$$$ Reversal of Fortune: A Pittsburgh Pirates Legacy $$$

[bucketsndimes]

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2009

Pirates GM Suffers Fatal Fall
Neal Huntington Perishes At The Hands of The Colonel

LOUISVILLE, KY -- The Pittsburgh Pirates were founded in 1982 as the Pittsburgh Alleghenies. Later they became the Pittsburgh Pirates and have enjoyed a storied history. With World Championships in 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979 the Pirates are behind only 5 other franchises in World Series hardware.

However, dark times have fallen over "The Steel City" as the Pirates have not had a winning season since 1992. 16 straight years without a record of .500 have put a damper on the franchise's legacy. One more year of losing and the Pirates will break an infamous record they hold with the 1933-1948 Philadelphia Phillies for the most consecutive losing seasons by a single team in American professional sports.

Things only got worse today when the Pirates organization learned of the tragic death of general manager Neal Huntington. Huntington, 40, had taken over the position of GM following the 2007 season and saw yet another last place finish for Pittsburgh in the NL Central in his inaugural season as GM.

Huntington perished earlier today after a visit to the Kentucky Fried Chicken headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky. Nobody is quite sure why he was taking a tour of the facility with Pittsburgh's first game of the season on Monday. Huntington apparently tripped thanks to an untied shoe and fell 35 feet into an industrial fryer, boiling him alive. All that remains is his skeleton. Doug Strange, a current special assistant to the general manager has been named interim GM.

[bucketsndimes]

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009

Pittsburgh Sizzles With Hiring of Bacon
James Bacon Hired as New Pirates General Manager

PITTSBURGH, PA -- Just one day after the death of former Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington, Robert Nutting, owner of the ball club has found a replacement, and it is not who we had imagined. Rather than going with a proven commodity on the market, or someone within the organization such as Doug Strange, Nutting went with 19 year old James 'Jimmy' Bacon.

Bacon just finished his freshman year at Harvard University, but claims he is no genius, "I guess I've just got a good eye for talent. I won't lie, I probably got into Harvard thanks to decent SAT scores and family connections. I guess I can say whatever the f*** I want about the school now since I'm dropping out to take this job."

Fans and media alike are stunned as to how Nutting even heard of Bacon. Research uncovered the fact that Bacon was part of Harvard's new sports management program and that he has a very popular baseball blog online. Besides that all that is known about the teenager is that he obviously made an impression on Nutting and apparently he is a big fan of baseball simulation games.

"I have no game plan to be honest," says Bacon. "I'll be doing basically everything on a whim and hopefully with a few moves here and there and a bit of luck I can rebuild this squad into something worthy of the baseball diamond."

Whatever he ends up doing, Bacon certainly has a huge job ahead of him, this 19 year old has no idea what he is getting himself into.

[bucketsndimes]

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2009

Defending Champs Start Out Strong
Hamels Pitches Gem In Phillies Opener

PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The Philadelphia Phillies began their title defense today at Citizens Bank Park against the Atlanta Braves. Ace Cole Hamels pitched a great game, going 7.1 innings, striking out 4 and allowing only 1 run. Philly was up 2-1 until the bottom of the 6th when they scored 7 of their 9 runs. Jayson Werth hit a 2-RBI double and later scored. The "Flyin' Hawaiian' Shane Victorino had a 2-RBI single as did Chase Utley in the inning.

"It was a great way to start off the season," said Phillies manager Charlei Manuel. "We're coming off a championship season and to play the first game of the year, win, and win big is something that should put us on the right track." New Brave Derek Lowe was charged with the loss.

MLB Notes
... Ken Griffey Jr. was traded today in an unexpected move to KAN for SP Kyle Davies. ... CIN dealt MR Arthur Rhodes and cash to ATL for 1B Greg Norton. ...

[bucketsndimes]

SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2009

This is definitely not what I expected to be doing right now. I thought I'd be enjoying my spring break, me and my friends wanted to go down to Daytona to check out the beach, the ladies and the booze. Instead, I'm making millions as the general manager of a pro baseball team in Pittsburgh. The weather may be a downgrade, but I'll deal with it if it means I'm loaded.

