2011 Pittsburgh Pirates Season Thread.

[X-Terminator]

The Pirates also acquired Ryan Ludwick from the Padres for the ultimate journeyman, "a player to be named later." Ludwick, like Lee, is having a very sub-par season as far as batting average, but he does have 11 HR and 63 RBI. Still don't think it's going to make a lick of difference as they continue to fall further behind in the standings and back to the .500 mark.

[steelpride12]

The Pirates also acquired Ryan Ludwick from the Padres for the ultimate journeyman, "a player to be named later." Ludwick, like Lee, is having a very sub-par season as far as batting average, but he does have 11 HR and 63 RBI. Still don't think it's going to make a lick rEof difference as they continue to fall further behind in the standings and back to the .500 mark.
Remember were not expect a playoff season, but a par season around the .500 mark. Just think any other season before this the Buccos would have never picked up known players like Lee and Ludwick who yes are having sub par seasons, but can turn it up at any time.

[OnlyOne21]

While I give high praise to Clint for the job he has done he has to take a hit for the Sunday loss to the Phillies. With two outs in the 8th inning and up by 2 runs, he should have brought in one of the two lefties in the pen to face Ibanez. I am not saying that they automatically get him out but when you are down to four outs in a game to get a win and your closer is fresh and would be facing the 7th, 8th and pinch hitter in the 9th that gives you the most favorable match ups and that is really all you can ask.

Get the most favorable match ups in place to give yourself the best chance to win.

I am hoping with a couple major league caliber bats in the line up we can beat up on the Cubs and Padres and close the gap a little this coming week. Go Bucs!

[Borski]

Lee hits a Solo HR and a 2 Run HR so far.

Pirates down 4-3

[steelerdude15]

Things aren't looking good.... at least Derek had two homers tonight.

[steelpride12]

Looked ugly early today 1-0 Cubbies lead in the first with no outs, but Corriea stepped up big and in the bottom of the 1st Jones hit a 2 run shot and Bucs are sailing!

[X-Terminator]

Well, it was fun while it lasted. I think the Bucs' pitching staff has finally run out of gas, because none of them other than Maholm are really used to throwing a bunch of innings. Gotta hope they can at least salvage a .500 record.

[Edman]

The Ship is finally sinking. Now they can't beat the Cubs.

Took longer than usual, but the Pirates are back. Yes, fun while it lasted and sadly too good to be true. Thanks for making things interesting in the Summer days though, Bucs. It was certainly memorable.

I think this is more disappointing than any other Pirates season in memory because at least in previous years you knew what you were getting into. This season really gave you some hope that the Bucs were really going to do something special. They didn't wait so long to start collapsing. Alas. It's the same old story for the last 19 years.

At least the Steelers are back in season. Looking up the schedule for the first preseason game.

[oneforthetoe]

Well, it was fun while it lasted. I think the Bucs' pitching staff has finally run out of gas, because none of them other than Maholm are really used to throwing a bunch of innings. Gotta hope they can at least salvage a .500 record.

Hopefully the pitching staff can get some rest. The whole team looks whipped.

[JayC]

they were pretty good up until football started which is good enough for me personally. but it wouldve been cool if they kept it going for sure but they did make the wait until football easier this year

[oneforthetoe]

Well, we got good pitching tonight. We just don't have the timely hitting we had at times over the last few weeks. I hope they find it soon because it would be a shame if we ended the season 10 or so games below .500.

[Edman]

This season's collapse can probably go back to that 19th inning debacle in Atlanta. Before that game, the Bucs were playing with a sense of confidence. After that game, they never were quite the same. They were not used to something like that. It let it stick to them and they've been unable to rekindle the fire. Seeing them stink up the joint at home to a lousy Cubs team they mopped the floor with earlier in the season pretty much hammered home the fact that the Bucs have lost their grip on this season. Contending? Nope. Even a winning season seems too optimistic at this point. They look absolutely drained and defeated like all the other losing teams before them.

