2008 Pittsburgh Pirates

[WiffleBaller]

thanks again, its really nice to have work appreciated. Ill look into GIMP

[dannymac910]

Yeah, it's pretty easy to use here's my edit of Eric Patterson who's actually on the Cubs.

[WiffleBaller]

Deadline Deals, Pirates Making push.

The pirates made a huge deal today sending 2b Freddy Sanchez (84) and RF Xavier Nady (81) in return for 2B Ian Kinsler (86) and $4 million.

Neil Huntington, Pirates General Manager is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most shrewd dealers in the league.

Kinsler will add a much needed consistent bat to the pirates lineup.

This year Kinsler is hitting .292 with 17 HR and 11 SB this season with the Rangers

Youngster Steven Pearce (80/88) will take over for Nady in RF. Kinsler will hit second and Pearce will hit 4th.

The New Lineup is:

1. Nate McLouth
2. Ian Kinsler
3. Ryan Zimmerman
4. Steven Pearce
5. Andy LaRoche
6. Jason Bay
7. Ryan Doumit
8. Jack Wilson
9. Pitcher

The Pirates also made a move hours before the deadline to aquire some bullpen help. In a deal with Toronto, trading Jason Davis (72), and the $4 million aquired from Texas to the Blue Jays for 25 year old reliever Brandon League (75/84). League will take the short relief role that Davis previously occupied.

[WiffleBaller]

im downloading it now. thats pretty sick.

[WiffleBaller]

July Review


We finished July slightly under .500 at 12-13 bringing our record to 56-49. The good news is we have moved within a half game of first!


Standings



Pirates Injury Report

Zach Duke is still on the DL, other than that we have only had a few minor injuries, including a strained abdomen to Nate McLouth.



Team Leaders:

ERA: Ian Snell (4.09)
Wins: Ian Snell (12)
Ks: Ian Snell (125)
Saves: Matt Capps (41)


AVG: Ryan Zimmerman (.346)
OBA: Ryan Zimmerman (.397)
RBI: Adam LaRoche (73)
Runs: Ian Kinsler (86)
HR: Nate McLouth (20)
SB: Nate McLouth (15)

League Leaders:

AVG: Miguel Cabrera (DET) .372
HR: Albert Pujols (STL) 35
SB: Jose Reyes (NYM) 47

Wins: Josh Beckett (BOS) 16
ERA: Tim Hudson (ATL) 2.60
Ks: Cole Hamels (PHI) 162
Saves: Matt Capps (PIT) 41



Pirates Hot Pitcher:

Ian Snell



Honorable Mention:

Matt Capps




Pirates Hot Hitter:

Ryan Zimmerman



Honorable Mention:

Adam LaRoche




Prospect Watch:




Justin Masterson (71/88)




Max Scherzer (71/93)





Andrew McCutchen (74/93)





Tim Beckham (54/95)




Weaver Watch:




Pirates Finances:

Slowing economic growth yields a year-to-date profit of $29.5 million

Our cash reserves are now over $33.6 million.

As economic growth slows, spending will remain fixed for next month.



Around the League



Here are the other deadline deals of the month:

[WiffleBaller]

Talks of Movement?

Recent Leaked emails between Pirate's GM Neil Huntington and various Pittsburgh offcials have led to speculation as whether the Pirates plan on relocating.

Huntington recently gave a response

Huntington: " It is our official statement as an organization, as well as my personal statement that we have absolutely NO plans to move the pirates."

Reporter: "Well the memos have raised concerns over declining attendance despite lower ticket prices and increased team success."

Huntington: "While those numbers are estimates, the general trend is accurate. Although Pittsburgh is a historical MLB city with many devoted and loyal fans. I repeat, we have NO desire to move the team. This conference is over."

[WiffleBaller]

Zimmerman Locked Up!

Zimmerman agrees to a 7 year deal with an option for three more.

The pirates have delivered on thier promise to lock up thier third baseman Ryan Zimmerman (86/90) to a 7 year, $4.55 million per year deal. The contract also includes 3 option years for Zimmerman starting in 2015 each year worth $4.5 million. He will clearly be a part of thier future. The contract also includes a no-trade clause.

[WiffleBaller]

Indianapolis Indians host future Pirate stars game.

August 30th was a day to remember as top prospects from across the organization met at the Indianapolis Indians stadium for a meet and greet with the fans, including a show case of skills.

Meet the stars:

[CatKnight]

Great going so far! I'm really enjoying this! Just enough detail to add a little crunch without really getting bogged down.

[WiffleBaller]

Thanks a lot. Im trying to give readers a perspective so they can see what the team is doing without draging them through every move i make, i mostly try to show the majority of happenings with an entertaining spin

[WiffleBaller]

August Review


Fantastic month! The pirates enjoyed much success in august, going 19-10 increasing their record to 75-59. The best part? we are now... IN FIRST PLACE! We hold a 5 game lead over the Cincinati Reds.


Standings



Pirates Injury Report

Zach Duke is still on the DL, other than that we had Ian Kinsler suffer a finger stress fracture, downing him for two weeks and was placed on the DL at the end of august.



Team Leaders:

ERA: Ian Snell (4.15)
Wins: Ian Snell (15)
Ks: Ian Snell (162)
Saves: Matt Capps (51)


AVG: Ryan Zimmerman (.320)
OBA: Ryan Zimmerman (.376)
RBI: Adam LaRoche (99)
Runs: Ian Kinsler (105)
HR: Nate McLouth (26)
SB: Nate McLouth (19)

League Leaders:

AVG: Miguel Cabrera (DET) .358
HR: Ryan Howard (PHI) 45
SB: Jose Reyes (NYM) 67

Wins: Josh Beckett (BOS) 18
ERA: Chien-Ming Wang (NYY) 2.61
Ks: Cole Hamels (PHI) 208
Saves: Matt Capps (PIT) 51



Pirates Hot Pitcher:

Matt Capps



Honorable Mention:

Ian Snell




Pirates Hot Hitter:

Ryan Zimmerman



Honorable Mention:

Ian Kinsler




Prospect Watch:




Justin Masterson (76/92)




Max Scherzer (78/93)





Andrew McCutchen (74/93)





Tim Beckham (54/95)




Weaver Watch:




Pirates Finances:

Slowing economic growth yields a year-to-date profit of $34.4 million

Our cash reserves are now over $38.4 million.

As economic growth waivers, spending will see a slight increase for next month.



Around the League

[dannymac910]

WOW! First place?!? Maybe this is their year.

[WiffleBaller]

Im trying not to get my hopes up but despite mediocre performances from everyone (except matt capps who is tearing it up) we have been winning enough games.

[gosensgo101]

If the Pirates make the playoffs, I'm not reading anymore, because there's no way you did it without cheating.

I'm kidding. Good job.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

I really like your whole set-up and layout and everything. Most dynasties that go month-by-month really bore me but you're keeping enough detail and feature to keep it interesting. Keep up the good work!