So my name is James Bacon, but please call me Jimmy. Everyone's probably wondering how in the hell I got this job. Of course you all know how it became available, former GM Neal Huntington fell into a chicken fryer, not a bad way to go if you ask me.

Thing is, I'm not going to tell you how I actually got the job. That answer will come with time. All you need to know is that I'm obviously somehow qualified, even if I am only 19 years old. Now, on to the baseball team I've got here, if you can call it that much.

There's a few bright spots, last year CF Nate McLouth was an All-Star and Gold Glove Winner, finishing with a .276 BA, .356 OBP, 26 HR, 94 RBI, 113 R and 23 SB. 1B Adam LaRoche will be a middle of the order hitter and batted .270 last year with a .341 OBP, 25 HR and 85 RBI. Finally, we've got catcher Ryan Doumit. Doumit's not a great defensive catcher but he did lead the team last season with a .318 BA, 15 HR and 69 RBI. 2B Freddy Sanchez and SS Jack Wilson are also good players that were on the club last year. They provide a good 1-2 punch in the infield.

Before Huntington's death he brought in a couple of good hitters in the off-season. 2B Ramon Vasquez (.290 BA, .365 OBP, 6 HR, 40 RBI) comes from the Texas Rangers and LF Eric Hinske (.247 BA, 20 HR, 60 RBI) spent last year with the AL Champion Tampa Bay Rays. CF Nyjer Morgan hopes to make an impact this season after batting .294 in 160 AB last season.

Our pitching also has some promising players, but there isn't a lot of experience and we will see our share of struggles on the mound this year. The rotation currently consists of Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Jeff Karstens, Zach Duke and Virgil Vasquez. Karstens was avquired in the Xavier Nady trade last year and has shown promise both with us and the New York Yankees organization. Duke had a great rookie year but has fallen off since then.

Sean Burnett, Craig Hansen and Jesse Chavez are the middle relievers, Tyler Yates and John Grabow will share setup duties. Matt Capps is only 25 years old and looks to be the closer of the future.

Our farm system is pretty weak at the moment. We are ranked 26th overall by Baseball America with our top prospect being 3B Pedro Alvarez. The 22-year old is starting the year with Class A Lynchburg.

Before I go, how about the news of Ken Griffey Jr. being traded to KC. Really? The Royals? Wasn't the idea that Griffey had come full circle and would end his career in the city he became a superstar? Guess not.

[bucketsndimes]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009

Pirates Clobbered By Cards In Series
St. Louis Wins 3 Out of 4 At Busch

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Two very different ball clubs trotted out onto the field a few days ago for their season opening 4-game series. The Cardinals were trying to get back to the form they were in a few years ago when they won the World Series and the Pirates were just trying to steal a couple games.

Pittsburgh pitching was dismantled in the series as the Pirates were outscored 27-12 in a series that featured 1 win and 3 losses. Albert Pujols was in MVP form as he hit .556 with 3 homers and 11 RBI in the series.

Pittsburgh was pounded in the final game of the series as St. Louis won 10-3 thanks to 5 runs in the 8th, which included a 3-run bomb from Pujols. Kyle Lohse got the win with 8 solid innings of work. Zach Duke was charged with the loss in his first start of the season.

MLB Notes
... CLE 1B Ryan Garko (6 for 7, HR, 2 RBI) suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and will miss 9 months. ... NYY SS Derek Jeter will miss 6 weeks due to a strained oblique. ... BAL 2B Ty Wigginton went 5 for 5 in a 9-8 win over NYY. ...

[Klew1986]

Very nice start to this dynasty. Hope it sticks around for a long time.

[bucketsndimes]

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2009

Pittsburgh Wins Wild One in H-Town
Walks & Balks Galore Send Pirates Home Happy

HOUSTON, TX -- With only 1 win on the season the Pittsburgh Pirates might have been a little down on themselves. And there ain't nothing that can bring you back up out of the dumps like a wild and crazy win.

It was Jeff Karstens on the mound for Pittsburgh and Mike Hampton for Houston on this seemingly average Monday. Things were going smooth for Pittsburgh with a 3-0 lead in the top of the 8th and Karstens looking to go the distance. However, Michael Bourn hit a 2-run single to bring the Astros back. After a Bourn stolen base, his 5th on the season, Pirates manager John Russell pulled the plug on Karstens and sent in reliever John Grabow. Grabow immediately gave up a 2-run homer to give Houston a 4-3 lead. That is when things got strange.

