What's the worst that could happen?

[giantsfan07830]

congratz on your great season

[Moriarty9]

With our season over, we cleaned out our lockers today for the long off-season. I would soon work for one of my uncles until spring came rolling back around. After a couple hours at the field, we said goodbye to one another. Myself and Roosevelt Fuller decided to grab some lunch and went over to One Eleven Chop House.
We talked about the season - our achievements and disappointments - and what next year could hold.
Rosey (.290, 8 HR, 51 RBI, 48 R, 8 SB, .367 OBP, .805 OPS) said he was eager for the 2008 season to come around. I told him I wasn't sure what my plan would be for next year. Although I was extremely grateful for the opportunties presented me by the Worcester Tornadoes, the tight leash around my neck toward the end of ballgames had grown extremely frustrating. I might get over it during the offseason and return, but I may decide its time to try and find another league somewhere as the team holds my rights.
Either way, I had a little bit of time to think about it before any decisions had to be made.
After a little more than 90 minutes, lunch was over and we said goodbye.
About 10 minutes after we left I realized I had left my cell phone at the restaurant. I walked back into the steakhouse and a cute waitress named Anna pulled it out of her apron pocket.
"I saw it after you had left so I grabbed it in case you came back," she said with a smile, handing it over to me.
I thanked her and put into the cargo pocket on the right leg of my carpenter jeans. As I grabbed my wallet to give her an additional tip as a thank you, Anna told me I had missed a call a few minutes before I came back in.
"It rang after you left. I didn't pick it up or anything, figured your girlfriend wouldn't want to hear my voice answer your phone," she said, calling the Indiana Jones ringtone "cute."
"My girlfriend?" I responded, grabbing my phone to check the missed calls. "I don't have a girlfriend."
I opened up the phone and saw my sister had called.
"That was my sister Diana," I informed the waitress, putting the phone back into my jeans and handing over a $10 bill. "Thanks again for the help."
"No problem," she responded with a smile. "Sorry about the confusion. She's a pretty girl so I kind of ... well, anyways, thanks for coming to One Eleven Chop House."
I smiled and thanked Anna again and left for home, calling my sister to see what she called about.

[giantsfan07830]

lol why didint you put a move on her

[Moriarty9]

Game 1
After picking up an insurance run in the last of the eighth to take a 7-4 lead, the Brockton Rox let up three runs in the top of the ninth to tie the game before winning the game in the bottom of the ninth, 8-7.
Brockton reliever Bobby Jamison (3-5, 5 saves, 5.50 ERA in 41 appearances this year) picked up the win while North Shore Spirit reliever Sean Pearson (4-4, 10 saves, 4.25 ERA in 35 appearances this year) was tagged with the loss.
Although he didn't hit a Home Run all season long, Spirit shortstop Tom Albright homered in the loss. Jerry Gray (8 HR in 295 ABs this year) and Terry Miller (2 HR in 392 ABs) both went deep for Brockton in the victory.

Brockton leads series 1-0


Game 2
Brockton extended their lead in the finals with a 7-0 shutout over the Spirit.
Brockton picked up nine hits and were beneficiaries of a pair of North Shore errors while the Spirit collected seven hits.
Dave Reed (1-4, 5.74 ERA in 18 games) picked up the win with 8 1/3 shutout innings for the Rox. Alex Randall (5-7, 5.45 ERA in 14 starts with North Shore, 7-11 with a 5.49 ERA on the season) was hit with the loss.

Brockton leads series 2-0


Game 3
The Brockton Rox won the Canadian American League championship with a 6-3 victory over the North Shore Spirit, in large part due to a five-run fourth inning.
Brent Krieger (6-7, 3.05 ERA in 21 starts) pitched eight strong innings en route to the victory while Joe Green (3-0, 29 saves, 1.17 ERA) picked up the save. North Shore's Tony Hanover (5-5, 5.17 ERA in 15 games) took the loss after giving up five runs - only one of which was earned - over 3 2/3 innings.
"Your heart is heavy, you are hurting ... it's a very difficult time," Spirit skipper said. "And to be swept ... it's embarassing. You just want to forget it ever happened."

Brockton wins series 3-0

[Moriarty9]

The Nashua Pride and Quebec Capitales made it clear to their fans this week that they want to win more ballgames as each time fired their managers and general managers.
Tom Groves was fired as GM of the Pride while Martin Davis was let go as the team's field manager.
Also fired this week was former Quebec GM Denny Reynolds and now ex-manager Dave Cox.
There has been no indication as of yet as to potential successors at any of the positions.

