SBNation.com User Blog: ATribeCalledGreg

Guess the Opening Day batting order / Opening Day Roll Call

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 22:18:11 -0000

Simple enough. I'm a bit interested to see Jones bat second a few times this spring. He, Walker, or Snider are all believable #2 hitters. What's it gonna be?

My guess:

Marte

Snider

McCutchen

Alvarez

Jones

Walker

Martin

Barmes

Burnett

I need a few more words, so while we're at it, who's headed to Opening Day aside from me? Let's hope the weather cooperates. Let's Go Bucs, Let's Go Green, Come Hungry, We Will, Pride Passion Pittsburgh Pirates

Simple enough. I'm a bit interested to see Jones bat second a few times this spring. He, Walker, or Snider are all believable #2 hitters. What's it gonna be?

My guess:

Marte

Snider

McCutchen

Alvarez

Jones

Walker

Martin

Barmes

Burnett

Direction batter is facing in every ballpark

ATribeCalledGreg — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 02:35:03 -0000

Direction batter is facing in every ballpark

Here it is, BUCN: The Story of the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates. Thanks to all that helped out! Let me...

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 20:01:05 -0000

Here it is, BUCN: The Story of the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates. Thanks to all that helped out! Let me know what you think.

BUCN: The Story of the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates Trailer

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 20:59:58 -0000

BUCN: The Story of the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates Trailer

Here is the trailer that as some of you may know, I've been working on this past season. It is finally all wrapped up and I hope to release the final work Friday, December 28th.

I would like to thank all of you for your help and support. It was a very tricky project because I got A LOT of footage and the focus was constantly shifting from basic overview vs. the 2012 season, my perspective vs. a general perspective. Blah blah blah, choices were made, but in the end I think I ended up with what is (hopefully) an entertaining hour long work for you to watch.

If you have any questions at all, feel free.

Nate gone, Hague up

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:29:05 -0000

Nate gone, Hague up

Discuss

Pirates Fan Documentary Episode 1 - Opening Day

ATribeCalledGreg — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:18:31 -0000

Pirates Fan Documentary Episode 1 - Opening Day

For those of you who haven't been checking the blog I set up for this project , I decided to do a few video updates throughout the season to not only give you guys a little bit of a taste of what I have, but to get some feedback so I can improve the final work at the end of the season.

Here is the first little video update, centered around Opening Day. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Announcement: Pirates Fan Documentary

ATribeCalledGreg — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:03:22 -0000

This pretty much contains all the necessary introductions. I've officially reached the point where I want to publicly announce it (thereby making me accountable to see this project through to completion).

I just want to give a shout out to the Pirates blog community for being absolutely nothing but supportive thus far. Special thanks to Charlie, who was able to meet with me at PirateFest as I officially began shooting this project. With the season about to be underway, I'm ready to spread the news to everyone.

There are probably so many things I want to include right now, but in the meantime I really just wanted to make you all aware and open the dialogue between us to make this project really something worthwhile. Check the blog for updates. I also set up a Twitter and email account to stay updated and contact me. If it wasn't for seeing the dedication I witness on Bucs Dugout (616 voting in a poll over who should lose their 40-man spot if Juan Cruz is added?) I would not have felt like this is really something worth exploring. Pirate fans truly are great and I hope this documentary can in some way be a loving pat on the shoulders to all of us who have hung in there.

My Spring Training 2012 Album

ATribeCalledGreg — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:29:47 -0000

My Spring Training 2012 Album

Took in 3 games this past weekend and snapped a bunch of pictures. This is my first time really shooting any baseball, so it was interesting. Very challenging focus wise and with constant clouds moving in, exposure was also a pain in the butt.

That being said, here's 10 that I was happy with. These were all taken from the stands, walkways, etc. or in other words, anywhere we "civilians" are allowed to go. No on field access :(

Enjoy!

Steeler Nation, I need your help

ATribeCalledGreg — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:10:42 -0000

I apologize for the shameless promotion. Do with it what you will, admins.

