Pittsburgh Pirates Fans, Hope You Enjoyed the 85-Game Joyride
Bryce Harper and Mike Trout and RA Dickey are the best first half stories of the MLB season, but from a team perspective? The Pittsburgh Pirates. (Worst story? The putrid Phillies, easily.)
At 48-37, they’re 11 games above .500!
A one-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central!
The Pirates are 29-14 at 3 Rivers Stadium PNC Park, good for best home record in baseball!
It feels real! Like Pittsburgh could finally get back to the postseason for the first time since 1992 – which is also the last time this woebegone franchise finished above .500.
For a city that was heartbroken by Tim Tebow and then had to deal with Sidney Crosby’s concussions, the Pirates have folks excited!
Pipe down, people. According to RJ Bell of Pregame.com, the odds are still against the Pirates reaching the postseason. Good news: They opened the year at 100:1 in Vegas to win the World Series, but have shrunk to 40:1. Bad news: They’re still 3:1 to win the division. The Reds (+120) and Cardinals (+160) have better odds to win the NL Central. The Pirates have a +32 run differential; the 3rd place Cardinals are at +70. Of the six division leaders, the Pirates are 5th in run differential (the Dodgers are last at +10).
I’ll predict 32-45 the rest of the way, and a 80-82 record, which would still be an improvement. But enjoy the show, Pittsburgh, kind of the way I fleetingly took in Models, Inc. one summer before it was cancelled.
Previously: Pittsburgh Pirates Are At It Again, Leading Division Relying On Pitching, Defense, and Andrew McCutchen
- Bob Stoops: Home Was Burglarized, Had Car Stolen
- Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal’s KO of the Year Candidate Against Seth Petruzelli at Bellator 96
- Break-Up Song About Players Leaving Via Free Agency Should Make Fans Cry
- Fight Master: Bellator MMA: Freshening Up a Tired Format
- John Wall Tattoos Are of the Raleigh Skyline and ‘The Great Wall’
- PL StabbinKabin on Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal's KO of the Year Candidate Against Seth Petruzelli at Bellator 96
- PL StabbinKabin on Neymar's Silky Dribbling Schools the Mexican Defense, Sets Up Another Brazilian Goal [Video]
- VladimirCrouton on Bob Stoops: Home Was Burglarized, Had Car Stolen
- KC Resident on Break-Up Song About Players Leaving Via Free Agency Should Make Fans Cry
- A.P. on Break-Up Song About Players Leaving Via Free Agency Should Make Fans Cry
192 Responses to “Pittsburgh Pirates Fans, Hope You Enjoyed the 85-Game Joyride”
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July 10th, 2012 at 3:18 PM
The Pirates are 29-14 at 3 Rivers Stadium PNC Park, good for best home record in baseball!
Sick burn, brah.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:21 PM
So you’re saying their 2nd half will be GARRRRRRBAGE?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:21 PM
HAH…one game away from .500. want me to paypal you a win so you can buy my respect?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:23 PM
I would argue that Andrew McCutchen destroying the league – a guy who you thought it was a terrible idea to trade away Nate McLouth to open up a roster spot for – is one of the biggest stories too.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:24 PM
I need a clever new fantasy football name this year. Any suggestions to get my mind going?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:24 PM
whatever happened to the esteemed nate mclouth?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:25 PM
The Pirates picked him up in the offseason and cut his ass a while ago.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:25 PM
good post
July 10th, 2012 at 3:25 PM
What an asshole. Leave the Pirates and their fans alone. Let them enjoy this.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Awesome insight by someone that pays close attention to the on the field goings-on in baseball.
Is this Yardwork?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:26 PM
ayn rand, ayn rand so far away.
/(atlas) shrug
//yes, that was one big pun
///no, im not an ayn rand devotee
July 10th, 2012 at 3:28 PM
That’s 11 years ago… man Jason, at least pretend you follow baseball.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:29 PM
TBL stick to dong pics and leave the MLB and NBA to real journalists from USA Today.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:29 PM
Contract the Yankees.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:30 PM
You should come around more
July 10th, 2012 at 3:30 PM
So the Pirates are going to stink it up the second half because Vegas says so? What kind of metrics is Vegas using to predict this, isn’t that the real story here?