[Moriarty9]

I made a trip to Worcester to help out with a Little League pitching clinic with pitching coach Bobby Ojeda and teammate Michael Irvan, a southpaw who went 6-7 with a 5.01 ERA in 20 starts this year.
It was a good time and reminded me of working with my uncle's team the last couple years. As I left and made my way home I noticed I was right down the street from the One Eleven Chop House. My parents' wedding anniversary was coming up and I had originally planned to get them a gift certificate for Chuck's Steakhouse in Auburn - one of their favorite places - but decided to stop by the Chop House instead and see if that cute waitress Anna was working.
I walked in and spoke to the greeter who grabbed a gift certificate while I grabbed my wallet. As I handed over the cash for the gift card, she walked by. She didn't seem to notice me as she was walking with her apron hanging off her shoulder and she was counting a wad of bills before walking into the kitchen. I was handed my gift certificate and, to stall, looked it over to make sure everything was in order.
"All set?" I asked the greeter.
She looked up from her seating chart and politely smiled and said yes.
"Okay, thanks," I said, slowly heading out the door to the parking lot.
I got to my car and reached into my pocket for the keys and realized they weren't there.
"****," I muttered under my breath, fearing the worst.
I pulled the door handle and, sure thing, it was locked. I tried a couple other doors hoping one would magically be unlocked but with no luck. I looked inside and could see the keys dangling in the ignition, taunting me. Just a few feet away sat my cell phone.
Irritated, I kicked the front tire - hurting my foot.
As I leaned against the car and mumbled obscenities at myself and the keys I saw Anna across the parking lot walking to her car.
I jumped up and jogged over toward her.
"Hey!" I yelled out.
She didn't turn around at all and continued walking.
"Hey miss," I insisted. "I locked my keys and phone in my car - can you help me out and call the police or AAA or something?"
Without stopping her stride, Anna turned her head toward me.
"There's a phone inside the restaraunt," she said before identifying me. "Oh."
Anna stopped.
"I guess I can let you call someone though," she reached into her bag and grabbed her cell phone.
I walked over.
"Thanks," I said with a smile. "Saved me again."
She smiled and laughed a little.
"Well let's not make this a habit," she said. "I'm no Superman."
Anna handed me her cell phone.
"Here you go," she said. "Do you play softball or something or?"
"Huh? Softball?" I asked as I flipped through my wallet looking for my AAA card with her phone in my other hand.
"Yeah, just wondering with the fancy little button up softball shirt you're wearing," she said.
"Oh, that," I said, laughing a little. "I was helping out at a baseball clinic and was on my way home when I stopped here to get a gift certificate."
"So you coach Little League?" she asked.
"Uh, no. I mean I used to help out my uncle but no," I said. "I play baseball for the Worcester Tornadoes over at Fitton Field."
"Ohhhh, neat," she said. "I heard they stink."
I laughed and nodded.
"Yea, we pretty much stunk this year," I said.
Having found the AAA card, I began dialing the number.
"So where do you live?" Anna asked. "In the city? If you have spare keys I can give you a lift to get them."
"I don't live in Worcester," I told her. "I'm bout 15 minutes down 395."
I then spoke with someone at AAA and they told me someone would be by shortly. I hung up.
"Mind if I make one more quick call?" I asked.
"No, go ahead," she said.
I typed in my own cell number and saved it as a contact and then called myself.
Voicemail picked up after several rings.
"Voicemail," I said softly to her, acting as if I was calling someone else for help. "Hey, it's me. I'm locked out of my car in Worcester so I won't be back in town for awhile. I'll be okay though, there's a very nice girl here who's letting me use her phone, keeping me company and teasing me because I pitch for a crap team."
I hung up and Anna looked at me with a smile.
"Who said I was going to stay around and keep you company?" she said.
"Me," I responded simply.
"And who was that - your girlfriend, I mean sister?" she asked, putting the word "sister" in air quotes.
I laughed.
"It is my sister, I don't have a girlfriend," I said. "And no, that's not who I called. I called someone I know much better."
Anna looked at me with a confused look on her face.
"You know many people better than you know your own sister?" she asked.
"No, not really," I answered. "But I know myself better than I know her."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You called yourself?" Anna asked.
"Yep," I said with a smirk. "And now I've got your number."
I smiled and winked.
"Not bad for a guy who plays for a lousy team and manages to lock himself and his phone out of his car," I said.
Anna folded her arms and grinned a little.
"Well now I can just go into my call log and I have your number," she said as if to top my actions.
"Yea, you could," I nodded. "Or you could go to your contacts. I took the liberty to put myself in there too."
She grabbed her phone and went to her contacts.
"I just realized I don't even know your name," she said.
"Shaun," I said, extending my hand to shake hers.
"I'm Anna," she responded, shaking my hand.
"Nice to meet you ... again," I said with a smile.
As we shook hands, a police cruiser pulled into the parking lot and stopped by my car.
"Looks like my knight in shining armor has arrived," I quipped. "I'll talk to you later Anna."
She smiled.
"Hurry up before someone from the Red Sox calls me first," she said with a wink.

