IgnatiusReillyTheThird

Yeah, Pineiro looked like he still knew how to pitch, but as predicted, probably could have used a bit more loosening up in AAA. Of course, with injuries and lack of depth, who else were we going to throw out there? He didn't give the game away regardless, so good enough. I had forgotten how much I dislike Carl Everett though; just the site of him. GRRRRR.

I think the main problem with him in Minnesota and San Francisco is he just starts to get under his team-mates skin after awhile - it will be interesting to see if the Sox are trading him for a bag of baseballs when the season is done.

Even though they wouldn't publically admit it, I think someone in the organization is thinking about his arbitration clock ticking if they bring him up in the first half. I expect he'll be the first person brought up once the half-way mark is reached.

QUOTE(Gene Honda Civic @ Apr 15, 2005 -> 05:36 PM) I know this is Pinero's first start of the season, but what has he done prior to tonight this season. Was he starting in Tacoma? Was he throwing simulated games? How did he fare? Pineiro threw one very solid start at AAA allowing 5 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and striking out six over seven innings. HOWEVER, I'm not holding my breath for a Mariner victory tonight - I'm of the opinion that they probably should have let him have a couple AAA starts since it has been quite a long time since he's gotten regular work. So, I figure it is at least 50/50 that we'll either get the Pineiro we know and love, or some walk-crazy rusty monster that gets knocked out in the first inning.

All I know is that you guys have some great avatars in here. As for the birkenstock and coffee jabs...oh yeah, all you Chicago guys, um...get blown away? It's windy there, right? Or something. Illinois? Freddy is indeed the great unknown - if he pitches like he did in 2001 / parts of 2004, I would see it was a pretty equal trade. Considering the M's were known to want to ditch him though, I'd say they did well regardless. If Freddy pulls a 2003 - it MIGHT make some of us feel better about the Varitek / Lowe trade of long ago. Pierzynski seems to be fairly well liked by the fans here - no incidents yet?

Well, last year Olivo leaked like a sieve when it came to balls in the dirt, balls to the left, right, high - and generall NOT thrown into his glove (and sometimes, he'd drop those). He spent nearly a month over the winter with a defensive specialist, and this year, he has caught even the picky Jamie Moyer with some high praise on the improvement in both his backstop abilities, and game-calling. Since Sportspot is pretty strictly moderated, I don't think you should excpect too much in the way of brawling. We even get the Beetle Baily treatment for swearing... Of course, let's see here... :puke