Bucs split the series with the Mets Still 1 game under 500

This series was a bit odd to say the least the two games the Pirates won were relatively low scoring pitchers duels. The two they lost the Mets bats spanked the pitching and ended up in routs. So what can we learn from these last few games? Well firstly McCutchens bat is ridiculous right now. He should be a starter in the all star game (which he probably wont be). Next this teams pitching is so close to being able to carry this team to the playoffs. The teams starting pitching has been stellar these past few weeks. With a player or two coming back from injury or coming via a trade this team could definitely be the surprise team in the playoffs this season. Lastly Clint Hurdle has done a stellar job turning around the mentality of this team. With all the injuries and adversity this team is going through right now they would have folded it up last season. With all that said obviously they can still be better but this team is not the same cellar dweller they have been for years. People are starting to believe in this team and they are starting to believe in themselves. Pirates take on the last place Astros tonight at 8 here is hoping we can get to 500 tonight and maybe pick up a game towards first place.

can the buccos get Back to the big 500 tonight?

Gee is due for a bad game and the bats are due to wake up for "Electric stuff" Morton. In case you need a quick energy boost here is Kiss Fm's Morning Freak show Pirate rap to get you pumped for the game tonight. Mikey and Big Bob hold it down

bullpen fails to get it done cant get the sweep

Jeff Karstens was pitching a fairly great game no runs given up just a few hits scattered over 7 innings and then once again the bullpen let the game slip away Resop left one out over the plate for Chris Young and he blasted on for a two run shot. That was all it required tonight as the Buccos couldn't get anything going like they have the last 2 nights. The pirates did get a smattering of hit but just couldn't put a few together to plate any runners. On the plus side again we took 2 of three from what was a division leader and their is reason for real optimism in the Burgh. If a few of the bats stay hot like Cutch, Tabata, Walker and Xavier Paul this teams run production is bound to go up. Esspecially when Alverz and Doumit can come back and get get warm quickly. This team is one or two players from actually contending for the division. I know that sounds crazy looking at the standing right now but the pitching is that good. The hitting is bound to catch fire at some point. Lets see if we cant rough up the Mets tomorrow at home and give Gee his first loss of the year and get back to .500

Pens sign Craig Adams to 2 year extension. Sign Guerin to coaching contract

Yesterday the news came down that "Old Man" Billy Guerin had signed on to be the Player Development coach the Penguins organization, A role he informally had last year as he was with the baby pens. Guerin had a fairly illustrious career winning 2 Stanley Cups as well as amassing just short of a thousand total points spread out between 8 teams. He will be a great addition to the coaching staff and help develop younger players to get them ready for the next level.

Then today the news came down that the Pens had signed another Vet this time to a player contract. Craig Adams who has played an integral role on the pens for the last few seasons. Last season Adams lead the team in Short handed ice time with just over 3 minutes a game. He signed a 2 year deal worth $675,000 per year. This is the type of move that makes Ray Shero freaking brilliant. He is a cheap contributor that will play out this contract and hopefully get this team another cup.

McClutch!!!! Cutch walks off with the win

So im not afraid to tell you i have started and erased this game recap at least 3 times. This game will look like a pretty boring game in the box score but man was it a fun one to watch. Paul Malholm was dealing legit stuff. He only allowed 1 hit in 6 innings 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. Then the Bullpen got a little squirly. Resop came in and pitched a great inning the Veras came in for the 8th. He was 4 batters and was only able to get 1 out needless to say the 1 run lead was gone. Lefty Tony Watson made his MLB debut and finished off the 8th with two strike outs to stop the bleeding. Hanrahan came in for the 9th and gave his typical sick nasty closer stuff. Unfortunately though The offense couldn't push anyone across to win this one in regulation. Top of the 10th rolls around and Daniel Moskos Gave up a lead off walk. Dbacks played small ball and got the run to take the lead into the bottom half of the inning. The man of the hour McCutchen HIt a double to put himself in scoring position for Neil walkers single to bring him home and tie things right back up. Daniel McCutchen the guy that in my opiniong should have came in instead of veras in the 8th came out and pitched a solid 11th and 12th innings, NOt that he was stellarly getting guys out but allowed no runs after facing 9 hitters in 2 innings. Cutch stepped to the plate to lead off the bottom of the 12th. Th guy is on a rediculous tear and tonight was no different. He worked the count full against Zach Kroenke. He swong on a bit of an inside pitch and it was hit so high it had to have hit the jet stream that carried it out. A huge blast capped off Cutch's night tonight he went 3 for 5 with 2 rbis and 2 runs scored. just ridiculous. Not to be lost in all of this is the fact the team is back to .500 and this team really has a great shot at finishing over that mark right now. look at the lineup they are sending up there with quite a few injuries. When pedro comes back and doumit is ready to play every few days this team could be very good not to mention they may actually be buyers at the deadline. scary thought i know. but for now lets just revel in the walk off shot from tonight and enjoy this win.