[giantsfan07830]

Anna shaun Anna shaun Anna Shaun

Sounds pretty good

[Moriarty9]

I was playing it cool, waiting a few days before I called Anna. She, however, apparently doesn't care to wait and gave me a call two days after we exchanged numbers.
She got right to the point.
"So you like baseball right?" Anna asked.
I laughed.
"Well yea, I didn't sign with the Tornadoes just to keep myself busy," I said.
"Yea, the mighty Worcester Tornadoes," she quipped. "I said baseball not Little League. My dad gets ticket to about a dozen Red Sox games each season. Since the Sox are kind of out of it and tomorrow is one of their last games he's not interested in going so..."
"Are you asking me out on a date?" I asked, smirking.
Anna laughed.
"I'm trying to sell you tickets at four times what they're worth," she joked.
"Well, I dunno if I can afford that," I responded. "I can probably afford, I dunno, dinner, the parking fee and a box of Cracker Jacks."
She laughed.
"Great, throw in a cute and single guy and I'm in," Anna responded.
"Woah, woah, woah," I said. "I can't guarantee anything like that. Settle for me and I'll throw in the Pike toll."
"Deal," she said.

*************************************

The next day, Saturday, I picked Anna up and we made our way to Boston for the Sox game. I was excited. It was only the second game I had been able to see this year and I was going with the cutest "Pink Hat" I'd ever seen at Fenway. Jon Lester was the starting pitcher for the Red Sox while Johan Santana toed the rubber for Minnesota.
As we settled into our Green Monster seats, we noticed a NESN camera crew set up to shoot an episode of "Sox Appeal," a dating game that takes place during Red Sox games. Inbetween innings we found ourselves acting as if we were on Mystery Science Theater 3000 by mockingly pretending we were the couples sitting there on the show.
As the woman and each of her three dates talked, we each acted as one of the contestants, using horrible baseball themed double entendres about "reaching second," "scoring," "just get in the box," or "he's got a really good stroke."
How we turned into 13-year-olds was beyond me but it was fun.
When we weren't goofing on the Sox Appeal folks, we were watching the Sox beat up on Santana - five runs on 11 hits and one walk. Lester, however, pitched pretty well, letting up two runs on five hits and five walks over six innings with five strikeouts.
In the top of the eighth inning my cell phone rang. Normally, in this situation, I'd let it go but I saw it was coming from the Tornadoes front office so I answered.
It was Dave Smith, our third base coach, with some good news - I had received a $5,000 prize from the Canadian American League for winning the pitcher of the year award and I was to pick up the award at an awards dinner next weekend in Atlantic City.
When I hung up I broke the news to Anna, who had figured out from my end of the conversation that something had happened. She congratulated me and gave me a hug as Jonathan Papelbon came into the ballgame to close it out.
Papelbon shut the Twins down in order, the Red Sox won the game, I got great news and we headed to Quincy Market for the rest of the afternoon.
We had dinner and walked around the city before heading home.
As I walked her to the front door of her apartment, I thanked her for the Sox tickets and her company.
"Anytime," she said with a smile. "I had a good time."
We experienced an awkward silence.
"Well I guess I should get going then," I said, trying to break the silence.
Anna nodded.
"You should call me next time so I don't have to hunt you down," she said.
I smirked and grabbed my cell phone and called her's. She shook her head, grabbed her phone and answered.
"Hello?" she said.
"So what are you doing next Saturday night?" I asked. "Because I've got to pick up some sort of award and figure I should bring someone with me so..."
She smiled.
"Sure," Anna said with a smirk. "Gotta figure there's bound to be at least one cute guy there."
I laughed.
"Sounds good. I'll pick you up Saturday morning, no later than 9:30 though. It's a bit of a ride," I said.
She agreed.
"Awesome," I said, before making a crackling sound as if the connection was weakening. "I'm going through a tunnel now ... I'm going to lose service ..."
She chuckled as I hung up the phone, calling me a "dork" with a cute little giggle.
"I should go, my roommate will probably get tired of trying to hide the fact that she's looking out the window blinds," Anna said.
I nodded.
"Alright, I'll talk to you later Anna," I said with a smile.
"I'll be waiting," she responded, opening up her arms as if she was awaiting a hug.
I smiled and we hugged, kissing her cheek.
She smiled.
"Fresh boy," Anna said with a wink.

[dkmsoxfan88]

Worcester Tornadoes? Awesome.

[Moriarty9]

Due to some traffic in New York, Anna and I arrived in Atlantic City about 10 minutes before the awards banquet was set to begin. I had hoped to be in a little earlier so I could stretch and relax before heading into the event. I didn't get that luxury. All I got was a stiff back and the most attractive date of anyone on the Boardwalk.
We stretched in the parking lot as I grabbed my suitcoat and tossed it on before we headed in. We walked in and I shook hands with other guys from the league and exchanged hugs with Noah Harris and Rob Ross, who had also made the trip down from Worcester to claim their Glove Wizard awards. I found my table - which was shared with Noah and Rob, and their dates, and Coach Rich Gedman and the team's general manager.
I introduced Anna to everyone and dinner was soon served.

