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Most Pittsburgh Pirates Starters Face Not-So Many Yankees Starters Today
By Tom Smith
Mar 3, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) at bat against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates will play today in Grapefruit League action. The St. Patrick’s Day game will be on ROOT Sports for those of you taking the day off work. Ahem, me.
The Pirates have a formidable lineup with Starling Marte in left field. Is it me or are you feeling more plate awarenesss from the Buccos leadoff hitter this spring? Maybe all these stories about Jeff Branson are true that DK is telling. It certainly would be exciting if the offense took over in 2014.
Mar 3, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Andrew Lambo (57) at bat against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Lambo is playing the field and hitting second. Glad I could get that all fixed and nice to see him at the top of the order so he might get an extra plate appearance or three against some rather weak Yankees pitching today.
Andrew McCutchen is hitting .560 this spring. I want everyone to know that I have the patent on Grapefruit League Batting Champion shirts.
Pedro Alvarez is in the cleanup spot. Everyday someone is talking about El Toro staying in the four hole, the struggles he has had in the past in that spot in the lineup. Hell, I just did it myself.
Russell Martin will catch. I almost forgot he hit below .230 last season. It’s hard to imagine those numbers not improving in 2014.
Neil Walker is at second base and today Gaby Sanchez will be in the DH spot.
Travis Snider is in right field and Clint Barmes is at short.
Feb 21, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Stolmy Pimentel (38) poses for a photo at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Stolmy Pimentel will be on the mound hopefully rocking the St. Patty green ball cap. The Yankees won’t have a star studded lineup for the right hander to face. (Other Bucs on the card scheduled to pitch today are some names that are damn interesting to me: Schlereth, Oliver, Brigham, Jackson. Schlereth has been a beast, Oliver could be one with more fastball command. And finally Jay Jackson to close out the game has also opened some eyes this spring.
The Yankees lineup, or lack thereof if you will. (Keep an eye on Solarte, we like that kid)