Pittsburgh Pirates WSB2K3 Franchise

[Qb]

Where to start? Due to some problems establishing a login name and password, I'm already 40 games into the first year of my franchise. I play every game (that's the plan anyways...) and will try to post on a regular basis from now on. I'll start my journal with an in-depth look at the first quarter of the season for the Buccos and the rest of the majors.

But first things first, I am currently using the following options/sliders (they have changed as the first game of my franchise was the first time I played WSB, so just some fine-tuning along the way)

Legend. Custom sliders, very fast pitch speed, very small cursor, pitch cursor off, strike zone off, bullpen on, errors normal, fatigue on, variable pitching at high/medium (not quite sure yet), preview off and standard hitting.

CPU pitch -- 89
CPU average -- 44
CPU eye balls -- 47
CPU eye strikes -- 48
CPU throw strikes -- 7
CPU stealing -- 62

Look for more to come soon...

[JohnDoe8865]

Good luck q_bert.

[Qb]

The 2003 season began as one of promise for the Pittsbugh Pirates. Coming off a 72-90 season, a 10 game inprovement from 2001, the Pirates appeared to be heading in the right direction in their seemingly never-ending rebuilding phase. GM Dave Littlefield upgraded the team's anemic offense in the off-season by adding Randall Simon via trade and signing veteran free agents Matt Stairs, Reggie Sanders and Kenny Lofton. The pitching staff performed well for its relatively young age in 2002 and was bolstered with the addition of veteran starters Jeff Suppan and Jeff D'Amico and relievers Matt Herges and Julian Tavarez. All of Littlefield's moves were designed to add depth and experience at a bargain price. With some young players advancing through the minor league system, the Bucs could finally be on the path to future success.

But what about the present? Baseball experts picked Pittsburgh to finish anywhere from 3rd to 5th in the NL Central division, and while most agree the off-season moves should improve the team in the short term, they disagree if the new players can make any significant difference in the standings.

As spring training was winding down and the regular season rapidly approaching, the Pittsburgh baseball world was turned on its ear by the suprise resignation of GM Dave Littlefield for unspecified personal reasons. His replacement makes new Boston GM, 28 year-old Theo Epstein, seem like he's approaching mid-life crisis. On March 28th the Pirates named 24 year-old Steve Shaulis interim General Manager. Shaulis had previously worked in the Marketing/Advertising department as a member of the Bucco Brigade. His credentials for such a prominent position are non-existant. When reached for comment about his hiring, Shaulis stated, "I've been a lifelong Pirates fan and I hope I can bring that enthusiam and dedication to the job. I feel that I am capable of leading this organization back to where it ought to be. WIth the people I've got working with me and the players we have thanks to Dave's great work, I think we can really make some noise this year and be an elite franchise in the future." When asked if his management philosophy would differ from Littlefield's he replied, "Well, I think it's important that we are financially responsible, but most of all we want to win. Obviously we can't throw money around, but, I'll always be looking to improve the team."

Upheaval at the highest level of club operations and the controversial move to hire an unproven candidate could have crushed any momentum the Pirates had generated after a hot last few weeks of Spring. However, the team's play has shown no signs of such an occurence. Through their first 40 games, the Buccos are 23-17 and stand 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals at 25-14. This is despite coming to the quarter pole on a four-game losing streak that can perhaps be attributed to a demoralizing shutout defeat at the hands of Randy Johnson and the Arizona Diamondbacks to start the streak.

OFFENSE

Pittsburgh has swung a hot bat all season after an extremely hot start, leading the NL in hitting at a robust .294 in addition to placing 3rd in homeruns and hitting a remarkable .349 with runners in scoring position. The only worrisome aspect of the Pirates offense is their propensity to strike out, leading the NL with 386 Ks.

