Rockies rock Maholm

If Paul Maholm was supposed to use yesterday's game in Denver against the Rockies as an audition for teams looking for a trade deadline pickup,he failed miserably in that regard as the Rockies hammered Maholm and the Pirates 9-3.
Maholm (6-9) allowed eight run over five and a third in the losing effort.
Neil Walker homered (5) for the only bright spot for Pittsburgh.
The Pirates travel to St.Louis tonight for the first of three games against the Cardinals as Jeff Karstens (2-6) battles St.Louis ace Chris Carpenter (11-3).
Due to the late start with the game being on Central time,the Pirates will not be covered for the game.
Most likely coverage will be on the Indians in Toronto,although I may decide to go with Roy Oswalt's Phillie debut against Washington.....

Pirate Hooks

1) Looks like Ross Ohlendorf will be able to make his next start after being nailed by a line drive Tuesday night.
Ohlendorf was smacked by a Troy Tulowitzki liner and was removed from the game.

2) The loss yesterday cost the Pirates a chance at a road sweep for the first time this season.

3) Former Pirate Matt Capps was swapped to the Twins yesterday for two prospects,most notably top notch catching prospect Wilson Ramos.
I thought the Pirates made a mistake in not bringing back Capps and despite a good season from Octavio Dotel,who is rumored to be on the block,Capps is younger and will have brought more in trade return.

4) Turning point of the game was in the first inning as Garrett Jones was picked off second to end the inning just after a run scoring double.
Why on earth would you allow yourself to get picked off with two outs off second base when you are already in scoring position?
Dumb baseball.

5) But John Russell might have beaten that with an intentional walk in the second inning to Ian Stewart,who struggles with lefties to pitch to Ubaldo Jimenez with one out.
Jimenez fanned,but Dexter Fowler and Clint Barmes each with great numbers against Maholm ripped hits and the rout was on.

Photo Credit-AP Photo