2012 Nats vs. Pirates Q&A with Nats vs. Pirates Q&A with Sam, The Maryland Bureau Chief Emeritus

The Washington Nationals hit the road for an Ohio River series, starting tonight in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. They’ll then head to Cincinnati for their road series with the Reds.

Leading off the trip, I have brought in Sam, The Maryland Bureau Chief Emeritus. The Western Pennsylvania native returned to his homeland after a decade in Maryland (most Columbia).

WFY: Last season the Pirates were in first place at the All-Star break, was it thought that they were turning the corner by the team, fans, etc?

TMBCE: Here’s what you need to understand. Pirates fans have been through a lot. We were not swayed by the early season success. However, being tied for first place late in July gave us HOPE at the time. Not hope for the playoffs. But hope for a winning season. It all ended in a 19-inning game in Atlanta, in which some say the worst blown call of all time by an umpire (ESPN) occurred. At the time of the game, the Pirates were 53-47 and tied for first. They finished the season 72-90. In case you don’t remember, here is another link. It is noteworthy that after the game, Jerry Meals admitted he blew the call. Many believe, as I do, that the team never got over that lost last year. The team was robbed of its momentum and never recovered. Be sure to watch the video of the blown call-the throw beat him by a mile!

WFY: From what I was seeing on Twitter, the Pirates were not hitting at all, but pitching was solid and keeping them competitive. Is that still the case?

TMBCE: It is basically the case, the pitching is starting to leak as well. Through the first 18 games of the season, the Pirates were 8-10 and did not play in a game in which more than 5 runs were scored. Since that time the Buccos are 4-8, with more than 5 runs given up 4 times, including the AJ Burnett special last week! (2.2 IP, 12 Hits allowed, and 12 Earned Runs. As you know I also root for the Yankees, so I have seen that act before).

WFY: Pedro Alvarez turned into Mario Mendoza 2.0, didn’t he? But something happened in the last week — he’s on fire. What’s going on? By the way, years ago I picked up one of those variety packs of baseball cards and Mendoza was in there. I thought, wow, this guy was terrible.

TMBCE: Alvarez is the team’s best, and only, power hitter. He is now protecting the whole plate, and actually taking the ball to the opposite field (something he refused to do before). I don’t necessarily like putting him back in the cleanup spot (too much pressure), but he is slowly putting it together.

WFY: The Andrew McCutchen signing is the best thing to happen to the Pirates since ______ ?

TMBCE: I’m a bit lukewarm on this. Its probably the best thing to happen since PNC Park was built, but that’s REALLY not saying much. Cutch (as he’s known in these parts) might not even be a 25+ HR a year guy. He has all the other tools, however. He is expected to do a lot right now and I think the pressure is weighing on him. If Alvarez starts to hit consistently, I think Cutch will start to see some better pitches.

WFY: Was it weird seeing so many ex-Pirates on the Nats when you were here for Fritz’s bachelor party?

TMBCE: Of course! When did the Nationals become Pittsburgh south? Of course, I was just shocked, SHOCKED to see Xavier Nady go 0 for 4. Its not like that never happened before!

WFY: Did they ever finish those light rail tunnels from downtown to the ballpark? How many different ways can you get to PNC Park and what is your favorite?

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