***********************

As we finished off our dessert, the league's newly appointed commissioner, Alex Miller, took to the podium and began an address to those in attendance.
After a few minutes he introduced the Glove Wizard award winners.
In addition to Noah and Rob, the other winners were pitcher Alexander Croy, catcher Scot McKinley and third baseman Roberto Sanchez of the New Jersey Jackals, first baseman Bill Sutton of the North Shore Spirit, second baseman Terry Hiller and shortstop Tomas Roman of the Brockton Rox, and Atlantic City Surf outfielder Christian Wilson.
While I new I was to receive the pitcher of the year award, there was another award I wasn't told about - rookie of the year.
I wasn't even aware the league even had that honor in the CanAm League until I nearly choked on the water I was drinking when Miller made the announcement.
I walked up to the podium unsure what I was going to say. I had mentally prepared some comments for the pitcher of the year award but not this.
I thanked the Worcester Tornadoes for the opportunity to take up a spot on the roster and in the rotation. I suggested that perhaps some of my success was the league's unfamiliarity with me. I quickly shuffled off the stage, a little embarassed, and took my seat with Anna and the guys from the team.
After a nice speech by North Shore thirdbaseman George "Nails" Burton (.348, 22 HR, 96 RBI in 345 ABs) as he accepted the league MVP award, I prepared myself as Miller took to the podium once again to hand out the pitcher of the year award.
As I received a round of applause while I walked up to the podium to shake hands with Miller and accept the trophy, I tried to think about what I was going to say this time - hoping not to repeat myself from the previous speech.
Again I thanked the Tornadoes and credited my teammates with much of my success, pointing out a handful of instances where guys like Noah and Rob made great plays to take away RBI hits or homers and for giving me the run support to make some of my performances hold up.
I returned to my seat as the rest of the program continued for another 40 minutes.
Anna and I got up as I turned down a few invitations to hit one of the casinos or head somewhere for an after-party - we still had a long road ahead of us to get back home. After saying goodbye, wishing some guys good luck and telling them I'd see them next year, we made our way out to my car.
We got in the car and I thanked her for coming down with me, apologizing that it wasn't more fun for her. She assured me she enjoyed the trip and congratulated me on the awards before grabbing the map.
"Let's see ... there shouldn't be any traffic on the way back so we should be back in Worcester by ... um, 4:30 or so," she laughed. "You'll have to wake me up when he hit Massachusetts."
I laughed.
"Yea, I may have to stop off at a few McDonald's or something and grab some coffees," I said.
She put the map down in her lap and looked over at me.
"You know, its probably not very polite to just turn your friends away when they ask to go out and celebrate your awards and theirs," Anna said, her left eyebrow cocked up a little.
"Yea, I know but they're party animals who came down yesterday and won't be heading home until tomorrow," I said. "They're spending the whole weekend down here."
I added: "Besides, much as I'd love to go have a few drinks with them before heading out on a 300-mile drive in the middle of the night, we'd be driving into the morning sun with the morning commute."
She grinned a little.
"Oh come on, just go and have a little fun," Anna insisted. "We're in Atlantic City and have spent all day sitting - sitting in this car and sitting at the banquet."
I laughed.
Although I knew it'd be a tall task to make the lengthy commute after spending a hour or two with the guys, I gave in.
"Alright, alright," I said. "Just one drink - unless you want to be my designated driver."
"Tell you what," Anna responded with a slight grin, leaning toward me. "How about we just go and have a good time and relax. If we feel its not safe to drive we'll just grab a hotel room for the night."
I was surprised.
"Okay," I said. "You've got a deal."
She smiled and tossed the map into the back seat.
"Good," Anna declared. "But first, I'm going to need to find the ladies room and freshen up."
I looked down at the clock - 11:13 p.m. - and at my trophies.
"If this is really what you want to do, let's just go grab a room, I'll put my awards in mine so they're safe and you can go to the bathroom," I suggested.
She agreed and we made our way back into the hotel where the banquet was held. We arrived at the front desk and she decided to run off to the main floor's bathroom, leaving me to booking the hotel room.
I asked what was available and the girl behind the desk said there were not many rooms available - especially if I really wanted a non-smoking room. I told her I'd take whatever available non-smoking room had the best view, even if it had bunk beds or just cots.
She booked the room and $149 later I grabbed the keycard for the room and waited in the lobby for Anna. After a few moments she made her way back to the lobby and we went to the room to tuck away the awards and whatever else was in the car.
After setting everything up, I turned around.
"Ready to try and find 'em?" I asked, turning to face Anna.
I couldn't help but laugh a little as she laid on the bed, face down, half asleep. I sat down next to her and patted her back.
"And you wanted to go out and party?" I quipped.
She slowly rolled over to face me and smiled.
"I'm tired," she responded.
"You're not the only one," I said. "But we won't be out long. Just a quick night out to celebrate."
Anna smiled a little.
"Who needs a night out to celebrate? You can celebrate with a night in," she said with a grin, grabbing my the loosened neck tie hanging around my neck and tugging on it, pulling me down towards her.
"Okay," I said.