This is how things went in the bottom of the 8th for Pittsburgh. Nate McLouth - fly out, Adam LaRoche - walk, Eric Hinske - walk, Craig Monroe - Walk, Geoff Geary - balk, Jack Wilson - walk, Jason Jaramillo - ground out, Ryan Doumit - base clearing double. All of a sudden Pittsburgh was up 7-4. They brought in Matt Capps for the save.

"Sometimes you just get lucky," said Pirates 1B Adam LaRoche about getting balked in for the tying run. "It's like Jimmy [Bacon] said, with a bit of luck we can turn things around. Well that's not exactly what he said, but you catch my drift."

Maybe LaRoche and Bacon are right. The Pirates will need a lot of luck to get out of this series without a scratch though. The Astros send Valerio de los Santos and Roy Oswalt to the mound in the next two games. The two starters are a combined 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA in three starts this season.

MLB Notes
... ATL SP Derek Lowe will have to wait to make an impact for the Braves, he will miss the entire season and more after rupturing his ulnar collateral ligament. ... DET 1B Miguel Cabrera (12 for 22, 2 HR, 8 RBI) was named AL POTW. ... STL 1B Albert Pujols (11 for 25, 4 HR, 12 RBI) was named NL POTW. ... STL C Yadier Molina went 5 for 6 against ARI in a 7-4 win today. ...

Pirates Notes
6th in NL Central | (2-6) | 3 GB

[dj_morton]

Great start. Looking forward to following along.

[bucketsndimes]

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2009

Sheffield Belts Milestone Homer
Gary Sheffield Hits #500 In Loss To Brew Crew

NEW YORK, NY -- The New York Mets had something to celebrate today even though they dropped a 6-4 decision to Milwaukee. The reason was slugger Gary Sheffield's 500th career home run.

"I'm fortunate to be here," Sheffield said after the game. "The Mets have a classy organization and some great fans. They gave me the chance to come out and compete when not many other clubs would. My confidence is thanks to them and hopefully we can go out there and win a few ball games this season."

The Mets picked up Sheffield in the off-season and he has produced so far, batting at a .368 clip. In his 22-year career Sheffield has made many stops, playing for Milwaukee, San Diego, Florida, the Dodgers, Atlanta, the Yankees, Detroit and now the Mets. He has produced everywhere he has played with 9 All-Star appearances. He picked up a World Series title in 1997 with the Marlins.

MLB Notes
... STL CF Colby Rasmus will miss 8 months with a ruptured disc. ... TEX SP Kevin Milwood struck out 5 in a shutout of KAN today. ... NYY SP Andy Pettitte signed a 3-year contract extension worth a total of $16.5M. ...

Pirates Notes
6th in NL Central | (3-9) | 4.5 GB
... PIT SP Michael Felix (A Lynchburg) fired a 2-hitter against Winston-Salem yesterday, striking out 8. ...

[bucketsndimes]

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2009

So I made a couple of moves since we were playing so terribly. Coming into today we were 7-14. Virgil Vasquez was scheduled to make the start, but he was 0-2 on the season with a disgusting 22.09 ERA. I called up Tom Gorzelanny who was doing about average in AAA. Well today he pitched 3.2 innings, allowing 7 earned runs. Then John Russell decided to let John Grabow pitch the last 3 innings. Well, he got shelled for 8 runs on 10 hits as we lost to Milwaukee 16-6.

I really don't know what to do right now. We're bad at hitting. But we're downright awful with our pitching. We rank dead last in the National League in ERA, runs allowed, hits allowed and opponents batting average. We're also 14th in home runs allowed, 13th in walks and 11th in strikeouts. At 7-15 we are also currently the worst team in all of baseball. People are starting to believe I can't get the job done and neither can the rest of the team.

