Pirates vs Phillies 4/7/12 PNC Park
Saturdays were always good to me last year, as evidenced by my average of five baseballs a game on Saturdays. It was Passover, but with my numbers, I could not turn down attending this game. I decided to leave after the top half of the first inning, to appease my parents.
I arrived at the gate around 3:25 and was ready for what I hoped to be a good day. Erik and Nick had already been to Cleveland that day for BP and all three of us went over to the grassy area to throw around.
It was a great session, and I felt ready to go into the gates and have another great day. The mixture of pop ups, straight throwing, grounders and pitching boot camp that is the Saturday throwing session is a great way to see where you are at on the day.
Preparing for Saturday's gate opening. Photo by Randy Page
Photo by Randy Page
Starting my throw motion. Photo by Randy Page
Getting ready to make another catch in warm ups. Photo by Randy Page.
When the gates did open, I searched for Easter Eggs in left field and came up empty. I decided quickly to go to the first base side and I was pleased that the speed I had last season was still there as I was a little concerned that the lifting I have done in weeks would harm my speed.
When I went to first base, I was surprised to see a white speck. Upon close inspection, it was a baseball and I picked it up for ball #1 on the day.
I then saw a Phillies player on the field, and was surprised to see that it was Juan Pierre. I have long looked up to Juan and he is one of my favorite MLB players because he resembles me perfectly. He is an underdog, a leader, a fast runner and a singles hitter.
He essentially was just standing there, and I saw that he had a baseball, so I knew that two of my wishes could have come true.
Erik later asked who I was talking for as long as I was and he seemed surprised when I told him.
In short, Juan and I talked for 10 minutes and he was outside because he was getting ready for warm ups. He wanted to be outside since he is stuck in the clubhouse for such a long period of time. I had him sign a baseball, one I will keep and not sell for charity.
Juan Pierre signed this baseball for me that Tony Watson had just thrown me. You can tell that he is a religious man and I respect that a lot.
During this conversation, Tony Watson fielded a baseball and nodded to me, his way of asking me if I wanted it. I nodded and ball #2 was in my glove. Thanks Tony!
I did get to tell Juan about my charity and when I told him that every baseball counted, he tossed me the ball in his hand for ball #3, but he did ask for it back when he went to stretch which was fine.
Juan was a great guy, and we posed for a picture before he left. It already is one of my favorite pictures, and I think even more highly of him than I did before.
Phillies outfielder and all around great person Juan Pierre poses with me for a photo.
There was a lot of downtime after that, as the Phillies relievers stretched and of course with no overthrows, and no toss ups, I was standing still until I saw future Hall of Famer Jim Thome signing autographs. Thome has hit over 600 home runs putting him in the top 10 all time in homers hit and he is still playing in his early 40′s. I had Thome sign a First Pitch Program.
Phillies first baseman and future Hall of Famer Jim Thome signed this First Pitch Program. The program is currently up for bids with 100% of the proceeds going to The Children's Institute. Please comment on this entry if you have a bid.
Another highlight of my day involves Philadelphia Phillies reliever Mike Stutes. He asked me to watch his glove, which I did while he warmed up on the field before BP. I still did get my picture taken with the glove in its place.
I even got to hand it to him which was pretty cool. He thanked me and I told him I did not want to get Tulowitzki’d. That recent prank could have happened to me if I wasn’t careful. Here is that video:
Phillies BP then began, and there was a loose ball close to where I was standing. I did not have a glove trick and thus could not reach it. Who would come to the rescue? It was Phillies Strength and Conditioning Coach Dong Lien. Yes that name is right, and his name is not on the Phillies Coaching Roster. He was decent with tossing three balls to fans towards the end of BP, so I knew it was worth a try. Lien, threw the first two balls, both further away in and then came closer to me as the ball was close by.
“Could I please have that ball, it’s for charity,” I said.
“What charity,” Lien asked.
“The Children’s Institute,” I replied.