My name is Greg. I grew up about an hour south of the city and for the past 2 1/2 years have lived downtown where I go to school. I grew up a Steeler fan (as if it's possible to have a choice) and remain loyal to them to this day. I watch every minute of every game.

While I may not have contributed as much to this forum as elsewhere (baseball, and thus, the Pirates will always be my main focus), I do keep up with the goings on of everything Steelers thanks to this site. While there are a few crazies in every group, the majority on this site have a refreshing outlook on football and provide valuable insight. For that I am truly grateful.

I realize this site stretches pretty fan. While I don't want to give away personal info, but those of you displaced Steeler fans who come to Heinz Field from out of town might recognize me as a I work at a hotel here in the city. I've chatted with fans from all across the country and it's been amazing to see the dedication, especially in the people that live so far away yet I see them again and again.

I come to you guys in need. I am entered to win a contest sponsored by Xfinity to win a job as a sports social media reporter for a year. But I need votes! Below is the link that should lead to the contest. If that link doesn't take you right to me, you can sort the videos by name, and I'm the first one, Greg A. It really only takes a few clicks, but it means the world to me if you all could vote. You can front once per day from now through Sunday. I need all the support I can possibly get!

http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote125

Thank you Steeler Nation, see you at Training Camp!

I apologize for the shameless promotion. Do with it what you will, admins.

http://www.smarturl.it/xfinity?app_data=vote125

Thank you Steeler Nation, see you at Training Camp!

I Need Your Votes, Bucs Dugout

ATribeCalledGreg — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:17:39 -0000

I Need Your Votes, Bucs Dugout

I apologize in advance to Charlie for this shameless self promotion. Do with it what you will.

A while ago there was a post about Xfinity's Ultimate Sports Social Media Job contest. Yada yada yada, I entered and now I'm up for voting. If I'm Top 5 in voting, I'll advance to a "tryout" weekend thing and hopefully win the job from there.

This would mean the absolute world to me, the timing with me about to graduate is perfect. Like many of you, I am an avid Pirates fan. Being a part of this community has really brought my understanding of the game to a new level and I feel like some of those principles have trickled into other parts of my life. I've truly learned a lot from here and am thankful for it.

It would be great if you guys could vote for my entry. I don't have much to offer aside from an immense amount of gratitude and the promise to not mindlessly bash the Pirates like some of our, uh, other media members in this town.

EDIT: Voting was down and they say it will be back up between 6-7. Methinks some videos will be removed because the rules were pretty strict about trademarks and whatnot, but we'll see.

EDIT 2: Voting is back online. You have to "Like" Xfinity's page first in order to vote. The link above is a direct link to the video, but I think when you "Like" their page, it doesn't redirect you to it. Simple solution is to click the link, like their page, then open up my link again and hopefully that takes you right to my video. I'm Greg A.

MLB.com's Top 20 Pirates Prospects

ATribeCalledGreg — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:52:12 -0000

MLB.com's Top 20 Pirates Prospects

No Ejax, No Oswalt, Why not Burnett?

ATribeCalledGreg — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:49:14 -0000

No Ejax, No Oswalt, Why not Burnett?

I think it could be a good move, depending on price of course. High strikeout guy moving to an easier league. Best case scenario he bounces back or even stays the same and proves to be better than Correia. Worst case he flames out and spends his time on the bench telling Cutch and Pedro how great the cost of living here is compared to NYC.

Andrew McCutchen Is Now On Twitter

ATribeCalledGreg — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:23:00 -0000

Andrew McCutchen Is Now On Twitter

For all you tweeters.

Pirates Sign Rod Barajas for 1yr/$4m with $3.5m club option in 2013

ATribeCalledGreg — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:58:50 -0000

Pirates Sign Rod Barajas for 1yr/$4m with $3.5m club option in 2013

I say good move.

ESPN Predicts Pirates Won't Make World Series In Next 25 Years

ATribeCalledGreg — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 02:43:38 -0000

ESPN Predicts Pirates Won't Make World Series In Next 25 Years

If you're curious who does win, here's some pretty accurate predictions of how the next 25 will turn out.

UPDATE by Charlie: This is one of the weirdest things I've ever seen published on ESPN. Recommended.

