OnlyBucs

1. Starling Marte (R) CF

2. Bryan Reynolds (S) LF

3. Gregory Polanco (L) RF

4. Josh Bell (S) 1B

5. Colin Moran (L) 3B

6. Francisco Cervelli (R) C

7. Kevin Newman (R) 2B

8. Cole Tucker (S) SS

9. Steven Brault (L) P

Bell is becoming a monster! 2-run 1st inning double to deep RF. The biggest difference appears to be that he no longer changes his swing the way he often did last year. He finally has a consistent, productive swing. Last year it seemed to me that he was too concerned about swinging and missing. He often gave up ABs by making contact on marginal pitches by slapping at them or using an alligator arm swing. He was making contact but not driving the ball. In his 3 previous seasons, his K rate has been 14.8, 21.3 and 20.8. He did manage to slightly lower his rate last year from the prior year while becoming much less productive. This year he's hitting great despite having his career worst K rate of 25.4. Maybe he realized that it's worth more swings and misses in order to make better contact when he connects.

Bucs get a much needed 3 runs top of 1st. Brault immediately gives 2 runs right back.

606771797760272B52757F737B7E3C717D7F120 wrote: Bucs get a much needed 3 runs top of 1st. Brault immediately gives 2 runs right back. 
Make that 4 runs.

Sign Keuchel immediately. No excuses!

Brault just doesn't belong in the majors. It's not as if he's ever had a history of success that they hope he can get back to. He's always been ineffective and there's no reason to believe that will ever change.



He was handed a 3-0 lead and gave back 4 runs in the bottom of the 1st on 6 hits including the first career hit to the Cardinals' pitcher. He also threw a run scoring WP. What a way to take the air out of your team after they give you a quick 3 run lead.

082528393E2F38787B4A0 wrote: Bucs get a much needed 3 runs top of 1st. Brault immediately gives 2 runs right back. 
Make that 4 runs.


10 men to the plate for the Cardinals. Got a bad feeling that the Pirates will need to score 15 or more runs to have a chance to win today.



Prediction: St Louis 17, Pirates 3.

Clay Holmes might get to pitch today.

Now 6 runs on 7 hits, 2 BBs and a WP in just 2 innings. With Archer returning Wednesday, this should be Brault's last game before going to AAA. As bad as Stratton's ERA of 8.59 looks, Brault's ERA is currently 9.82.

And now Brault gets 2 strikes on the other pitcher and hits him with a pitch. >:(