Right after I said children, I saw him toss me ball #4. I would thank him by name, but I think that WordPress wouldn’t be too happy about that, so I will thank him again in this way.
Dong Lien, Phillies Strength and Conditioning Coach
A couple of minutes later, a ball was hit just enough to get in the grassy area and close by where I was standing. I waited there and plotted my move. Soon enough, Thome was jogging back in to take his cuts. I was able to get his attention and his toss was like he was fielding a grounder and I was the pitcher running over. He underhanded it a little short, so I reached over and made the clean catch. It drew a nod from him, I thanked him and he was off. It was surreal to have him toss me a ball, especially since I was in my Pirates gear the entire time.
I then saw Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon signing autographs and I went over with the second Pirates First Pitch Program I had and had him sign it.
This Pirates First Pitch Program autographed by Phillies Closer Jonathan Papelbon is up for auction. Feel free to comment to this post if you are willing to bid on it. 100% of proceeds go to The Children's Institute.
Jonathan Papelbon signing autographs at the April 7th Pirates vs Phillies game.
I decided to stay by the dugout towards the end of BP and came up empty handed and thus ending BP with five. I was fine with that on this day.
I then paid my weekly $5 for the Pirates Charities raffle and then headed to the bullpen to get a good place to watch the action. I got exactly the spot I wanted as I wanted to talk to Herbie Andrade and Euclides Rojas for the first time this season.
When they did show up, they both remembered me and they both lit up with smiles. They both said that they had great off-seasons and asked how mine was, which was nice.
With the re-introductions out of the way, I was excited to see both Cliff Lee and Jeff Karstens warmed up.
Phillies Pitcher Cliff Lee warms up on April 7, 2012
Jeff Karstens starts his warm ups on April 7th vs the Philadelphia Phillies.
Karstens had a hiccup in the first inning allowing a run, but the Pirates were able to get it back for him to tie the game at one. The Pirates offense again was dormant, but they were able to have a successful ninth inning which started with a Rod Barajas tape measure double.
On the Root Sports Postgame show, former Pirate Kent Tekulve showed how close Barajas was to a homer, and the picture was rather funny actually.
The game ended on an Alex Presley infield single which brought the crowd to its feet and gave the Pirates their first win on the season. The atmosphere was electric and it was the second consecutive sellout.
Pirates celebrate after Alex Presley bats in the winning run. Photo by Randy Page
The third and final game of the series and homestand was the next day and it was Kids Day. I decided to take the risk and attend this game. Little did I know how much of a risk this would be and that my streak of games with a baseball was in serious jeopardy. How would I respond? You will have to read the next entry to find out.
Pirates vs Phillies 4/5/12 PNC Park Opening Day!
For me at least, Opening Day is a national holiday. Pirate fans come together once a year to celebrate this team and the start of the baseball season, and every baseball hangover is instantly cured.
I was at the gates around 10:00 for what was going to be an exciting day. The first thing I did was take a nice run from the Clemente Gate to home plate, which was a decent run. There, I ran into Randi Hoffman, who along with Joe Klimchak does interviews for the Pirates to place on their website and apparently Xfinity On Demand.
The interview itself was about Opening Day, and what it meant to me. I recalled my experience from two or three years ago when I was in the Lexus Club and saw Zach Duke put his fist in the air after beating the Astros. That was the year of the whole Stanton Heights police shootings, so it was a very emotional day.
With that I jogged back to the Clemente Gate.
Throughout the time before the gates opened, I saw Bob Nutting, Frank Coonelly and Neal Huntington greeting the fans as they were coming to the ballpark.
I was told that the gates were going to open at 11:30, so myself, Nick Pelescak and Erik Jabs all threw on the Clemente Bridge. This was my first test on the season, and by all reports I passed. My glove work was great and I did not have any of my wild throws. Erik cut the session short when he saw the ticket takers getting ready.
