• The Pirates are headed in the wrong direction as they make their push for a wildcard spot. The Buccos have now lost three of their last four after dropping two out of three against the Cardinals over the weekend. Just when it looked like the Pirates were making a move, they’ve been cooled off. They were a long shot to make the playoffs before the events of the past week. Now, the Pirates need to play almost error free ball with just fifty games left on the schedule.
• The Pirates sure surprised baseball fans and media with their moves prior to the trade deadline. The acquisition of reliever Keone Kela was a good move alone. The blockbuster that brought starter Chris Archer was a huge deal for the Pirates. What I like about the moves is that they were not for rental players. Both guys will be in Pittsburgh for the next few years, and are key players the Pirates can build around. I’ve always said that I’m not big on deals for rental players. These deals are ones that should make the Pirates much better both now and in the future.
• You have to give Pirates GM Neal Huntington an A for going for it at the deadline. Huntington wasn’t afraid to give up potential stars in Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow, two young players who could really have helped the Pirates down the line. Yes, he gave up a lot for Kela and in particular, Archer. But that’s what it takes to get really good players. No matter what happens in these trades, and we won’t be able to evaluate them for a few years, the Buccos were all in. Give Pirates’ owner Bob Nutting some credit too. He was involved in the deals and gave Huntington the green light to make them. Who would have guessed that would be the case just a week ago?
• I don’t think there’s any question that the Pirates’ big deals were also made in part to win back the fans. Attendance is down considerably at PNC Park, and there is a lot of apathy among the fan base. These deals may bring back some fans, both now and in the future. It’s probably no coincidence that the Pirates had some big crowds over the weekend. That was nice to see, and something the players really appreciated.
• Chris Archer wasn’t overly impressive on the mound in his Pirates debut. Off the field, however, the kid was incredibly impressive. He blew away reporters in his first meeting at PNC Park. On Saturday night, he wowed a television audience when he was interviewed live during the game. I think Pittsburgh is going to love Archer, and he will love The Burgh.
• You know it’s almost football season when NFL pre-season games start. The Steelers take on the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles this week. I’m anxious to see rookie quarter Mason Rudolph. There’s a reason why the Steelers took him in the third round. Don’t look for him to beat out Landry Jones for the backup spot, however. The chances of that happening are remote. I’m also looking forward to watching second year QB Josh Dobbs. He seems to be on the odd man out in the quarterback derby. Still, if he’s impressive in the pre-season Dobbs could find a spot somewhere. Then again, an injury at quarterback changes everything. That’s why pre-season games aren’t completely meaningless.
• For the time being, Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer is on paid administrative leave. Many think he may never coach another game for the Buckeyes. I’ll believe that when I see it. I’d be shocked if Ohio State fires Meyer. He may deserve it after what came out last week, but I still don’t think his actions, or lack of actions, will cost him his job.
• Tiger Woods finished fifteen shots off the lead at the PGA’s Firestone event over the weekend. Yet if you followed the tournament you would have thought Woods was the leader. Friday’s highlights on ESPN featured Tiger, and Tiger only, for more than a minute. Only after that did we see the leaders of the tournament. Woods’ comeback is a great story. It’s also overkill on the part of the media.
• Less than three weeks until high school football kicks off. Where did the summer go?
PIRATES HAVE LITTLE MARGIN FOR ERROR NOW
Aug 5, 2018 | 8:45 PM
Obituaries
Presented by
John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home
Presented by
John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home
What are you growing?
It’s gardening time again! What homegrown food are you most looking forward to this year?
Love my 'maters!
Love my 'taters!
Mmmm...green beans!
Crazy about cukes!
Gotta have my 'lopes and melons!
Garden? My food comes in a can.
Voting Ends: Apr 22, 2024 | 12:00 PM