Pittsburgh Pirates Wake-Up Call – Defining Loss

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 had a tough loss last night to say the least. The team had the game won multiple times, and one in which Jake Arrieta started, yet a normally reliable bullpen let the Cubs get back into it and win, pushing the Pirates back to 1.5 games behind the Cardinals in the Wild Card race. The game was frustrating for a number of reasons.

Tony Watson has shown time and time again that he’s not the answer at closer. I’ve suggested moving Felipe Rivero to that role previously, and I’ll reiterate that now. Watson is a great reliever, but he doesn’t have the stuff that plays as an elite closer.

Jeff Locke will get the blame for this loss, and part of it certainly does go on him. I’ve never liked Locke as a pitcher and thought he should have been gone a long time ago. I also don’t like him out of the pen. I’d prefer a number of guys currently sitting in the minors to him.

It’s still nice to see the Pirates pound Arrieta again, and Josh Bell is the real deal. The kid has unbelievable plate patience and looks legit.

The Pirates also should have scored more than one run with the bases loaded and nobody out in the top of the 13th. One more run could have at least extended the game.

This loss stings, but the Pirates are still within striking distance of the second Wild Card spot with games left against the Cardinals still. The team has to put this loss behind them and move forward.

Yesterday’s Player of the Game

The Pirates drop a heartbreaker to the Cubs 8-7. Who is your player of the game? (Remember we do this EVERY game)

— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) August 30, 2016

Baseball Talk Around the Web

• ESPN put out their weekly Power Rankings. Where did the Pirates fall? Hint: I think they’re underrated in this latest edition.
• Dave Schoenfield of ESPN gives his list of players that have underachieved this year and those that have overachieved (subscription required). Yes, a couple of Pirates made his list, but on which side of the spectrum?
• And Mike Axisa of CBS Sports gives his seven pending free agents with the most to gain over the next month. Two Pirates made his list, but which ones?

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