I was surprised because it was 10:49. Would we get in early? Well according to one of the ticket takers, we were getting in at 11. This made me very excited because the chance to see some of Pirates BP was exciting, and the chance of me getting a baseball is that much better.
There was one problem, and that was that the bag checkers and security were not at the gate.
Well 11:00 came and went and so did 11:10 and no sign of the security guards. All of a sudden, someone appeared around 11:15 and all of the Pirates employees huddled up (seriously, this isn’t football).
The ticket taker immediately changed his story then, and at 11:30 the gate was to be opened.
Even worse news was that it wasn’t just the Clemente Gate that would open at 11:30, it was all gates. Things just got a lot harder.
Of course, this was the case and for non-7:05 games, there will not be any season ticket holder time. Things are already tough enough with the grounds crew ruining time of BP to prepare a field that is already ready, and tarping the field even for a small rain shower.
Here is the official word from the Pirates website:
The 2012 PNC Park gate times are as follows:
“For Monday through Friday night games, Season Ticket Holders may enter the ballpark and proceed to the Left Field Bleachers 2 hours and 30 minutes prior to game time.
On Saturday night games, Season Ticket Holders are permitted to enter into the Left Field Bleachers and main concourse 2 hours and 30 minutes prior to game time.
Early access is granted by entering through the Clemente (CF) Riverwalk Gate, and proceeding to the bullpen gates where season ticket holders can then show their Season Ticket Holder card or have their season ticket scanned.
Season Ticket Holder early entry is not available on day games (12:35pm, 1:35pm and 4:05pm).”
Oh well, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.
The Clemente Gate line was split into a Y with the line going two ways (??). I did search for Easter Eggs, but found nothing, and I knew that things were going to go bad from there.
Upon coming into the ballpark, I saw red, which meant that the Pirates were done with BP already. There of course were no Easter Eggs in left field, because Manny Sanguillen’s grandson snuck into left field and pocketed the five baseballs that were in there. Yes that is a fact as myself and several others saw him leave “Manny’s BBQ” and go into the seats, which is not allowed.
It felt wrong to wear Phillies gear, but really what choice did I have? Things were tough, and I could not get near a batted ball.
Joe Savery was in left field and he was not tossing anything up, which stunk.
I decided to relocate to center field and first base during BP and center yielded nothing for me, so I went back over to first base. Luckily Kyle Kendrick was there, and he tossed me a baseball. I guess I can say, Kyle you got Punk’d again.
Ball number one on the day and six on the season, crisis and shutout averted.
Despite me going to the dugout after BP, I was unable to snag anything else until I went over to the bullpen.
In the top of the first, my buddy bullpen catcher Herbie Andrade threw a baseball that a kid misplayed and I saved for ball #2 on the day. I immediately gave it to the kid, whose mother made him come over and thank me.
I then left to sit in my season ticket section (312). My dad was in his seat so, Colston and I stayed until the bottom of the seventh inning was over so that we could beat the traffic.
The game itself was a great pitching battle between Roy Halladay and Erik Bedard.
Both pitchers looked great warming up and seemed in their element, something that would carry into the game.
It was surreal to see the first pitch, because that is when it hits you that the 2012 season is underway.
Erik Bedard throws the first pitch of the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball season.
The difference in the game was a Carlos Ruiz sacrifice fly. Right fielder Jose Tabata’s throw to catcher Rod Barajas was too high and Ty Wigginton scored the winning run in a 1-0 game.
Yes the Pirates ran into a great pitcher who has won 39 games over the past two seasons, however the Pirates offense still looked unprepared and mediocre at best. This will have to change if this team wants to become winners this season.
The Pirates had Friday off, so my next game was Saturday? Would I continue my strong start on the day where I averaged five baseballs a game last season, or would I choke? I guess you’ll have to find out soon. Thanks as always for reading.
As an added bonus, here are some extra pictures from the game:
Roy Halladay warms up for the game. Halladay has won 39 games in the past two seasons.
