Pirates vs. Reds Open Thread May 1-4

[Crimson's Ghost]

Pirates head to Cincinnati to take on World Series favorite, the Reds for a four game set.  Nice to see the Bucs take the series against the Marlins.  The bats came alive on Friday, and Nova was incredible on Saturday.  But it's hard to be optimistic moving forward, not only do they have the Kang and Marte situations, but Freese and Frazier on the DL.  Cervelli seems banged up.  Kuhl took a line drive off the knee today.  Injuries are mounting early for this team, and they are being held together (admirably I might add) by guys like Gift Ngoepe and Jose Osuna. Hopefully they can catch a break somewhere. 



Monday 7:10

Gerrit Cole (1-3 3.60 ERA) vs. Amir Garrett (2-2 5.09 ERA)


Tuesday 7:10

Tyler Glasnow (0-1 7.98 ERA) vs. Scott Feldman (1-2 3.25 ERA)


Wednesday 7:10

Jameson Taillon (2-0 2.08 ERA) vs. Rookie Davis (0-1 11.17 ERA)



Thursday 12:35

Ivan Nova (3-2 1.50 ERA) vs. Tim Adleman (0-1 4.70 ERA)

[Crimson's Ghost]

I hate Billy Hamilton.

[Crimson's Ghost]

And the bats come alive, and Tyler Glasnow throws a nice game after a bad first inning. 

[dadw/2sons]

What a miracle. Glasnow wins his first MLB game after another shaky start. Hopefully, he can harness this great talent he has and start pitching on a consistent basis like he did in innings 2 to 6.

[12HankQB]

But will Josh Harrison pass a drug test? 5 homeruns already?

[dadw/2sons]

That thought seriously crossed my mind last night after he hit his home run in the fourth inning. Let's hope it is the natural food from his mom's home cooking that is fueling his power stroke and nothing illegal.

[12HankQB]

a heavy dose of Campbell's Chunky

[voncap]

the better question is how is this team winning at all?  

their best power hitter can't get a visa to enter the country; their all star gold glove CF is suspended for 80 games;  their number 5 SP has only one less Rbi in 76 less ab's than their starting left fielder;  their big off season position player acquisition has a .341 OPS; their starting catcher can't stay healthy so they have to bring up a catcher from high 'A' Bradenton;  and their starting line-up last night featured five rookies.

If their SP'ing goes south, Yikes!

[Crimson's Ghost]

Their top 3 starters are good, and 3 or 4 guys in their bullpen have been very good.  Aside from that, the Pirates have the least amount of strikeouts in the league offensively, so they at least put the ball in play. 

Ivan Nova was named the NL Pitcher of the Month for April today.  Nice accomplishment.