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Yes your Pittsburgh Pirates are once again in first place on the NL Central after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 2-0 Monday night. This is the latest point in a season they’ve been there since the end of the 1992 season.
Despite a 90 minute rain delay, the Pirates decided to stay with Charlie Morton, who had to deal with the bases loaded in the first inning. Thanks to Morton's pitching and a tremendous play by shortstop Chase d'Arnaud, Morton and the Pirates got out of it.
Morton and three relievers combined on a three-hit shutout, helping the Pirates to a 2-0 win over the Reds to start a three-game series.
Morton (8-5) allowed the three hits through five innings. Tony Watson, Daniel McCutchen and Joel Hanrahan finished the gem on the mound for the Pirates, who are six games over .500 (50-44) for the first time this season.
Thanks to a Brewers lost and the Pirates victory, the Pirates are now in first place of the NL Central for at least another day.
Neil Walker's single in the first inning extended his hitting streak to 12 games and continues to be a beast. Walker is now batting .277. Again if he can get his average over .300 I think he should be a legitimate MVP contender.
Chase d'Arnaud left the game with an apparent neck injury. d'Arnaud is listed as Day to Day right now. The Pirates really can't afford to lose another shortstop, although Ronny Cedendo may come off the Dl. this Friday.
Andrew McCutchen's average has been slipping and is now down to .279 but I'm not worried.
I really like Tony Watson.. I actually think he'll end up being the best middle relief pticher for the Buccos out of he, Jose Veras, Chris Resop, and Daniel McCutchen
Pirates defend their spot in first place tonight against the Reds with a matchup between James McDonald and Mike Leake.
Lets Go Bucs
Jeff Karstens named NL Player of the Week
When it rains it pours, well in this case that's a good thing for Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jeff Karstens. Karstens has been named the National League player of the week.
Karstens opened up his and the Pirate's season with a 5-hit complete game shutout. Karstens now has five straight wins and his .234 ERA is second in the National League and he's now 8-4 as a starter. Karstens' 83 pitches were the fewest thrown in a nine-inning complete game in the Majors this year and the lowest total since the Royals' Luke Hochevar needed just 80 against the Reds on June 12, 2009.
If you don't know who Karstens is you better recognize that he's a beast and clearly the Pirates best starting pitcher. Dude is a stud and starting to get the proper respect.
Pirates Scouted Hunter Pence
Via
Sbnation.com
Rob Biertempfel reports that the Pirates have had their eyes on Astros outfielder Hunter Pence:
That notion was endorsed yesterday by Houston Astros right fielder Hunter Pence, whom the Pirates have scouted with the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline in mind.
There’s no doubt that Pence would be a good addition to the Pirates’ current team, but at what cost? The Astros have little reason to give him up cheaply, and the Pirates have said they’re not interested in trading top prospects. I’m assuming they wouldn’t trade Jameson Taillon, so I’m guessing that to get Pence, the Pirates would probably have to start with Jose Tabata, who could replace Pence right away.
Tabata is only 22, though, and is likely to develop further, whereas the Pirates might be buying high on Pence, who has a .321 batting average this season that he’s unlikely to sustain. I’m not opposed to them trading for Pence, but I do think it’s something they should be very careful about.
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout.
Pirates beatwriter Dejan Kovacevic said that the Pirates woulnd't have to give up any of their top prospects to get Pence, but what have to give up a good bit. If that's true than I definitely pull the trigger. Adding a Hunter Pence to this lineup would make this offense a lot more respectable. Pence could also take some pressure of of Andrew McCutchen. Imagine Walker-McCutchen-Pence in 2,3,4 or 3,4,5 in the lineup. I know I like it.
Other Pirates rumors have the Buccos interested in Conor Jackson, Josh Willingham, Carlos Pena, and Carlos Beltran.
I think if the Pirates anyone on the roster besides McCutchen, Walker, Karstens, and Morton are the only real untouchables.
So do the Pirates need to get a "big bat" or can they rely on Pedro Alvarez to try and be "that guy". Should they focus on getting better pitching both in the rotation and in the bullpen? Should they go after a "rent-a-player"?
My thoughts are this. Sometimes you have to take risks and sacrifice to get where you wanna be. I would definitely go after Pence as long as I have to give up any of the top five prospects. Hell, I'd give them Tony Sanchez for sure. Pence makes this offense instantly that much better.
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