The landscape of bullpens continues to change. St. Louis has an intriguing decision to make soon between a rookie and a playoff hero. Both Cleveland and Oakland have found new closers while Pittsburgh is on the verge of getting its own stopper back from injury.
Original Story: http://accuscore.com/articles/mlb-articl....

A comment on the [Bucs Dugout Gamethread] sums up this game perfectly:"Maholm should walk over to Bautista and kick him in the nuts.[...]And Grabow."------------------Setting the scene a little bit--Paul Maholm, after giving up a solo homer in the 4th, allowed four baserunners in that same inning   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

I have to be honest. The Phillies have finally left me speechless. I really don't want to sound like one of those stereotypical "Negadelphians", but after watching last light's loss to the Pirates, the taste in my mouth from Thursday's loss to the Marlins has intenstified.Despite a superb   more...
Original Story: http://www.hotstovephilly.com/2008/08/09....

First things first, welcome to the Pirates, Ross Ohlendorf (The Big O!!). He looked pretty good in his Bucco debut, throwing strikes and getting guys out without much trouble. He gave up two solo shots 3 ER in total in 6 innings. I didn't have a great look at his pitches, but he was obviously   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

Looked like another nondescript loss for the Pirates shortly after this one got under way. Zach Duke was getting lit up, the team made 3 errors in the first 4 innings, and the offense was doing nothing against a terrible Pedro Martinez. 5-1 after 6 innings.-----But, if nothing else, this team has   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

BUCS WIN! BUCS WIN! OH MY! GO CRAZY FOLKS!---------------Yeah, it feels great to get a win for the first time in TWO WEEKS and end a 10 game losing skid. It really means nothing in the long run, but September begins on a good note.-I didn't quite think we'd be having this discussion after Ian   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

That's how Steve Blass coined it, and he was spot on.-Right from the start of this one the only thing that was sure was the destruction of dugout water coolers. Snell started out well enough, but was leaving pitches up and over all night and eventually--and very predictably--got hammered. Luckily   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

Two straight Monday afternoon games against the Mets.Two deficits.Two game winning hits by Steve Pearce.---Pearce has been very unimpressive since his callup, but this makes two weeks in a row that he did in the Mets in the Pirates' final at-bat.-Paul Maholm was shaky early and gave up a run in the   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

The two biggest stories in Pirate-land today had nothing to do with our sport of choice, baseball. I'm not big on the touchy-feely stuff, but today the Pirates got emotional and put their lives in perspective, and we should do the same.---First, the good news. Doug Mientkiewicz, of course, left the   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

In a night that was filled with massive frustration and what seemed like an inevitable heartbreaking loss, the Pirates pulled out a 2-0 stunner in 12 innings at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night.--Paul Maholm was back to his usual self (of late)--the dominant one. 7 innings, 10 K's (which I   more...
Original Story: http://www.raisethejollyroger.com/2008/0....

Instead of spot starters, look to these five middle relievers to help bring your ERA and WHIP back down to respectable levels.
Original Story: http://www.crookedpitch.com/297/rescue-y....

Every playoff contender in baseball seems to be calling the Pittsburgh Pirates, looking for an upgrade for their playoff push. The Pirates have numerous players that interest those contenders, in this article we're going to talk about five of those guys. Those that have been drawing the most   more...
Original Story: http://mysportsrumors.com/blog/2008/07/2....

The Pirates were expected to have a dismal season and need a life vest to even stay afloat, but that has not been the case so far. After last night's come from behind win over the Dodgers thanks to Mr. Fireworks himself Nate McLouth the Pirates busted through the .500 barrier and are now on the   more...
Original Story: http://pabaseball.blogspot.com.

Yes, I'm aware that Steeler training camp started today, and as I reported earlier, I'm tremendously excited. Just look at that schedule: New England, Dallas, San Diego, Phildelphia, the Giants, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Washington...and we haven't even broached the subject of their   more...
Original Story: http://mondesishouse.blogspot.com/2008/0....

*Who, among the Pirates is untouchable going into the deadline? It doesn't seem like anyone. While OF Xavier Nady and reliever Damasco Marte are the big names being dangled, their price tags may be too high for most teams to pay. However, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that SS Jack   more...
Original Story: http://elismlbrumors.blogspot.com/2008/0....