The Pittsburgh Pirates won their opener in Atlanta with a 12-11 12 Inning win that was encouraging and scary at the same time.
How can you be disappointed with Xavier Nady hitting two homers (including the game winner0 and Nate McLouth slamming a three run shot and giving Buc fans hope that McLouth can continue his play from late last season and Nady can increase his trade value?
Well,the awful bullpen work from the two hurlers that I wrote yesterday that we could count on is not good and the ridiculous outfield play that sent the game to extra innings by Jason Bay and McLouth sure is disappointing.
I did not see the play as I was in the car on the way to work,but Skip Caray on the Braves network
said that it was a simple fly ball that a Little League "I got it" would have ended the contest.
If I would have lost a game like that in my coaching days,I would still be ranting about it!
No excuses for such poor fundamental baseball-none!
However,the control problems in the 9th by Matt Capps and Damaso Marte are hopefully opening night jitters and an impending look at the season to come,because that was downright scary to have the two best relievers being totally unable to find the plate.
I was impressed with the one inning outing from newcomer Tyler Yates as he blew the Braves away with fastballs and looked very good.
For all the pitchers involved,it was just one outing,but I did like what I saw from Yates and if Marte gets moved later in the season,he seems to have setup stuff and would probably get the chance to move into that role.
Franquelis Osoria pitched the final three innings from the depleted bullpen for the win.
Ian Snell got the start and looked OK in allowing 4 runs in 6 innings,except that he allowed another homer to Brian McCann,who owned Snell last season.
For all the offensive heroics,the play of the night was made by Jack Wilson,who backhanded a shot and then long back flipped the ball to Freddy Sanchez to start a double play.
This is why I can live with whatever "Honey Boy" (inside joke) Wilson delivers with the bat.
What a great play.
Great night for the Bucs in winning a game that they appeared to be giving away.
The Pirates are off today and resume their series in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Pirate Hooks
Gold:Xavier Nady 2 homers ,4 RBI
Silver:Nate McLouth homer,4 RBI
Bronze:Jack Wilson:Great Defensive play
The New Jersey Devils return to action tonight against the Islanders.
Although the Devils could miss the playoffs under a wild scenario,it is unlikely.
But a win tonight clinches a playoff berth for certain.
The Hagerstown Suns announced their player roster and it looks very interesting.
Three former first rounders and two second rounders are on the roster including top prospect Michael Burgess in the outfield.
Burgess is highly thought of and compares favorably to Chris Marrero's stint here in 2007.
Stephen Englund was the Nats second round selection in 2006 and brings his power bat to town.
Clint Everts (Expos top pick in 2002) will attempt to revive his career after two years in Potomac,but 2006 top pick Colton Willems makes his Hagerstown debut a year after it was promised by the Nationals.
Stephen King returns for another shot at the SAL after a slow start here last season and he will team with 2007 second rounder Jake Smolinski as the Suns keystone combo.
Looks like FINALLY a team loaded with prospects for the first time in years for the Suns going back to the days of being a Blue Jays affiliate and lots of fun at the Muni this season.
But just as much,if not more important is the return of Erik Arnesen to Hagerstown.
I am sure that Erik is disappointed that he is not starting at Potomac,but I am sure that will happen sometime during the course of the season.
Selfishly,it is great for me, Ryan and Battlin' Bob,but here is hoping that this is just a final cameo here for Erik.
Our other favorite, Cory Van Allen is starting at Potomac.
Van Allen was likely the reason that Arnesen returned here,as he was a swing pick between Harrisburg and Potomac,as Arnesen was between Hagerstown and Potomac.
The Hickory Crawdads have their roster up,but as of this writing-Lynchburg does not have theirs.
Daniel Moskos is not listed with Hickory,so I am assuming that he will start in Lynchburg.
Power armed lefty Mike Felix gets one more chance to harness his control in a rotation that will include 2007 2nd rounder Duke Welker and returning Crawdad Bradley Clapp.
My sleeper outfield prospect Marcus Davis is on the Hickory roster along with the favorite of State College teenyboppers Austin McClune,but surprisingly Quincy Lattimore is not.
Back later with Devils-Islanders and hopefully thoughts on Lynchburg.
Photo Credits
Nady:John Bazemore-AP Photo
Arnesen:Ryan Heimberger
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