It's all so disappointing seeing that a season of promise crashing like this.

[X-Terminator]

And...BAM! Bucs are swept by the Cubs in a 4-game series at home for the first time in 52 years. This season has officially hit rock bottom, and I don't see them getting out of it. All that promise...gone in just 9 days. Disappointment doesn't even come close to describing how I feel right now.

[Edman]

Season-high seven game losing streak and have lost 11 of 14. Below .500. Finding all kinds of ways to lose. One runs. Blowouts. Extra Innings. Untimely pitching and inconsistent batting.

I'm extremely disappointed. I know it's the Pirates, but I wanted them to win so bad. Of all the losing seasons the Bucs have had, this is probably the most painful to experience.

[oneforthetoe]

This one hurt. They had decent starting pitching, timely hitting, and the bullpen let them down. I know there was some consternation over not bringing in Hanrahan in the eighth. Admittedly, at the time, I was thinking, "come on Clint ...." Still, on reflection, what Clint did was what he has done all year. Trust the setup guys and bring in "the hammer" in the 9th has been a winner. 20/20 ..... tells me though they would have won if they go to Joel in the 8th.

[steelerdude15]

What a shame this season is turning into.... we can only hope that they can turn it around, but with the schedule that's ahead, it might be over.

[HometownGal]

As I am the eternal optimist, I'm still believing that they are going to turn it around at some point soon. They have a lot of talent on that team and a manager who can motivate them, so I'm still holding out hope that this season will not turn into the debacle Pirates fans have become so used to. :pray:

GO BUCS!

[cakmakli]

As I am the eternal optimist, I'm still believing that they are going to turn it around at some point soon. They have a lot of talent on that team and a manager who can motivate them, so I'm still holding out hope that this season will not turn into the debacle Pirates fans have become so used to. :pray:

GO BUCS!

I'm with you

[oneforthetoe]

The Keystone bucs are back. Routine play at short is short hopped. Already down 6 runs. They look completed kerpulinkted. Come on guys get it back together,.

[oneforthetoe]

13 to 5. Might be time for Clint to to smash some lockers.

[BPS3akaWirels3]

I will officially say the Pirates blow.... I believe I'm done for the season and heading on to Steelers / Pen's... Enjoyed Tuesday in Latrobe...

[Chidi29]

The season is looking pretty bleak but I still have to stick with my Bucs. A season hasn't been this exciting in awhile and that's gotta be worth something.

[steelerdude15]

There's always that chance they could still do it, but with this schedule coming up, I don't see it happening. This feels like a personal insult to me.

[Edman]

Eight in a row. Let's make it nine why don't we.

[steelpride12]

Well at least we can watch all the bandwagon fans sink back into their holes. Ugh such a disappointment :(

[Edman]

Now the Bucs are just being a joke.

I thought the 2010 team was bad with their 105 losses and losing 20-0 to the Brewers, but these guys...just wow. What a pathetic collapse.

I think I'm finally done here. See you next season, folks.

[salamander]

The Bucs are just downright embarrassing themselves now.

[oneforthetoe]

I have been a Hurdle supporter, but he needs to kick some ass. And he can start with Cedeno. Mistakes are one thing, but I see a serious lack of effort and an attitude problem the last two nights. The worst part was his reaction to the play where he was late throwing to first. He hardly seemed upset at all. He needs a kick in the ass and to sit for a while. Send a message to the entire team. Losing is one thing .... the lack of effort is unacceptable.

[st33lersguy]

Looks like Nutting's Pirates are back

[Borski]

Going to the game today.... Hopefully they end this streak now!

[steelpride12]

I am honestly surprised by these recent games. Hurdle seems to be "the man" around the team now, but he has just fallen down with the team and never climbed back up. He needs to wake this team up and get them to a respectable .500 atleast!

[oneforthetoe]

Another embarrassing Keystone Bucs routine. The way they were playing a few weeks ago makes this even worse.

Turrable.... just turable.