Moneyball Sequel Trailer

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:14:43 -0000

Moneyball Sequel Trailer

Telling the inspiring story of the New York Yankees

Pirates 1979 WS Trophy on Ebay

ATribeCalledGreg — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:44:22 -0000

Pirates 1979 WS Trophy on Ebay

$15,499 Buy It Now price. I saw we all throw down $10 and become partial owners!

I wrote a Farewell Lyle Overbay Poem

ATribeCalledGreg — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 03:31:38 -0000

I wrote a Farewell Lyle Overbay Poem

Not quite worth a FanPost.

All Star Break - Time for a look back

ATribeCalledGreg — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:50:44 -0000

I dug around and found two interesting FanPosts from late March regarding predictions. We still have a long way to go, but which predictions stand out to you?

http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/3/25/2072057/2011-predictions

http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/3/24/2069856/i-want-everyones-record-predictions-on-record

It's funny how as remarkable as this season is, some of us were eerily close, but the pessimists/realists were definitely in full force.

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }

I dug around and found two interesting FanPosts from late March regarding predictions. We still have a long way to go, but which predictions stand out to you?

http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/3/25/2072057/2011-predictions

http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/3/24/2069856/i-want-everyones-record-predictions-on-record

It's funny how as remarkable as this season is, some of us were eerily close, but the pessimists/realists were definitely in full force.

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }

Brad Lincoln knocking harder on the door

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 17:23:16 -0000

It doesn't seem like very long ago last season that we were all clamoring for Brad Lincoln to step up and help rejuvenate our struggling rotation. We all know how that turned out with Brad going 1-4 with a 6.66 ERA. A lot has changed at the big league level with seemingly all of our pitchers having career seasons. Lincoln in the meantime has improved on his AAA numbers that had us all crying for him to arrive last year. His K/BB has gone from 3.50 to 4.54, he's seen his WHIP go up a tick from 1.14 to 1.17 (which I think could be attributed to BABIP going from .280 to .308). He's leaving more runners on base, he's allowing fewer home runs, plus, his FIP and ERA are down.

I guess in conclusion, don't forget about Lincoln who is far from fading. With all the hype certain other guys are getting (cough Rudy Owens cough) it is Lincoln who has been performing better and who should get the call if and when the team needs another starter.

New Pittsburgh Pirates scouting method?

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:35:04 -0000

New Pittsburgh Pirates scouting method?

I didn't think our lead off spot was THAT unproductive.

Chasing 3000 on Showtime

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:07:22 -0000

Chasing 3000 on Showtime

Chasing 3000, the movie about a cross country trip to see Clemente's 3000th hit is now on Showtime. Here's the link to the schedule.

Kind of puts the whole Tony Sanchez tweet thing into perspective

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:48:04 -0000

Granted, the topic has been beaten to death. His account is no more, blah blah. I still find it strange that arguing with an umpire right there on the field only gets you thrown out of that game, but complaining about them in 140 characters or less is more severe. But I digress.

Despite that, Tony seems like he's a good guy. Jameson Taillon seems like a good guy. All of our prospects seem like decent enough guys. I'm not naive enough to think that's true, but the point it, at least we don't have prospects who seem like completely arrogant scumbags.

I present to you, Bryce Harper

Tony Sanchez Retires

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 17 May 2011 19:57:42 -0000

Tony Sanchez Retires

From Twitter.

Interest in a Pirates Documentary?

ATribeCalledGreg — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:41:03 -0000

So this is just something that has been kicking around in my head for a week or so. I am a film major here in Pittsburgh with a year to go before I graduate. With my senior project approaching, I would really love to do something great. Aside from film, one of my other passions has always been sports, mainly Pirates baseball. I got my Three Rivers Stadium foam finger autographed by Steve Blass while my dad explained to me who he was. I sported by Brian Giles kids replica jersey with pride as I rounded the bases on a Sunday afternoon.

Recently I came across this trailer for a documentary about the Giants and their fans. Rather than telling the stories of west coasters who discovered baseball last September, I think it would be very compelling to hear from the "resistance" because as Pirates fans, let's face it, we are the best fans in existence.

