Yardbarker: Tyler Yates

Good Days of '08: Game 1

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:47:50 -0500

This is the first of a series called "Good Days of '08." As bad as the season was overall, we had our moments. The series will chronicle some of the better games of 2008.

-----
(John Bazemore/AP)
Game 1 coverage:
[GameDay]
[Liveblog]
[Recap]
[Box--Pirates 12, Braves 11--3/31/08]
-------
The Pirates are adopting a habit of winning crazy openers. This game was absolutely insane--and gave us pretty much everything we had been waiting for over the course of yet another loooonnnng offseason.
-
The game started off with ball one to leadoff man Nate McLouth, who we were happy and relieved to see playing in favor of Nyjer Morgan. Nate walked to begin his great year but was later picked off by the catcher.
-
Would you believe Adam LaRoche started off the year with 2 hits? Including a double in his first 2008 at-bat? It happened. That just means the stretch that ensued was just that much worse until he remembered how to hit late in the year.
-
Ian Snell was our opening day starter, and we were expecting him to be the ace (Ha!). Ian went 6 innings and allowed 4 runs--not great, but not exactly causing us to panic and fear the horrible year that he ended up having.
-
The Pirates scored first on an error by 2B Kelly Johnson on a grounder hit by Jack. Escobar hit a two run triple to take the lead away, and Chipper grounded him home to add another. Nate hit an RBI single to make it 3-2 Braves, but Brian McCann went deep off Snell to get that run right back. A Nady double led to a run to make 4-3, and the Pirates tied it on another Brave error later on. 4-4.
-
The wheels came off of the Braves. Nady hit a solo homer and McLouth hit a 3-run bomb. All of sudden the Bucs led 8-4 and we were going nuts. The score was 9-4 going into the bottom of the ninth (after announcers were wondering if the Pirates should not be pulling off the safety squeeze to get the extra run home)....
-
Marte came in to finish things off. He uncharacteristically walked two guys and got just one out. Capps came in and also walked two, gave up a hit, and got an out. With the tying run at first, a McCann pop-up simply fell in between Bay and Nate. It was completely routine, should have ended the game, they just pulled a little-leaguer and didn't call it. TIE GAME and Pirate fans were ready to shoot themselves. The Braves almost won on the next play, but Nate made a real nice catch.
-
Franquelis Osoria pitched a scoreless 10th and 11th. The Pirates did not score either. 12th inning, the man who loves opening day, Xavier Nady, hit a three run bomb. 12-9. Osoria remained in the game and promptly gave up a home run after 2 quick outs. He then gave up a couple hits until the tying run was on first. Finally, finally, FINALLY, Osoria got a pop up, and the Pirates improved to 1-0 and moved into first place.
---------
WIN: Osoria (1-0)
LOSS: Boyer (0-1)

Notes:
-Xavier Nady had two game winning hits, essentially. His solo shot broke the tie in the late innings, then he won the game again in the 12th. X-Man saved our skins on Opening Day last year, too, hitting a game tying homer off Brad Lidge in the ninth inning with two outs in a game the Bucs would eventually win.
-Nate McLouth also had a day. 3/5 plus a walk and 4 RBI's, and a homer. He also homered on Opening Day last year.
-Jason Bay went 0-for-6. Coming off a poor year, that was not an encouraging thing.
-Tyler Yates, a few days after being acquired, was a beast. Very impressive scoreless inning of work.
-We were pleasantly surprised to see Ryan Doumit getting the start instead of Ronny Paulino. Doumit went 3-for-7.
------
RECORD: 1-0

College Football Punchlines: Javon Ringer Wins Big Ten Weekly Award for 3rd Straight Week

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:04:18 -0500

There is a lot of pressure on Washington to win this week vs Stanford. (Seattle Times)

Mike Bianchi of the Orlando Sentinel calls out UCF for being babies after losses. (Orlando Sentinel)

Butch Davis will make his return to Miami on Saturday as coach for North Carolina. (Miami Herald)

Who will Butch's QB be with starter Tyler Yates on the shelf for six weeks? (Charlotte Observer)

The lack of turnovers has been the key to success for Florida so far this season. (Miami Herald)

UCLA should not be looking to Fresno State's coach Pat Hill for any sympathy. (L.A. Times)

Finally someone calls out Jimbo Fisher for the embarrassing QB situation they have going on in Tallahassee. (Times-Union)

Those crazy IU tailgate parties. (Indy Star)

Mike Sherman feels Jimbo's pain down in College Station as his top two QB's are banged up. (Houston Chronicle)

Javon Ringer was named Big Ten player of the week for the third straight week. (Detroit Free Press)

In an early Heisman poll, Missouri QB Chase Daniel leads the way. (Rocky Mountain News)

Steve Pearce--Met Killer

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:45:48 -0500

Two straight Monday afternoon games against the Mets.

