Rum Bunter » Rob Biertempfel

So, You Want To Be A Major League Beat Writer?

Tom Smith — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 12:08:04 +0000

Rob Biertempfel is the Pittsburgh Pirates beat writer. He took some time to speak with Cocktailsfor2 recently about one of the best jobs on the planet.

Author: Cocktailsfor2

According to his (more…)

Neil Walker at Second; Hart the Five?

Tom Smith — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:24:17 +0000

Neil Walker fielded ground balls at second base today Rob Biertempfel reports via Twitter. “I’m going to try them all,” he was quoted as saying to Biertempfel.

Pirate fans this is going to be an interesting spring for Walker. RumBunter has gone on record as saying this will be the year it clicks in the batter’s box for Walker. There has never been a question about his glove or his arm at any time.

But Walker needs to demonstrate the ability to perform (more…)

Vazquez Had Knee Surgery in November? Hanrahan on the Shelf

Tom Smith — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:22 +0000

Pirate relief pitcher Joel Hanrahan has a right flexor-pronator strain (elbow). Evan Meek will be our candidate to soak up Hanrahan’s innings if this is anything serious, but what a blow for the Bucs just hours into spring training. No timetable has been set for a Hanrahan return. Ugh.

Everyone’s favorite roster cut, Ramon Vazquez also made the news today. Vazquez is coming off knee surgery.

The front office knew of each injury, but didn’t elaborate on any of these details. Perhaps nobody asked. We heard Hanrahan had some mild pain in his elbow, but nothing further was mentioned. Either way Hanrahan will be sorely missed in the bullpen. The young pitcher, who we felt would be groomed for an eventual closer role, has a tender elbow. Tender enough for a second MRI. This isn’t good Bucs fans. Hanrahan will see Dr. James Andrews within the next week for further tests. (What, we can’t bump line?) Rob Biertempfel who broke the story has the details below.

Pirate infielder Ramon Vazquez had arthroscopic knee surgery in November and will be limited in spring training. Sounds like Freddy Sanchez this offseason doesn’t it? We found a great article here on why the Giants kept Sanchez’s surgery a secret. Go check it out.

Giants trainer Dave Groeschner spoke on a conference call the day after Bochy’s slip, and claimed that the team didn’t announce the surgery at Sanchez’s request. Groeschner said (more…)