Pirates Spring Training Pics: Bucs Pitching Staff Has Impressive Day

Jeff Locke was sharp today. Really sharp. Locke got the Pirates started quickly and more importantly looked like a serious contender for the fifth spot in the rotation.

The thing that stood out to me from the game was the fact that the Bucs should have held the Rays scoreless.  Sure, the Rays were split squad today as well, but just watching some of the movement and velocity of the pitchers the Bucs sent to the mound was refreshing.  And sure, it’s early, really early, but let me enjoy this game a bit with you.

Locke got seven groundballs in facing nine batters over his smooth three innings of work.  It looked effortless for the southpaw.

Chris Leroux gave up two hits, but got two strikeouts stranding the Rays rally.

Bryan Morris walked a batter, but got the double play ball and faced three batters.

Mike Zagurski got hit a bit hard, but retired the side 1,2,3 and with a quickness which seemed to be a theme.

Duke Welker faced three batters and got a strikeout.

Brooks Brown threw seven pitches.  Seven strikes.  Pumped the stadium gun to 95 and got two strikeouts.

Locke worked so fast, we barely got many pictures.   Hell, the game only took two hours and twenty-five minutes to wrap up.

But most of the day we were looking at pictures like this one. It’s not bad enough that Clint Robinson is struggling to hit anything right now, but Clint the least you can do is get out of the way of my camera big guy. People need to get their Buccos fix.

Felix Pie had a nice day with a big triple to the gap in right center field.

Of course when we put the camera on him, he swung and missed down and away.

And then this…ugh.

On the other hand, Duke Welker. Wow. Wilber Miller was right on the money on this right hander. Smoke city.

Vin Mazarro. Another nice look today, he broke two bats before getting himself in….and out of a jam.

We think we have a few more pics we will try to get up.