Two deficits.
Two game winning hits by Steve Pearce.
---
Pearce has been very unimpressive since his callup, but this makes two weeks in a row that he did in the Mets in the Pirates' final at-bat.
-
Paul Maholm was shaky early and gave up a run in the first (shocking, I know), but limited the damage and allowed just one more run in his 7 innings. The Pirate offense was remarkably silent once again--until Doumit led off the 6th with a single and Adam LaRoche homered to tie things up. That happened as soon as John Maine exited the game, despite having not allowed a run through 5.
-
The game stayed tied through 7 and a half--although Yates loaded the bases with two outs in the top of the 8th, but Burnett bailed him out by inducing a Delgado pop up.
-
With one out in the bottom of the inning, Adam singled. Michaels did the same after a pitching change. Little LaRoche (0/3 at that point) was intentionally walked. Mistake: Pearce came through with a single to give the Bucs a lead. Jack followed up with a double to open things up and build the 3 run lead.
-
No doubt you'll hear all about how bad the Mets bullpen is on Sportscenter tonight.
-
Grabow saved it despite two walks in the ninth. And as a result, Burnett picked up his first win in about 4 years.
-

Phillies 6, Pirates 3

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:23:06 -0500

The Bucs were in a good position to take a win and this series from their cross-state rivals.
-
The Pirates took a 1-0 lead on a Minky double after a Moss double. Shortly after, though, Jason Davis threw away a bunt, Michaels made another error on the same play, and the Phillies took a 2-1 lead. Davis pitched well and did not allow an earned run, but those two hurt. Still, it's the 5th Pirate quality start in a row. Can't complain.
-
Another thing we can't complain about--Jason Michaels. With 1st and 3rd and 2 out, down 1 in the 6th, he laced a double down the line off Moyer to give the Bucs a 3-2 lead. Absolutely huge hit. The Bucs cruised along for an inning.
-
Yates came in. Yates stunk. Horribly. He allowed two straight doubles to the No. 8 hitter and a pinch hitter (game tied), then threw a wild pitch (go ahead run to 3rd with no out), then got our hopes up by getting 2 outs without allowing the run, then threw it all away when Chase Utley (who was hitless in the whole series) hit a bomb to put Philly ahead.
-
Craig Hansen allowed the last run (he is REALLY wild...) and the Philly bullpen shut it down from there. Bummer.
-
The Bucs went 3-6 on the road trip against all first-place teams. They have a make-up game with the Mets tomorrow before returning home.

MLB Injury Extra: Replacements - Week 20

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:15:52 -0500

Screaming Sports' Zach Powell breaks out another Screaming Sports original. With so many valuable fantasy studs going down with injury, Drew decided it was time to take a look at several replacements. So if you're one of the many fantasy GM's who have been ravaged by injury, then this piece is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Trade Deadline Deals - Impact on Your Fantasy Team

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:18:52 -0500

What are the fantasy impacts of the trade deadline deals? Which players gained the most value (hint, Andy LaRoche), and which lost the most (Andruw Jones)? Foxsports Fantasy breaks it down for you.

AccuScore Closer Report - 7/30: Shaky Pens

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:37:05 -0500

This time of year very few closers are truly safe. The situations in Pittsburgh and Cleveland are unsettled, and Detroit has thrown another surprising name into their bullpen mix. Jonathan Lee sorts it all out in this week's Closer Report.

No-Hit Bids Spoiled

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:30:48 -0500

Amidst all the trade deadline madness, pitchers around the majors had some terrific performances. John Lackey took a no-hit bid into the 9th while Doug Davis had a perfect game spoiled in the seventh. They weren't the only ones to have pitched well either as teams continue to look for deals to help themselves in the race down the stretch.

Still Waiting

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:46:54 -0500

The trade deadline looms, but there was still plenty of fantasy action as teams wait for the next big name to move which will likely be Atlanta's Mark Teixeira. The Braves are falling apart with injuries to Tim Hudson and Chipper Jones and are looking to sell. Meanwhile, A.J. Burnett pitches like an ace and looks to be staying in Toronto and there continues to be closer turmoil around the league.

Almost Perfect

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:57:16 -0500

Hiroki Kuroda was almost perfect Monday night shutting down 27 of 28 batters in a 3-0 win against the Braves. The Dodgers will need him to continue his strong recent performance as they battle for first place in the weak NL West. Damaso Marte got the first save in Pittsburgh post-Matt Capps, and youngster Ricky Nolasco and Ubaldo Jimenez continued their strong recent runs.

Capps Down and Out

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:54:22 -0500

Matt Capps is out for 2 months leaving a void in the Pittsburgh bullpen. Clayton Kershaw also gets sent down to the minors while Jay Bruce is making a comeback in performance.