[giantsfan07830]

OMG that was fast you already get to sleep with her YOU DEVIL

[Powderguy]

Nice job on gettin some of that ***!

[Moriarty9]

It was six days before Christmas. Anna and I were at the Solomon Pond Mall, doing a little last minute shopping for our families when my cell phone rang. I answered but had lousy service and within a few moments my father's hurried voice cut out and disappeared.
Fearing something was wrong, we quickly made our way out of the mall and into the parking lot where I would be able to get more than just one bar on my phone.
Standing there as a light snow softly nestled onto the brim of my cap, I called my father and received some great news: I was going to be offered a non-roster invitee roster spot with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
While it certainly wasn't the chance to play for the Red Sox - the team I spent many days and nights pretending I was playing for while on the baseball field or swinging the wiffle bat in the backyard - it was a big league club giving me a shot.
The Pirates were 75-87 in 2007, finishing 23 games behing the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. They had some good pitchers but, as one could expect with their losing record, a good number of not-so-good pitchers.
I was to report to their spring training complex in Bradenton, Florida in February to give it my best shot to be offered a minor league contract or maybe even earn a big league roster spot.
It was the best Christmas gift I could have hoped for.
While she was proud and thrilled to see my dreams of pitching in the Major Leagues coming closer to a reality, I could tell Anna wasn't as thrilled for herself. After much prodding, she admitted that she enjoyed knowing I was pitching for the Tornadoes in Worcester and across the northeast but if I caught on with the Pirates ... I'd be in Pennsylvania - or some minor league affiliate city - for half the spring and summer, and across the nation the rest of that time. What would happen to our relationship? That was her question.
I told her I had a limited window of opportunity and had to give it my best shot. She understood and we decided we would carry on as we always had and that she would take time off and come to Florida while I was working out in spring training. If something came of the non-roster invitation, we'd handle it then.
I spent the rest of the holiday season keeping an active eye on the trades and free agent signings across baseball, wondering not so much how they'd bolster the BoSox bullpen or add some depth to their bench, but rather how this move and that transaction altered in any way my chances of playing outside the CanAm League in 2008.

Pittsburgh Pirates Off-season Transactions
Nov. 2: Traded SP Paul Maholm (18-8, 3.16 ERA) to the Cubs for minor league pitcher Jesse Estrada
Nov. 4: Traded SP Todd Redmond (5-17, 5.50 ERA) to the Rangers for minor league pitchers Julian Rosa and Omar Poveda
Nov. 28: Re-signed RP Damaso Marte for 3 years, $6.75 M
Dec. 8: Traded SP Yoslan Herrera (8-10, 4.90 ERA) to the Reds for minor league pitcher Josh Ravin
Dec. 14: Traded RP John Grabow (1-3, 3.76 ERA) to the Blue Jays for minor league outfielder Jav Cervantes
Dec. 14: Traded OF Cody Ross (.259, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 475 AB) to the Red Sox for minor league catcher Levi Tapia
Dec. 26: Signed SP Mark Buehrle (8-21, 5.04 ERA) to a one-year deal
Dec. 26: Traded 2B Freddy Sanchez (.262, 5 HR, 43 RBI, 503 AB) to the Cardinals for OF Cody Haerther (.278, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 90 AB) and minor league pitcher Kenneth Maiques
Dec. 27: Traded SP Zach Duke (8-11, 5.50 ERA) to the Red Sox for minor league 1B Jesus Aguilar
Feb. 6: Signed SP Hector Carrasco (12-7, 3.91 ERA) to a one-year deal

[Moriarty9]

Editor's Note: I had a post detailing a strong spring training but it was lost due to a randomly dropped internet connection as i attempted to post it. The basic point was that it was a very good spring for me and as the team prepares to move north to Pittsburgh, I'm optimistic that instead of being sent to AAA or elsewhere in the minors that I'll be with the Pirates come Opening Day.

[Moriarty9]

April 6, 2008
It was a little more than a week ago when I found out I was going to be a Major League pitcher. Today, as the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox prepare to kick off the 2008 season, I was told I'm going to start the year as the #2 guy in the rotation. I was surprised as it had looked as if I would be #3 or #4.

