Pittsburgh Pirates
2004 Record: 72-89 (.447)
2004 Pythagorean Record: 74-87 (.460)
Manager: Lloyd McClendon
General Manager: Dave Littlefield
Ballpark (2004 park factors): PNC Park (96/96)
Who’s replacing whom?
Matt Lawton replaces Jason Kendall
Humberto Cota takes playing time from Daryle Ward (or Craig Wilson due to injury)
Freddy Sanchez inherits Abraham O. Nunez’s playing time
Michael Restovich inherits Randall Simon’s playing time
Dave Ross inherits Chris Stynes playing time
Ryan Doumit inherits Ty Wigginton’s playing time
Mark Redman replaces Kris Benson and Sean Burnett
Dave Williams and Ryan Vogelsong switch roles
Rick White replaces Mark Corey, Brian Boehringer and other random relievers
Current Roster:
1B – Daryle Ward
2B – Jose Castillo
SS – Jack Wilson
3B – Rob Mackowiak
C – Humberto Cota
RF – Matt Lawton
CF – Tike Redman
LF – Jason Bay
Bench:
R – Freddy Sanchez (IF)
S – Bobby Hill (IF)
R – Dave Ross (C)
L – Michael Restovich (OF)
S – Ryan Doumit (C/OF)
Rotation:
R – Kip Wells
L – Mark Redman
L – Oliver Perez
R – Josh Fogg
L – Dave Williams
Bullpen:
R – Jose Mesa
L – Mike Gonazalez
R – Salomon Torres
R – Rick White
R – Brian Meadows
L – John Grabow
R – Ryan Vogelsong
DL:
R – Craig A. Wilson (OF/1B)
L – Sean Burnett (60-day)
R – John Van Benschoten (60-day)
Typical Line-up
L – Matt Lawton (RF)
L – Tike Redman (CF)
R – Jason Bay (LF)
L – Rob Mackowiak (3B)
L – Daryle Ward (1B)
R – Jose Castillo (2B)
R – Humberto Cota (C)
R – Jack Wilson (SS)
Entering a three game series with the Yankees tonight, the Pirates have a .492 actual and .519 Pythagorean winning percentage, both of which are better than the Yankees’ marks (.484 and .505 respectively). The Pirates are currently three games ahead of the Brewers in third place in the NL Central (the Yankees are still languishing a game behind the Blue Jays in fourth in the AL East).
Last week, when the Yankees began a three-game series in Milwaukee, the Brewers had a .464 winning percentage, but a .549 Pythagorean winning percentage. The Brewers then proceeded to take the first two games of that series before losing the third 12-3. Since then Milwaukee has lost four more, for a five-game losing streak that’s dropped them to a .444 actual and .509 Pythagorean winning percentage. The Pirates, meanwhile, are 7-4 in June, having won their last four series (against the Devil Rays, Orioles, Braves and Marlins), this on top of a winning record in May (15-13).
So much for Milwaukee and Pittsburgh providing the Yankees with an opportunity to pad their record. More on how the Pirates have been winning (tonight’s starter, Kip Wells, has been a big part of it) later.
1. Womack batting 9th. Although Cano batting second isn't that much better. Why not Williams or Matsui (or anyone with a OBP over .300)?
And then I see (sigh) Giambi at first and Matsui DHing.
2. the game is being blacked out on the mlb extra innings package? I dont think I've ever had that happen before with the usual exception of reds/tribe vs. yanks blackouts..I dont get pirates games on fsn, so whats the deal? Is the game blacked out for everyone on extra innings or does playing pittsburgh have something to do with it since i'm in columbus?
looks like a gamecast night...
3. Well, it looks like the way to get Matsui to hit is to threaten to break his streak.
4. Why did Matsui get taken out?
5. Why did Matsui get taken out?
Matsui has a somewhat sore ankle.
No need to push it as we are up 7-0.
6. The game is on my Extra Innings package. I emailed Directv regarding certain games not being shown on YES. Here's their response:
"The broadcast of the MLB games are determined by which team is the home team. Due to this, you will receive the YES Network feed if the New York Yankees are playing a home game. If they are playing an away game, you will receive the feed of the RSN (Regional Sport Network) for the home team.
Please note that we're always looking for ways to enhance our services, and customer feedback is very important to us. I have forwarded your comments on to DIRECTV Management."
If anyone else wants to write DIRECTV requesting YES for all Yankee games, go to:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/glb/Form_Feedback.dsp
7. thanks for the info
8. Good win. Mussina gave the Yankees exactly what they needed, a complete game shut out. I don't know who is next in the rotation, but I hope they step up as well.
9. It's Brown vs. Redman tomorrow. Their 10 game streak started off with a complete game shutout by Mussina. Hopefully this will again spark something good (knock wood).
10. Simone, you might find the "Upcoming Schedule" portion of our sidebar helpful with regard to pitching probables.
11. Welcome back Andy, goodbye Sanchez. The Yanks make the sensible move by bringing up the young bat.
Next on the hitlist. Unloading Womack to the Padres since they need a 2B.
Did you hear the ridiculous rumor of Sheffield (1 year left at 8 mil) being shipped off for Phil Nevin (2 years left at 8.5 mil each)? How is this an upgrade on the field and financially?
12. I got the game on Extra Innings here in Toledo. The Ohio teams and Tigers are blacked out though.
Cliff, on the who replaces whom section, you neglected to mention who replaces Anna Benson.
13. I guess it would have to be Brandi Redman, though I can't find any pictures of her on-line.
14. Thanks, Cliff. I never noticed "Upcoming Schedule" on the sidebar until you pointed it out.