[steelpride12]

Bucs down 5-0 late in today's afternoon game, sigh the sky has officially fallen.

[SteelCityMan786]

Hopefully being out west and eventually getting a MUCH needed off day on Thursday does this team some good.

[oneforthetoe]

Hopefully being out west and eventually getting a MUCH needed off day on Thursday does this team some good.

Obviously the player only meeting didn't help. I agree with Bob Walk. Those meetings are generally useless. Guys need to execute on the field.

[steelpride12]

There is no excuse for this dropoff. You don't go from first in the division and lose 9-10 straight games.

[SteelCityMan786]

Raise the Jolly Roger!!! :jolly: Courtesy of 8 solid innings by Morton and a great offensive showing, THE STREAK IS DEAD! 5-0 Buccos.

[Chidi29]

Weight of the world off our shoulders.

[steelerdude15]

We finally got another win and it feels good.

[steelpride12]

Feels good to break the streak against the defending World Champs and to blank them 5-0. Wow did Morton have a hell of an 8 innings or what, his command was almost perfect! Welp it's a start I suppose, let's get the starting pitching back up to Mortons level.

[SteelMember]

Glad to see that finally come to an end.

[steelpride12]

Mcdonald has a good early start yesterday, but Buccos get smashed 6-0, ouch.

[SteelCityMan786]

2 out of 3 ain't bad against San Fran. Something this weekend would be good for getting back into the division race.

[oneforthetoe]

2 out of 3 ain't bad against San Fran. Something this weekend would be good for getting back into the division race.

We got are bullpen rested as well. Now we just have to beat those Brewers..... Piece of cake. ;)

[oneforthetoe]

Just looked at the schedule. Seven of the next 13 games are against those pansies from Milwaukee. Three of the others are against the ladies from St. Louis. So .... what do you think? 5 and 2 against the Brewers ans 2 and 1 against the Cards?:thumbsup:

Ok seriously. Maybe more realistic.... if we could sweep the Reds in three and get three out of seven of the Brewers and one out of three of the Cards.

I'd settle for that in a heartbeat.

Watch you gone to do? .....have to take one game at a time.

[steelerdude15]

It's a nice feeling that the Bucs snapped their losing streak and won the series against the Giants. The Brewers are going to be extremely tough and I hope we beat them... I'm really starting to develop a hatred for that team.

[steelpride12]

Always good when your team jumps out of their losing slump against the nation champs taking the series 2-3. Gotta take on St. Louis and Milwaukee now which is never an easy task, but if the starting rotation can hold their own like in the last series I have confidence.

[BPS3akaWirels3]

http://mlb.jibjab.com/view/MpfFaOZPH0U39GMO

[steelpride12]

And the Buccos lost the first 2 games in Milwaukee, no surprise there. Now were only 3-36 there.

[steeldevil]

I guess the Brewers are never gonna lose again...

[steelerdude15]

I hope we can win today (Sunday). It would be nice to get at least one victory out of this series.

[steelpride12]

And the Steelers lose and get swept by the Brew Crew oh well only 38-3 in the past 41 at Milwaukee.

[steelerdude15]

I don't want to say that the season is completely over because they could always turn it around. I hope Clint can get them fired up. If not, there's always next year and that's nineteen straight losing seasons. :no: I hope that our GM can start getting better talent here. It sucks that our season that was so magical just stalled liked it did. :pout:

[HometownGal]

I don't want to say that the season is completely over because they could always turn it around. I hope Clint can get them fired up. If not, there's always next year and that's nineteen straight losing seasons. :no: I hope that our GM can start getting better talent here. It sucks that our season that was so magical just stalled liked it did. :pout:

I'm with you buddy - I'm not going to say the season is over yet either, though it isn't really looking good at this point. The eternal optimist in me won't allow me to throw in the towel.

This team gave us hope this season - something we Bucs fans haven't had a whole lot of over the last 19 years and Clint Hurdle did a very good job with this group of guys. That's a huge positive! :thumbsup:

GO BUCS!

