Pirates vs. Giants Wild Card Open Game Thread

[Manfred]

Volquez has been the best RHP in the NL since July 1. he deserves the start.

Worley is on regular rest, so he could be the long relief man (hopefully will not be needed.)

I know this is meaningless, but the Pirates beat Shumacher earlier this season, one of the few times they have batted well vs. a LHP.

My lineup...

Harrison 3B

Snider RF (I know he hits LH, but he's a better option than Tabata or Polanco)

McCutchen CF

Martin C (I have to believe he has gotten a cortisone shot and will be ready)

Marte LF

Walker 2B (drops to 6th because he's a totally different hitter RH)

Sanchez 1B

Mercer SS

Volquez P

Who the heck is Schumacher? Or who cares. The Giant pitcher for Wed. is MADISON BUMGARNER! Since Cole obviously can't go now, Volquez is the choice. Agreed his numbers the second half are lights-out! If the bats could have scored a couple more runs, or the erratic pen could've held a couple more games, he might even be in Cy Young consideration. Volquez is going on "second wind". Crimson's obvious answer is Cole.

[abpk2903]

I don't know. I think I'm taking Volquez, right now. He has the hot hand and in most of Cole's starts down the stretch he gave up an early run. Usually in these "do-or-die" scenarios, the team that scores first wins. I like Volquez better for this 1 game. Now if you were to ask me who the better pitcher is, who I would rather have for an entire series, or who has better stuff, my answer would be different.

I've always been a big believer in playing your hottest hand.

[Crimson's Ghost]

27Ks to 2BB in the past 21 innings sounds like the hot hand to me.

[Crimson's Ghost]

As opposed to Volquez's last 21 innings with 21 K's and NINE WALKS.

[voncap]

Less concerned about Volquez than I am about the bullpen.

Let's hope Volquez can get them to the 8th inning. Obviously it is Watson & Melancon in the 8th & 9th but anyone else in the pen in the game before the 8th is a scary situation.

Need to keep Hunter Pence off the base path also. If they do that and can keep the runs needed to win under 4, I am predicting a Pirate win. If the home team needs to put up more than 4 runs to win, I think the Buccos post season run will be short.

[Eaglealum]

It's one game one night... Cole / volquez is a moot point. I know I'd be trying to bring volquez back. If they can pull this off, the rotation for NLDS is in good shape. Liriano, Cole(gives him full rest and still 2 games), Worley ,Volquez

[bleacherbum]

I realize Cole has a better k/bb numbers in the last 21 innings.
27 k / and 2 bb
Compared 21 and 9
But Cole has allowed 6 earned runs and 14 hits in the same 21 innings compared to Eddies 1 earned run and 10 hits.
I'd say that's the hot hand.

[letsgo]

Bucs just need to do what they have have done all season and they will be celebrating a victory tonight. Battle and compete til the game game is over! Gotta love BUCTOBER


Lets go BUCS!! BLACK.IT.OUT.

[Manfred]

Boy would I love to see a Series final of Pittsburgh vs KC Royals! 2 small-market teams back from the dead after decades. Always liked guys like George Brett and Brett Saberhagen.

[Crimson's Ghost]

A Baltimore-Pittsburgh would be fun too.

It's been since 1994 since New York or Boston hasn't been in the postseason, so that shows the struggle Baltimore has dealt with for the past two decades. Plus having a rematch from those two world series' from the 70's would be cool.


I would love the National League to come down to Pittsburgh and St. Louis, I feel like if the Pirates are going anywhere they have to get over that hump.

But first thing's first. Gotta win tonight, the whole season can be over in about 13 hours. These one and done's are scary.