Finally

After missing days due to sleep deprivation,Volleyball and internet problems-I have returned.
I will try to get some bonus stuff done over the next few days to catch up on things.

The Pirates split two in Florida before returning home for a three sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs.
I would have too much to get into covering all the games,so lets start fresh with last nights 7-3 loss.
Matt Morris did not look good on the mound in picking up the loss in falling to 0-1,but his fielders did not help him much as only 4 of the seven runs that Morris allowed were earned.
Jose Bautista's dropping of a Ronny Paulino throw on a Ryan Theriot steal led to two Cub runs that never should have scored and Freddy Sanchez followed a great play in the second with a bad throwing error in the third.
Sanchez is not 100 % and I could care less about the Pirates and Sanchez's denials-it is plain to see.
Brian Bixler did make a dazzling play defensively,but is still looking for his first big league hit.
All 3 Bucco runs came in the first as a Freddy Sanchez single and sac flies by Xavier Nady and Jose Bautista gave each of them 1 RBI.
The Cincinnati Reds come to town tonight for a three game weekend series and they throw their new fireballer Edison Volquez against the Pirates tonight.

Pitching Matchup
Cincinnati:Edison Volquez (1-0) at Pittsburgh:Paul Malholm (0-1) 7:05

The New Jersey Devils continued to struggle on offense and with their lacking to score at crunch time in their 4-1 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday.
The Devils can argue that the two 3rd period goals the Rangers scored in the third period were flukey,but that still does not change the fact that they are not putting the puck in the net.
Game 2 at the Rock tonight at 7.

The Hagerstown Suns open their home season tonight against the Lake County Captains.
Not sure if I am going or staying home for hockey,but will cover the game if I go.

Bullpen Notes

Sorry to hear of the passing of Gib Shanley.
Shanley was a stalwart of Browns radio broadcasts for years as well as the sports anchor at WEWS in Cleveland.
Shanley was 76.

From the sarcastic department,One of our favorites (Yeah,right) Braves prospect Jordan Schafer was suspended for 50 games for HGH positive testing.
Maybe that is why Jordan was so sullen last year???

The Pirates signed a four year renewal with AAA Indianapolis to remain their affiliate at that level.
Rumors were that the Pirates were considering a move to Buffalo,but this ends that speculation.

Another Pirate farm rumor is moving their SAL team from Hickory to West Virginia.
I hope not-I hate the Powers colors and uniforms.

Glad to see the Pirates are playing Brian Bixler in the absence of Jack Wilson.
Anything beats watching Luis Rivas ( a second sacker) try to play short.

Two things that I have noticed in the short John Russell tenure.
The team still has trouble with base running and Russell loves to call for the intentional walk.

I know Evan Meek throws really hard.
I also know that he is nowhere near ready for this level,so since he has struggled so badly,maybe the time is right to try to slide him through waivers.
Then he can pitch where he belongs-Altoona.

Finally former Pirate Josh Sharpless hooked on with the Giants on a minor league deal.

Photo Credit
Bixler-Gene Puskar-AP Photo