[steelpride12]

I know Hurdle has the fire inside of him for this team and we saw it for the first half of the season during our magical run, but the fire has died out and the players are slowly losing hope inside and it's ashame.

I personally agree with HTG and Dude that the season is over for the most part and that there is always next year, but I'm sick of saying that.

[steeldevil]

Geez the Brewers can't lose... If my Cards want to catch up they need to sweep the Pirates.

[oneforthetoe]

I lost my satellite feed in the bottom of the eighth. I guess that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

[steelerdude15]

What can you do though, you know? Even if they have another losing season, I'm still going to support and watch them. I really like Clint and my feelings are starting to change about Neal Hunginton, but not Nutting.

[steelpride12]

What can you do though, you know? Even if they have another losing season, I'm still going to support and watch them. I really like Clint and my feelings are starting to change about Neal Hunginton, but not Nutting.
I agree I mean sure I'm sick as hell of losing the past 18 seasons, but not much we can do, but hope for a change. Whenever that comes, who knows.

[X-Terminator]

Bucs sign both Gerrit Cole and Josh Bell:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110816&content_id=23270806&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit

Wow. Even I can't believe they managed to pull this off. I thought for sure they'd lose out on Bell, and when I saw that Cole wanted a $15 million signing bonus, I said there's no way he gets signed. Great job, Neal (sorry, no congrats for Baghdad Bob Nutting).

Any bets that Cole makes it to the majors before Taillon does?

[steelerdude15]

Bucs sign both Gerrit Cole and Josh Bell:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110816&content_id=23270806&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit

Wow. Even I can't believe they managed to pull this off. I thought for sure they'd lose out on Bell, and when I saw that Cole wanted a $15 million signing bonus, I said there's no way he gets signed. Great job, Neal (sorry, no congrats for Baghdad Bob Nutting).

Any bets that Cole makes it to the majors before Taillon does?

My friend who plays Division one baseball told me that our first rounder pick is a great pitcher. I hope he can be great for us. Plus, we get a win against the Cards.

[steeldevil]

Geez the Brewers can't lose... If my Cards want to catch up they need to sweep the Pirates.

So much for that.

[oneforthetoe]

Can't believe I am the first one to post about Tuesday's game. A great game it was. Timely power. Tremendous defense - at third base and center field in particular. Great relief pitching.

Irony of night: same ump behind plate as Braves' game .... and the Braves go to extra as well.

[steelpride12]

Walk off for Jones in the 11th and the Buccos stole this series already.

[steeldevil]

7 down now, guess the Pirates aren't the only team doing a choke job now... Not that it matters because I can't remember the last time the Brewers lost anyway.

[vader29]

Nice win for the Pirates today on National TV.

[X-Terminator]

Pirates sign Tabata to 6-year extension:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110821&content_id=23525132&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit

[oneforthetoe]

Pirates sign Tabata to 6-year extension:

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110821&content_id=23525132&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit

That takes a little pressure off the FO with regards to McCutchen. Look I want McCutchen signed long term. The problem I have is that, on the one hand, I still don't trust that Nutting is really committed to spending what it takes. Granted, he has stepped up with signing draft picks and now Tabata, but we shall see.

On the other hand, it is possible that McCutchen just isn't going to sign for a reasonable price. He may have Yankee Dollars on the mind. If that is the case, then I say don't let the door hit ya .......

I guess it comes down to trust. If this was the Pens' or Steelers' FO, I'd trust them to do the right thing based on their track record. The Pirates FO and ownership have made strides, but I am not there yet as it relates to trust.

[steelpride12]

If we lose Cutch that will be The all time low of the organization and that is saying something.

[steeldevil]

Go Pirates. Sweep the Brewers.

[X-Terminator]

Bucs split the doubleheader yesterday - lost game 1 8-1 and won game 2 9-2. Finally, they get a win over the Brewers this season.

[oneforthetoe]

Well, the seventh seal has been opened.