I'm excited to get going, although I'll have to wait until tomorrow for our season to start and Tuesday for my first big league appearance.
I don't know what to expect just yet for myself or the team, but it will be an interesting ride I'm sure.

Here's the 25 guys that'll be heading out to Milwaukee for our first game of the season.
Ian Snell is anchoring the rotation after a 12-12, 4.21 season for the Pirates last year. In his four-year career with Pittsburgh, Ian is 27-26 with a 4.61 ERA. It's really not that bad considering the overall product put out the last few years.
I'll be following him in the rotation with another rookie, Brad Lincoln, behind me. Lincoln is a good 23-year-old and we've become pretty fast friends, being a couple of rookie starters looking to make a go of it here.
After Linc in the rotation are a couple of veterans - Hector Carrasco and Mark Buehrle. Carrasco, 38, went 12-7 with a 3.91 ERA for the Angels last season, has been effective as a starter and a reliever, and the Pirates are his eighth big league team. He signed a one-year deal with us just before spring training and should be a big help in guiding our young rotation.
The press is billing Buehrle's one-year contract as a no lose situation for us because its a short-term, low-money deal for a guy with a solid track record. The reason we got him cheap, however, is the 8-21, 5.04 season he put together with the White Sox last year. Despite that record, he's still 105-87 over his career and has won at least 16 games four times over his career.
The most surprising thing is that Brian Rogers will start the year as our closer. It's not that Brian isn't a good pitcher - he is, he was 3-1 with a 3.84 ERA in 67 appearances last year - but Matt Capps saved 45 games for the team last year with a 2-7 record and 3.62 ERA. A lot of people assumed Matty would be the closer but Skip really likes Brian's stuff.
The rest of the bullpen features lefties Michael Tejera (2-1, 2 saves, 4.68 ERA in 52 games) and Damaso Marte (6-4, 2.86 ERA, 63 games) and right-handers Josh Sharpless (1-2, 5.14 ERA, 11 games), Jesse Chavez (2-7, 19 saves, 3.63 ERA in 43 games in AA Altoona) and veteran Danny Kolb (7-2, 4.35 ERA in 67 games).
We also have Tom Gorzelanny, a good lefty, on the DL, recovering from a torn rotator cuff. Gorzelanny was 1-7 with a 5.74 ERA in 10 starts last season and is expected to be out until at least June or July.

The position players are pretty good defensive ballplayers but we don't have a whole lot of thunder in the lineup.
Centerfielder Chris Duffy will be our leadoff man this season. He's a left-handed batter that hit .261 with 10 HR, 38 RBI and 58 runs in 145 games last year, picking up 25 steals.
Jason Bay is our biggest stick and hopefully he'll rebound off a down year last season, which was due in part to a lingering rib cage issue. J hit .256 with 27 HR and 69 RBI in 117 games for the Pirates last year.
Ronny Paulino will be my battery-mate, which is nice since he's a pretty solid receiver. Offensively, Ronny hit .278 with 9 HR, 46 RBI and 60 runs in 122 games last season.
Adam LaRoche will be our firstbaseman, coming off a .277, 25 HR, 74 RBI campaign along with rightfielder Brad Eldred, who hit .268 with 7 HR and 37 RBI in 83 games in 2007.
Brian Bixler opens the season as our starting secondbaseman. He's a pretty damn good defensive ballplayer and hopefully he'll draw on his experience last year to improve on his .187, 8 RBI performance through 59 games last season.
Bixler's doubleplay partner will be Jose Bautista, who hit .243 with 19 HR and 77 RBI in 151 games.
After a pretty impressive performance in 94 games in Pittsburgh last year, Neil Walker is our thirdbaseman. He hit .299 with 7 HR and 40 RBI through 301 at bats.
The bench is pretty decent, all things considered, with 1B Josh Phelps (.308, 7 HR, 23 RBI in 71 games), 3B Tripper Johnson (.273, 12 HR, 43 RBI in 107 games at AAA Indianapolis), middle infielder Kazuo Matsui (.205, 4 HR, 11 RBI in 69 games), and outfielders Cody Haerther (.278, 3 HR, 11 RBI in 77 games with the Cardinals) and Andrew McCutchen (.255, 9 HR, 39 RBI in 302 ABs).

If I was nervous for my first start with the Tornadoes last season, I can only imagine the nerves I'll have in a couple days.

