Burnett Steals Spotlight With 1-Hit Gem

It only takes one swing of the bat, and a stud pitching performance to win now a days for the Pirates.  They did just that last night in Chicago when in the 1st inning superstar second baseman Neil Walker hit a grand slam making the score 4-0.  That would be all that was recquired as pitcher AJ Burnett took a no-hitter into the 8th inning until a controversial 2-2 count "would be" strike was called a ball by the home plate umpire.  The result was a line drive hit and the no-hitter was spoiled.  Now, no one knows what exactly would have happened if that were called strike 3, but Burnett completed the perfect game without giving up another hit.  The Pirates haven't had many complete games this season, but Burnett just shows how solid he has been this season.  He has turned into the rock of the starting rotation.  The person who can be counted on for a solid start every time he climbs the mound.  As for the rest of the rotation, well I have documented that they need some work.  Jeff Karstens takes the ball today on the bump in the 3rd game of the three game set with the Cubs.  This is a big game for the Buccos as they still try to keep pace with the red-hot Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.

On top of all the 1-hit madness last night, the Pirates actually made some more moves before the trade deadline ended yesterday afternoon.  After the Snider / Lincoln trade earlier in the day, the Pirates sent Gorkys Hernandez and an extra draft pick to Miami for former All-Star first baseman Gaby Sanchez along with a minor league pitcher.  The Buccos weren't done there.   The Pirates sent Casey McGehee to the Yankees for reliever Chad Qualls.  Alot of people are saying the Pirates didn't do enough to improve the team.  They didn't add the "big bat" needed to contend.  The Pirates team can hit the long ball.  They are in the top 3 in HRs in MLB right now.  They need more consistency, and on top of that there weren't any superstar bats out there without breaking the bank.  For once, I think Huntington got it right here and got some help where it was needed in hopes that the team can take care of business with the players that are in the dugout...they have been doing it all season who says that I can't continue?!  Lets hope the Jolly Roger gets raised again today in the windy city!