Easter Goodies

When we started this blog, I mentioned that I wasn't sure how often we'd be able to post, or how often we'd be able to watch games, or how often we'd care, or something like that. Four games into the season (last night's rainout notwithstanding), not much has changed, except the fact that John has been money in the bank. We keep discussing via text whether or not we can actually do recaps for all 162 games...John has taken over. At this point, he'll do recaps even on days there isn't a game. Money in the bank.

So I guess that leaves my role as the person who chimes in on random things every once in a blue moon or so, which I'm totally fine with. I will be honest and say I've watched about 5 innings of the season so far. But I did listen to the game Thursday afternoon at work, and my excitement that I talked about in my previous post is definitely still there.


All that being said, just wanted to comment on a few things...

- First of all, a reminder that there are things much more important than a Pirates blog...our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the families and friends of Pittsburgh Police officers Eric Kelly, Paul Sciullo II, and Stephen Mayhle, who were shot and killed in the line of duty last Saturday, and also of Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart, who was killed along with two others by a drunk driver just hours after making his first start of the season.

There's really not much else that can be said. Both events are so sad and tragic, and both really put things into perspective. Nick Adenhart was my age....the three officers were doing their duty....their families are in our prayers.


- Overall, I'm impressed by the starting rotation so far. Yes, it's only four games into the season, but I will accept three good outings out of four any time. We can nitpick all we want (Ohlendorf's fastball didn't have good velocity, for example), but the final results have been there: 2 or less earned runs given up in three out of four starts. It's no secret that the Pirates won't go anywhere this season if their starters don't produce, especially given the presumably weak bullpen. Only time will tell the starters can keep up a good pace, but it's at least nice to see them get off to a good start. The second turn through the rotation starts today...

- Can anyone figure out the mystery that is Andy LaRoche? He raked the ball and showed significant improvement on defense in Spring Training, but then as soon as the big lights came on, he freezed up. He committed three errors in the first two games, including the now infamous dropped pop-up on Tuesday, and looked completely lost at the plate. It was so bad John Russell immediately benched him for two games for Ramon Vasquez, who happened to get the only hit off Chris Carpenter Thursday. Is it too early to think that Andy LaRoche just can't cut it in the Majors? Can we make that conclusion yet? Surely he will have more chances to get comfortable (he should be back in the lineup today), but with Ramon Vasquez on the bench and Neil Walker in AAA (whom Neal Huntingdon called the best defensive third baseman in the system), you have to believe the leash won't be that long.

- Apparently the Pirates have been hit by a flu bug. Ian Snell and Adam LaRoche, among others, have been affected in the last week. If the flu is what made Snell pitch so bad Tuesday, then that's easier to "forgive," but something tells me that wasn't the only reason.

- I have a goal this year: I'm going to try to wear a different Pirates related hat to every game I go to this year. This includes all variations of Pirates hats (batting practice, All-Star Game, alternates, etc.), Minor League affiliates past and present (Altoona Curve, Lynchburg Hillcats, Augusta Green Jackets, Carolina Mudcats, etc.), and any historical hats (Pittsburgh Crawfords, etc.).

Enjoy your Easter weekend, everyone. Bucs are on in half an hour. Peace.