Late game heroics prove to be just what the doctor ordered

The bucs bats once again were awake last night it just a big eighth to guarantee the win McCutchens hitting streak continued he has gone 12 of 24 in the last 6 games. Chris Snyder and Lyle Overbay both had multiple Rbi With Overbays Coming In the 8th on a base clearing double. Kevin Corriea was coasting through Until hitting a few bumps in the 5th inning where the dbacks scored 3 to take the lead that would only last a few more innings. Chris Resop ended up with the win and Joel Hanrahan closing it out in the 9th to get his 15th save of the year. Don't look now but our old buddy Zach Duke is on the mound today against us which means we should show him a proper welcome and blast his punk but for 10 in the first.

With the first pick in the 2011 mlb draft the Pittsburgh pirates select Gerrit Cole

They took the guy that they liked and think can help this team the most. Cole projects as a front of the rotation power pitcher that could become a number one if everything works out. He has a good era in college ball for the UCLA Bruins as well as solid career winning percentage. He was drafted by the Yankees a few years ago coming out of high school but decided to go to school instead of taking the cash offered. His win loss record isn't amazing this year but from just about every reasonable baseball mind out there he has a great chance of being a dominant pitcher in a few years. I think that Rendon falling to 6th shows that there is more to his injuries than meets the eye and I'm happy that the pirates too a guy who could be very very special.

In the second round the pirates may have gotten the steal of the draft assuming they can convince him to sign instead of going to Texas. Josh Bell is a switch hitting for power outfielder that projects to be a very very special hitter. He is coming out of high school so it will take a bit more time than Cole will to reach the majors if both continue on their projected paths but if he signs in my opinion they got a top 15 player at pick 61 which is pretty phenomenal.

The Pirates third round pick is another interesting hitter in Indiana Alex Dickerson. He is a decent sized lefty that projects better as a 1st baseman than a left fielder. He is not particularly fast or have an amazing glove but at first base speed isn't a huge issue and as long as he can learn to scoop ball s in the dirt he will be fine. His bat speed is impressive on tape and should equate to good power even with him having a bit of a down year after switching to the wood bats this year.

4th round pick of Colten Brewer out of High school out of Texas he is a young right handed pitcher that will almost def sign for at or around slot as he has a JUCO commitment.

In the 5th round the bucs grabbed another high school right handed pitcher in Tyler Glasnow. From his stats in high school he seems to have pretty decent stuff but will obviously take time to ready for the next level. He has committed to Portland University but i dont know that it will hinder his signing with the club.

6th round The bucs went for Dan Gamache 3rd baseman out Auburn. He hit .365 with 15 doubles and eight home runs, driving in 37 runs in 2010. He also had 7 stolen bases as well so he would seem to have a bit of speed. Another good pick for the farm system that is a bit slim on corners.

7th round pick is another Right Handed pitcher this time it was Jake Burnette out of Buford, Georgia. He is committed to Georgia tech. He may be a tough sign since his brother also went to GT and its in state.

8th round Jason Creasy out of North Carolina. this draft seems like its turning into last years draft with another Right handed pitcher. He is committed to NC state.

9th round Clay Holmes Right handed pitcher from Slocomb high school in Alabama

10th round Taylor Lewis left handed hitting outfielder From University of Maine Orono

11th round Jo-El Bennett-Lowe Right handed Outfielder From HOuston Academy (high school) in alabama

12th round Condon Myles Left haded hitting Outfielder From South Grand Prarie HIgh in texas

13 round Brandon Platts Right handed pitcher Mason city High Iowa

14th round Jordon Dunatov right handed hitting outfeilder from horizon High SChool in Arizona

15th round Kody Watts Right handed pitcher from Skyview High school

16th bucs finally go a bit different and go with Eric Skoglund A left handed pitcher from Sarasota HIgh School in Florida





Post will be updated as picks come in today.