The Pirates would use this lineup on Opening Day.
The place where I stand almost every game. In the background are the centerfield gates I go throw every game I attend.
Ironic that these were the flavor of my crackers and I found Pirates relief pitcher Jason Grilli, who uses that as a nickname. Assist to Ian Weir for taking the picture.
So it begins: Pittsburgh Pirates Workout Day 2012
Today marked the unofficial start of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball season as the Pirates decided to make their workout, the day before the home opener, open to the public. This was a great idea to raise the excitement levels for the fans and even make some money off of the concessions.
The only thing that ruined this good time was the Phillies who decided that they did not want the fans to see them hit. Erik Jabs decided to count his snags and although I was initially apprehensive, I opted to count mine as well.
I went to this event with my friends Andrew and Colston. We lined up by the Highmark Legacy Square entrance around 1:45 as that was the only gate that would be open for fans to get in come 2:30.
The three of us ran into some familiar faces which was great. We then all played a game of catch and I threw nice and easy. I was encouraged for the most part with the session and then got back to my position as first in line.
A short while later, my backpack was checked and we got to go in at 2:20, 10 minutes early. A couple of beer bellied fans raced ahead of me. I knew to save my energy as they raced off for the first base line. I ws carefree and knew I would be first into left field. I knew that Erik and Nick Pelescak would not be at the ballpark yet and I was on the clock. I would have to take advantage.
I was surprised to see some of the Pirates taking early cuts. From where I was standing Manager Clint Hurdle and 1st Base Coach Luis Silverio were in the outfield. A Pirate hit a hopper that traveled close to the wall and Hurdle had a glove and was getting it.
“Clint, may I please have that ball,” I said.
“It’s early BP, we don’t throw any of the balls up,” Clint said in his usual booming voice.
“O.K. I understand. Thanks for responding,” I replied.
“You know what? What the heck,” Hurdle said before tossing me ball #1 on the season. This was the first baseball a fan received at PNC Park this season. That was an awesome feeling. Thanks so much Clint!
With that done, I knew the relievers would be coming out very soon. I had already searched, and there were no easter eggs and when nothing was being hit out to me during early BP, I retreated to the third base side so that I would get a good chance for a toss up from a reliever. On my way up I ran into in-game host for the Pirates Joe Klimchak and we did a great handshake and man hug before I continued running.
Slowly the relievers all trickled out as well as Erik Bedard and Jeff Karstens. At this point, I had said another hello and then my buddy reliever Evan Meek came over and made a point to say hello and ask how I was doing. He is looking much thinner and may be in the best shape of his playing career. I am amazed at how healthy he looks.
The relievers then got ready to throw. Jason Grilli stopped once through his delivery to talk to me. As you may remember, he called me this off-season to discuss his business venture. He remembered my name and we talked for a little while he threw. We even were joking around with each other, and when I called him “J Grills”, we both laughed. Meek and Grilli threw together and when they were done, I asked Jason for the ball, which he tossed for ball #2. My goal for the day was three so I was one step closer to accomplishing that.
Jason Grilli tosses up a baseball during BP. Photo courtesy of Kayla Thompson
After the relievers were done throwing, they took part in a few drills and got their running in.
While they did this, I went up to Pops Plaza where I got a free Pirates shirt. It was a decent shirt, better than a lot of their t-shirt Friday shirts and frankly was just nice and simple. It was smart too because the shirt allowed them to promote the Pirates twitter account.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the screen came out, and BP started for the Pirates.
There was no competition at first base, so I went over there as it worked wonders for me last year. At this point, Erik and Nick were in left field, I decided to stay on the first baseline as there were maybe a handful of people.
I was rewarded fairly quickly, as Rod Barajas was in the first group of Pirates taking cuts. Barajas hit a cutting liner that I was able to field and catch for ball #3. Considering I have made it a goal to catch more batted balls this season, this was a huge confidence booster and a step in the right direction for sure.