[steelerdude15]

Well, let's hope for one victory from this series. Go Bucs!

[steelerdude15]

And the Bucs are winning six to nothing. Let's end this series with a W.

[steelerdude15]

Pirates to boost ticket prices next year

In an effort to catch up to their rivals on the field, the Pirates went into the stands Tuesday, raising ticket prices for next season.

The organization's decision to increase prices, the first since 2002, was independent from the team's surprising success earlier in the season and their poor performance since the All-Star Game, leading to the likelihood of a 19th consecutive year of finishing under .500, Pirates president Frank Coonelly said.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11243/1171002-63.stm#ixzz1WjYrA2Mn

I say go for it, they're barely going to raise the prices. Plus, it looks like they really want to build a winning team. It seems my faith in Neal is getting bigger.... not Bob so much.

[steelerdude15]

Quite a bit of news to report:


Hurdle notches 600th victory

Peter Diana/Post-GazetteAndrew McCutchen celebrates with Alex Presley and Brandon Wood after his three-run homer.One player had his first winning RBI of the season. Another pitched 11/3 scoreless innings in his major league debut.

But it was the man who played in 515 games and has managed 1,302 more who went home with the game ball Wednesday night.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11251/1172996-63.stm#ixzz1XNgpwAIt

Good for Clint, hopefully he can steer us into a winning season soon.


Ex-Pirates president, Malcolm 'Mac' Prine, dies at 83

Malcolm "Mac" Prine, a former president of the Pirates and chief executive at Ryan Homes, died in hospice care early Tuesday morning. He was 83.

Prine oversaw the hiring of former manager Jim Leyland in 1985, but resigned after two years as team president after an internal power struggle with general manager Syd Thrift. He was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year -- 37 years after he quit smoking, said his daughter, Peggy Joy.

He became Pirates president in 1985 when Ryan Homes joined several other companies in an ownership group.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11250/1172695-63.stm#ixzz1XNhED6gx

That's sad, rest in peace. The Pirates have won two out of three the last two series. Sadly, we will have another losing season because we need only five more loses to get it. There's always next year and the way things are looking, our future is bright.

[oneforthetoe]

Yep another losing season, unless something amazing happens. On one hand we saw major strides forward this season on the field and off (i.e. draft signings), on the other another losing season.

[steelerdude15]

Yep another losing season, unless something amazing happens. On one hand we saw major strides forward this season on the field and off (i.e. draft signings), on the other another losing season.

Yeah, but things are looking better. That's the one thing we can take away from this season.

[X-Terminator]

Yeah, I'm disappointed in how this season turned out, but assuming Baghdad Bob doesn't do everything in his power to fuck it up, better days are ahead. They have a lot of talent at the ML level and coming through the system. He now needs to spend money to bring in quality veteran talent to supplement the young talent they already have. A power-hitting first baseman and a top of the rotation starter would be a good place to start.

[steelerdude15]

Yeah, I'm disappointed in how this season turned out, but assuming Baghdad Bob doesn't do everything in his power to fuck it up, better days are ahead. They have a lot of talent at the ML level and coming through the system. He now needs to spend money to bring in quality veteran talent to supplement the young talent they already have. A power-hitting first baseman and a top of the rotation starter would be a good place to start.
I think there are a lot of places that need to be updated. :lol: We did have pretty good pitching this year, but then it just died out of nowhere. A couple more good pitchers and some better batters and we should be fine. I think we should upgrade at SS even though Ronny played better this year.

[steelerdude15]

Good to see the Buccos win against the Cards last night, I hope they do again tonight.

[steelerdude15]

Pirates to start 2012 season at home against Phillies

The Pirates have released their 2012 schedule, which begins with a three-game series at home against the Philadelphia Phillies Thursday, April 5.

The Pirates also play home series against the St. Louis Cardinals and Colorado Rockies in April.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11257/1174549-100.stm#ixzz1XwssRReA

[steelerdude15]

Well... it's official, nineteen straight losing seasons. This season locked amazing, but fell apart. Let's hope for a better year next year.