Around the league you've got LAA CF Gary Matthews tearing a back muscle. He'll be out for 5 months. BOS 1B Kevin Youkilis will miss 7 weeks. Paul Konerko hit home run #300 for the White Sox and Angels prospect Nick Adenhart just pitched a complete game shutout. He looks like the real deal. Finally, the Nats traded 2B Willie Harris (.222 BA, HR, RBI) to SFO for RF Nate Schierholtz (.300 BA, HR, 4 RBI) and minor league SP Hector Correa.

Also, down in our farm system, RF Tom Hagan (A West Virginia) won the South Atlantic POTW Award after going 14 for 29 with 3 long bombs and 8 RBI. At least we may have something to look forward to.

No, I didn't delete Nick Adenhart. He's turning into a great pitcher in the game, so hopefully it won't come back to bite me in the ass if we ever have to play him.

[dj_morton]

Deal Mcclouth for some pitching.

[Kelric]

Poor Youkilis.

[bucketsndimes]

Originally Posted by dj_morton

Deal Mcclouth for some pitching.

LOL happened IRL, if the losing continues much longer I may need to.

[bucketsndimes]

SUNDAY, MAY 11, 2009

We're climbing our way back up the standings! At 14-18 we've won 7 of our last 10. Adam LaRoche has been helping the team out with his power (7 HR, .482 SLG%), while Jack Wilson and Ryan Doumit are batting above .300. Matt Capps has been making the most of his few opportunities to save games with a 2.25 ERA and 8 saves. Unfortunately, no other member of our pitching staff has done anything and we still boast the worst earned run average in the NL at 5.35. To add to the misfortune, 2B Ramon Vasquez has been complaining about playing time, though he is hitting .219.

In other news, the Tigers fired manager Jim Leyland. They are currently last in the AL Central at 11-21. ATL LF Garret Anderson and TAM SS Jason Bartlett will miss extended periods of time, each at least 5 months. San Francisco ace Tim Lincecum will be out into next year as he will need to get surgery on a torn ulnar collateral ligament. This puts a halt to his rising career. Jermaine Dye hit home run #300 and Jason Giambi #400 two days ago.

Lastly, BOS MR Javier Lopez was signed to a 2-year, $5.9 million extension while the Mets inked SP John Maine (2-2, 3.89 ERA, 28 K in 35.1 IP) to a 3-year, $17.3 million deal.

[bucketsndimes]

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009

Dusty Fired, Reds Begin Search
Reds Manager Dusty Baker Fired

CINCINATTI, OH -- After an abysmal 14-24 start the Cincinatti Reds have fired manager Dusty Baker. The Reds are 11 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the NL Central lead and do not look to be gaining any ground. The team's pitching has been awful with an ERA of 5.13, 15th in the NL. Offensively, the Reds are not too bad. Second Baseman Brandon Phillips is batting .294 with 6 HR and 20 RBI.

Bench coach Chris Speier will serve as the team's interim manager as they search for a permanent replacement.

MLB Notes
... DET 2B Placido Polanco (.419 BA, 6 RBI) currently boasts a 20-game hit streak. ... SFO C Bengie Molina was signed to a 3-year, $10.1 million contract extension. ...

Pirates Notes
3rd in NL Central | (18-21) | 7.5 GB
... PIT CL Matt Capps is rolling with a 1.20 ERA and 10 SV in his last 15 appearances. ... PIT MR John Grabow continues to struggle with 1 SV and a 10.92 ERA in his last 17. ...

[Carlton]

These are the Dynasty's I love! You get a look inside the GM and players with a good storyline and some blurbs. You get some stats, but not an overload and responses to your questions, such as...

How is Lidge doing in Philly? As bad as this year? lol

[bucketsndimes]

Originally Posted by Carlton

These are the Dynasty's I love! You get a look inside the GM and players with a good storyline and some blurbs. You get some stats, but not an overload and responses to your questions, such as...

How is Lidge doing in Philly? As bad as this year? lol

Haha, 9 SV, 2.76 ERA, 14 K in 15.1 IP. Doin' pretty well if you ask me.

[bucketsndimes]

SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2009

LaRoche Suspended For Brawl
Pirates First Baseman To Miss 7 Games

CHICAGO, IL -- The Pittsburgh Pirates were not very happy with the home plate umpire in today's loss to the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field. One in particular, Adam LaRoche. Upon being called out on strikes, the Pirates first baseman gave the ump quite an earful. For that, the man in blue gave him the thumb and sent him to an early shower. The Disgruntled LaRoche lingered on the field for another five minutes berating the umpire. Finally, Pirates manager John Russell got him off the field and into the clubhouse.

