Regardless of whether the Pirates win or lose there's big difference between the way they're playing now versus how they were playing a few weeks ago. They're into the game, hustling and focused instead of sleepwalking through every game. Maybe it's part of the Skenes excitement, maybe they see the way Gonzales approaches every at bat, maybe Shelton's finally learned how to motivate players or maybe it's something else but this is a winning attitude even if they lose. They still need more talented players and need to get rid of some of the dead weight on this roster but it's sure more entertaining to watch them now.
Bae with another 4 hits last night to raise his average to .375. Still with a K rate of almost 30%, and a BB rate close to 20%. His BABIP is now over .500. That is remarkable (and unsustainable) even with the small sample. Watched the game last night and he seems locked in (and lucky).
He seems much more focused than last year. I think he could be a .275 hitter in the majors that strikes out a lot. As long as he causes havok on the bases, I will take that. Pitchers that face us seem pretty relaxed for the most part.
Against a RHP could Tellez be used as a DH and Bae as the 1B or CF and possibly see some time at leadoff? He came up for a cup of coffee in 2022 (10 Games), but last year in 371 PA he K'd 92 times or 24.8%, which I would not consider striking out a lot, especially in his first real exposure to MLB pitching. And, the 24 SB (72%) in his first exposure should be better also. Hope we find a way to get him involved.
Now, that’s good depth. Not many teams can pull a Domingo German from the minors. If Perez continues to struggle and German pitches well, I could see German in the rotation…Perez could go to the pen as a better version of Fleming.
I think Perez will be fine for a 5 starter. He had a an ERA under 3 a few starts ago. They let him in their to give up 9 runs his last start. I do agree with you that he better have a good start in his next outing.
I actually like the idea of a 6 man rotation, but only if our starters can get an extra 10 to 15 pitches per game.
A day later, and the stench of that horseshit call and the even worse replay explanation lingers in my brain.
I hope Shelton does his level best to get rung today and goes old school Earl Weaver, Billy Martin, Jim Leyland on the boys in blue today. They deserve to hear how bad of a job they’ve done in this series.
Setting aside the final call, two hits out of three batters faced obviously isn’t sustainable in any role, much less leverage relief.
Really hope he can find at least some of what’s missing. A team can be competitive without all star caliber leverage guys (though I realize more every day what a luxury that has been for many Bucco seasons over the last decade plus), but not with multiple guys in those roles that are at least even odds to go gascan on any given inning.
Cubs hitters found green grass on decent pitches. It happens.
The bigger issue is Bednar consistently not pitching as well when he’s in line for the save. Yet there he is being called on to pitch in a tie game in the 9th instead of Chapman. Why Shelton didn’t save Bednar for the potential save in extra innings is baffling to me.
Chapman's weakness is coming in with runners on base. His strength is with the bases empty because you know he is going to walk a couple and strike out a couple. I was thinking the same as you.
Regardless of whether the Pirates win or lose there's big difference between the way they're playing now versus how they were playing a few weeks ago. They're into the game, hustling and focused instead of sleepwalking through every game. Maybe it's part of the Skenes excitement, maybe they see the way Gonzales approaches every at bat, maybe Shelton's finally learned how to motivate players or maybe it's something else but this is a winning attitude even if they lose. They still need more talented players and need to get rid of some of the dead weight on this roster but it's sure more entertaining to watch them now.
Absolutely stunned that nobody wanted Fleming. Now we can feel good about our depth.
Then again, since everyone passed on Fleming maybe they all have better depth than us. Seriously, I am glad we got him back.
Bae with another 4 hits last night to raise his average to .375. Still with a K rate of almost 30%, and a BB rate close to 20%. His BABIP is now over .500. That is remarkable (and unsustainable) even with the small sample. Watched the game last night and he seems locked in (and lucky).
He seems much more focused than last year. I think he could be a .275 hitter in the majors that strikes out a lot. As long as he causes havok on the bases, I will take that. Pitchers that face us seem pretty relaxed for the most part.
Against a RHP could Tellez be used as a DH and Bae as the 1B or CF and possibly see some time at leadoff? He came up for a cup of coffee in 2022 (10 Games), but last year in 371 PA he K'd 92 times or 24.8%, which I would not consider striking out a lot, especially in his first real exposure to MLB pitching. And, the 24 SB (72%) in his first exposure should be better also. Hope we find a way to get him involved.
Compared to what the Pirates have now in CF, I would certainly take that.
German to pitch for Indy today according to Noah Hiles
I am getting cautiously excited about his future as a Pirate.
Now, that’s good depth. Not many teams can pull a Domingo German from the minors. If Perez continues to struggle and German pitches well, I could see German in the rotation…Perez could go to the pen as a better version of Fleming.
I think Perez will be fine for a 5 starter. He had a an ERA under 3 a few starts ago. They let him in their to give up 9 runs his last start. I do agree with you that he better have a good start in his next outing.
I actually like the idea of a 6 man rotation, but only if our starters can get an extra 10 to 15 pitches per game.
Big picture I’m still euphoric over the Skenes start. The Pirates appear to have two very young top line starters. That is huge.
That’s actually harder than putting together a league average offense. That’s what makes the current situation so annoying.
A day later, and the stench of that horseshit call and the even worse replay explanation lingers in my brain.
I hope Shelton does his level best to get rung today and goes old school Earl Weaver, Billy Martin, Jim Leyland on the boys in blue today. They deserve to hear how bad of a job they’ve done in this series.
Setting aside the final call, two hits out of three batters faced obviously isn’t sustainable in any role, much less leverage relief.
Really hope he can find at least some of what’s missing. A team can be competitive without all star caliber leverage guys (though I realize more every day what a luxury that has been for many Bucco seasons over the last decade plus), but not with multiple guys in those roles that are at least even odds to go gascan on any given inning.
Cubs hitters found green grass on decent pitches. It happens.
The bigger issue is Bednar consistently not pitching as well when he’s in line for the save. Yet there he is being called on to pitch in a tie game in the 9th instead of Chapman. Why Shelton didn’t save Bednar for the potential save in extra innings is baffling to me.
Chapman's weakness is coming in with runners on base. His strength is with the bases empty because you know he is going to walk a couple and strike out a couple. I was thinking the same as you.