Pirates Visit Orioles, Grapefruit League Game Three

When the Pittsburgh Pirates play the Baltimore Orioles we just find it interesting. The reaction to John Russell

is one I find fascinating. Russell was the first manager Neal Huntington and crew brought to town. It’s hard to tell if Russell was as bad as the Pirates record indicated.

Last year the players seemed fine with Russell. Pedro and Russell even hugged it out at third base.

Speaking of Pedro, we will be watching his approach against one of the worst left handers in the league last season, Brian Matsuz. The lefty looked like the next coming back in the 2010 season when he had an ERA of 1.57 over his last eight starts.

But then 2011 hit and he made more starts in the minors than he did for the O’s. He finished with an ERA of 10.69 as hitters blasted him to the tune of a a .372 average.

It would be great if the Bucs could pick up where the AL hitters left off tonight.

Jo-Jo Reyes on the bump. Can he impress?

Justin Wilson has been getting nice reviews from Ray Searage, let’s see if he can put up a solid outing tonight at Ed Smith

Starling Marte gets a start as does Josh Harrison–at shortstop.