[David Brown, Big League Stew]
Yeeeargh! Shiver me timbers and fly the Jolly Roger at half staff, mateys!
The Pirates, who have averaged 89 losses since 1993, sank to the deepest part of Pittsburgh's Three Rivers on Thursday after one of its split squads lost to Manatee (Fla.) Community College during a fundraising exhibition game.
In some ways, the top of the box score says it all: Manatee C.C. 6, Pittsburgh 4.
The Sarasota Herald-Review, however, ran a very detailed story — almost 1,000 words, for your Bucco masochists — about how the Lancers did the unlikely at McKechnie Field in Bradenton.
It's only fair to point out that the Pirates lineup was filled out by guys who missed the cut in spring training. Several of the team's best players, including Nate McLouth, Ryan Doumit, the LaRoches and Stewcast guest Freddy Sanchez, did not play in the game.
Yet several guys who have logged big league minutes — like Mets' killer Steve Pearce, Brian Bixler and Robinzon Diaz — were in the no-win situation lineup, as was prized prospect Jose Tabata. Virgil Vazquez, who contended for Pittsburgh's fifth starter spot this spring, started the game for Pittsburgh on the mound.
True, it wasn't the starting nine (or anything remotely close to it) but, injuries and the MLB season being what they are, you have to wonder if the Pirates management is wondering whether Manatee Jr. College would consider a trade right now. Something along the lines of the entire roster of the Altoona Curve, (the Pirates AA affiliate) a player to be named later and cash for the entire roster of Manatee Community College.
Obviously a 'straight up' trade wouldn't be a good deal....for the Community College that is.
