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.
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