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After watching painful start after painful start by Ian Snell this season, it was great to watch him shut down the Cardinals last night. Time and again, St. Louis hitters waved at Snell's slider, and he ultimately sent eight players back to the bench by way of a strikeout. It would be very [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/20/snel...

Busch Stadium | 8:15 | Davis vs. Todd Wellemeyer | Box Pre-Game Thoughts After getting off to a 7-1 start, Todd Wellemeyer has scuffled a bit. He has won his last three outings to move his record to 10-4. He has not allowed more than three earned runs in a start since July 19. He has beaten [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/20/game...

Busch Stadium | 8:15 | Snell vs. Braden Looper | Box Pre-Game Thoughts Reliever turned starter Braden Looper is 11-9 this year with a near league average ERA. He has allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last five starts. He squared off against Ian Snell back on June 1 and emerged victorious.......

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/19/game...

It's time for a FJM-style post. Today's guest is Bob Smizik. Rocco DeMaro, who is the host of the Pirates postgame show, "Extra Innings," on WPGB-FM (104.7), is a man of many hats. DeMaro is host, stats geek supreme, comedian, cheerleader, sound effects man and occasional critic. He does a reaso......

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/18/atta...

PNC Park | 1:35 | Karstens vs. Johan Santana | Box Did I mention in the pre-game notes that Santana hasn't been as dominating as in years past? Well, today he fired a three hit shutout against a Pirates offense that is devoid of punch. Jeff Karstens allowed homers to Brian Schneider and Carlos B......

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/17/game...

PNC Park | 1:35 | Karstens vs. Johan Santana | Box Pre-Game Thoughts Johan Santana's first season in the NL hasn't been as disastrous as Barry Zito's. Not by a long stretch. But he hasn't been as dominant as he was as couple of years ago. Not that I wouldn't want him in the Bucs rotation. [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/17/game...

Today I figured that, after staying up to hear confirmation that Pedro Alvarez had signed, I would write up a synopsis of the 2008 draft. But if you are reading this, I'm sure I won't tell you anything you don't know. Pedro Alvarez was arguably the best talent in the draft, and the [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/16/draf...

PNC Park | 7:05 | Davis vs. Mike Pelfrey | Box Jason Davis gave up two runs in the first and then fired six straight scoreless innings. The Pirates managed no runs off of Mike Pelfrey over the same space of time. Jack Wilson homered in the 8th. But, no one was on in front [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/15/game...

We are down to the final hours leading up to the deadline to sign draft picks. The list below is where we stand. Signed picks are in bold. 1 - Pedro Alvarez 2 - Tanner Scheppers 3 - Jordy Mercer 4 - Chase D'Arnaud 5 - Justin Wilson 6 - [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/15/draf...

PNC Park | 7:05 | Davis vs. Mike Pelfrey | Box Pre-Game Thoughts From the cellar to the penthouse. Bucs go from playing the Reds to playing the Mets. Mike Pelfrey toes the rubber for New York. He was born on Wright Patterson AFB just outside of Dayton, OH and not too far from where I live. [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/15/game...

PNC Park | 7:05 | Snell vs. Johnny Cueto | Box Key hits were scarce from two teams that have each traded away two of their three outfielders. The Reds had just enough. The Pirates - not so much. Newly promoted Chris Dickerson had three hits, drove home the go ahead run and scored the [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/14/game...

The Pirates have signed Robbie Grossman, another of their high-upside draft picks. The sixth round selection signed for well over slot, with a bonus of $1 million. That puts him on a level with supplemental first round picks. This is great news, as Grossman was considered one of the better hig......

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/14/pira...

PNC Park | 7:05 | Snell vs. Johnny Cueto | Box Pre-Game Thoughts Rubber game for the two worst teams in the NL Central. It has been over a month since Johnny Cueto has won. He is 7-11 on the year with a 5.01 ERA. He has struck out nearly a batter per inning on average, but [...]...

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/14/game...

Jose Bautista didn't see it coming. But, he was demoted. I'm a little shocked, as well. But, taking a step back, I think it makes sense. Andy LaRoche plays third. Neil Walker is supposed to be able to play third. Bautista had previously played 130+ games total at all three outfield spots. But, I'......

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/14/baut...

The Pirates have signed fifth round pick Justin Wilson. Wilson, a left-handed pitcher, led Fresno State to the College World Series title with a dominant start in the clinching win. He was reportedly seeking a large bonus due to that performance, though terms of the deal were not released. Wil......

Original Story: http://mvn.com/mlb-pirates/2008/08/13/pira...