Ball #4 came shortly after as Jose Tabata hit a bouncer which ended up in the seats and I scooped it up. Short, sweet and to the point.
Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez were over there when I made those plays and sure enough I figured I would have a chance to get another ball from over there so I stayed. Relievers Tony Watson and new Pirate Juan Cruz came over and I focused immediately on Juan.
It took a while since Watson was getting the balls, but when Cruz got a ball and was in earshot, I asked in Spanish. He looked at me and paused before throwing the baseball back in. Perhaps it was because Pitching Coach Ray Searage was close by, but I had succeeded and I knew he had heard me. I knew that if I continued to get in his head, he would have no choice but to throw it to me.
Sure enough a ball comes close to me and Cruz had not gotten back into position so I knew this was my chance. I asked again in Spanish and a random lady asked right after in English.
“He asked first,” Cruz said before throwing ball #5 my way. This was awesome and I knew that I had well exceeded my goal of three baseballs at that point. Muchas gracias Juan.
I then waited for the next set of hitters, and knowing that I would not get anymore toss ups, I was hoping for a baseball to get hit my way, but that would not happen. I moved to left field and essentially nothing happened so no luck for me.
I ended up with 5 baseballs on the BP which was good enough for tops on the day. It is a great feeling to know that I did a good job today. I have worked really hard towards the last few weeks of this off-season to get into shape and my stamina is up and my strength is up a little more. My confidence is also up by a lot as well. I only wish that I could have seen Phillies BP, I likely could have received a few more baseballs.
Still, five baseballs is a great way to start the season, and with clear skies tomorrow and the Pirates taking BP tomorrow I can only hope for some easter eggs and maybe a ball or two. Should be a fun day.
Final Predictions 2012 MLB Standings
With Opening Day being closer than ever, I will use this post to make my final predictions for how every team will finish.
NL East:
1. Phillies
2. Marlins (wild card)
3. Braves
4. Nationals
5. Mets
NL Central:
1. Reds
2. Cardinals
3. Brewers
4. Pirates
5. Cubs
6. Astros
NL West:
1. Diamondbacks
2. Giants
3. Dodgers
4. Rockies
5. Padres
AL East:
1. Yankees
2. Rays
3. Red Sox
4. Blue Jays
5. Orioles
AL Central:
1. Tigers
2. Indians
3. Royals
4. Twins
5. White Sox
AL West:
1. Rangers
2. Angels (wild card)
3. Mariners
4. A’s
NL:
NLDS
Phillies defeat Marlins 4 games to 2
Reds defeat Diamondbacks 4 games to 3
NLCS
Reds defeat Phillies 4 games to 2
ALDS:
Angels defeat Rangers 4 games to 2
Tigers defeat Yankees 4 games to 2
ALCS:
Tigers defeat Angels 4 games to 3
World Series:
Tigers defeat Reds 4 games to 1
Ballhawking 2012: Now on Facebook
Today I just built a Facebook page for my cause Ballhawking 2012 Proudly Supporting The Children’s Institute. For those unsure, here is how this cause will work:
Hello my name is Zac Weiss and I am a sophomore at Point Park University. Having caught 206 baseballs, almost all of them at batting practice, I wanted to find a way to put this to good use. Last year, I decided to start Ballhawking 2011 Proudly Supporting The Children’s Institute. This was done so that I could use my ability to snag baseballs and allow it to raise money for The Children’s Institute. Last year I started in June, but now in year #2, I want to start the full season and try to make this initiative more successful.
Here is how you can help:
1. Pledge money for every baseball I snag: As a heads up, I caught 137 baseballs last year, but it would be great to see people help out. Some people pledged .50 cents per baseball last year, and this helped out in a big way.
2. Make a one time (or as many times as you would like) contribution: I understand that times are tough, but some people chose this option last year. If you can make more than one of these, that would be great.