[HometownGal]

Well... it's official, nineteen straight losing seasons. This season locked amazing, but fell apart. Let's hope for a better year next year.

We saw a ray of hope this season which hopefully will carry into the next. :pray: Still love my Buccos no matter what.

[steelerdude15]

We saw a ray of hope this season which hopefully will carry into the next. :pray: Still love my Buccos no matter what.

Yeah, I'm certainly hoping that next year will be better. I'm hoping our new pitchers who we got through the draft will be amazing. I've heard great things about our first round pick.

[X-Terminator]

If they really want to prove to the fans that they are serious about winning starting next year, they will offer Prince Fielder a huge contract this fall. 5 years, $80 million might get it done. But I know it won't happen.

[oneforthetoe]

If they really want to prove to the fans that they are serious about winning starting next year, they will offer Prince Fielder a huge contract this fall. 5 years, $80 million might get it done. But I know it won't happen.

I'd say if you could get all the local restaurants together to cough up a few million towards a contract it might be doable. Those restaurants will still make out handsomely if Fielder comes to town.

[steelerdude15]

If they really want to prove to the fans that they are serious about winning starting next year, they will offer Prince Fielder a huge contract this fall. 5 years, $80 million might get it done. But I know it won't happen.

No way will the Pirates spend that much money on someone and I highly doubt he'll even play for this team.

[steelerdude15]

If they really want to prove to the fans that they are serious about winning starting next year, they will offer Prince Fielder a huge contract this fall. 5 years, $80 million might get it done. But I know it won't happen.

No way will the Pirates spend that much money on someone and I highly doubt he'll even play for this team.

[Count Steeler]

No way will the Pirates spend that much money on someone and I highly doubt he'll even play for this team.

But there is much PR in just offering him the contract. Highly doubtful he would go to Pittsburgh, but think of the points Nutjob can score by appearing to be in the race to sign Prince.

[steelerdude15]

But there is much PR in just offering him the contract. Highly doubtful he would go to Pittsburgh, but think of the points Nutjob can score by appearing to be in the race to sign Prince.

It would be amazing, but it won't happen.

[steelerdude15]

Well, yesterday was the last game of the season for the Pirates. We went 72-90, which is a seventeen game improvement from last year. I would say everything was an improvement from the year before. Pitching was better, batting was better, etc. We have a much better manager in Clint and it looks like the team finally wants to build a winner. Cutch looked better than ever, Neil looked great while leading the team with the best batting average. Cedeno was much better than he was last year, but did make mistakes here and there. Pedro didn't really do anything compared his rookie campaign, but lets hope that changes. Here's to hoping for a better year next year.

[steelpride12]

Sigh another season down the drain. Oh well it was an improvement and after 18 horrific seasons Ill take it with a smile. I like what Hurdle is bringing to the table, the pitching was top notch early and the offense was alive and well. I hope they shoot for the stars next season because they are close. Our Buccos will rise.

[X-Terminator]

Well, if they can have another 17-game improvement next season, they'll finish 89-73, which might be enough for the 2nd wild card that will be implemented next season. But before they can get there, they desperately need a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter, Pedro Alvarez to start playing like the 2nd overall pick he was, a first baseman with some power and a better shortstop than Ronny Cedeno.

[steelerdude15]

Well, if they can have another 17-game improvement next season, they'll finish 89-73, which might be enough for the 2nd wild card that will be implemented next season. But before they can get there, they desperately need a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter, Pedro Alvarez to start playing like the 2nd overall pick he was, a first baseman with some power and a better shortstop than Ronny Cedeno.

To build on that, I would also like to get a better outfielder to replace Jones. I feel like he doesn't do as much as he use to. I'd also like to see a much better catcher play as well.

[Borski]

So after the All Star break we were leading the Brewers and Cardinals in the division by up to 3 games. now one of them will be in the world series...

