What to make of the Pirates? Seemingly left for dead a few weeks ago, and I was one who thought they were done, the Buccos have now won nine in a row after sweeping the Reds in Cincy, where lord knows they have had their struggles over the years. The Pirates have won three straight series and are now two games over 500. They’re getting both great pitching and lots of hitting including the long ball. Lately they’ve looked like the Lumber Company of the 1970s. I have no idea what’s gotten into the Pirates but I like it. I just don’t expect it to continue over baseball’s second half.
• A good friend asked me the other day if I’ve changed my opinion of the Pirates after their hot streak prior to the All Star Break, and if I think they can contend. My answer remains no, even after the sweep in Cincy. Pirates’ GM Neal Huntington said on his Sunday radio show that he’d still like to add at the upcoming trade deadline. You can bet there will be lots of conversations about trades over the next week, but I still think the Pirates will shed themselves of players, not add to the current team. I have no problem with that whatsoever. Most of the players mentioned are guys whose contracts will expire soon and really don’t figure into the Pirates’ plans long-term anyway. Why not trade them?
• One name that I haven’t heard mentioned is Felipe Vazquez, the Pirates’ All Star closer. He could be really attractive in a deal since his salary is not ridiculous and he’s under contract for a few more years. The San Diego Padres got a nice package for reliever Brad Hand. The Pirates could most likely get a nice package for Vazqeuz as well. I’m not saying the Pirates should shop Vazquez. On the other hand, if teams come calling the Pirates need to listen. And if the deal is a great one for the Pirates since they are not going to contend anytime soon, they need to make it.
• I wrote last week that I would believe it when I see after after reports came out that the Steelers and Antonio Brown might make a deal for a new contract. Turns out the two sides were never close. I don’t blame the Steelers for offering what they did. Nor do I blame Bell for turning down the contract offer and gambling on himself. He’s allowed to do that, and if he’s right he’ll get a really big pay day next year. All it takes is for one team to make him a deal he can’t refuse in free agency. Should he stay healthy and be productive this year, and injuries are always a question with Bell, I believe he will get a huge deal in free agency. In the meantime, Bell probably won’t show up until the week of the Steelers’ opener. When he does show up, look for Mike Tomlin to run him until his wheels fall off, because there’s no way Brown will be a Steeler after this season.
• Hopefully there’s no jinx for Antonio Brown now that he’s the cover guy for the popular Madden video game. AB loves the attention so it’s a natural fit for him to be the face of Madden. He’s certainly worthy of the honor. Brown is one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the history of the game. Hopefully his play on the field in 2018 will be as dazzling as he appears on your nearest video screen.
• I find the British Open to be the most fascinating of all of golf’s major tournaments. There’s just nothing like it here in the US. Naturally the final round was terrific, which is what we’ve come to expect ever year. I was pulling for American Jordan Spieth, who looked great for three rounds, but who ultimately blew up over the last eighteen holes. It really was anyone’s tournament to win down the stretch and was great theater. I’m planning to go to historic St. Andrews to watch the British Open in 2025. Can’t wait.
• For once all the hype surrounding Tiger Woods was accurate. Woods played brilliantly at the Open championship and darn near won it. That’s really good for golf. Woods still hasn’t won a major in more than ten years, but if he can continue to play like he did at the Open he might actually win another one again. At forty-two, time is against him. Then again, he’s Tiger Woods. If anyone can win majors in their forties, I guess it’s Woods. Golf fans would certainly love that.