There are a lot of preliminary ideas I have for this. For instance, I definitely want to hear from the "older" Pirate fans who can remember their winning days. I also certainly want the "lost" generation of Pirates fans such as myself, who have never seen winning Pirates baseball. I am definitely interested in rounding up some of the bloggers as they are essential to this community as well as possible appearances from players and the front office. There is a lot to cover, so it is hard to find a main focus, but I think a section on dispelling some of the misconceptions about the Pirates (we are just a Yankee farm team, etc.) would be worthwhile. Perhaps I can even bring in members of the opposition to discuss their views as the blogger side provides counterarguments (Smizik debate anyone?)

Like I said, this is a very very new idea to me so absolutely nothing is set in stone. I made this post mainly to gauge reaction and interest and well as hear about any suggestions and resources I should be aware of.

That first road trip

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:01:56 -0000

With last season starting off with two impressive wins over the Dodgers, the Pirates got off to a good start, although they were at home. Is anyone else a bit worried that Chicago and St. Louis will have us in bad shape before we even have the home opener? It's no secret this team has struggled on the road, is there even more pressure on Hurdle to make sure we don't open against the Rockies at PNC with a 2-4 or 1-5 record?

I know it's a long season, but I feel like this is a very important although short road trip for this team. What do you guys think the record will be as we arrive at the home opener?

Differing Top 10 Pirates Prospects Rankings

ATribeCalledGreg — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:24:27 -0000

So as the season approaches and more and more lists are put out, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the lists and their differences. Who do you agree with? Who is overrated or underrated?

Fan Graphs:

Taillon
Sanchez
Allie
Heredia
Owens
Locke
Marte
Morris
Von Rosenburg
Cain

Baseball America

Taillon
Sanchez
Allie
Marte
Heredia
Morris
Owens
Locke
Von Rosenburg
d'Arnaud

Pro Scouting

Taillon
Morris
Lambo
Owens
Sanchez
Marte
Heredia
Moreno
Allie
Baker

Pirates Prospects

Taillon
Marte
Sanchez
Allie
Heredia
Morris
Owens
Locke
Von Rosenburg
Cain

Fan Graphs:

Taillon
Sanchez
Allie
Heredia
Owens
Locke
Marte
Morris
Von Rosenburg
Cain

Baseball America

Taillon
Sanchez
Allie
Marte
Heredia
Morris
Owens
Locke
Von Rosenburg
d'Arnaud

Pro Scouting

Taillon
Morris
Lambo
Owens
Sanchez
Marte
Heredia
Moreno
Allie
Baker

Pirates Prospects

Taillon
Marte
Sanchez
Allie
Heredia
Morris
Owens
Locke
Von Rosenburg
Cain

Pirates finish 80-82?

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:03:38 -0000

Pirates finish 80-82?

Whatever.

Charlie Morton, the 5th spot in the rotation, the influence of catchers

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:59:22 -0000

I was a bit curious as it seems the general consensus here is that Charlie Morton pitched better with Chris Snyder catching, therefore with Snyder being our primary catcher, Charlie Morton looks to be a better pitcher this year. I decided to go back and have a look. I apologize that I don't know how to make any fancy graphs or anything.

After we acquired Snyder, Doumit still caught two games for Charlie Morton. So Snyder has only caught 5 starts for Morton. Here's how those starts went.

1-2 record, 26.2 IP, 31 hits, 12 ER, 2 HR, 20K, 8 BB. Those numbers give you 4.12 ERA, .69 HR/9, 2.75 BB/9, and 6.87 K/9. Bear in mind that all of these starts took place in September, except the last in October. Take that for what it's worth.

Now I know we are talking minuscule sample sizes here, but let's compare that not only with his season average, but also the two starts he made after his stint in AAA that were caught by Doumit.

Full season:

2-12 record, 79.2 IP, 112 hits, 67 ER, 15 HR, 59 K, 26 BB, 7.57 ERA, 1.7 HR/9, 2.9 BB/9, 6.7 K/9

2 Doumit starts post AAA

0-2 record, 9.2 IP, 15 hits, 10 ER, 1 HR, 4 K, 2 BB, 9.78 ERA, .98 HR/9, 1.96 BB/9, and 3.91 K/9.