3. Bid on various items: I created the Facebook page to interact with people throughout the baseball season. I also will use the page to put up images of many of the things I will put up that way you can view them before you bid. Expect to see autographed items, programs, ticket stubs, baseballs and more. I will price things fairly. Among the autographs I got last year were: Tim Lincecum, Adrian Gonzalez and Matt Kemp. These were huge signatures and the Gonzalez signature was a big sell. Many people chose these options and you never know what I will put up.
I appreciate any support that can be given. To like the page, feel free to visit www.facebook.com/ballhawking2012.
Happy birthday to you
The following Pirates have birthdays during the 2012 regular season. This list will be smaller, as these are the players/coaches you could see on their birthday. In other words, these Pirates players/coaches have birthdays on dates the Pirates are scheduled to play at PNC Park.
Evan Meek May 12- Pirates at home vs Houston
Brad Lincoln May 25- Pirates are at home vs Chicago (NL)
Tony Watson May 30- Pirates are at home vs Cincinnati
Garrett Jones June 21- Pirates are at home vs Minnesota
Jared Hughes July 4- Pirates are at home vs Houston
Josh Harrison July 8- Pirates are at home vs San Francisco
Alex Presley July 25- Pirates are at home vs Chicago (NL)
Jose Tabata August 12- Pirates are at home vs San Diego
Nick Leyva August 16- Pirates are at home vs Los Angeles (NL)
Kevin Correia August 24- Pirates are at home vs Milwaukee
Euclides Rojas August 25- Pirates are at home vs Milwaukee
Rod Barajas September 5- Pirates are at home vs Houston
From the vault: Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Opening Day Roster
This was less than two years ago, and this was the Opening Day roster. The date was April 5, 2010 and then Manager John Russell had this as his 25 man roster.
Pitchers-
DJ Carrasco- Carrasco was special in that he is able to pitch normally and sidearm. He was on the New York Mets last season and was traded from the Pirates to the Arizona Diamondbacks on the July trade deadline. The Pirates got Chris Snyder and Pedro Ciriaco in return and neither is on the team any more.
Brendan Donnelly- Donnelly won the World Series with the Anaheim Angels. He signed a one year deal worth $1.5 million. His velocity was down considering his animated delivery. He was released on July 25, 2010 right before he could reach incentives that could have doubled his salary. He had a 5.58 ERA with the Pirates. He retired on March 9, 2011.
Octavio Dotel- Dotel served as the Pirates closer. He got 21 saves on the season before being traded. He may not have been the best of closers but allowed Evan Meek and Joel Hanrahan to have solid roles in the 7th and 8th innings. Meek became an All-Star the next season and Hanrahan the following season, and both credit Dotel for his help. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for James McDonald and Andrew Lambo, a deal which to this day was huge for the Pirates. Both are still with the Pirates and McDonald will have a prominant role in the 2012 Pirates rotation. Since the trade, Dotel has played for the Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers. Dotel was a part of the World Series winning Cardinals after coming on after the trade deadline.
Zach Duke (Opening Day Starter)- Duke’s Opening Day start was an 11-5 win over the Dodgers. He went 8-15 with a 5.72 ERA. He remained hittable and predictable. He was traded following the season to the Diamondbacks for Cesar Valdez who is no longer in the Pirates organization.
Javier Lopez- Lopez, a lefty, had a great sidearm delivery which would fool hitters. He went 2-2 with a 2.79 ERA. He was traded at the deadline to the San Francisco Giants for Joe Martinez and John Bowker. Neither is with the Pirates organization any more. The Giants won the World Series that year and was a big part of that. He still pitches for the Giants.
Paul Maholm- Maholm was a solid and reliable pitcher but went 9-15 with a 5.10 ERA. Last season he was a pitcher that was better than his record indicated as the dormant Pirates offense did not support him much. An injury he had been hiding for over a year was too much to overcome and he could not finish the 2011 season. The Pirates did pick up his option and he was signed by the Chicago Cubs.
