First off, thanks to Jay for providing some solid Pirates content for the 2008 season. Jay is now writing about his favorite team, the New York Mets, over at the Tom Seaver Fan Club. In the meantime, I’m making my comeback to come cover my favorite team (man, can they break your heart though).
In the meantime, the Pirates sit at 10-5 near the top of the Grapefruit League standings. Not too shabby but it’s spring and unfortunately the games don’t count. They salvaged a tie yesterday against the Rays. Tom Gorzellany had a mediocre start and he gave up two runs and five hits in three innings but he pen work was solid outside of Sean Burnett, who gave up four runs in his single frame. Jeff Karstens was particularly impressive with three shutout inings with a strikeout.
Pedro Alvarez had the big hit with a three run blast. Andy LaRoche and Garrett Jones also went yard in the 7-7 tie. Jones finished the game two for two.
It’s a rematch of the Rays and Pirates tonight. Paul Maholm gets the start and Denny Bautista, Sean Burnett, Craig Hansen, Donnie Veal and Chris Bootcheck should all see some work.