It's also important to note that the two Doumit starts, one was in August, the other in September so if you are in the camp of "September stats don't matter", then keep in mind that the Doumit starts matter a little more than the Snyder ones, as they were closer to the heart of the season. So all this did was kind of reiterate that yes, Morton did pitch better with Snyder catching him, but there will always be that doubt about his competition in September and that the sample sizes are extremely small.

How much of a chance do you think Morton has at becoming the number 5 starter this year and what kind of success do you think he'll have with Snyder catching for him if he does make the rotation?

After we acquired Snyder, Doumit still caught two games for Charlie Morton. So Snyder has only caught 5 starts for Morton. Here's how those starts went.

Now I know we are talking minuscule sample sizes here, but let's compare that not only with his season average, but also the two starts he made after his stint in AAA that were caught by Doumit.

Full season:

2-12 record, 79.2 IP, 112 hits, 67 ER, 15 HR, 59 K, 26 BB, 7.57 ERA, 1.7 HR/9, 2.9 BB/9, 6.7 K/9

2 Doumit starts post AAA

0-2 record, 9.2 IP, 15 hits, 10 ER, 1 HR, 4 K, 2 BB, 9.78 ERA, .98 HR/9, 1.96 BB/9, and 3.91 K/9.

How much of a chance do you think Morton has at becoming the number 5 starter this year and what kind of success do you think he'll have with Snyder catching for him if he does make the rotation?

Fan Conduct

ATribeCalledGreg — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:25:14 -0000

What constitutes a good fan to you, when it comes to being at the ballpark? How do you conduct yourselves? How would you change things?

Ideally, I would like to see a lot more energy in the stadium. I know that's hard to muster with such an abysmal record (although it is an average home record), but let me paint a picture. You're a member of the Phillies, Mets, etc. You love your big home city much more than you'd ever like Pittsburgh. The only thing making you go to the game instead of just heading straight to the upstairs of Mullen's is that you know you're contending team will pick up some relatively easy wins to gain ground in your division.

Now imagine coming to this pitiful city and instead of a passive crowd that only gets loud for fireworks and home runs (probably because of the fireworks), they unleash upon you a relentless ridicule, the likes of which you thought impossible coming from people who cheer on racing polish food. You make more than their whole team, but your every mistake is blasted. Those lights seem brighter. The stadium bigger. The crowd exists not to watch baseball, but you and your every fault. Should you play acceptable ball, your past transgressions haunt you at every at bat.

Dramatic no? Well that's my vision. We're Pirate fans dammit. We have been losing forever and we're pissed and ready to take that out on you. Aside from getting into the psyche of the other team, it will give our players an almost college like atmosphere where they KNOW they have the whole stadium behind them. They will be motivated to not only play well for their own reasons, but to embarrass the visitors, thus letting them become fodder for the relentless fans until they dread the day they see Pittsburgh on the schedule again.

As a point of reference, I have seen both sides of the spectrum of modern Pirate fans. I was there opening day when the place was on fire. People constantly heckled Manny Ramirez for the steroid scandal (although Furcal driving intoxicated seemed unworthy of ridicule). I was also there for fireworks night against the Phillies, the only game of the series we lost. They exploded on offense and I sat in a sea of Phillie fans. I felt like I was in Philadelphia. I felt sick.

So I ask ye Bucco fans, let us channel our misery out to the other team so to finally end this dreaded curse!

Side note: I do not at all condone heckling fans of the away team. I hear horror stories of classless Philadelphia fans doing unspeakable acts to people in the wrong jersey. Lighthearted trash talking with a smile is absolutely fine, but those who get more heated against each other than the players are absolutely pathetic. We have an amazing city and ballpark and should strive to show it off to other baseball fans so they will be enlightened to this fact.

What constitutes a good fan to you, when it comes to being at the ballpark? How do you conduct yourselves? How would you change things?

So I ask ye Bucco fans, let us channel our misery out to the other team so to finally end this dreaded curse!