Daniel McCutchen- Still with the Pirates, no longer a starter but in the bullpen. Should stay there for the 2012 season.
Evan Meek- Still with the Pirates. Will likely serve as the set-up man to Joel Hanrahan assuming health is right.
Charlie Morton- Morton struggled in 2010 leading to trips to the Minor Leagues and lack of confidence. Morton came back, switched his motion and is back and better than ever. Not expected to be ready for Opening Day due to injury, but should come back by early-May.
Ross Ohlendorf- Ohlendorf got no run support in 2010 and went 1-11 with a 4.07 ERA. Ohlendorf won arbitration in 2011, but injuries held him back. When he came back, he clearly was not the same pitcher and was outrighted off of the 40 man roster in the off-season. He is now in the Boston Red Sox organization.
Hayden Penn- Penn was claimed off waivers from the Pirates after the Florida Marlins waived him. He pitched the opener in relief and looked terrible. After allowing 8 runs in 2.1 innings, he was designated for assignment and outrighted to AAA Indianapolis. His contract was sold to the Chiba Lotte Marines during the 2010 season and he helped them win the Nippon World Series. He started and won game five of the World Series that year. He had elbow surgery in 2011 and did not pitch.
Jack Taschner- Taschner’s signing did not pan out and on June 9, 2010 he was designated for assignment after a 6.05 ERA in 17 appearances. He declared free agency 10 days later after refusing an assignment to the Minors. He signed a Minor League contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 27, 2010 and was sent to their AAA team. He appeared in only three games with the team and was designated for assignment with them and elected free agency instead of an assignment. He has since retired and is now a police officer in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Catcher
Ryan Doumit- Doumit’s career is known here. He hit .251 hitting 13 homers and 45 RBI. He hit well last season before an injury. He is now on the Minnesota Twins.
Jason Jaramillo- Jaramillo is a switch hitter and hit .149 with 1 homer and 8 RBI. He was touted for his defense. He had his chances last season but was sent to the Minors. When the Pirates had their catching injuries, Jaramillo was a part of that paving the way for Michael McKenry who the Pirates needed to trade for. Jaramillo fell out of favor and is now in the Chicago Cubs organization.
Infielders
Ronny Cedeno- Cedeno hit .256 with 8 HR and 38 RBI in 2010. Fans were never satisfied with him and Manager Clint Hurdle never seemed satisfied with him. This was shown by him not coming back to the team for the 2012 season. Cedeno currently is with the New York Mets organization.
Jeff Clement- Clement hit .201 with 7 HR and 12 RBI. He had some power but consistently hit long balls foul. He appeared overmatched. He had an injury which he spent last year recovering from and will likely back up Matt Hague in AAA Indianapolis to start out the 2012 season.
Bobby Crosby- Bobby Crosby was brought in to come off the bench and provide help for the Pirates and some clubhouse leadership. He hit .224 with 1 HR and 11 RBI with the Pirates. He was traded with Carrasco to the Diamondbacks, where he played just nine games before being released on August 24, 2010. He has not played since.
Aki Iwamura- Iwamura was playing with a knee brace and hings never worked out. He hit .182 with 2 HR and 9 RBI. He was supposed to be the answer but was not. With Iwamura slumping, Neil Walker was brought up and forced to play out of position. Iwamura was sent to AAA on June 22, 2010. He was designated for assignment on August 6, 2010 and released two days later. He joined the Oakland Athletics on September 13, 2010 but lasted only until October 4, 2010 when he was released. He played in Japan last season and only hit .183 with 0 HR and 9 RBI in 197 plate appearances.
Andy LaRoche- With Perry Hill gone, LaRoche saw a regression defensively and hit .206 with 4 HR and 16 RBI. He was not getting the job done and Pedro Alvarez was called up and quickly surpassed LaRoche. He was designated for assignment on November 20, 2010. He signed a deal with the Athletics on January 24, 2011 and made the Opening Day Roster. He played in 40 games hitting .247 with 0 HR and 5 RBI in 93 at-bats. On June 5, 2011 he was designated for assignment and sent to their AAA affiliate. He elected free agency after the season and signed a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training in December with the Cleveland Indians.
