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Two Question Marks for Pirates Starting Pitching
By Tom Smith
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 for assignment. Hmm…a move to the bullpen, that kills any trade value. Another poor start kills any trade value. So what’s left? Ian pitch inside and get your season (career in Pittsburgh) back on track.
NH said options exist in AAA Virgil Vasquez could pitch Friday. Jeff Karstens could pitch Friday. Tom Gorzelanny could pitch Friday. Or all could replace Snell.
All kinds of stories being thrown around. All kinds of rumoured moves being thrown out there as well.
How quickly is our starting pitching going the wrong way? Surely you didn’t think it was going to last forever did you?
With the Pirates penchant for beating aces this season… Do you think the Bucs can take down Cliff Lee and Greinke in the course of four days?