PIRATES - 4/6/02
April 06, 2002
LATEST TEAM INFO:
The Pirates seem to be stunning everyone with this 4-1 start. No one expected this out of them except for themselves. Playing behind some strong pitching and timely hitting they took 2 out of 3 from the Mets and the first 2 so far from the Cubs. Starting Pitching was the question mark before the start of the season, but I think they came out and made a name for themselves this first week. Getting wins from Kip Wells, Jimmy Anderson, Dave Williams (8 K's), and Josh Fogg is a start for proving that they can be a solid rotation. None of them throwing more then seven innings, but that is what is expected out of them, to just pitch well enough to put the game into the hands of the bullpen. The Bullpen has done their job as well although it has taken almost using every one of the 7 men in there. Mike Williams got first 3 saves of the season and looked strong in every appearance striking out 5 total batters. Their offense has seen a hot bat from Pokey Reese, Kevin Young, Aramis Ramirez, and Armando Rios. Young got his first home run of the year against the Mets which ended up being the game winner. Ramirez batting .400 with 3 doubles and 4 runs scored. Keep and eye on all the Buccos as they are looking hot early and if they can keep this up hopefully we may see them battling in the NL Central. They are a young upstart team and they will take wins anyway they can get them.
RUMOR MILL:
No rumors as of yet.
INJURIES:
Starting Pitcher: Kris Benson - He is rehabbing in Triple A Nashville, and is looking for a return in early May. Coming back from Tommy John Surgery keep him on your draft list if he can return back to old form.
Center Fielder: Chad Hermansen - Pulled Buttock Muscle, 15 day DL, should return soon and could battle for some playing time with Brown in center. Pirates have been waiting for him to break out and come into his potential, so keep a watch.
Infielder: Pat Meares - Wrist Injury, 15 day DL. Dont be surprised to see him cut when they take him off the DL. Pirates really don’t have room for him and he has a history of injury problems.
Left Fielder: Brian Giles - Strained Rib Muscle, nothing too serious he got injured while taking batting practice before the opener against the Mets. Expected to return for home opener or second game of the homestand.
ON THE FARM:
Kris Benson had his first rehab start in Triple A Nashville Friday April 5 and threw only 3 innings while giving up 2 hits, and one earned run. He walked 3 and struck out five while throwing 69 pitches.
QUICK VIEW:
Add: 2B Pokey Reese - Batting .500 with 4 RBI's after the first week of the season, pick him up for some additional pop in your lineup.
SP Kip Wells - Making his Pirate debut Wells threw 5 innings and only struck out 2 in the win, but keep and eye on him if you are in a deep league I know its only one start, but this is what is expected if he plays up to his potential.
Drop: None
Hold: 3B Aramis Ramirez, C Jason Kendall, OF Brian Giles, RP Mike Williams
Trade: SP Kris Benson - With his return coming maybe in early May his price is going up, so if you need a young quality player he is the man to trade.