Delwyn Young- Young made the club as a bench player in 2010 and as a switch hitter hit .236 with 7 HR and 28 RBI. He was most known for his homer hit off Stephen Strasburg in his Major League debut. On January 6, 2011 he signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training with the Philadelphia Phillies. He just missed making the Opening Day roster and on November 2 was granted free agency. He signed minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox on January 24.
Outfielders
Ryan Church- Church hit .182 with 3 HR and 18 RBI in his half season with the Pirates. His highlight was an Opening Day double against the Dodgers which plated two runs. He was also a part of the deal to the Arizona Diamondbacks. He hit .265 with the Diamondbacks with 2 HR and 7 RBI in 49 at-bats. He was non-tendered following the season and has not played since.
Garrett Jones- Jones still is with the Pirates and will be the club’s starting first baseman come April 5th.
Andrew McCutchen- Still with the club and signed a new extension. Will man centerfield.
Lastings Milledge- The 2010 season was Milledge’s last as a Pirate. He hit .277 with 4 HR and 34 RBI but was known for his many base running gaffes during the season. He was signed to a minor league deal with the White Sox on February 3, 2011. On March 30, 2011 the White Sox bought out his contract and Milledge made the Opening Day roster. He was designated for assignment on April 7 though and accepted an assignment to AAA. He had four at-bats with the White Sox getting one hit, a double. He elected free agency following the season and on December 27, 2011, he signed with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.
John Raynor- Raynor was the Pirates Rule-5 seleection and hit .200 in 10 plate appearances. He was designated for assignment April 27, 2010 to make room for Jeff Karstens. The Pirates wanted to keep him but had to offer him to the Marlins on May 4. Raynor failed to make the Opening Day roster with the Marlins in 2011, and he was released March 23. At the age of 27, Raynor retired and is a coach/student at UNC-Wilmington.
One final note is that Jose Ascanio and Joel Hanrahan were on the disabled list on Opening Day. Of the Opening Day Roster and Disabled List, only six of these players remain on the Pirates team.
From the vault: Jeff Andrews Interview
I was going through my recorder and found this brief 2008 interview with then Pirates pitching coach Jeff Andrews. Here it is:
Note: The following was a brief interview with Jeff Andrews, the Pirates pitching coach in 2008 at PirateFest 2008. He had spent the previous five seasons in the Pirates Minor League System coaching the players. The pitchers seemed to support him being in the big leagues. This was the year Matt Morris pitched only thru April. Andrews was fired following the 2008 season and is now with the Frisco Roughriders the AA affiliate of the Texas Rangers
On starters: “The four younger ones all have under three years of experience and you have to remember that first. With that youth, comes growing pains and learning how to pitch. Now that they’ve been through the league, they know hitters better, they know ballparks better and they know travel, you’ll see a lot of things you may put down as inexperience change.”
Bullpen: “Neal Huntington did a great job and he’s going after a lot of arms. We’re going to narrow it down and watch in Spring Training and see who emerges. It’s going to hopefully be good, healthy competition for those last three or four bullpen spots.”
Note: The following was a brief interview with Jeff Andrews, the Pirates pitching coach in 2008 at PirateFest 2008. He had spent the previous five seasons in the Pirates Minor League System coaching the players. The pitchers seemed to support him being in the big leagues. This was the year Matt Morris pitched only thru April. Andrews was fired following the 2008 season and is now with the Frisco Roughriders the AA affiliate of the Texas Rangers.
Remember this was 2008, so I was not quite sure of everything, so I ended it there. If I was who I was now, I would have asked more. It seems like his stint with the team lasted just as long as this interview.
Zachary Weiss
Recent Comments