Pirates Weekly Preview 5/14/12

Current Record: 16-18 (4.0 GB)

Upcoming Schedule
5/14 to 5/15 @ Miami
5/16 to 5/17 @ Washington
518 to 5/20 @ Detroit

Not a bad week for the Buccos.  Andrew McCutchen certainly made his presence felt with two four-hit games, (can you say, MVP status?),  Tabata is proving that he actually may be capable of playing consistent baseball, and overall the squad went 4-2.  Now, a road trip awaits.


The Bucs will be away all week, facing the Marlins in a short two-game series, then traveling to Washington on Wednesday, and to Detroit on Friday.  After winning the series against the Nats at home this past week, the Bucs are likely to face better pitching in the upcoming series on Wednesday.  The 4-1 Gio Gonzalez is the probable starter for the Nats, with 50 strikeouts and the 10th lowest ERA in the league, (1.94).

Considering Garrett Jones has zero hits in the last 5 games, I think it's safe to say that a decent performance from him this week is much needed.  Whatever happened to the Garrett who could actually hit home runs every once in a while?  Alvarez has been slumping a bit as well.  He went 6 consecutive games without a hit, and came up with just two total last week.  Offensive performances by these two are crucial in the week ahead.

Players to watch


Andrew McCutchen - Yes, for the third week in a row, Cutch is on the players to watch list.  Last week I questioned his health, and whether or not we would see much production from him in the days following.  Well, he made me look quite foolish.  While I'm aware that only 34 games have been played thus far, (and for you math people, not even 1/4 of the season), it's safe to say that Andrew McCutchen has started an early campaign for NL MVP.

Pedro Alvarez - Was on a roll there for a while, but for those of us who have played the game before, are aware that they never last.  A few home runs from Pedro would be nice this week, especially against the Nats.

Erik Bedard - Has won his last two starts and is the probable starter for Wednesday's matchup against the Nats.  Is 2nd on the team in K's with 37.

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