Jumping to Conclusions (May Edition)

Time to jump to some conclusions, with a current four game losing streak, including a ominous sweep by the Reds in which the PBC managed 1 run and 10 hits in 27 innings. Let's start with the stats. The Bucs are 14-20, good enough for fifth place in the NL Central. Thankfully the Astros are dead last, but may not be for long. They’re only a game and a half behind us, and have won 3 in a row, and are going for a sweep of the Cardinals (in St. Louis!) this afternoon. The hitting has been really poor, .232 BA (27/30) .303 OBP (29/30) .353 SLG (28/30). The pitching has been really poor (but somehow actually getting better so I won’t worry about that just now), 5.80 ERA (30/30) 1.60 WHIP (30/30). The starters are killing us, but Morton is very slowly showing signs of hope, and Ollie’s return is huge. The bullpen actually hasn’t been too terrible.

Whipping Boy #1: Aki Iwamura

The highest paid Pirate is leading off with a 169/267/246 line. The only thing I can think is that he must have naked pictures of Russell the Magnificent, because he sure as hell hasn’t earned playing time. I’d give Aki the 10 games before the FO comes up with a phantom DL trip, and Walker gets recalled. Probably need to get Cedeno healthy first, for depth’s sake.

Whipping Boy #2: Lastings Milledge

Don’t get me wrong, I like the kid and his potential, but eventually you have to question why a corner outfielder is only hitting 241/302/310. He has shown none of the power he once had since in Pittsburgh (4 HR’s in 336 at bats), and with his wrist seemingly fully healed he should be breaking out. But he’s not. But we can’t give up on him because he’s pals with Cutch. Tough spot to be in, but he at least should be platooning right now with Church.

Whipping Boy #3: Jeff Clement

Another guy I am fond of, and really want to see do well. His D has been satisfactory while unspectacular, but he’s just lost at the plate (176/228/306). The FO isn’t ready to give up on him, and I still think he’ll turn it around, but come June 14 if he’s still below the Mendoza Line, look for him to be sent to Indy.

Whipping Boy #4: John Russell

I’m just about ready to say he needs to go. He’s shown little competence in making lineups, or motivating the troops. It’s time for some accountability. He’s got until June 14 as well; if the Bucs don’t show some passion by then, I would like to see a hard ass like Frank Kremblas step in from Indianapolis. Could it be much worse?

Evan Meek and Andrew McCutchen look like the only possible All-Stars right now. I’d say ‘Cutch gets it on reputation alone. I won’t get into bringing the kids up from Indy just yet, that can wait until June. Pedro, Jose and Brad are not going east just yet. Probably not until the annual trade season begins.

Go Bucs!