PITCHING

As hot as the Pirates' bats have been, their arms have been keeping pace, highlighted by Kris Benson's perfect game on Opening Day against Cincinnati in the first ever game at the Great American Ballpark. They rank 3rd in team ERA at 3.67 (inflated by allowing 19 runs in their last two games). Opposing teams are hitting .274 against Bucco pitchers (9th out of 16 NL teams), but have received the fewest free-passes in the majors. In fact, Pirate pitchers lead the NL in Walks/Hits per inning, a key statistic by which to evaluate a staff's performance.

DEFENSE and BASERUNNING

The Pirates rank only 13th in the NL in fielding percentage, but have been solid of late after some early season struggles. Suprisingly, the Bucs lead the league in stolen bases with 35, something that can be attributed in part to the addition of Lofton and Sanders, both of whom run very well.

TRANSACTIONS/RUMORS

New GM Steve Shaulis wasted no time in placing his stamp on the team, leaving Julian Tavarez off the Opening Day roster after Littlefield had signed him as a free agent. Salomon Torres was slated to be the team's long reliever/spot starter, filling the role Tavarez was signed to fill.

April 3 -- Pittsburgh announced a 4 year contract extension for young SS Jack Wilson, who would have been a free agent after the season. Wilson was thrilled with the display of loyalty from the team and his new $1.6 million salary.

April 9 -- OF Adam Hyzdu was called up when OF Matt Stairs went on the 15 day DL with a seperated shoulder. Hyzdu hit only .167 (3 for 18) with 7 Ks in limited duty and was given his unconditional release by the team on May 8th. When reached for comment Shaulis replied, "Adam is a great guy who has been through a lot to get to the majors. However, we got caught in a bind with him being out of options and after talking to him, we both decided it would be best if he were given the opportunity to play elsewhere."

April 11 -- Shaulis swung his first deal acquiring P Bud Smith from Philadelphia for P Julian Tavarez and P Rolando Arrojo. Shaulis' thoughts on the deal, "We get a good young pitcher who has what it takes to succeed in the big leagues and we moved Tavarez's salary. I'm really excited about what Bud can do for us, as we don't have any left-handed starters right now. He'll start in AAA and get some more experience and to build up his arm strength (Smith had elbow surgery last year)."

April 15 -- The Pirates signed relievers Joe Beimel and Mike Lincoln to 3 year contract extensions. Both were scheduled to be free agents after the season.

April 22 -- After a few shaky performances by the bullpen, Pittsburgh sent Matt Herges [Karnes] and pitching prospect Ryan Vogelsong to the Texas Rangers for former all-star reliever Jeff Zimmerman. The GM on his growing reputation as a wheeler and dealer, "This is a move that I thought was too good to pass up. Matt didn't pitch that well for us and Jeff wasn't pitching too well for Texas. I think that they both needed a change of scenery and hopefully things will work out great for both teams." On his acquisition of yet another pitcher coming off of elbow surgery, "Jeff missed all of last year, but we've been through this with Kris (Benson) and we know how to handle it. He has been throwing well, it's just his command has been a little off. We have a deep bullpen so we won't overwork him and hopefully by the second half he'll be back to 100 percent."

While Shaulis has been quoted as saying he likes the team he has, it would be wise not to bet the farm on the Pirates not making another move or two before the Trade Deadline on July 31st. "Sure it's possible...who's to say what may happen between now and then. Injuries, a great offer from another club, it's not something you can rule out." Sounds like this new dog already knows the old tricks.

OVERALL

The Pirates jumped out of the gate, going 17-8 in their first 25 games, but have fallen off after their 12 game homestand in late April, going just 6-9 and dropping their last four contests. It could be seen attributed to a drop in intensity as the players settle in for the long grind of a 162 game season or that teams have stopped overlooking the Bucs and could lead to a more disturbing trend. Only time will tell, but we'll have a better idea when we check in again at the half-way point in the season. Thanks for reading and as always, take it easy...

COMING SOON -- Part Two, featuring in-depth Player Statistics, Analysis and Grades!!!

[Qb]

All players on the 25 man roster will be listed with their statistics through 40 games, the good, the bad and their quarter grade.

