Somehow, some way the Pirates are back over 500. After getting totally blown out Friday night, the Buccos came from behind to win in dramatic fashion on Saturday and Sunday against the Oakland A’s. I attended the Star Wars game on Saturday. The weather was lousy, so I bailed before the Pirates won it late. I missed the late-inning heroics and even the fireworks show. Oh well, at least the Pirates won.
• I thought the Pirates blew it in the Sunday finale when they fell behind by two runs in the 13th inning. It was great to see Starling Marte win it with his walk-off homer. It was a big win for the Pirates and can only help Marte. When good he’s really good. When he loses confidence and concentration, Marte leaves you scratching your head.
• The Pirates keep sending guys to the injured list. Jameson Taillon will be out at least a few months, which is a serious blow to the pitching staff. He’s the 17th Pirate to land on the IL. That’s an incredible number of players and games lost to injuries. No one could have imagined this when the season started. The injuries have given many of the younger players a chance to make it to the big leagues. That’s good. Still, the injuries will catch up with the Pirates eventually. Hopefully, not for a while.
• The more I watch Jung Ho Kang, the more I’m convinced he’s done. I give him credit for coming back after his long layoff. Unfortunately, he’s just not the player he once was and is now a liability for the Pirates. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he’s released before the All Star break.
• The more I see Gregory Polanco try to play right field, the more convinced I am that he is a brutal outfielder. He misplayed two balls Saturday night against the A’s. You would think that Polanco would get better with experience. He seems to get worse.
• There’s been a lot more talk about a possible Evgeni Malkin trade the last week. Keep in mind that Malkin cannot be moved unless he waives his no trade clause, so that would have to happen for any move to be made. That said, while it wouldn’t surprise me if the Penguins have talks with teams concerning Malkin, I still don’t think he will be traded. My guess is the Pens would not get the return they want and need, and Malkin wouldn’t want to leave Pittsburgh. I understand how the Pens might want to move Malkin and not end up like the LA Kings and Chicago Blackhawks, who saw their teams decline after winning multiple Stanley Cups. Get something now for a star player before his value goes way down. In the end, I firmly believe Malkin will be a Pens sweater next season, and for many years to come.
• It wasn’t a surprise at all to see that the Steelers have declined the fifth year option on former number one pick Artie Burns. Don’t be surprised if Burns doesn’t even make it to the opening day roster. He has lost his confidence and will soon lose his job. It could come sooner rather than later.
• I’m not a big horse racing fan, although I have attended two Belmont Stakes races before. I always watch the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont each year. I was as stunned as diehard fans to see Maximum Security disqualified as winner of the Derby. It was a stunning turn of events. I would not be surprised if the horse’s owners take legal action. They probably have nothing to lose at this point. In the meantime, I wonder how many people who thought they won money on Maximum Security lost out, and how much money changed hands because of the decision?
