Lassoed by Lohse

The Pittsburgh Pirates weak offense continued Sunday against Kyle Lohse and the St.Louis Cardinals in a 5-1 loss at PNC Park.
Only a eighth inning pinch hit single by Casey McGehee that scored Michael McKenry from second allowed the Pirates to avoid the shutout.
Erik Bedard again pitched well and again added another loss to his list in falling to 0-4 on the season.
Today's game against Colorado has already been cancelled due to rain,so not sure about what a possible post will be tonight as it could cover the Giants-Mets doubleheader or finish the Pirates prospect series....

Pirate Hooks

1) Erik Bedard survived a rocky first inning with just one run allowed after loading the bases without an out.
Normally,one would consider that a bullet dodged,but not with this team.
Bedard has been beyond what the team could have asked for thus far,but the offense has not backed up Bedard as they have scored just three runs in Bedard's appearances this season...

2) Just six hits in another anemic offensive performance.
I hate to keep harping on the same issue,but two points-one is that it continues be one and the other is that I have no ideas on how to improve the offense.

3) The players that were added at positions have gotten off to a very slow start (Clint Barmes and Rod Barajas) and a player that the team counted on to improve has done anything but (Pedro Alvarez).
The season is young,but Alvarez looks lost at the plate and Barmes is making me wonder about his viability.

4) The biggest problems above is the fact that at only one position do the Pirates have a player that could possibly upgrade the struggling player.
Michael McKenry will certainly not upgrade at catcher and any of the various players available at shortstop between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis are not a sure bet to be a significant improvement at shortstop.
Chase D'Arnaud has been injured and I think Jordy Mercer needs more AAA time,so unless you think Josh Harrison or Yamaico Navarro is the guy (and the glove in each case adds further questions),shortstop does not look to have an immediate improvement available.
Only Casey McGhee might be an improvement at third base and there the team has the puzzle of their investment in Pedro Alvarez to deal with.
The problems of dealing with tough issues with a bad team...

5) Jose Tabata did have two hits to raise his average to approach the Mendoza line.
Of all the young players struggles,I might be concerned about Tabata most.
Yes,even more than Pedro Alvarez.
The Pirates have made an investment in Tabata with a contract extension and if he does not pan out,the Bucs are stuck with a reasonably large contract for a player that would be a disappointment.
Long way from that yet,but something to ponder.

Photo Credit:Jared Wickerham-Getty Images