Also, screw the Pirates and their “No playoffs since ’92″ sob story. Add on another 7 years to that and give me a call. Nats fans, I don’t want to hear it from you either because you might win 100 games this year.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:31 PM
No Coop’d
July 10th, 2012 at 3:32 PM
They were 20:1 or worse to start the season, I know Sportsbook had them at a 20:1 futures bet.
Not sure what world you live in where a 3:1 odds for winning the division when you’ve missed the playoffs for nineteen straight years is bad news.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:32 PM
no, no…screw them because they’re rooting for the steelers by july. THE STEELERS. and the penguins.
frankly, i dont wanna hear anyone complain. except you, buffalo…we’re cool.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:32 PM
It seems the Pirates really fucked up rushing Pedro Alvarez to the bigs, finally showing power but OBP of .307. Can anyone refute that, thinks it wouldn’t have mattered?
They still have Marte hanging around Indy, and a few decent starters there. Their depth isn’t awesome, but it’s at least replacement level, in case an injury comes around.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Park name mishap aside, I won’t bash the prediction. Probably won’t be as bad of a dropoff, but close.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Pirates have the easiest NL schedule in the second half, they aren’t going anywhere. And if McCutch continues to play HAM the rest of the season, he’s the NL MVP.
TBL trolling on Pirates fan was fun four years ago.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:34 PM
This isn’t even worth the audience’s time to counter-argue.
/non-basketball fan Chicagoan waving in the distance
//stands in front of Stanley Cup so Spence can’t see it
///remembers Spence doesn’t care about hockey and drinks from Stanley Cup
July 10th, 2012 at 3:34 PM
The Unbearable Likeness of Being a Jets fan
July 10th, 2012 at 3:34 PM
HEY LISK – JUST LET ME ENJOY THIS WHILE IT LASTS!
July 10th, 2012 at 3:35 PM
Man… Royals fans are crazy. I made a joke about no All-Star pitchers there, and random fans are searching my tweet and coming at me.
Nats fans got two #1 overall picks in a row. The Royals have only drafted in the top 5 in 7 of the last 8 drafts. Give them a few more years to get some good players.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:35 PM
If you want to use something to help determine odds, this isn’t a bad tool. But, of course, you need to follow baseball to use Baseball Prospectus and its tools…
July 10th, 2012 at 3:35 PM
Um, no – the Steelers were a flawed team last year. They were losing in NE the next weekend anyway.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:36 PM
The thing to realize here is that even though the playoffs would be AWESOME, Pirates fans will be almost as happy just to finish above .500. Seriously, we’ll all call this season a massive success.
Rooting for the playoffs, but as long as they stay above .500 I’ll throw a party at the end of the year.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:36 PM
It’s not even his prediction. It’s some dood named RJ Bell.
And where’s my FUCKING Tour de France post?!?!?!
July 10th, 2012 at 3:36 PM
Rae Carruth’s Locked Truck
Detriot Lion’s PR Billings
Like Water for Closing Time
July 10th, 2012 at 3:36 PM
At least they’re not relying on Kevin Correia, Charlie Morton (of Chipwich fame), Paul Maholm and Jeff Karstens this year. McDonald and Burnett are legit 1 and 2 starters. Was worried that McDonald might be another Ian Snell.
If they add Carlos Quentin and perhaps another high risk, high reward starter they are a threat to win the NL pennant, not just the division.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
YEA CRM YOU FUCKING COCKSUCKING FAGOT.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
/pours one out for Bcan and Suckmydixon
July 10th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
This was a Skip McIntyre post.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Semi-related: Posnanski had an interesting bit in this piece about KC a few days ago. I believe it was the Royals have missed the playoffs 27 years in a row (already counting this year) and only once during that time have been within 5 games of the division lead at the end of the year. And that was 25 years ago. That is just ridiculous.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Lisk? I knew this was a JMac joint the second I read the headline.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:37 PM
Glorious mullet….you want football-related snark in that ff name? Or a football pun? I happen to enjoy name creation
July 10th, 2012 at 3:38 PM
You couldn’t mention the schizo Red Sox season, Seattle’s ineptness at developing offensive players, or the Rockies being godawful?
