The MLB Network aired the Pittsburgh Pirates' edition of their 30 Clubs in 30 Days series over this past weekend. Though it came in with an estimated 105 million fewer viewers than the M.A.S.H. finale from 1983, it was at least more anticipated by yours truly. Granted, in 1983 I was most likely playing with my AT-AT, counting the days until the release of Return of the Jedi. Anyway, despite the constant changes in the scheduled time slot, and the dreaded appearance of the two analysts I was hoping would avoid this assignment, the show was quite entertaining and enjoyable.
Greg Amsinger hosted and was joined by (dreaded) analysts Mitch Williams and Dan Plesac, and former GM John Hart. Trenni Kusnierek also assisted with canned interviews from Florida. Now I didn't expect this group to offer unwarranted praise for the Pirates, but they were very fair and evenhanded. I have watched, at least in part, some other teams' episodes and the MLB crew does seem to treat them all rather equally, which is refreshing. That does make sense, of course, because the MLB owns the MLB Network and has a rooting interest in all MLB teams. Still, this is not the kind of treatment I'm accustomed to as a Pirate fan. I'm used to the Bucs never being televised nationally and being relegated to a one-highlight or line-score-only appearance during the 58th minute of SportsCenter. But not this time.
The group did discuss the obvious: the Pirates' long string of losing seasons and lack of ability to draft and develop impact players. They actually went a little easy on the recent history of disappointing first-round draft choices, praising Paul Maholm (deservedly) and failing to mention the Moskos/Wieters fiasco. Though they were all united in expressing optimism for Pedro Alvarez.
A handful of Bucs were interviewed for this show. Joe Kerrigan, Matt Capps, Nate McLouth, Ryan Doumit, Eric Hinske, Andrew McCutchen, Paul Maholm and John Russell all received some mike time. No love for veterans Jack Wilson or Freddy Sanchez, but that's okay.
Of course, at the end of the show, the studio group all discussed where the featured team will likely finish this coming season, and
In Grapefruit action, the Pirates defeated the Twins 6-4 today behind 3 home runs by Opening Day roster hopeful Craig Monroe. 2 of the 3 were off a legitimate big league talent, Scott Baker. Monroe now has 6 homers this Spring. With Brandon Moss hurting, this certainly increases Monroe's chances to make the team, though he was already looking pretty good. Virgil Vasquez made the start for Pittsburgh and pitched well, with three scoreless innings. Vasquez is still a contender for a starting rotation spot. Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth also homered.
And yesterday, the Pirates played Toronto to a 2-2 tie in 11 innings. Paul Maholm matched Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay with 4 scoreless innings.
Through today, the Pirates' record in Grapefruit League action is 9-4-1. The Pirates play the Phillies on Friday.
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