Official Game Thread - 9/1 - Bucs @ Guardians

[Doc]

Ten more strikeouts today. It’s September 1, we’re 107 games out of first place. The worst part: we have about 8-10 position players who shouldn’t be on the team but have to be because there’s no one in Indy or Altoona who’s good enough to replace them. This organization is built to lose for a long time if some big changes aren’t made post haste.

you would think after 4 full years on the job that the Bucs would have at least one player ready to contribute. To tell the truth, until he proves me wrong I don't expect Endy to do anything with the bat next year.

You’re not wrong to think that. He didn’t exactly light it up last year. He’s no savior.

[Surgnbuck]

I must apologize to the board and Pirates fans everywhere. I forgot to have Doc bite my finger (because my dog didn't). That's why they lost.

The Pirates have never lost when my dog or Doc have bitten my finger.

[Bobster]

Ten more strikeouts today. It’s September 1, we’re 107 games out of first place. The worst part: we have about 8-10 position players who shouldn’t be on the team but have to be because there’s no one in Indy or Altoona who’s good enough to replace them. This organization is built to lose for a long time if some big changes aren’t made post haste.

you would think after 4 full years on the job that the Bucs would have at least one player ready to contribute. To tell the truth, until he proves me wrong I don't expect Endy to do anything with the bat next year.

You’re not wrong to think that. He didn’t exactly light it up last year. He’s no savior.

I believe they stumbled upon finding their catcher in Joey Bart. He's been a good catcher while also being one of their best hitters and with power. It'll be up to Endy and Davis to carve out a role for themselves if they can.

[Wildwoodcoach]

Bucs are now 10 games under .500 at 63-73.
There are 26 games left which means they would have to
go .500 to equal last years win total.

Looking at their remaining schedule I think the very BEST they can do is 12-14. Realistically 9-17
-Cubs Away 3
Nationals Home 4
Marlins Home 3
Royals Home 3
Cardinals Away 4
Reds Away 3
Brewers Home 3
Yankees Away 3
Looking at the schedule, what do you guys think?

[Wildwoodcoach]

Bucs are now 10 games under .500 at 63-73.
There are 26 games left which means they would have to
go .500 to equal last years win total.

Looking at their remaining schedule I think the very BEST they can do is 12-14. Realistically 9-17
-Cubs Away 3
Nationals Home 4
Marlins Home 3
Royals Home 3
Cardinals Away 4
Reds Away 3
Brewers Home 3
Yankees Away 3
Looking at the schedule, what do you guys think?

The ever optimistic Surg will probably say 19-7

[Doc]

you would think after 4 full years on the job that the Bucs would have at least one player ready to contribute. To tell the truth, until he proves me wrong I don't expect Endy to do anything with the bat next year.

You’re not wrong to think that. He didn’t exactly light it up last year. He’s no savior.

I believe they stumbled upon finding their catcher in Joey Bart. He's been a good catcher while also being one of their best hitters and with power. It'll be up to Endy and Davis to carve out a role for themselves if they can.

When we look around the field there’s no lack of opportunities for both of them. First base, third base, an outfield spot. To me, this is Henry’s big chance, and maybe the only one he’ll get. If he can hit this month they’ll find a spot (first base looks best) for him. Otherwise, he’s literally of no use.

[Doc]

Bucs are now 10 games under .500 at 63-73.
There are 26 games left which means they would have to
go .500 to equal last years win total.

Looking at their remaining schedule I think the very BEST they can do is 12-14. Realistically 9-17
-Cubs Away 3
Nationals Home 4
Marlins Home 3
Royals Home 3
Cardinals Away 4
Reds Away 3
Brewers Home 3
Yankees Away 3
Looking at the schedule, what do you guys think?

The way they’re playing now, it’s reasonable to think they’ll:
Lose all three to the Cubs
Split with the Nats
Win two of three with the Marlins
Lose two to the Royals
Lose three of four to the Cardinals
Lose two of three to the Reds
Lose all three to the Hated Brewers
Lose all three to the Yankees

So I have them going 7-19 the rest of the way. But I can also see them winning up to four more games if the bullpen gets itself together.

[Surgnbuck]

Bucs are now 10 games under .500 at 63-73.
There are 26 games left which means they would have to
go .500 to equal last years win total.

Looking at their remaining schedule I think the very BEST they can do is 12-14. Realistically 9-17
-Cubs Away 3
Nationals Home 4
Marlins Home 3
Royals Home 3
Cardinals Away 4
Reds Away 3
Brewers Home 3
Yankees Away 3
Looking at the schedule, what do you guys think?

The ever optimistic Surg will probably say 19-7

No he won't. I already said I expect them to duplicate August this month, and they're off and running with today's lackluster showing. They finished the season 16/8 games back of the division/WC in 2023. Right now, they're 16.5/11. They are essentially the same record at this point of the season as they were last year. They finished Sept/Oct 15-13 last season. 13-13 they finish identical record. At this point, even if they go 19-7, it's just putting lipstick on a pig.

You know what could save Shelton's job? Maybe a ridiculous 23-4 type run. Especially if they were to sweep the Cubs, go 8-2 against the Cards, Reds, and Brewers meaning at least a sweep and taking every series. That would most certainly put them in second, and leap frog the Reds, Giants, Cards, and Cubs in the WC standings, maybe even the Mets, and sitting just a couple of games out of the final WC spot. That would show a full month of good play, and they can spin injuries as the big reason for the August meltdown.

They gave Shelton an extension last season, but we don't know if that was 1 year, 2 years, etc. I highly doubt it's beyond 2025. Shelton is more of a new age manager, loves the analytics, loves the pre-arranged game planning. He'll get hired by somebody, not as a manager but in some capacity I dare say, and the Pirates will be off the hook for his salary (I think). If there's one sunken cost BOB has shown that's he's willing to pay, is two managers (or GM's). "Hi, this is Bob Nutting. Congratulations on being the new manager of the Pirates!!! Just to let you know though, because I'm paying for the previous guy not to coach, you'll have 5 more LMG's on the roster. Good luck!"