Getting caught up-Pirates version

Missed the last few days for many reasons,so I will try to catch up now.
Look for posts on my trip to Wilmington,Delaware when I have time.

I did not get to see either of the Pirate games against the Cardinals,as I was in Frederick for the former and Wilmington for the latter.
The Pirates split the series with El Birdos,as they won the first game 4-1 behind Ian Snell's (?) seven shutout innings and were swatted aside in the second 11-2.

Snell's numbers were indicative of a return to form as he improved to 5-10 on the year,struck out 8 and most importantly only walked one.
Snell's lack of command has been his biggest problem this season,as he has been off the plate and then forced to bring in the fastball.
The Pirates led 1-0 for most of the game before a three run ninth.
T.J. Beam was able to get the final out to earn his first save.

The second game looked miserable as Jason Davis (1-3) was smacked around to the tune of eight runs in less than four innings.
Ryan Doumit hit his 13th homer for Pittsburgh in losing to the Cards Todd Wellemeyer for the third time this season.

The Pirates are in Bernie Brewerville for three games over the weekend.
I will likely miss tonight's game as I return to work from vacation and those great 8:05 starts hurt the chances of looking at the tape.

Pitching Matchup
Pittsburgh:Zach Duke (4-11 5.26 ERA) at Milwaukee:David Bush (7-9 4.26 ERA) 8:05

The Pirates recalled Tom Gorzelanny from Indianapolis to possibly return to the rotation.
Zach Duke could be in trouble in keeping his spot with another bad outing tonight.

The Bucs also sent the unhappy Jose Bautista to the Blue Jays for the famous player to be named later.
Toronto needed a third baseman to replace the loss of Scott Rolen with yet another injury.

This brings the total of PTBNL to three over the off season.
One each from Toronto (Bautista),Boston (Josh Wilson) and Seattle (Craig Wilson).
The Pirates will owe the Indians a player in the Jason Michaels deal.

I would hope that the Pirates will get at least a low level prospect for these guys in an long shot attempt to pan gold.
All too often under the Captain's management they would settle for a cash payment.

Back later this afternoon with more inbox cleanup,a look at our visit to Frederick for Lynchburg's final local trip,a quick look at the Ashland Arrows opener tonight and a question for the Hagerstown Suns that I am not sure they will have an answer for.

Photo Credit
Logo:Chris Creamer