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You know it's hard out here for a Buc (you ain't playin')
When he’s tryin to go swingin for the fence (you ain't hittin')
And the starters and bullpen are spent (you ain't playin')
[1] Because a whole lot of players out there suck (you ain't hittin')
[2] They have a whole lot of players who just suck (you ain't playin')
We were introduced to the Pirates by Elster88 back in May - [url=http://www.getalifealready.com/cpf/archives/f15_t3225.shtml]Elster's KTE prior to the May sweep[/url]. Since that time, things have gone from bad to worse for Pittsburgh. How much worse could it get? How does 27 games under .500 sound? This is a team that was swept in Interleague play BY THE KANSAS CITY ROYALS! Although the Mets have a history of losing to teams that they should beat, on paper this series shouldn’t be close. Unfortunately, these games aren't played on paper, and the Bucs even took a game from Detroit over the weekend. It would be a mistake for the Mets not to take this team, or any opponent, seriously.
Pirates staying at PNC Park for the All Star festivities -
Jason ex-Met Bay
Freddy Sanchez
This week's pitching matchups, at the moment -
Monday, July 3 7:10 PM ET
PIT Paul Maholm, LHP (2-7, 4.97)
Pirates (28-55) @ NYM Darren Oliver, LHP (3-0, 2.45)
Mets (48-33)
Scouting Report:
Maholm took a three-hit shutout into the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox last Wednesday before being touched up for four runs in a 4-3 Pirates loss. The rookie southpaw is winless in eight starts since defeating the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park on May 16. Maholm allowed one run in six innings during his only previous career start against the Mets.
Not since Aug. 5, 2004 has Oliver started a game in the big leagues. He pitched one inning for the Astros before departing because of shoulder stiffness. Not since five days earlier has he won as a starter. Pedro Martinez? inflamed hip has thrust him back in a role he has filled 228 times in his career. What better team to face? The Pirates have more losses (22) and fewer victories (six) In games in which they have been opposed by left-handed starters than any team in the game.
Tuesday, July 4 1:10 PM ET
PIT Zach Duke, LHP (5-7, 4.92)
Pirates (28-55) @ NYM Tom Glavine, LHP (11-2, 3.34)
Mets (48-33)
Scouting Report:
Duke allowed four runs in the first two innings against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, but settled down to blank the defending world champs over his final four frames. The left-hander was in line for his first win since June 14 before the Bucs' bullpen blew a 6-4 lead in the eighth inning. Duke threw seven scoreless innings at Shea Stadium last season in his only career appearance against the Mets.
Glavine's streak -- the Mets had won his last 11 starts -- ended in Boston on Thursday. But it wasn't his doing. He pitched "Glavinely," but for only five innings. The pitch count beat him more than the Red Sox did. He still hasn't lost in 12 starts. And with Pedro Martinez not winning, Glavine once again is emerging as the No. 1 starter on a staff.
Wednesday, July 5 7:10 PM ET
PIT Kip Wells, RHP (0-3, 15.19)
Pirates (28-55) @ NYM Orlando Hernandez, RHP (4-8, 5.55)
Mets (48-33)
Scouting Report:
Wells has been hit hard in each of his three starts this season since returning from surgery to alleviate a blood clot. The right-hander was charged with seven runs in 2 1/3 innings Friday night against the Detroit Tigers, and he's allowed 18 earned runs in just 10 2/3 innings this season. Wells is 2-2 with a 3.70 ERA in four career starts against the Mets.
El Duque has been remarkably inconsistent since joining the Mets, but there is no indication the Mets have any intent to replace him. But if they do recall Mike Pelfrey, Hernandez seemingly would be the starter displaced. He threw well enough the beat the Yankees on Friday night, but he was hammered by the Blue Jays in his previous start. Hernandez has lost three straight starts and is winless in his last four.
Thursday, July 6 7:10 PM ET
PIT Tom Gorzelanny, LHP (0-0, 3.60)
Pirates (28-55) @ NYM To be announced
Mets (48-33)
Scouting Report:
Gorzelanny, the Bucs' top pitching prospect, pitched well in his season debut on Saturday against Detroit. The hard-throwing lefty consistently touched 95 mph and reached as high as 97 as he struck out six over five innings. Though he allowed nine baserunners, only two scored. He consistently worked his way out of trouble and was at his best when the stakes were highest. This will obviously be Gorzelanny's first time seeing the Mets.
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