[Moriarty9]

April 7, 2008
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Milwaukee Brewers - Opening Day
Pirates
CF Chris Duffy
2B Brian Bixler
LF Jason Bay
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Brad Eldred
SS Jose Bautista
C Ronny Paulino
3B Neil Walker
P Ian Snell

Brewers
2B Rickie Weeks
SS J.J. Hardy
1B Prince Fielder
LF Corey Hart
3B Ryan Braun
CF Bill Hall
RF Gabe Gross
C Rod Barajas
P Ben Sheets

***************************************

I hope the first at bat of the season isn't a sign of things to come as Chris Duffy, although he put on a good six-pitch AB, struck out. Bixler followed suit with a K before Bay grounded out. Before I knew it, the top half of the inning was over. Its amazing how long the day was before the game and how quick that first at bat seemed to go.
Ian had just as quick a bottom of the first, picking up a strikeout and a popup before a fine diving play at third by Neil Walker ended the inning.
Jose Bautista picked up the first hit of the ballgame, a two-out single through the leftside of the infield. It looked like Jose was going to score the first run too when Ronny Paulino doubled to right but Gabe Gross threw a bullet home and they got Jose at the plate to retire the side.
Neil started things up in the top of the third, lacing a double over the head of Bill Hall in center to open the inning. Ian came up and laid down a sac bunt but Rod Barajas threw it away down the rightfield line, allowing Neil to score and Ian to scamper into second. Duffy delivered a big blow, hitting a two-run shot, making it 3-0 and still nobody out. Sheets reared back and K'd Bixler and Bay before retiring the side with a LaRoche popup to right. Nonetheless, the damage was done and we had an early 3-run lead.
The Brewers tried to put something together in the home half of the inning but a nice over the shoulder grab by Eldred in right and a diving play at first by LaRoche kept them off the bases for the third straight inning.
Milwaukee got its first of the game with one out in the fourth, a double off the bat of J.J. Hardy. Big Prince Fielder followed with a RBI double before Ian snuffed out the rally with consecutive strikeouts, keeping it at 3-1.
The Brewers didn't give up though as Hall doubled to lead off the fifth and later scored on a Barajas sac fly, making it a one-run game. Sheets came up with a two-out single past thirdbase and then Weeks homered to give Milwaukee a 4-3 lead.
They added to the lead in the sixth. With two down, Ryan Braun tripled to rightfield and Ian walked the bases loaded before walking Barajas to force in Braun. Ian's night came to an end, down 5-3, with two out and the bases full in the last of the sixth. Josh Sharpless came in and got an infield popup to escapre the inning.
Braun then helped us out a little with an error, allowing Paulino to reach, but Sheets beared down and got out of the inning with a grounder sandwiched between his 10th and 11th strikeouts of the night.
Sheets wasn't done there. In the eighth, with more than 100 pitches thrown to that point, he struck out our 2-3-4 hitters in impressive fashion.
Matt Capps, last year's closer and this year's setup guy, came on to pitch the last of the eighth and sent the Brewers down in order.
We went to the ninth down by two with Eldred, Bautista and Paulino (a combined 3-for-9 on the game) coming up against Milwaukee closer Francisco Cordero.
I'm not a hitter but even I was happy to see Sheets in their dugout instead of on the mound. Cordero had saved 31 games for the BrewCrew last year, posting a 4.43 ERA in 64 appearances.
Cordero struck out Brad on four pitches before Gross made a sliding grab on a sinking liner to right from Bautista. Paulino stepped in and delivered a huge solo blast, putting the game on the shoulders of Neil, who was 1-for-3 with a run and a strikeout. Neil hit a routine grounder on a 2-1 fastball to end the game, 5-4.
A tough loss but one hell of a game. I've seen a few good big league games, but never with a seat as good as this one.
As excited and nervous as I was today, I can't imagine what it'll be like tomorrow when I take the mound.

[Moriarty9]

April 8, 2008
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Milwaukee Brewers - Opening Day
Pirates
CF Chris Duffy
2B Brian Bixler
LF Jason Bay
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Brad Eldred
SS Jose Bautista
C Ronny Paulino
3B Neil Walker
P Shaun Moriarty

Brewers
2B Rickie Weeks
SS J.J. Hardy
1B Prince Fielder
LF Corey Hart
3B Ryan Braun
CF Bill Hall
RF Gabe Gross
C Rod Barajas
P Yovani Gallardo

