Bedard Gets Roughed Up By Cubs

Monday night was not a good night for Erik Bedard.  Going on two extra rest days, Bedard had been one of the bright spots of the Pirates' rotation after the All-Star break.  Bedard's outing in Chicago just goes to show how things can go south in a hurry for any one player or team.  Bedard's season isn't over because of one bad outing...the Pirates will show faith that he can turn it around and give him his next scheduled start.  Nonetheless, don't think that Clint Hurdle doesn't know that Kevin Correia is in the bullpen just itching to get back into the starting rotation.  Believe it or not, the Pirates actually led the game 2-1 of a Starling Marte RBI single before the flood gates opened, and 3-run HRs were the going trend for the Cubbies.  Before you knew it the final score was 14-4...Cubs.  Pirate fans everywhere are going crazy today saying that the season is over and the team might not even have a winning season this year.  To that, I say, "SLOW YOUR ROLL!"  Just like in the movie Wayne's World, let me magically wisk you away to June 12-14, 2012 in the "Charm City" (aka - Baltimore, MD).  The Pirates came in to that series with the Orioles on a 4 game winning streak and gave up a combined 27 runs in a 3 game series sweep to the O's.  That sweep was extended to a 4 game losing streak after they dropped their first to the Indians.  Everyone was claiming this team to be just like 2011, and that their time in the sun was over.  The Pirates then won 6 of their next 7 to insert themselves back into the NL Central race.  What am I trying to say?  This team can rebound, and I think they will.  Even the best teams in MLB have games like the Buccos did last night.  I have a feeling that they will be playing their best ball going into Cincinnati.

Now, even though I just told everyone to calm down with the negativity towards the Pirates, I have to say that the trade they made before the trade deadline made me scratch my head.  The Pirates traded away Brad Lincoln to the Toronto Blue Jays for OF Travis Snider.  Snider was the Blue Jays overall #1 pick in 2006 and has seen limited action in the bigs this season.  He will most likely be a AAA player for the Pirates unless injuries force him into the lineup.  The thing that makes me scratch my head is how the Pirates traded a player who can help them this year for a prospect.  It doesn't necessarily add up in my mind, but if this guy is part of the future then I'm all for it.  Someone asked me if I thought the Pirates would still make moves off the waiver wire, and I don't think so.  I think they like their team and the way they are playing.  Lets hope the team continues their solid play after getting hosed last night.  Lets Go Bucs!