I’m not sure that it’s possible to enjoy baseball without keeping score. If I’m at PNC Park for a game, even if I’m arriving late or leaving early, I need to have a scorebook in hand to appreciate the action. I’m not a slave to the scorecard; I don’t mind if I miss a batter or two while in conversation or grabbing a beer. The card keeps me focused when focus is my intention.
Why I like the Zack Greinke trade for the #Pirates
Short of Zack Greinke pitching for the Pirates, Zack Greinke pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers might be the best outcome possible from a Pittsburgh fan’s perspective. The more the Pirates’ NL Central opposition focuses on contending in the now, the more the future brightens.
Lyle Overbay, starting first baseman?
I learned in an e-mail from Pirates.com that the team had signed Lyle Overbay. The subject read “Pirates bring in starting first baseman,” and I was excited. I wasn’t sure that upgrading first base was a necessity, but it was a pleasant surprise. Then, I opened the message and saw Lyle Overbay’s name. Disappointment set in.
Perspective on the #Pirates’ activity at baseball’s winter meetings
When the postseason is within sight, it’ll be appropriate to drop $10 million a year on a star. Until then, the Pirates will keep developing their own talent. It’s important to keep in mind that the Pirates weren’t buying the output of Cliff Lee or Carl Crawford when they signed Kevin Correia, Scott Olsen and Matt Diaz at baseball’s winter meetings this week.
Why would the #Pirates make a splash now?
Rumors of the Pirates’ involvement in bidding for Adrian Beltre and Jorge De La Rosa scare me. The only way this train can be derailed is if it runs head on into a terrible contract. If the team were to give $10 million to one player in a season, that one contract would easily represent 14-20 percent of the team’s bankroll. What happens if that $10 million player is a dud?