After the game it got even worse. LaRoche told reporters, "He was blind today. The f****** ump was blind and he took an at bat away from me." For all of his escapades and after-the-game oration, the league office suspended LaRoche for 7 games. He was a vital part of the 20-24 Pirates lineup, batting .295 with 10 home runs and 27 RBI on the season.

MLB Notes
... TAM SP David Price (3-4, 2.67 ERA) will be out for 8 months thanks to a torn flexor tendon in his elbow. ...

Pirates Notes
3rd in NL Central | (18-21) | 7.5 GB

[bucketsndimes]

MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2009

Mets End Pittsburgh Winning Streak At 7
Pirates Lose To The Mets 4-3 To End Streak

PITTSBURGH, PA -- The Pirates were riding an improbable 7-game winning streak, even with first baseman and cleanup hitter Adam LaRoche out due to suspension. The streak ended today to the hands of the New York Mets, who won a close 4-3 game.

Johan Santana (4-4, 3.19 ERA) pitched 8 innings, allowing 2 runs for the win. Francisco Rodriguez picked up his 13th save, but had a little scare when Pirates outfielder Eric Hinske led off the 8th inning with a solo shot. In his last 5 games Hinske is batting .500 with 3 homers. Catcher Ryan Doumit had 2 hits for the Pirates as well. He is batting at a .538 clip with 3 homers in his past 5.

With the loss Pittsburgh falls back to .500 at 26-26. They have not had this good a record this late in the season in quite some time. Ironically, by ending the Pirates 7-game streak, the Mets have continued their winning streak, which is now at 7 games. At 27-24, New York is 4 games behind Atlanta and Philadelphia for the NL East lead.

MLB Notes
... SDG trades LF Cliff Floyd and a minor leaguer to CLE for C Kelly Shoppach and a minor leaguer. ... CWS CL Bobby Jenks agreed to a 2-year extension worth $5.6 million per year. ... OAK C Kurt Suzuki is injured for 7 months because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. ... BOS SP Brad Penny (2-0, 3.25 ERA, 19 K in 27.2 IP) signed a 2-year extension worth a total of $2.8 million. ... FLO has traded MR Taylor Tankersley to NYY for SP Ian Kennedy. ...

Pirates Notes
3rd in NL Central | (27-26) | 5.5 GB STL
... PIT LF Steven Pearce is batting .333 with 4 HR in his last 8 contests. ... PIT SP Zach Duke is 1-1 with an ERA of 8.22 in his last 3. ...

[bucketsndimes]

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2009

Big Unit Records Win #300
Randy Johnson Collects His 300th Win Against The Washington Nationals

WASHINGTON, DC -- History was made today as San Francisco Giants pitcher Randy Johnson recorded the 300th win of his career, entering a select group that only includes 5 other left-handers.

In his historic outing Johnson went 5.1 innings and gave up 2 runs on 5 hits. He also struck out 6 and walked 2 as the Giants topped the Nationals 6-3. On offense Pablo Sandoval and Travis Ishikawa led the way for San Fran. They combined to go 3 for 7 with 5 RBI and 1 walk.

Johnson has had a Hall-of-Fame worthy career. He is a 10-time All-Star, and 5-time Cy Young Award winner, winning it 4 consecutive years from 1999 to 2002. To this day Johnson is 300-163 with a 3.24 ERA and 4,856 strikeouts. He has had an incredible year in 2009. At 45 years of age, Johnson is 5-3 with a 2.54 ERA and 67 Ks.

MLB Notes
... BOS SP Josh Beckett pitched a 4-hit shutout in an 11-0 victory over DET, striking out 8. ...

Pirates Notes
3rd in NL Central | (28-27) | 6.5 GB STL
... PIT MR John Grabow has bounced back from his early season struggles, he is 3-0 with a 1.76 ERA in his last 11. ...

Isn't it weird that Johnson recorded his 300th win in the game on the exact same date he did in real life?