Oh wait..the Phillies are garbage, I’ll allow it.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:38 PM
50 Shades of Gavin Grey
July 10th, 2012 at 3:38 PM
Yes, but they were 3rd in the league in run differential in the month of June now they’ve finally started to hit.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:38 PM
Believe it or not, Roeth, you got the wrong author here…
Might explain the topic, in and of itself…
July 10th, 2012 at 3:39 PM
Does that help? I kept saying that about NE, they got a lucky draw for their shitty defense, a miracle win against Baltimore, and all the sudden they’re in the Superbowl. Where they had no shot. And I said as much. And then they had a perfect gameplan and I believed and they broke my heart like it was Spencer’s golf narrative.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:39 PM
Either/or, just throw em at me.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:39 PM
My apologies Lisk – saw ‘Jason’ and assumed it was him.
HEY TBL – JUST LET ME ENJOY THIS WHILE IT LASTS!
July 10th, 2012 at 3:39 PM
I KNOW, RIGHT?
And who else thinks CRM looks exactly like Doug Benson?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:40 PM
I blame the park they play in. Ackley has 7 road homers to 1 in Safeco.
Neil Walker, baby.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Yep. As Lisk’s joint from a month ago points out, the pitching this year is far more sustainable but they needed the team to start hitting. And wouldn’t you know it …
July 10th, 2012 at 3:40 PM
C’mon – easy mistake, right? An entire Pirate post without the word “contract” – no way it was JMac.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Sandusky’s Slump Buster
July 10th, 2012 at 3:40 PM
That White Sox number seems too high, wonder if the 19-2 game could swing their metrics a tangible amount
July 10th, 2012 at 3:41 PM
FWIW 5dimes has the Pirates win total now set at 87. Sounds like a no-brainer bet for the EIC.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:41 PM
They get swept out as a WC. Or lose the play-in game even.
Either way, I’d respect McTibble more if wrote an apology post to the Pirates if they do win the division, as I will write a begrudging acknowledgement if they finish under .500
/not mutually exclusive
//NL Central’d
July 10th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
/Cheshire cat grin
July 10th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
So some 110lb dope fiend pinko rode a bike up some commie mountain being cheered for by a bunch of cheese eating surrender monkey’s. His reword was a faggy yellow shirt.
/Your welcome
July 10th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
T-Bone Time
Brando Marshall’s Other Pole
July 10th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
I still think they need a bat. Love that they are looking at Quentin. Not sure why the Diamondbacks are even entertaining offers on Upton but if they could land him, it’d be gigantic. Plenty of young arms to shop, especially now that Appel decided to sign with PIT instead of go back to Stanford. He’s only a couple years away from the bigs with all the college time he had.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:42 PM
not as bad as 2007, but i didn’t listen or watch sports for 2-3 months after last season. got too into it and felt burnt out as a fan after that playoff run.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:43 PM
nats fans, we don’t want to hear from you because you didn’t exist last year and baby’s that can speak well make everyone else feel stupid.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Regardless of who’s prediction it was I agree. Simmons tweeted he was hearing unbelievable stories about the horrors that are the Red Sox in the clubhouse. Then no follow up. Classic leave you hanging tweet
July 10th, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Reward.
Le Fuck.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:43 PM
babies*
/god damn stupid “‘s”
July 10th, 2012 at 3:43 PM
I agree. No guarantee the Pats would beat the Steelers. The Pats where a totally 1 dimensional team. The only reason the Super Bowl was close is because they played a shitty team. If Ted Ginn wasn’t hurt, then the Niners would have broken the Pats, or any AFC team save for the Ravens, in half. It would have been a blood bath.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Thats a clown idea, bro. No way do you need to follow the sport to cite W-L records and betting odds! I mean c’mon; we all know future success is based solely on W-L records and what Vegas thinks.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Why do you think this? Not being a dick, just asking. James McDonald has been a top 10 pitcher in baseball, not just the National League, this year. I’d take my chances with him in a 1 game playoff. I’d like their odds in a 5 game series where they’d likely get the first two at PNC too because of the new rules.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:44 PM
the fuck’s my golf narrative, wwos? THE FUCK IS IT?
/come at me bro
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
The Cold Call Mondays
/if the league had TBL people who would know what that meant
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
Upton, Braun, McCutchen, Zimmerman, Bruce, Jacoby, Tulo, that was one hell of a loaded first round in 2005.
