nd lost a pivotal game in the race for the Atlantic Division title in a 2-0 loss to the Penguins.Ryan Malone's power play goal in the first period gave Pittsburgh all they would need and would be all they would get until their empty netter at the end of the game.
I thought that the effort was there,but the puck just is not going in.
I would rather have the slump occur now instead of the playoffs,but offensive problems sometimes can be tough to stop.
The Devils will battle the Rangers tomorrow at Madison Square Garden in another attempt for the first win over the Blueshirts as well as stop a three game winless streak.
The Pirates look to be close to finalizing their final roster,as Luis Rivas made the team as an insurance policy against the ailing shoulder of Freddy Sanchez among other moves.
Nate McLouth was named the center field starter over Nyjer Morgan,although Morgan made the roster as a bench outfielder.
Byung-Hyun Kim was released as was Jaret Wright and Juan Perez and the Pirates designated Jonah Bayliss for assignment.
The releases of Kim and Wright were surprises for different reason.
Kim,as I did not think the Pirates would want to eat his minimum guarantee, and Wright because he seemed to be pitching well.
Bayliss will likely be sent to Indianapolis,if he clears waivers as expected.
Doug Mientkiewicz appears to have made the team as his contract was purchased from Indianapolis.
The battle appears to be still on for some bullpen spots over the next few days.
One bullpen job that was open,but now appears to be closed was the 8th inning spot to set up Matt Capps.
Tyler Yates was acquired from Atlanta for minor leaguer
Todd R
edmond.The hard throwing Yates started last season very well with Atlanta,but struggled badly in the second half.
We rated Redmond as the Pirates 6th best prospect last season,but he struggled with Lynchburg and dropped in our upcoming prospect preview (coming soon).
Todd signed cards for us during his stints in Hickory and Lynchburg and seemed like a nice guy,so best wishes to him.
All said,I do not see the harm in this trade,but not a great deal to be excited about either.
Yates is a "Dime a dozen" reliever and adds to the logjam in the Pittsburgh pen,Redmond was not an outstanding enough prospect to be too upset about the deal either.....
I am hoping that this Freddy Sanchez shoulder issue is not much of one,but keeping Chris Gomez and Luis Rivas both on the main roster makes me wonder.
Plus anytime that you are being checked out by James Andrews in Birmingham can never be totally good news.
Stay tuned....
Chet Trybus sends us this interesting article on former Pirate farmhands Adam Hyzdu and Josh Bonifay.
The article states that Bonifay will be joining Hickory as hitting coach in July after his college term ends,so that looks like just in time for the Crawdads visit to Hagerstown.
The Altoona Mirror also has an article on former Hagerstown Sun and Hickory Crawdad Jonel Pacheco and his arrival on the Curve roster after two years of Low A.
I am not sure that Pacheco is a prospect,but he at least deserves an attempt at the higher level.
I enjoyed the Ohio State game at St.John Arena,but the court took some getting used to as it now is mainly lined for volleyball and looks like a shrunken court when used for hoops.
Bob Hunter offers his thoughts on the difference in the atmosphere between St.John and the Schottstein center and agrees with us that newer is not always better.
The Seattle Seahawks brought two players home after signing defensive end Chris Cooper from Arizona and linebacker D.D.Lewis from Denver.
Neither should start although Cooper fits in the D-Line rotation picture.
Photo Credits
Sutter-Bill Kostroun-AP Photo
Yates-J.Meric-Getty Images
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