Some nights missing the game is not so bad and from what I read of the Pirates poor fundamentals in last night's 12 inning loss to Arizona,I am kinda glad that I missed it.
I don't really like to dwell on those things without watching the game,but I thought I would make a note beforehand....
The more important news is that Colton Cain has reportedly agreed to a Pirate contract.
Cain,one of the three "hard sign" draftees is the hardest thrower of the bunch and is a lefthander.
Of course,I wanted as many of these players as possible and with time remaining before the signing deadline,the Pirates are looking (Thus far) to be living up to their word in signing several players that were going to take extra cash to bring into the fold,cash that the drafting of Tony Sanchez was going to help to provide.
The Waxahachie Texas native boasts a mid 90's fastball and a power curve to go along with it.
Adding Cain to Trent Stevenson gives the Bucs two of the three high school arms that they wanted to sign,leaving Louisiana's Zach Von Rosenberg as the most regarded of the remaining pitchers.
No official word on terms,but I would think that Cain cost more than Stevenson in order to buy him out of his Texas commitment.
Editor's Note:MLB.com is reporting that the Cain bonus was over one million.
Cain's signing was the second player in two years that the Pirates signed a strong Longhorn commitment to their system after Robbie Grossman last season.
The Pirates host the first place Cardinals tonight at PNC with Paul Maholm against Chris Carpenter.
Pirate Hooks
1) Steven Jackson was on the hook for the loss in the 6 run Arizona 12th inning and he was on his way back to Indianapolis after the game.
Jose Ascanio,who was one of the three players acquired from the Cubs takes Jackson's place in the bullpen.
2) Ascanio had been a reliever with the Cubs,but the Pirates announced plans for him to start for Indianapolis and he made one start for the I-Tribe.
If the long term plan is for Ascanio to start,what is the purpose of him finishing a lost season in the Pirate bullpen???
Wouldn't the time spent in the Indy rotation be better spent???
3) Kevin Hart made his Pirate debut in the loss,allowing three runs over six innings.
Hart was clocked as high as 94 on the radar gun...
4) Donald Veal was placed on the DL with a sprained finger.
Whether this is legit or just another way to keep Veal without using a roster spot is unknown,but it should buy enough time to get the Pirates to September when the rosters expand.
5) Chris Bootcheck was promoted from Indianapolis to replace Veal.
The veteran had been serving as the Indy closer and has saved 20 games for the Indians...
Bullpen Note
New Poll at the normal spot,Let me know what you think...
Photo Credit
Cain;Dallas Morning News
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