*points and laughs at Pelfrey*
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
im literally balling out laughing so hard in my office right now.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
link? Didn’t see anything about that from the usual prospect guys
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
Because of all the “lets blame Spygate because it makes us feel less petty than hating the Pats for always winning, even though we did before the videotaping came out” fan hatred every time I’d go out to a bar to watch a game, nothing will come close to 2007. My best friend (an Eagles fan) was rooting for the Giants. I’ve never forgiven him.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
the Orioles butt-fucked the Pirates this year…
July 10th, 2012 at 3:45 PM
if ted ginn wasn’t hurt, the nazi’s never would’ve gotten past the maginot line.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:46 PM
I doubt if one game could really swing it that much. I was surprised at their win total estimates though. Also surprised at the Tigers low win total…
I think a key trade by any of the 3 teams could lift them above the other two. I’m afraid that the Tribe won’t be the one pulling the trigger.
How they are as close with Damon, Duncan, and Cunningham playing as a full timer is beyond me. They also have had very few really hot guys (sans Kipnis) for long stretches.
I’d love to see Quentin in a Tribe uni for the rest of the year, manning LF. They also need a starter to really get serious.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:46 PM
I don’t even know what to do with this. Thanks for playing, though.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:46 PM
playin’ some pickup hoops at work, bro?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:46 PM
The 2000 Bill Simmons would think the 2012 Bill Simmons is a dick for pulling something like that.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:46 PM
Burnett is a total wildcard if they make the playoffs of course. Could see 2009 AJ where he pitched well in the postseason or meltdown AJ. Really like what he’s done with his game in Pittsburgh though. Became a groundball pitcher and started using his sinker early in the count to get ahead. He’s been really sharp this year. Still has the occasional 3-4 walk game but he’s been able to pitch out of those innings when he goes to his curveball for Ks.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
C’mon, man. You know I’ve been rooting for the franchise since ’74. All these years, and things may finally be getting better.
/R.I.P. Memphis Blues
//Ellis Valentine’d
July 10th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
Wait what? As of this morning everyone was saying he would go back because they won’t give up a future first rounder for him.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
i just crossed this dude over so bad, i went to the sidelines and tossed him an ice pack for his broken ankles. pop.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:47 PM
im literally balling out laughing so hard in my office right now.
He was our punt returner, you see. Kyle Williams took his place. The rest is history. A sad history, but history nonetheless.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Wally – I think the biggest factor is injuries and starting pitching. Get the ERA’s down and keep guys off the DL and we’d be money this year. As you mention, sadly, I don’t see the Tribe snagging a quality signing.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Lisk came at you about the posts and you ended up cradling your broken narrative. I was amused at the thought of that and referenced it.
/sticks out hand as peace offering
//pulls it away
///psych!
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Keep em coming Underwear
BTW, Rae Carruth’s Locked Trunk is just terrible.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
That run differential doesn’t either…they look to be a candidate for the second half tail-off that this post was looking for, although it would be fun to have the division up for grabs that last series at the Jake
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Don’t you live in San Diego? How the hell are you an Expos fan?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
WHA? you rooted for the team that left? i haven’t seen someone this compassionate since jesus, man. JESUS.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Also whatever the fuck ever with Appel, dude can fuck himself. Much more interested in Gerrit Cole.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
That person should be shot on site. Any Eagles fan would never root for the Giants.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
/waves at WWOS
New job hatin on my TBL times. I need to link my Twitter on here.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
You were a Montreal Expos fan?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
White Running Backs will always be my team name.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:49 PM
No spin cycle? No use of the words “sick”, “dope”, etc? SMH
July 10th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
David Lynch Iphone commerical.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
i see, but im still laughing because im imaginging this kyle williams returning punts.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Looking through my Twitter feed right now but I know I saw something the other day. Google tells me he’s thinking of rejecting it. I thought it came from Callis or one of the Prospectus guys.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
I thought quite the opposite
/TBL meme that shall not be named
July 10th, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Dude! I thought the NoLa swallowed you up. That’s why I got the twitter… so I can keep track of people when TBL time is decreased.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Kind of scary that you had that article from 1994 cached away somewhere.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:52 PM
oh, i totally forgot about that.
i was assuming my “golf narrative” was that my teams are so soul-crushingly depressing, the only thing i have left is golf.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Jesus. Now there was a compassionate man.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:52 PM
Ballz, WWoS,
I live in Colorado Springs. The recent fires were about 15 miles from my apt, across I-25.
