PIRATES - 4/21/02
April 21, 2002
LATEST TEAM INFO:
Three weeks into the season and the Pittsburgh Pirates have a record of 11 wins and 5 losses. Can this be true???? Yes the little known Pirates are leading the National League Central Division with the St. Louis Cardinals two games back of them. Surprise Surprise the Buccos have been doing this to everyone team they have faced in recent weeks by using quality starts, effective bullpen use, timely hitting, and the #1 ranked defense in the Major League. In this past week they swept the Milwaukee Brewers, and have taken the first 2 so far in a 3 game series with the Phillies. Sparking the Pirates offensively this week has been LF Brian Giles hitting 2 doubles, 3 home runs, and driving in 5 runs, CF Adrian Brown contributing with 7 hits, 1 HR, 4 RBI's and a .292 BA, and UTIL Rob Mackowiak, subbing for 3B Aramis Ramirez, batting .357 with a home run and 2 RBI's. As for the Starting Rotation, rookie Josh Fogg has been leading the team with at 2-0 record and a 1.89 ERA in his first 3 starts. Closer Mike Williams continued his perfect save streak to a total of 8 saves in 8 oppurtinities. Other Team Notes: 3B Aramis Ramirez was hit intentionally by Brewers pitcher Ben Sheets which ended in a bench clearing brawl. Ramirez suffered a sprained right ankle after someone fell on him during the brawl, and he will also recieve a mandatory suspension for starting the fight. C Jason Kendall suffered a grade 1 concussion after being hit in the head with a foul ball by Vincente Padilla of the Phillies, he is expected to start Sunday.
RUMOR MILL:
No rumors to report.
INJURIES:
Starting Pitcher: Kris Benson - He is rehabbing in Triple A Nashville, and is looking for a return in early May. The Pirates want him to be throwing 115 pitches by the start of May and this could hinder his return. Suffered from tenderness in his elbow and missed a rehab start this past week. He is expected to make his next start this upcoming Thursday.
Center Fielder: Chad Hermansen - Pulled Buttock Muscle, 15 day DL, reporting to Triple A Nashville for Monday to start his rehab assignment.
Infielder: Pat Meares - Wrist Injury, 15 day DL. Dont be surprised to see him cut when they take him off the DL. Pirates really dont have room for him and he has a history of injury problems.
Second Basemen: Pokey Reese - Strained his hamstring while running to first base on Friday night. Expected to return and start this Tuesday against the Dodgers.
ON THE FARM:
CF Shawn Garrett in Double A Altoona recently extended his hitting streak to 14 games with his third HR of the season and 4 RBI's against Oklahoma. SP Bronson Arroyo who spent most of the year with the Pirates last year threw 7 innings and K'd 7 in his last start for Triple A Nashville. Note: A fully detailed minor league report will be posted asap.
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
SP Josh Fogg - 2-0, 1.89 ERA, and 14 K's in three starts.
Hold:
3B Aramis Ramirez, C Jason Kendall, OF Brian Giles, RP Mike Williams
Trade:
SP Kris Benson - With his return coming maybe in late May his price is going up, so if you need a young quality player he is the man to trade.
Drop:
2B Pokey Reese - has been hitting well, but not in the 2 spot, also now has a strained right hamstring, we all know how those injuries linger around, so for now try and find a replacement.
