What do you guys think Chase would have to do to be considered for the starting SS job in the second half?? 

I ask because I am torn between whether or not I personally want him to be the starter or if there is even any way to justify benching Ronny.  For purely entertainment purposes, I enjoy watching Chase play because he is said to be an integral part of our future, that is exciting to me.

However, Ronny has been very solid after his slow start, and i do feel much more comofortable with him out there on D.  Would it take Chase absolute raking in the next couple of weeks to take over Ronny's job?  Should he even be considered for it at all??  Obviosly, having d'Arnaud as a backup infielder is probably not what the FO has in mind so he either starts or is sent back to AAA.  Right?

LIke I said, I am torn so I'm looking for some of your opinions and would also be intersted to see if anyone else has any of the same conflicting feelings that I do!

I realize that seems like a rediculous question based on the fact that Jeff isn't even hitting .200 but, after his homerun yesterday he is now tied for (or perhaps 1 behind Cutch) for the team lead in home runs.  I know that 5 is not alot but until we have a better option can we really afford to have one of our FEW players with any homerun power on the bench?  I never mind seeing him in the starting lineup and have been frustrated at seeing him strike in key situations but I also think he has had some bad luck with balls hit hard right at the defense.

All I'm saying is it is nice to have a guy at the plate with homerun potential.  If he would be starting everyday like many of us think he should at least for now, his home run total could be even higher.  I am by no stretch calling him a longterm solution or even and average major league 1st baseman but I am saying that there really are no good reason for him not to be starting most every day, at least  until Pearce is healthy again. I understand the argument of a plattoon but I would take Clement over Crosby at first any day no matter who is pitching.

I got the chance to go see the curve in action last night for the first time of the year.   Here are a couple observations/questions that I cam away with.

1.  The Curve looked like boys among men based on size alone.  I don't know if Erie ( the Tigers AA affiliate) have a ton of stud prospects or what but it seems like half their lineup was 6'5" and had at least 15 homers on the season ( they hit 3 last night)  Anybody know if they are lifelong minor leaguers or do the Tigers have some power hitting prospects.

2.  Pedro Alvarez has some serious pop but struggles with off-speed pitches.  After a K the first at bat , a pop up the second and a routine fly ball to left in the third I was thinking that Pedro needed to swing at the first pitch because the Sea Wolves pitcher was throwing a fastball about every time to get ahead and then came with the slow stuff.  Sure enough, the fourth at bat he hit the first pitch over the left-center field wall with plenty of distance.  He proceeded to strike out his last at bat as well.  He definitely looks like a hitter and I look forward to seeing him play again. 

Pedro also made a great stab at 3rd diving toward the line but was unable to get the throw to first in time.  He did make an error earlier in the game on a throw to 2nd  after a cutoff from the outfield.

3.  Jose Tabata looked good last night.  He started in right but moved to center when Gorkys Hernendez was removed in about the 4th.  Not sure why he was taken out...  Tabata had a couple nice plays in the outfield and was 3-4 on the night (all singels)  His average seems to be steadily climbing and is at about .275 now I think.

4.  I have heard on  here that Jim Nygrych can't play 2nd base at the next level?  Why is that?  He seems to be pretty quick on his feet and made some routine plays as well as a couple where he had to range to his right and looked pretty smooth doing it.  I agree that I can't see him playing anywhere else ( wasn't he at third for a while) because he def. has the body of a 2nd baseman.  He did hit the ball hard about every time he was up.

5.  If the Curve pitching staff is any indication of the pitching depth in our minor league system we still have a lot of work to do.  The most efficient inning was the top of the 9th when they brough in Ray Chang, an outfielder to pitch when the score was already 19-2.  Chang prodeeded to pitch like he was throwing BP and got a 1-2-3 inning!!  That may have been the highlight of the night for me.

I am going to see the spikes play tonight and was hoping that some of you who are more knowledgable about prospects and such could remind me of who I should be keeping my eye on in State College.  Perhaps some 2009 draftees or other interesting potential prospects.  I know that Sanchez was there and has moved on.  I wasn't sure if any of the other guys that were drafted are at State College or not.  Thanks a lot guys for the insight.   I appreciate it.

Hey Everyone,

I don't post much on here but I enjoy reading all the dialogue and insight you all bring to the pirates games.  I have been a fan forever and seem to care more and more each year despite the dissapointment. 

I couldnt help but notice something as I was watching the game on TV last night.  Does anyone think the stats and information that they are showing on the display screens around PNC a little over the top?  It is all interesting information and I have always enjoyed having the radar gun on display but both vertical and horizontal break and 2 different pitch speeds?  (both from the hand and crossing the plate)  It seems like it may be a little much.

These are things that are cool to see on TV but does all this technology take away anything from the experience of being at a live baseball game??  I would just be curious to get some thoughts.

Here's to hoping the bucs can turn it around in St Louis & NY!