Grew up in Memphis, when the Expos had their AAA team there. Carter, Jose Morales, Warren Cromartie, Ellis Valentine, etc. Been a fan of the team since.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Shit. Nice catch Mullet. Always gotta watch the wording around here, although there are less of us looking at that daily.
/Pours one out for about 100 or so…
//Who wants an extra shot?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:53 PM
I just don’t know why he’d do this. Next year’s draft will probably see him fall to the same spot. Especially with international position players having the cap now, they become more valuable in the draft.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Another Yat on this site? He can serve as a replacement for Breesus, who seems to have vanished into the ether.
/ Assuming NoLa refers to what I think it refers to
July 10th, 2012 at 3:54 PM
If you’re an Eagles fan, it’s never acceptable to root for one of your divisional rivals.
When your divisional rivals play each other, you root for a meteor strike.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:54 PM
Tom Brady Bunchen
July 10th, 2012 at 3:54 PM
I’d actually be scared of the Phillies in the second half. They got Utley and Howard back with Doc on the way. Maybe it’s just because I still have the 08 and 09 Dodgers blood on my clothes, but still.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:54 PM
We know how Jeffrey Loria screwed over the Expos (with an assist from yer Bud). I can’t blame the players for that.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Probably wait until Trent Richardson blows out his knee for a good FF team name.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:55 PM
He got Cox’d in Atlanta.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Gotcha. I knew Memphis/CO, couldn’t figure out how you got to Montreal… it’s been the Cards AAA team in Memphis as long as I’ve been around.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
when i noticed only one set of footprints, i asked, “jesus, why did you leave me.” and he said “stop being so needy. sometimes i don’t want to hang out with you, especially when you’re being such a bitch about having to walk down the fucking beach.”
July 10th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
How about “Don’t Vontaze Me Bro”?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
But you are a Chargers fan, right? Or am I just totally fucking lost?
And Vezina, you miss-spelled ‘Bundchen’, you big dummy.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
eat a bullet.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
I’d say the NL team with the best chances of falling hard and fast are the Mets. They are the weirdest team, save for the White Sox, in baseball this year.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:56 PM
That’s enough, soused. Don’t make me get all Spence on you.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Yeah I don’t get it either. Granted considering who his agent is, who knows.
This is a great example of how fucking stupid the new CBA is, though.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Jesus. What site have I stumbled on here? 106 comments on a post about the Pirates and the word contraction hasn’t been submitted? Where the hell am I?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Their bullpen, except for Papelbon, is goddamn terrible.
July 10th, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Too late.
/well played, Spence
July 10th, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Fred Lane AllStars, ft Trent Richardson
July 10th, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Have the Nationals agreed to terms with Giolito yet?
July 10th, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Less Miles
July 10th, 2012 at 3:59 PM
See comment 14.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:00 PM
And the Phillies are probably going to part with Shane Victorino in the next few weeks. That’s another name the Pirates could consider.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:00 PM
“That’s a McCown question, Bro.”
July 10th, 2012 at 4:01 PM
excellent.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Also, because they are the Mets. I’d say the Giants. My cynical Dodger fan-ness is begging me to say the Dodgers, though. But I won’t do it. We’re getting our team back after the break.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:01 PM
Shane Vic is really lost right now.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:01 PM
very interesting…
/golf related
July 10th, 2012 at 4:02 PM
Solid
July 10th, 2012 at 4:02 PM
Unpossible.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:02 PM
+ 1 get out of metzitzah b’peh free card
/All the Abrahamic religions is dicks
Meniscus aboard the G Williams Bounty
July 10th, 2012 at 4:02 PM
if ted ginn wasn’t hurt, Craig James would have won his Senate race in a runaway.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:02 PM
NL West will be a fun race, Ballz. Diamondbacks still in it, too. Have to wonder if Sabean makes a trade to help his team. That, or if Tim Lincecum figures it out in the 2nd half… which I don’t think he will. Lisk is writing a post on 28 year olds that fell off like him so that should be a good read.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:03 PM
matter of fact, we may have a winner
July 10th, 2012 at 4:04 PM
I was a huge Dan Fouts/Air Coryell fan. Plus, it’s my favorite town in the CONUS.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Don’t do that, he’ll go back and spell it Bund;chen.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Ballz….reminds me of redd foxx
/im comin elizabeth
//aunt estha! If those breasts was any lower they’d be knees!
