Series: Pirates @ Cubs, Wrigley Field, Chicago, Ill
TV, radio: FSN Pittsburgh, WPGB-FM (104.7).
Facts: The Pirates enter the 2011 season with many of the same players that helped them to a record of 57-105 a year ago. New starters Lyle Overbay, Matt Diaz and opening day pitcher Kevin Correia look to help stop the consecutive losing seasons streak at 18. This will mark the 5th time in 6 years that the Pirates will begin the season on the road and the 1st time since 1985 that the Pirates will start the season against the Cubs.
Side note: For you gamblers out there, Vegas lists the Pirates O/U for wins at 67.5. For another year I will be taking the over in two separate wagers. Both I have yet to win. Maybe this is the year.
Pitching Probables:
Friday, April 1 - Kevin Correia (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Ryan Dempster (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Sunday, April 3 - Ross Ohlendorf (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Matt Garza (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Stats and Matchup: The Pirates pitching staff looks to make an early statement against a healthy and in some cases rebuilt Cub lineup. The addition of Carlos Pena to the middle of the lineup should prove to be exactly what guys like Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez need to once again be productive. The Pirates pitchers need to be wary of the long ball against Soriano, Ramirez and Pena with the wind most likely gusting at Wrigley. For the Pirates, the young Bucs look to get off to a hot start against three good RHP, the last two being power arms in Zambrano and Garza. The new look lineup should provide a good balance of speed and average which will be the teams recipe for success unless Pedro Alvarez goes crazy and hits 35 home runs. Garrett Jones should start all three games against the Cubs unless he struggles since all three are RHP. Lastly, Andrew McCutchen is a career .337 hitter against the Cubs with 13 RBI in 25 career games. Hopefully that trend will continue with McCutchen now battling in the three hole.
By the way, I will give you a few predictions for the season sometime this weekend. I know I am a little slow, but you'll get over it.
Nice Follett--We are looking good right now in the 6th! You know what I would like to see on this blog? Your prediction for each series--specifically what pitching matchups might lead towards a victory.
ReplyDeleteGood road win for the Bucs. I was watching Sportscenter this morning and the Walker's Grand Slam did not make the Top Ten. I guess after so many years of irrelevancy it will take a while for any of the young Pirates to get some respect.
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