Grades will be assigned on the following scale:

A = Star player performing as expected
Good player performing above expectations
Average player performing well above expectations
B = Star player performing slightly below expectations
Good player performing as expected
Average player performing above expectations
C = Star player performing below expectations
Good player performing slightly below expectations
Average player performing as expected
D = Star player performing well below expectations
Good or average player performing below expectations
F = Reserved for only the worst seasons by any player,
regardless of expectations
INC = Players who have not played a significant amount of
time or who have been hampered by injuries

POSITION PLAYERS

Aramis Ramirez (3B)
.258 Avg, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 54 Ks
GOOD: Ramirez has posted decent power and rbi numbers and has several clutch hits (2 game-winning HRs). No errors at 3B after struggling at times in previous years.
BAD: Too inconsistent and strikes out way too much (2nd in NL)
GRADE: C

Brian Giles (LF)
.327 Avg, 9 HR, 37 RBI, .459 ARSP
GOOD: Giles continues to be one of the most consistent and productive players in baseball. Putting up MVP-type numbers.
BAD: Striking out much more than usual (47 Ks).
GRADE: A

Jack Wilson (SS)
.288 Avg, O HR, 10 RBI, .995 FP
GOOD: WIlson has suprised almost everyone by hitting .288 and .345 with runners in scoring position. He continues to play gold glove caliber defense.
BAD: Has tailed off in the past few weeks after a hot start.
GRADE: B

Pokey Reese (2B)
.288 Avg, O HR, 11 RBI, 8 SB
GOOD: His bat has gotten hot after a slow start and has continued his knack for clutch hits (.364 ARSP).
BAD: Reese still strikes out too much for no power and has committed a team high 6 errors, far too many for a two-time gold glover.
GRADE: C

Jason Kendall (C)
.281 Avg, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 45 H
GOOD: Kendall puts up decent offensive numbers when most catchers are defensive minded, while still playing solid D and has done an amazing job with the pitching staff.
BAD: Has yet to return to his all-star form of the past and has displayed no pop at the plate (.350 SLG%).
GRADE: C

Reggie Sanders (RF)
.248 Avg, 8 HR, 16 RBI, 5 SB
GOOD: Sanders jumped out of the gate and flexed his muscles and is on pace for 30+ HRs.
BAD: Has gone cold recently and shown little power or run production in recent weeks.
GRADE: C

Kenny Lofton (CF)
.346 Avg, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 11 SB
GOOD: Lofton has been amazing in the leadoff spot and has energized the Pirates' lineup.
BAD: Like many of the Bucs, has been striking out at an alarming rate and drawing too few walks.
GRADE: A

Randall Simon (1B)
.336 Avg, 7 HR, 23 RBI, .946 OPS
GOOD: Simon has put up outstanding numbers and is on pace for a career year. One of the only Pirates that hasn't caught the strike out bug.
BAD: Has been somewhat streaky and has made several errors at first base.
GRADE: A

Kevin Young (1B)
.368 Avg, 8 HR, 13 RBI, 68AB
GOOD: Has provided Bucs with an amazing platoon at first base (15 HR, 36 RBI between he and Simon) and has homered once every 8.5 at bats.
BAD: Young's large contract and Simon's production may mean a deal in the future if he cools down.
GRADE: A

Craig Wilson (OF/C)
.319 Avg, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 47 AB
GOOD: Has provided solid offense off the bench and has played very well as the backup C ( zero errors).
BAD: Pirates can't get him enough at bats to see if he merits a starting job. A potential free agent, they may lose him after the year if he continues to perform well.
GRADE: B

Rob Mackowiak (OF/IF)
.280 Avg, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 25 AB
GOOD: Also providing good production off the bench and can play anywhere on the diamond.
BAD: Prone to streaks and striking out.
GRADE: C

Matt Stairs (OF)
.286 Avg, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 28 AB
GOOD: Another solid veteran bench player and pinch hitter.
BAD: Seperated shoulder limited him to only 28 AB and a handful of starts.
GRADE: INC

Abraham Nunez (2B/SS)
.263 Avg, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 19 AB
GOOD: Has played well when Wilson and Reese were rested, 4 RBI on only 5 hits shows knack for clutch hits. Also has played well defensively in limited action.
BAD: The Pirates could use his roster spot for a more productive bench player.


