OnlyBucs

1. Adam Frazier (L) 2B

2. Bryan Reynolds (S) LF

3. Starling Marte (R) CF

4. Josh Bell (S) 1B

5. Melky Cabrera (S) RF

6. Colin Moran (L) 3B

7. Elias Diaz (R) C

8. Kevin Newman (R) SS

9. Steven Brault (L) P



So the "openers" Hurdle used to avoid starting Brault were so bad that now starting Brault is considered the better option.



.... and rain delay.

Yeah, when the "opener" strategy comes up in conversation, one assumption I always had was that the opener would be, you know, good.

0B3935352113303934313E39580 wrote: Yeah, when the "opener" strategy comes up in conversation, one assumption I always had was that the opener would be, you know, good.


That's because Tampa devised that plan last year and used effective openers. The Pirates adopted the plan and decided it didn't matter who they used.

Frazier leading off again. He stinks in that hole. Need to hot-hitting Newman in the lead-off spot to get someone on base for the meat of the order.

52737B527971160 wrote: Frazier leading off again.  He stinks in that hole.  Need to hot-hitting Newman in the lead-off spot to get someone on base for the meat of the order.


Yes. I usually give CH the benefit of the doubt when he's putting a lineup together. But sheesh, Frazier has not been good this year. Newman has basically been hitting the cover off the ball since coming back. I don't get why Newman isn't leading off. I get it even less why he bats in front of the pitcher.

33010D0D192B08010C090601600 wrote: Yeah, when the "opener" strategy comes up in conversation, one assumption I always had was that the opener would be, you know, good.


Liriano would be the ideal opener, IMHO. But, apparently he's been adamant that he doesn't want to start. He just wants to be a reliever at this point of his career.

577A77666170672724150 wrote: Yeah, when the "opener" strategy comes up in conversation, one assumption I always had was that the opener would be, you know, good.


That's because Tampa devised that plan last year and used effective openers. The Pirates adopted the plan and decided it didn't matter who they used.








Yeah if the had had say Liriano come in for a turn through the lineup or so, it might not have been so bad an idea.

030B083F290C2B244A0 wrote: Yeah, when the "opener" strategy comes up in conversation, one assumption I always had was that the opener would be, you know, good.


Liriano would be the ideal opener, IMHO. But, apparently he's been adamant that he doesn't want to start. He just wants to be a reliever at this point of his career.


Ha, you ninja'd me. I did not no that. My example was bad I suppose, but I still wouldn't put in the 24-25th guys on the roster on the mound in the first inning to guarantee they get in the game.

Agreed. If Liriano doesn't want to start, which I suppose is his prerogative, then use a good reliever. I think the Brewers used Hader once last year. If and when he comes back, I could see Kela doing this. I know he opened at Indy the other day, which didn't go well. But, you really can't use that as a barometer. He may have been treating it like Spring Training and just trying to get fastballs over the plate.



Another guy, another injury, but Kuhl might be a good opener.

654845545342551516270 wrote:

.... and rain delay.


Looking at the forecast for Cincinnati, I'll be surprised if they get this one in. Looks like rain all day. I guess the DH was for naught.