[X-Terminator]

So after the All Star break we were leading the Brewers and Cardinals in the division by up to 3 games. now one of them will be in the world series...

It makes me sick just thinking about what could have been. Baghdad Bob and Co. had better damn well show a commitment to producing a winner starting next year by opening up their wallets. With all the young talent they have (assuming Alvarez comes around), there's no reason why they can't at least challenge for one of the wild cards next season unless they be the cheap bastards they've always been.

[steeldevil]

Go Cards!

[steelerdude15]

It makes me sick just thinking about what could have been. Baghdad Bob and Co. had better damn well show a commitment to producing a winner starting next year by opening up their wallets. With all the young talent they have (assuming Alvarez comes around), there's no reason why they can't at least challenge for one of the wild cards next season unless they be the cheap bastards they've always been.

I think the times are changing... well at least I hope.

[OnlyOne21]

I am looking forward to see what the Pirates do in the off season. They have to address the catching situation and I think look for another starting pitcher as well as a quality shortstop. I would not have an issue with them trying to grab Derrick Lee and try and sign him. Forget about Fielder as he will get more than $25 million a year. Ryan Howard's contract for 2012 is at that price so his agent will get him more than that and since he isn't staying with the Brewers forget about the hometown discount thing.

I believe Alex Pressley showed Clint enough to have him slated in left field going into spring training. Cutch and Tabata will solidify the outfield. Hopefully Pedro spends the off season getting himself in shape.

My most pleasant surprise this year had to be Jeff Karstens even though Charlie Morton made great strides. Karstens seemed to be very consistent and kept the Pirates in most of the games he started.

Looking forward to seeing the 2012 Pirates. Go Bucs!

[X-Terminator]

I am looking forward to see what the Pirates do in the off season. They have to address the catching situation and I think look for another starting pitcher as well as a quality shortstop. I would not have an issue with them trying to grab Derrick Lee and try and sign him. Forget about Fielder as he will get more than $25 million a year. Ryan Howard's contract for 2012 is at that price so his agent will get him more than that and since he isn't staying with the Brewers forget about the hometown discount thing.

I believe Alex Pressley showed Clint enough to have him slated in left field going into spring training. Cutch and Tabata will solidify the outfield. Hopefully Pedro spends the off season getting himself in shape.

My most pleasant surprise this year had to be Jeff Karstens even though Charlie Morton made great strides. Karstens seemed to be very consistent and kept the Pirates in most of the games he started.

Looking forward to seeing the 2012 Pirates. Go Bucs!

Going after Fielder was just a pipe dream, but that still doesn't mean they can't go out and spend an extra $20 million on a decent starting pitcher, catcher and/or first baseman with some pop. They can't go into next season with Kevin Correia and Charlie Morton as their top 2 starters, and they need a power bat in the middle of the lineup. Alvarez can be that guy, but he lacks focus as much as he lacks overall fitness. He needs to improve both, otherwise he's going to be another huge bust in a long line of huge busts for the Pirates.

[steelerdude15]

I'm looking forward to next season as well. I also really hope that the FO makes some moves that will strengthen and help build this team.

[BPS3akaWirels3]

No Snyder or Doumit next year...

[X-Terminator]

No Maholm either.

[Chidi29]

No Maholm either.

Easy decision there. Way too much money.

[steelerdude15]

Walker, Cedeno get Gold Glove nominations

Middle infielders Neil Walker and Ronny Cedeno have been named finalists for the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, which are presented annually to the best defensive player at each position in each league.

The 2011 winners will be announced on ESPN2 during an awards show Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. The telecast will last for one hour.

On Monday, ESPN released the names of three league finalists at each position. Walker joined Brandon Phillips (Reds) and Omar Infante (Marlins) on the list of second basemen. Cedeno, Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies) and Alex Gonzalez (Braves) were the shortstop nominees.
Read More: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111031&content_id=25852848&vkey=news_pit&c_id=pit

Are guys are getting it done, hope they win!