No Life Vest Needed

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:54:11 -0500

The Pirates were expected to have a dismal season and need a life vest to even stay afloat, but that has not been the case so far. After last night's come from behind win over the Dodgers thanks to Mr. Fireworks himself Nate McLouth the Pirates busted through the .500 barrier and are now on the winning side at 7-6 (wish the Phils could say the same thing). The surprising offense is being fronted by the previously mentioned McLouth and he's followed by thumper X-Man Nady, late-blooming Ryan Doumit, and the versatile Chris Gomez. The young pitchers aren't so young any more, but their early career struggles are starting to payoff as Zach Duke, Ian Snell, Paul Maholm, and Tom Gorzelanny make up a decent rotation and in the 'pen they've got lefty John Grabow, stolen from the Braves Tyler Yates, and closer Matt Capps.

Phillies & Pirates Roster Extravaganza

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 05:47:12 -0500

Phillies: *Another spring training gone past and yet more Rule 5 causalities for the Phils. The forever dumpster diving Pat Gillick tried to find cheap "talent" via the Rule 5 draft again this offseason, but alas Lincoln Holdzkom and Travis Blackley proved to not be talented at all, much like their counterparts Ryan Budde and Jim Ed Warden from 2007. *Lefty journeyman Vic Darensbourg and Independent Leaguer Gary Knotts were assigned to the minors. Personally I think Vic would do better than Condrey, JD Durbin, or whatever trash Gillick plugs into the final bullpen spot, but I suppose he'll have to prove himself as an Iron Pig first. *Youngsters having a go of it this spring- toolsy outfielder and 2004 1st round pick Greg Golson posting a .429 average and a 1.143 OPS. Shortstop Jason Donald with 7 at bats, 2 homeruns, 6 rbi...not too shabby. Rising pitching prospect Drew Carpenter 4 shut outs innings against the Yankees yesterday. *Chris Snelling (out of options) and Wes Helms (out of talent) are still battling for a roster spot. Right now the roster looks to be set with positional players: C- Ruiz, Coste, 1B- Howard, 2B- Utley, SS- Rollins, 3B- Feliz, UTL- Bruntlett, Dobbs, and, OF- Burrell, Victorino, Jenkins, Werth, Taguchi. I don't quite understand carrying either of these guys on the roster, especially not in the case of giving up a 12th pitcher. *Speaking of 12th pitcher, here's the staff right now: starting rotation- Myers, Hamels, Moyer, Kendrick, Eaton, and relievers- Romero, Gordon, Madson, Condrey, Chad Durbin, and JD Durbin. That's correct, that bloody wanker JD Durbin looks to be heading north with the club, that same JD Durbin of 4 losses, 8 homeruns surrendered, and a 12.33 era this spring. Gillick WTF?!?!?!? *There are rumors swirling that Patty G could make a last minute move and swap Wes Helms to the Giants for lefty Steve Kline or to the Reds for lefty Mike Stanton. Waiver wire possibilities include lefties Aaron Fultz and Tim Byrdak and righty Rudy Seanez. Personally I'd take any of them over JD Durbin. ____________________________________ Pirates: *Reliever Tyler Yates was acquired from the Braves for minor leaguer Todd Redmond. Redmond will likely become a 20 game winner for the Braves in the future, while Yates will continue to suck despite the change of atmosphere. *Apparently Tyler Yates is God's gift to the pitching kingdom, because following the trade pitchers Juan Perez and Byung-Hyun Kim were both released with Jaret Wright being reassigned to the minors. *All of America was gravely concerned with the battle for PNC centerfield, and the winner has been named Nate McLouth. Nice try Nyjer Morgan, but McLouth has potential McDonald's advertising campaign written all over him shall he become a star. *Masumi Kuwata, a Japanese import last season, decided to hang up his cleats and call it a career. No offense to him, but the Pirates won't be missing him. *What does every low-budget team need in order to rise out of the ashes like the phoenix? A can't miss pitching prospect. No! A slugging position player who can put the offense on his back and carry the team. No! A light-hitting glove-sturdy firstbaseman. Hell Yes! Doug Mientkiewicz has officially made the Pirates squad...please hold your applause.

Braves Trade Yates to Pirates

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:54:27 -0500

The Braves traded out of options reliever Tyler Yates to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor league starter Todd Redmond. The Braves freed up room in their crowded bullpen and acquired a starter that may have potential down the road.

Trade Rumors Circle Optionless Braves Players

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:19:59 -0500

The Braves have congestion in their bullpen and some trades appear imminent - though GM Frank Wren won't disclose exact goings on yet. We look at the players most likely to be traded and what they offer to other teams.