Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – The Red Menace

In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost last night to the Cincinnati Reds by a score of 4-3 in extras.

Sponsored By

Pittsburgh Pirates might want to look at Dr. Brent for their chiropractic needs

The loss was even more infuriating as noted Pirates killer Billy Hamilton struck the deciding blow off of the struggling Daniel Hudson.

In their four losses against the Reds in 2017, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been outscored by 18 runs. While we’re on the subject, now might be a good time to note the futility shown against the Red Legs over the past five years:

[table id=230 /]

Though the team result is baffling against a Reds team that has been on the downswing since that fateful October night in 2013, it was encouraging to see Gerrit Cole turn in a very good start against the team that seems to be his personal nemesis. We have previously explored the phenomenon of Cole’s performances against the Reds, which have often been middling at best.

Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call - The Red Menace

table courtesy of Baseball Reference

Indeed, the Reds seem to have no trouble touching up Cole with a solid batting line, though to be fair Cole has put up solid peripherals in other areas, namely in strikeout-to-walk ratio.

Last night’s start – 6 IP / 2 ER / 7 SO / 1BB – may have gone a long way towards flinging the Red Monkey off of Cole’s back.

Philip Gosselin Is Not Getting It Done

Going into the season, Pittsburgh Pirates fans talked themselves into Phil Gosselin being a viable approximation of the value that Sean Rodriguez brought to the team last year.

That simply has not happened. Through his first 23 at-bats with the Pirates, Gosselin has been a -0.3 WAR player, slashing .130/.161/.174. He has a lone RBI and has struck out five times against one walk.

The club is in a bad way with Gosselin – they need him to be a serviceable bat on an already weak bench –  but perhaps they should have seen this slow start coming, as his career splits indicate.

Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call - The Red Menace

table courtesy of Baseball Reference

It is very hard to judge any kind of split with a part-time player, but Gosselin’s early season struggles are well documented. The problem the Pittsburgh Pirates face is that more at-bats might get him going, but with the team looking to put an 11-13 April behind them to get back to winning baseball, that might not be an option.

Speaking of options, Gosselin does have one usable option for a trip to Triple-A to play everyday. That move becomes a more viable …option with each passing cameo from Gosselin.

Baseball Talk on the Web

Subscribe To Pirates Breakdown Radio

Our podcast feed has been reborn as Pirates Breakdown Radio. On one singular feed, you will find a variety of shows, interviews, quick hits and much more. All designed to keep Pittsburgh Pirates fans informed and entertained no matter where they are.
We are on all the major podcast platforms, including iTunes and Google Play. So whether or not you have an Android or an iPhone/iPad, click on the corresponding button below to get subscribed!

Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call - The Red Menace     Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call - The Red Menace

Download Our Mobile Apps

The introduction of our new FREE Mobile Apps gets fans closer to their favorite Pittsburgh Pirates coverage than ever before. Click here to learn about some of the features of our new app – or, if you just can’t wait, click the corresponding app store for your device and grab your copy now.

Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call - The Red Menace     Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call - The Red Menace

Thanks for checking us out here at Pirates Breakdown. Please make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the best Pirates coverage all year long!

Arrow to top