***************************************

I've never pitched in front of more than 4,200 fans before - whether with the Tornadoes or in spring training - but today, as I walked out to the bullpen to get ready before the game, I saw many more than that in the bleachers and grandstands. By gametime, there were more than 40,400 in attendance. None of them really knew who I was - just some no-name rookie from the visiting Pirates wearing #99. How good can he be?
The only people in the stands that knew who the guy walking to the bullpen was were the only people in the ballpark probably more nervous than I was - my family and Anna.
Being the home team, I wasn't able to go straight to the mound. Instead, I got to warm up and sit in the dugout to watch the top of the first inning.
Gallardo retired the side on X pitches and I found myself almost frozen on the bench as my teammates walked up the dugout steps and onto the field. It wasn't until Jim Colborn, our pitching coach, gave me a slap on the back.
"Yer up, kid," he said with a smile. "Better get out there before they start without ya."
I grabbed the bill of my cap and pulled it down a little and jumped up and jogged out to the mound to make my warm-up tosses and stare down my first big league batter - Rickie Weeks.
I made my warm-up throws and was able to find my family while Ronny threw down to second and the infielders made their way in to give me the ball and wish me luck.
I took a deep breath, again pulled down my cap to just over my eyebrows and stepped on the rubber as Weeks stepped into the batter's box. Ronny dropped a pair of fingers, catching me by surprise. I figured we'd start things off with a fastball but he wanted the curveball. I was in no condition to shake him off so I wound up and dropped a deuce low in the zone that Weeks swung over for strike one.
I came back with a fastball over the outside corner for a called strike and was quickly ahead 0-2.
Looking for the punchout, I hurled a fastball to the inside but the ump's arm never went up as it was called a ball. Ronny called for another low curveball and I obliged but it missed low, bringing the count to 2-2. I knew I had to throw a strike here because I didn't want to fall behind and lose Weeks, especially after starting off with two quick strikes. So I reared back and threw a fastball but it sailed wide for ball three, bringing the count full. I came back with another curveball, this one a little higher but outside. Lucky for me, Weeks lunged after it and went down on strikes.
I figured I would be psyched when I picked up my first big league strikeout, but I was just thrilled to get an out after falling behind on Weeks.
My sigh of relief didn't last long as J.J. Hardy came up and drilled a single over the head of Bautista at shortstop.
It didn't get any better when Prince Fielder came up and jacked one out of the ballpark, staking the Brewers to a 2-0 lead.
Toto, I'm not with the CanAm League's Worcester Tornadoes anymore.
Corey Hart helped me out with a routine flyball to rightfield before Ryan Braun grounded out to Adam LaRoche at firstbase.
I walked back to the dugout and was given a couple of pats on the back and some words of encouragement while the guys in the middle of the order grabbed their bats and helmets.
We managed to load the bases with two outs courtesy a LaRoche double and a couple of walks. The only problem was that I was the guy who had to come to the plate. What a way for us to squander a scoring opportunity. I went to the plate thinking I would try to work the count, hope to draw a walk. My body thought otherwise as I gave a cut to the first pitch - a slider - for strike one. Gallardo followed up with a curveball that I somehow got a piece of, fouling it off for strike two. I then took a ball before fouling off another pitch, which was followed by another ball and two more fouls. The eighth pitch of the at bat was the final one, an outside fastball that I started to swing at before trying to hold the bat back. The ump had enough of my AB and ruled I had swung, strike three.
I wasn't terribly upset, I had a better at bat than I expected and it was a nice diversion as I wasn't lingering on the Fielder homer in the bottom of the first. However, maybe I should have been thinking more about that hanging pitch because Bill Hall took my first pitch offering up and over the fence, making it 3-0 Brewers. Refocused on the task at hand, I retired the next three batters, ending the inning by striking out Gallardo.
I thought I had a little momentum going with that rebound as I struck out Weeks to open the inning but was quickly working out of the stretch after Hardy singled. Fielder hit a sinking linedrive but it was nabbed for the second out before Hart worked me for a walk. Braun came up and hit a weak roller that Neil fielded barehanded and just barely got him at firstbase.
In the top of the fourth inning, I got up to make my way to the bat rack for my next at bat when Jim Lett, the bench coach, came over to me and told me my day was done, Skip was going to have Andrew McCutchen pinch-hit for me and Matt Capps was coming in to take over on the mound.
I was taken aback, and I'm sure coach Lett noticed, as I had only thrown 55 pitches and certainly could've eaten up a few more innings. I looked down the dugout and saw Skip, who was standing by the dugout steps watching the action on the field.
Dejected, I sat down on the bench and watched as Andy grabbed a bat and went out to the on-deck circle. I sat there, staring out at the field, as Andy was announced as the pinch-hitter. Much as I used to complain about Rich Gedman pulling me after eight innings when I thought I could've nailed down a complete game, this was something completely new to me.
McCutchen came up with a sac fly to put us on the board and Capps took the mound down 3-1.
The Brewers came right back though as Gross homered off Matty and Gallardo reached on an error that sent him to secondbase before Weeks hit him in with a basehit, making it 5-1 Brewers. Matt let up another run in the fifth before being pulled in favor of Josh Sharpless, who got us out of the inning.
We cut the lead in half when Jason Bay hit a two-run homer off reliever Claudio Vargas, making it 6-3 Brewers.
That's how it stayed until we came up in the ninth. Duffy singled and soon scored on a pinch-hit single by Cody Haerther, bringing the tying run to the plate with nobody out in the person of Jason Bay. There's nobody we want up more in that situation. Unfortunately, it didn't work out as J struck out. LaRoche lined out and Brad Eldred went down swinging to end the game, a 6-4 loss - which was charged to me.