July 10th, 2012 at 4:05 PM
He got benched and all the twitter was all atwitter about a trade. Does he have any trade value at all?
July 10th, 2012 at 4:05 PM
Instead of a FF name how about a tiny url to the list of Browns starting QB’s: http://tinyurl.com/putridcunts
July 10th, 2012 at 4:06 PM
It shouldn’t be too fun if the Dodgers do what they should with their whole team. And yes, Lisk writing that post would be interesting, but TBL doing it would generate more comments.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:06 PM
All of this
Victorino, Juan Pierre and others will be gone by July 31st. Dom Brown will finally be freed.
If Texas gives up Olt, then Hamels will be a Ranger.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:06 PM
Piling on nada ….i expect more from you
July 10th, 2012 at 4:07 PM
“Lamborghini Mercilus”
July 10th, 2012 at 4:07 PM
God, you’re old.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:08 PM
As of Saturday, not yet. The youngster wants to get paid. LA Times reported he is looking for approximately $3.5M signing bonus. Coming off an injury, no less.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:10 PM
Ah, I’m grouchy today.
/ Actually, grouchy every day, so that’s no excuse
July 10th, 2012 at 4:11 PM
I need a clever new fantasy football name this year. Any suggestions to get my mind going?
Morning Woodmen of America
July 10th, 2012 at 4:11 PM
Aren’t Capuano and Harang due for a regression ?
July 10th, 2012 at 4:11 PM
Matt Kemp will be a big boost, but he won’t solve everything. And Dee Gordon still can’t hit. He’s like your own personal Tony Campana. Ted Lilly coming back should help the back end of the rotation. I wonder how long they give AJ Ellis to get back on track until they call Tim Federowicz up from AAA too. He’s smoking the ball in Albuquerque right now. Watched a few Isotopes games the last few weeks. He looks really good, plate discipline is back from a few years ago.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:11 PM
That would have been a great title for a Sanford and Son porn parody.
Red Fuxx would have been another.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:12 PM
when im president, im invading canada. i will send seal team six under direct, explicit orders to detain you, burn your house, salt the ground your house was built on and then cut off your thumbs, killing any chance youd have of getting employment ever again.
/assumes thumbs are the key to employment
July 10th, 2012 at 4:12 PM
need a clever new fantasy football name this year
For the TBL Commenter Fantasy Football League, I claim “Dumpster Fire”.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:13 PM
last season i used “oh Manning, where art thou” to tweak a huge Peyton Manning and Coen brothers fan in the league.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:14 PM
It shouldn’t be too fun if the Dodgers do what they should with their whole team.
settle the nl west in the parking lots, old school
July 10th, 2012 at 4:17 PM
Unless you’re applying to be a Browns QB.
/ Bazinga!
July 10th, 2012 at 4:18 PM
“Weak Gear”
“You’ve Changed”
“Pour one out”
July 10th, 2012 at 4:19 PM
Good lord.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:20 PM
Dee Gordon had thumb surgery and will miss 6 weeks. The guy they called up to replace him has been good. Forgot his name, though. AJ Ellis is still getting on base. Nate Eovaldi, Lilly’s replacement, is ok but he just gets no run support. Getting our 2,3,4 hitters back is key, though.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:21 PM
it was a joke. you know, last time they were relevant?
July 10th, 2012 at 4:22 PM
there was no park name mishap. it was done intentionally. man, pirates fans are frisky!
July 10th, 2012 at 4:23 PM
Is it too early too call Dee Gordon “Offerman, Jr.”?
July 10th, 2012 at 4:24 PM
if we’re making time-relevant jokes about the pirates from when they were last relevant, itd probably have included a cowabunga bart simpson reference while wearing a hypercolor shirt.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:24 PM
Some people I had the pleasure knowing about a decase ago just sold their company for almost 1.5 billion. Amazing.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:24 PM
And yes, I actually think getting Ellis, Kemp, and Ethier back will solve everything.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:25 PM
Flash Gordon may want to have a word or two with Dee’s mom if that “Offerman Jr.” thing catches on.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:25 PM
Ha! I have to be/have been one of the most nondescript posters here but yes I will be happy with a winning season but hope they hang in the race since they are improved over last season with better depth and more experience.
