Game 81: Pirates vs. Indians

[jeemie]

Our guys need some sliding practice, I think.

[Jobu]

Our guys need some sliding practice, I think.

It's comical!

[jeemie]

Maybe we do try and get Byrd or somebody and send Polanco back to Indianapolis.

He doesn't seem any closer to figuring it out.

Hope whatever is with Marte isn't serious.

[Steelcody7]

I never thought I would say this, but Polanco belongs in the minors right now.

He took two strikes that the ump called balls which should have been called strike 3's. The bases were LOADED mind you. Send him down until he can at least swing at good pitches to hit.

[jeemie]

Cards lead Padres 3-1 in the 8th.

Cubs lead Marlins 1-0 in the 8th.

Shut this down, Shark!!

[Jobu]

Maybe we do try and get Byrd or somebody and send Polanco back to Indianapolis.

Never fear...Pirates have just reaquired Travis Ishikawa! LET THE PIGEONS LOOSE!!!

[Jobu]

Sweet in inning for Cole!

After scuffling early, Cole has really settled down. I'd like to see him with a few more 9 pitch innings - take it through the 8th!

Just another step in his development towards full fledge stud ace. Even without his best stuff, keeps them in it, and gets stronger as the game goes on. Kids a beast!

[Legacy User]

I'd consider Byrd after we see how the St. Louis series pans out. If they are within realistic striking distance at the ASG, it might be worth it. There's only two glaring weaknesses.

[jeemie]

Maybe we do try and get Byrd or somebody and send Polanco back to Indianapolis.

Never fear...Pirates have just reaquired Travis Ishikawa! LET THE PIGEONS LOOSE!!!

Hey- he was a World Series hero.

You can't discount that-

[JackLambert58]

We had 'em all the way!

[Jobu]

Maybe we do try and get Byrd or somebody and send Polanco back to Indianapolis.

Never fear...Pirates have just reaquired Travis Ishikawa! LET THE PIGEONS LOOSE!!!

Hey- he was a World Series hero.

You can't discount that-

I think it was actually NLCS hero, but point remains. Besides, he can't be any worse than the Lamborghini they currently have parked on the bench...right?

[jeemie]

I think it was actually NLCS hero, but point remains. Besides, he can't be any worse than the Lamborghini they currently have parked on the bench...right?

Sorry- my bad...you're right- he hit the walk-off that won the NLCS.

[Suwanee88]

I never thought I would say this, but Polanco belongs in the minors right now.

He took two strikes that the ump called balls which should have been called strike 3's. The bases were LOADED mind you. Send him down until he can at least swing at good pitches to hit.

I would go the other way - RF, Lead-off hitter, NO platoon. The guy needs to see as much ML pitching possible. That is the only way he is going to get better.

[Jobu]

I never thought I would say this, but Polanco belongs in the minors right now.

He took two strikes that the ump called balls which should have been called strike 3's. The bases were LOADED mind you. Send him down until he can at least swing at good pitches to hit.

I would go the other way - RF, Lead-off hitter, NO platoon. The guy needs to see as much ML pitching possible. That is the only way he is going to get better.

Don't have that luxury in a playoff race. Just pick your spots when and when not to play him.

[Legacy User]

I never thought I would say this, but Polanco belongs in the minors right now.

He took two strikes that the ump called balls which should have been called strike 3's. The bases were LOADED mind you. Send him down until he can at least swing at good pitches to hit.

I would go the other way - RF, Lead-off hitter, NO platoon. The guy needs to see as much ML pitching possible. That is the only way he is going to get better.

I want to win a or World Series NOW, not wait until the guys light turns on in (maybe) a few years when we are rebuilding again (small market team). One pitch by a RF that can hit major league hitting can send you past the one game playoff game, which is looking like we might just get with the 2nd record in all of baseball. If he aint helping you win a world series NOW send him down this team CAN win it NOW if they can get a RF with any kind of power. plus Polanco doesn't hit for power, average and makes dumb base running decisions. Remind me what he brings to the table right now other than the stolen bases he gets. Two innings latter he probably hits into a double play anyways.

[Legacy User]

I never thought I would say this, but Polanco belongs in the minors right now.

He took two strikes that the ump called balls which should have been called strike 3's. The bases were LOADED mind you. Send him down until he can at least swing at good pitches to hit.

I would go the other way - RF, Lead-off hitter, NO platoon. The guy needs to see as much ML pitching possible. That is the only way he is going to get better.

You want a lead-off hitter carrying a .233 average with 270 in season at bats? What planet do you live on?

[Suwanee88]

I never thought I would say this, but Polanco belongs in the minors right now.

He took two strikes that the ump called balls which should have been called strike 3's. The bases were LOADED mind you. Send him down until he can at least swing at good pitches to hit.

I would go the other way - RF, Lead-off hitter, NO platoon. The guy needs to see as much ML pitching possible. That is the only way he is going to get better.

You want a lead-off hitter carrying a .233 average with 270 in season at bats? What planet do you live on?

I guess I live on the same planet NH and Hurdle live on- how about you? I believe in Polanco's skills over the long run of the season - lead off is a good position in the order for a young talented fast guy like Polanco- hope they leave him there the rest of the way no matter what. Also Mercer should move up and Walker down until JHay comes back.

[SteelPro]

Walker was having a disappointing season until Hurdle put him back in the 2 hole. Since then he has been on fire. I wouldn't mess with Walker at all now.

[jeemie]

Walker was having a disappointing season until Hurdle put him back in the 2 hole. Since then he has been on fire. I wouldn't mess with Walker at all now.

Agreed but it was really bizarre to see Mercer in the five-hole.

God I hope Marte is ready for the St. Louis series, and also am interested in what's up with Cervelli. His problem in the past is he has always struggled with his health. I was quite concerned to see him scratched yesterday. Can somebody tell me what "manager's decision" might be code for? If it is indeed a code?