The Pittsburgh Pirates Struggled again on Sunday as the Reds thwarted a first inning bases loaded threat after
McGehee lined out then
McClouth struck out. McGehee's shot was snared, a really good defensive play. McClouth's at bat was very similar to his last 2 years. Not productive.
The Pirates were not able to muster much after that point and the Reds were able to score on Morton has he had his second not so great start in a row. Final score was 5-0 and it was not even that close.
Barajas and
Barmes, the ANTI KILLER B's have continued to be lousy. I called them the Anti because if you remember the early 90's with Bonds and Bonillia and how good they were. We referred to them as the Killer B's. The only reason McClouth played yesterday is because McCutheon was still struggling with the stomach virus.
I have written, and even spoke about this, so I do not need to spend too much time on it. The B's need to be sat for a while. Having either one in the game at any one time is too much. Start
McKenry and
Harrison. You are not getting silver sluggers out of either guy. But, Neither player is an automatic out. Harrison has shown the ability to get on base in some cases at a high rate. As for McClouth, the only way he will ever have a chance to excel is if he starts every day. He is not the same player he was 3 years ago, and the player we see as a pinch hitter looks closer to the player he was in Atlanta. In this outfield, he will never be more than a pinch hitter or a guy to give each of the outfielders a chance to sit and rest of a day. He might even be primed for a return to AAA. If Sterling Marte is OK after the ball that he took off his hand, then it is time to bring him up and send McClouth down to get right. I would platoon him with
Tabata and
Presley as both
players have struggled on and off to start the season. The Pirates need a spark, and he could be just what the doctor ordered.
I think it is important to see Burnett rebound this week after that horrible game last week. And couple that with the Bucs losing 2 of 3 to Cincinnati over the weekend, it is time to see this team step up. I think they can, but it will take a group effort and that includes Hurdle. He needs to sit the guys that are holding the team back the most regardless of what position they play, and he needs to manage each game as if it is crunch time, or playoff time. He can not let this team fall backwards any further. I know he does not manage to lose games, but it is now May and it is a little late to be worrying about getting guys at bats or jump started that really do not figure in long term.
This will be a fun week to watch and pay attention to see what direction this team decides to go.
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