It seemed that way. Now though, the slumps aren’t as prolonged, his plate discipline looks much improved and the numbers seem to be backing that up. The walk rate has gotten better each month as it went from less than 5% first month to now he is walking 12.5% of PAs over these last six weeks.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:26 PM
The last time the Priates were relevant, Tim Wakefield was an awesome rookie. That’s not even a joke. He was like RA Dickey is this year. Except a 20-something rookie.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:26 PM
Mark Ellis. Not AJ.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:27 PM
Those Tim Wakefield/Steve Avery battles in the playoffs were Earth-shaking.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:28 PM
Flash Gordon may want to have a word or two with Dee’s mom if that “Offerman Jr.” thing catches on
Ha, I forgot that’s his kid. My greatest moment of screaming at opposing players was getting him to almost balk by merely yelling, “Hey, Flash!” from a seat behind homeplate
July 10th, 2012 at 4:29 PM
Weak sauce, weak gear, etc., I know, I know.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Francisco Cabrera, slapping one to left. Sid Bream, rounding third. Barry, just kinda jogging to the ball.
Good times.
/ Sorry, Bucs fans
July 10th, 2012 at 4:31 PM
you don’t have the best track record of efficientlly expressing the humor so don’t act surprised when people don’t get your intention.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:32 PM
Actually a Red Sox fan J-Mac, and was in fact defending you, which is rare these days as Im sure you’re aware. And while I applaud the joke, but relax.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:37 PM
Whatever, since the WS win the Braves mattered to baseball just as much as the Pirates. At least the Pirates can draw fans when they’re winning.
Also Bream is now a low level coach in the Pirates organization. What an asshole.
July 10th, 2012 at 4:46 PM
SO FUNNY, JASON.
July 10th, 2012 at 5:00 PM
i want a salary cap!!!! but let me shit all over the small market franchise!!!
/jmac’d
July 10th, 2012 at 5:24 PM
I’m late to the party on this. What is the reason to think the Pirates good fortune won’t last??? So, you’re basing their finish on some noob’s opinion at Pregame.com? Plus, you toss in the run differential (currently +32), which I believe was in the negative nos. about 3 weeks ago.
Come on, you got to have some more conviction than that! The guys are playing out their minds, Walker has been solid, McCutchen is, well McCutchen, and AJ Burnett is having a great season and Mcdonald and Karstens are looking to keep the pitching strong.
I’m not saying they’re going to win the World Series or even make it to the NLCS, but you got to like their odds at being the playoff, whoch some sites have them at around 70% to make it the halfway point.
Go Buccos.
July 10th, 2012 at 5:27 PM
Still can’t believe he chugged it around those bases and beat out the tag at home from the Bonds’ throw.
/fock Bream and Bonds
July 10th, 2012 at 5:38 PM
Needlessly mean article
July 10th, 2012 at 5:44 PM
I’d give Pirates a better than 50/50 chance at playoffs. ZERO chance they finish below .500. I’d bet 4 digits against that happening.
July 10th, 2012 at 6:04 PM
This article would have made more sense last year when the Pirates’ winning record was built entirely on accidents. This season started the same way: overachieving pitching made up for execrable hitting. About a month and a half ago, things started to change. The pitching came back down to earth a bit and the hitting stopped being total garbage. The Pirates went from being a team in the hunt with a -20 run differential to a first place team with a +30 run differential.
Instead of just being lucky, the Bucs have been lucky AND good for an extended stretch. Last year was an illusion and I knew it was an illusion. If this year is an illusion, I haven’t figured out the trick.
July 10th, 2012 at 6:12 PM
TBL’s irrational hatred of the Pirates is freaking hilarious. It seriously makes NO sense. This post is more fun if you read it in the “You’re a BIG FAT PHONY!” voice from Family Guy
July 10th, 2012 at 7:36 PM
shutup tbl you hack
July 10th, 2012 at 7:37 PM
Typical Pennsylvania
July 10th, 2012 at 7:38 PM
I’d give Pirates a better than 50/50 chance at playoffs. ZERO chance they finish below .500. I’d bet 4 digits against that happening.
Iusually agree with JayV, but this is absurd
October 2nd, 2012 at 1:36 AM
ZERO chance they finish below .500. I’d bet 4 digits against that happening
Great. Now I see this