http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/16/pirates-remove-james-mcdonald-from-the-rotation/ Baseball. Baseball. And then a bit more baseball. Mon, 20 May 2013 15:49:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/16/pirates-remove-james-mcdonald-from-the-rotation/comment-page-1/#comment-365041 Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:56:03 +0000 http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=219826#comment-365041 And just as a I post that Barmes singles and Barajas hits a 2-run homer. I take it all back.

]]> http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/16/pirates-remove-james-mcdonald-from-the-rotation/comment-page-1/#comment-365032 Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:35:21 +0000 http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=219826#comment-365032 Hurdle finally showing how long he’ll stick with a struggling pitcher in his rotation. Now if only he’d decide he’s seen enough of a .196 hitting catcher who’s thrown out 6 of 83 base stealers and a shortstop with a 60 OPS+.

]]> http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/16/pirates-remove-james-mcdonald-from-the-rotation/comment-page-1/#comment-365014 Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:51:45 +0000 http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/?p=219826#comment-365014 A fairly mature decision given that they’re still borderline in-the-running for the WC spot. The crazy move would have been of course to pull #1 pick Cole in before he’s ready. Overall, the progression’s been intelligent by baseball standards. Sure, I have trouble with a couple of their moves this year: Gaby didn’t make sense because Jones is better defensively at 1st than in RF and he’s had a good season with the bat. Snider still doesn’t seem to have a role, a place, and they sacrificed a really competent and versatile reliever (Lincoln) for him. But that notwithstanding the P’s have shown a reasonable level of vision and patience, and if they make a couple more sound decisions this winter, ’13 could be the year when autumn doesn’t “Steel” their press.

]]>