and that they signed Aaron Rowand. The Bonds situation is a bit tired, so Rowand’s my in. “So, Aaron Rowand, eh?” I offer. “Interesting pickup.” He replies, “Yeah, he’s a great signing. Good middle-of-the-lineup bat.” I counter, “They gave him a pretty hefty contract though. Is he worth that?” Sonny ponders this question and replies, “Sure. We’re the Giants. If we can pay Zito twice that, then why not?” Touché. Sonny continues, “The Pirates made any big moves?” Gulp. I say, “We just picked up Josh Wilson on waivers.” Sonny gives me condescending “Oh,” pats me on the shoulder and walks away.

Along comes coworker #2, heretofore known as Johnny. He’s a Dodgers fan. “What an offseason for your Dodgers, huh? First Joe Torre as your new manager and then Andruw Jones signs to play centerfield.” Johnny replies, “Oh, I know. I’m very excited. The division is tough, but we already have a number of great players. This could be our year.” I immediately jump in with, “Did you hear the Pirates signed Chris Gomez?” Johnny says,” Who? Should I know that name?” “Oh yeah, he’s a big-time veteran. He’s played for loads of teams. Baltimore, Tampa, San Diego. Lots more even,” I say. “I’ll take your word for it,” Johnny says.

Just then, coworker #3, Jimbo the A’s fan, trots over. “Argh, you see they traded Swisher too? First Haren and now Swisher,” he growls. “Oh yeah, I heard about that. But you got some good prospects from those trades,” I say. “Tell me about it. Our minor leagues are in great shape now. Haren’s a tough loss, but I ain’t gonna miss that hippie Swisher. Good riddance, I say. Argh,” Jimbo says. “So,” I say, “do you want to hear who the Pirates might sign?” Jimbo tilts his head and looks at me cock-eyed. “Now why the hell would I want to do that? I’m goin’ back to work.” He stomps off.

Okay, so maybe these are slight exaggerations. But who’s to blame for this awkwardness? My semi-ignorant baseball fan coworkers (if you’re reading this, and you were able to decode my aliases, my sincerest apologies) for not reading up on all 30 teams? Or is it me for spending way too much time doing said reading, as well as for following a lackluster team? Or is it the Pirates for making news only with bad news? It can't be me or the Pirates, right? So it must be the first one.

A Fan from a Distance

Being a Pirate fan in California gives me few opportunities to watch my team play, though when I do have the chance, I rarely pass it up. With snobby ESPN only airing “good” teams, I must rely on local broadcasts, TBS and WGN. The Bucs usually play the Giants (local) and Braves (TBS) 6 teams per season each. About two thirds of those are televised locally. And they play the Cubs about 15 or so times, with maybe 6 or 7 on WGN. I try to catch all of those games. Occasionally, the White Sox (WGN) or the A’s (local) will show up on the Bucs’ schedule, thanks to interleague play. I don’t miss those either. So in a normal year, I get to watch maybe 15 Pirates games on TV.

When the Pirates come to town to play the Giants (or A’s) I usually just go to one game. Partly because of money but also due to the jinx I put on them. Over the course of 18 seasons, the Pirates have probably not won more than a third of the games I’ve attended. I saw them win last year at San Francisco, which may have been their first victory I witnessed since I watched them beat the Rockies in Denver in 1999. The Pirates have enough trouble winning; I don’t want to exacerbate the situation.

So where do I turn to get my fix? I often frequent the Bucs’ official MLB site as well as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s coverage. I’m a fan of Dejan Kovacevic’s Q & A on the Post-Gazette site. I visit ESPN.com and CSB Sportsline too. I’m also fortunate enough to be friends with a handful of baseball fans (Even my wife! Though, since she’s from Rhode Island, she likes the Red Sox), none of which are Pirates fans, unfortunately.

Other than that, I have my overactive imagination. I have been known, over the years, to make lists of the Pirates’ roster, projected roster for the next season, guesstimated statistics, player salaries (taking arbitration into account, of course), potentially attractive free agents, and so forth. Sometimes I even have imaginary conversations with Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson as I fall asleep at night.

So maybe I’m using this blog as therapy. A way to cope with fifteen frustrating years. Or maybe the imaginative, and optimistic, part of me hopes that this will have a sort of butterfly effect on the Pirates, if not a more direct effect. Maybe Bob Nutting will read this and think ‘Wow. This fan’s optimism and bravery inspire me. I think I’ll go trade for Russell Martin and Brad Penny.’ But he’ll probably just think ‘Damn. We can do whatever we want and they’ll still like us. Suckers.’

A little about me...

I was born in Colorado, which at that time was devoid of professional baseball teams. I moved to California in 1985 and two years later first became interested in baseball. The Oakland Athletics, in particular. My dad liked them and so did a few friends. So I joined in on the fun.

Then in 1988, I had what would best be described as the ideal first full season as a baseball fan. The local team that I rooted for had a great year. I discovered my own favorite ballplayer, Andy Van Slyke of the Pittsburgh Pirates. I attended my first pro game that year; I believe it was A’s versus Twins. I began collecting baseball cards, which brought me closer to the game. The year ended when my dad called my school and asked them if I could be let out a little early. He picked me up and then we drove to the Oakland Coliseum for game five of the World Series. The Dodgers prevailed that night to wrap up an all too brief World Series. Our A’s lost, but I had a great time.

I rooted for the Pirates on the side that year (I was still an A’s fan) and I can still remember where I was when I heard they were eliminated from the NL East race. The following year, the A’s went on to win the World Series. I was happy about that but a little part of me still mourned for the Pirates and their disappointing season. I liked the A’s, but I wanted a team to love and I felt the potential for that with the Pirates.

I bought my first baseball cap before the 1990 season. It was solid black, with a gold “P” in the front. I was ready, and so were the Pirates. What followed were three tremendous, if ultimately frustrating, seasons. After the debacle that was Game 7 in 1992, I was just as ready, just as optimistic, for the next season.

What came next, as you may know, were fifteen losing seasons. Only once, in 1997, did the Pirates legitimately compete for a postseason berth. But each spring, I was optimistic. Each spring I believed that there was hope. Maybe it was that ’97 club that warped my mind. If a team of Kevin Elster, Kevin Young and Kevin Polcovich could challenge for the division title into late September, this year’s team certainly could as well. And here in 2008, I still feel that way.

I know I live over 2000 miles from Pittsburgh. I know there are two other pro teams in my immediate area, and three others in my state. I realize that my state of birth has its own team now, and that they went to the World Series just last year. I could very easily pick a new team and no one would think any less of me. But it wouldn’t be the same. I love the Pittsburgh Pirates. And there will come a day when they win it all. And there could be nothing sweeter.