Normally, I'd be plenty happy with two wins in three games on the road, particularly on the West Coast with AL rules against a decent offense like the Angels with a ton of pitchers on the disabled list. Here's the thing, though: Joe Blanton is starting for the Angels today. Joe Blanton has served up taters like a lunch lady this year. He's got a 5.62 ERA and the Angels have only won twice in his 14 starts.
This is a refrain that I hope to be able to repeat quite a bit over the next couple of months: Do not settle. Fifteen games over .500 and the second-best record in baseball is nice, but 16 games over .500 would be better and the best record in all of baseball would be even better than that. The Pirates should beat Joe Blanton.
Charlie Morton makes his third post-TJ start today. As usual, velocity and pitch selection are worth keeping an eye on. Tony Sanchez is making his big league debut as the Pirates' DH. The kid's been through a lot in the minors. I'm happy for him. First pitch today is at 3:35.
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