The Pirates struggle against their division opponents.  That isn’t a good sign.  Especially in the National League Central.  The division sucks.  So far.
Cards
Won 6-4, John Grabow got the decision
Loss 3-9, Ian Snell before he became the star of AAA
Won 7-4, Zach Duke got the win and the All-Star buzz was on.
Loss 1-2, Ross Ohlendorf was hard luck loser
Reds
PPD
Won 10-2, Paul Maholm before the groin was tweaked
Loss 0-2, Snell was out dueled by Aaron Harang
Astros
Won 7-0, Duke had the juke
Loss 1-4, Ohlendorf with another tough loss
Loss 3-6, Sean Burnett got this decision
Brewers
I hate even typing this, but three tough losses 5-10 (Tyler [...]

Former Oakland A Rich Harden was filthy tonight for the Cubs.  Harden came in with a 4.95 ERA and promptly struck out nine and walked just one.  He scattered nine hits over seven innings.  The Bucs had their opportunities, but their hitting was anything but timely.  
 Freddy Sanchez proved to be a rally killer in two key opportunities.  He left the bases loaded in the fifth and then hit one back to the mound to start a double play in the seventh inning. 
The Bucs generated eight hits in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.  One run was scored.  It was interesting [...]

The fate of the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star selection is all on your shoulders.  It has been that way since 1970 when Major League Baseball returned the vote to you,  the fan, for selection of the starters for each team.  Don’t let down your city.  You have 25 ways to impact the Mid-Summer Classic this year.  I suggest you write-in Pirate center fielder Andrew McCutchen.  Seriously, what else are you going to do today?
Here are the reasons Rumbunter feels he deserves your vote:
Write in candidates are an American tradition.  Just like fake boobs and beer bongs.  Read about it here.   Wiki    [...]

Pittsburgh Pirate rookie Andrew McCutchen scored the first run, drove in the second run, and then had the game winning walk off hit in the bottom of the ninth to lead the Bucs to a 3-2 victory.  “Every time I came up to bat it was a key situation, and I was able to come through,”  McCutchen said after he was mobbed by his teammates.
30,000 plus witnessed the excitement.  It was just another impressive performance by the Pirate outfielder.  2-for-4 with a double, walk, and two RBI.  He now has 18 RBI as the catalyst in the leadoff spot.  He [...]

The Pirates announced today that Ian Snell will be headed to Indianapolis.  Virgil Vasquez will be headed to Pittsburgh.   He will pitch for Charlie Morton tomorrow if he can’t go, or in Snell’s spot on Sunday. 
Talk about a reverse in direction.  Just yesterday, NH said Snell would start Sunday.  I am insanely curious as to the change in course? 
It was obvious that Snell was struggling, no question, but why comment on him starting Sunday if there was EVEN A SHIMMER of doubt.  I had heard he was going to work with Kerrigan on the side yesterday, perhaps that didn’t go quite [...]

Ladies and Gentlemen, Pedro Alvarez will be playing in St. Louis.  He will join AAA pitcher Brad Lincoln on the field for the nine inning showcase of future major league players.  Hopefully.  Now there will be only one other Pirate to be announced, this one for the big game, just be certain it is Andrew McCutchen.   Vote early.  Vote often.
Five other players from Pedro’s draft class will join them on the US Team.  Now how do I get my hands on one of those jerseys??
Read all about how the game has produced 39 All-Stars and over 200 major leaguers  on MLB 

Charlie Morton is questionable for Friday’s start against Gil Meche (4-6, 4.11ERA).  I watched painfully in his last start as it was blatantly obvious he wasn’t one hundred percent.  He has tightness high in his left hamstring.  Why he was out there five days ago?  Dangerous games.  Stupid.
Ian Snell will start on Sunday NH confirmed yesterday.  Wow.  Did you notice his mound opponent on Kids Day at PNC Park?  None other than the Royals phenom Zack Greinke?  The kid is having a great season (9-3, 1.90ERA). 
Ian (2-8, 5.36ERA) isn’t.  NH said a few options exist, bullpen, skip a start, and designate [...]

Adam LaRoche continues to dominate PNC Park.  He swings like every at bat appears to be one closer to his last in the City of Champions and he wants to make certain Pirates fans realize what they will be missing. 
Last evening, LaRoche was 3-for4 with 3RBI as the Pirates jumped out to a 10-1 lead.  It should have ended easily as the Pirates got two quick outs from Steven Jackson in the ninth.  Then all of those hanging, belt high sinkers caught up with him. 
An error on 3B Adam LaRoche was ruled a hit.  A two run dong to deep left [...]

Has anyone noticed the Pirates relief corps along with Zach Duke have been surrendering the long ball lately?   Tonight’s matchup and the Pirates take on Duke’s trouble with the long ball is here. 
Duke.  Six homeruns in his last 14 innings pitched.
Evan Meek.  Gave up a key homer last night after not being scored upon in eleven innings.
John Grabow.  He was rolling along before that 0-2 pitch….when he gave up a three run shot to Iannetta on Saturday.
Jesse Chavez.  Gave up a two run walkoff to Helton on Saturday.  He has been scored on in two of  his last two appearances.  [...]

Even Jimmy Buffet couldn’t stop the large crowd in attendance to watch two of the weaker teams in major league baseball last night.  And check this out…through the first 29 home games in 2009, Pirates attendance is up more than four percent compared to the first 29 home games in 2008.
Very few sales organizations are up four percent this year.  Let alone one that is in rebuilding mode.  Heh, Frank buy those guys some drinks, kid!
17,539 vs 16,813 last year.
The Pirates gave the crowd their money’s worth last night with the spirited rally, but many Pirates fans were getting wasted away in Margaritaville [...]