Jeff Karstens was perfect for seven and two thirds innings and a Freddy Sanchez homer was all Karstens needed in a 2-0 win to salvage one win in Arizona before traveling to Philadelphia.
Karstens has yet to allow a run in his first 15 innings as a Pirate and improved to 2-0 with yesterday's win.
Karstens is not overwhelming,he simply keeps the ball around the plate and throws strikes.
Those type of pitchers rarely are dominating,but many have little problems finding work and tend to have long careers.
Usually not Hall of Fame careers,but solid and serviceable ones and in baseball today-that can help you retire a wealthy man.
I would warn fans to not get too excited yet,the first thing that came to my mind when looking at the numbers during the game was this-First time around the league.
Pitchers with a limited arsenal tend to do well on their first tour or two around the horn until the book gets out on their tendencies.
Whether they can then make adjustments eventually tells the tale on them on the long term.
I did like what Karstens had to say about his preparation for the Rattlers when he was asked why he threw relatively few off speed pitches-"Because I knew they'd watch tape of what I did in Chicago".
All in all,one cannot ask for more than the Pirates have received from Jeff Karstens thus far.
Freddy Sanchez gave Karstens the lead in the fourth inning with his 8th homer of the season and an 8th inning double by Doug Mienkiewicz added an badly need insurance run.
The Pirates have a travel day today as they travel to Philly for a three game set against the Phillies.
Bullpen Notes
The South Atlantic League released a "insider" version of a prospective 14 team schedule in the event that Lake County and the new Bowling Green franchise are transferred to the Midwest League.
It looks to have many problems,most notably the games against Northern Division foes (Lakewood and Delmarva ) could increase from 24 to 31.
To me,they already play the same teams too much and now the SAL wants to add more?
This makes no sense.
Last night at Hagerstown,there were next to no people there and the SAL President was in attendance-this could not have looked very good to him.
But I have a rough time blaming the Suns for this.
August can be a tough draw-kids getting ready for school,summer winding down,many vacations are over etc.
It has to be even tougher when your team is out of championship contention and the visiting team is someone that has been in town many times already.
The South Atlantic League is already a joke with their ridiculous schedule,this plan appears to make it much worse.
On the signing front
Had just two cards for the Lakewood Blue Claws and both were signed.
Tim Kennelly and Dominic Brown each signed a card and Brown signed a baseball for me as well.
Back tomorrow!
Photo Credit
Karstens:Matt York-AP Photo
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