PITCHERS

Josh Fogg (#3 SP)
3-1, 3.71 ERA, 53 IP
GOOD: Has pitched well so far, displaying excellent control and ability to pitch out of jams.
BAD: Struck out only 16 in 53 innings and has surrendered 6 HRs.
GRADE: B

Kris Benson (#1 SP)
5-2, 3.44 ERA, 52 IP, 52 K, 2 CG, 2 SHO
GOOD: Has been dominating at times as seen by his Opening Day perfect game and CG shutout against Houston. FIfth in NL in strikeouts.
BAD: Two bad outings have raised his ERA and questions about his focus.
GRADE: A

Kip Wells (#2 SP)
1-4, 2.94 ERA, 52 IP, 56 K
GOOD: Best starter by the numbers if you throw out win-loss record. Second in NL in strikeouts and third in WHIP.
BAD: Victimized by lack of run support and leads team in HR allowed (7).
GRADE: B

Jeff Suppan (#4 SP)
5-2, 3.45 ERA, 47 IP
GOOD: Has been solid but Bucs offense bailed him out in past two shaky starts. Can't argue with his numbers.
BAD: Gets hit hard (.297 opp avg) and tied with Wells with 7 HR allowed.
GRADE: B

Jeff D'Amico (#5 SP)
0-2, 6. 43 ERA, 28 IP, 17K
GOOD: Not much, but did look good in first start off of the DL before bullpen blew lead
BAD: Has been rocked (.334 opp avg) and has already been on the DL which is cause for concern. Bucs seem loyal to him as 5th starter for now.
GRADE: D

Salomon Torres (LR/SP)
3-2, 2.92 ERA, 24.1 IP, 24 K
GOOD: Has been great in relief and had a few OK starts in place of D'Amico. Oppenents hitting only .232 against him.
BAD: Roughed up a little in last few outings after rotation/bullpen shuffle. Pirates would like to keep him in the pen.
GRADE: B

Joe Beimel (MR)
1-1, 3.26 ERA, 19 IP, 12K
GOOD: Has come on strong after horrible start, showing better ability to get right handers out.
BAD: Gets hit hard (25 hits in 19 innings) and is not as consistent as hoped.
GRADE: B

Mike Lincoln (MR)
2-0, 5.60 ERA, 17.1 IP, 11K
GOOD: Has pitched well at times and can fill valuable innings out of the pen.
BAD: Has pitched poorly at times, see last game against Houston (5 ER in only 2.2 IP)
GRADE: C

Brian Boehringer (SU)
1-1, 5.17 ERA, 15.2 IP, 16K
GOOD: Has pitched well and gets out of jams with big strikeouts. ERA inflated by two bad outings.
BAD: Has had some problems leaving pitches over the plate leading to 23 hits in 15+ innings pitched.
GRADE: C

Scott Sauerbeck (SU)
1-0, 1.23 ERA, 14.2 IP, 15K
GOOD: Has been nearly unhittable (.204 opp avg) and has not had a bad outing this year.
BAD: Still mainly a lefty-lefty specialist, although he has pitched well against righties.
GRADE: A

Mike WIlliams (CL)
0-1, 11SV, 2.13 ERA, 12.2 IP, 11K
GOOD: Blew only one save and that was on a Sammy Sosa homerun. Almost automatic.
BAD: Has allowed 3 HR in only 12+ innings.
GRADE: A

Jeff Zimmerman (SU)
0-0, 3.60 ERA, 10 IP, 12K
GOOD: Hasn't allowed a run since coming over from Texas and limits oppenents to .189 avg.
BAD: Concerns about his durability.
GRADE: B

COMING SOON -- Around the Majors featuring standings, transactions and statistics from the rest of the league!!!