Pirates Brass Downplaying Walk-Out

Apparently, Pirates management knows about the proposed walk-out on June 30th. And they are going to pretend like its not happening.

Unless you're one of the 38,000 people (who am I kidding, probably more like 19-20,000) at the game on Saturday, or you plan on hanging out on the North Shore, you're probably not going to see any coverage of the walk-out. The big boys are making sure that there is no media coverage of the protest in the 3rd inning.

One thing I didn't know/think of... The walk-out is being held on Bob Walk bobblehead night. That. Is. Awesome. Perfect timing by Andy Chomos and Fans for Change.

Here are some of the steps that the organization is taking to prevent mass viewings of the walk-out.

- FSN Pittsburgh game crew is not to discuss the walk-out at all.

- All comments referring to the walk-out have been removed from the Pirates message board.

- FSN has agreed to not show any coverage of the walk-out.

- MASN, the media outlet covering the Nationals (Pittsburgh's opponent) will be on commercial break. FSN will cut to commercial as well.

The only logical way to see any media coverage of the protest would be to tune into KDKA, WTAE or WPXI, the three local news agencies. KDKA has a Tower Cam on the roof of Gateway No. 1, which would provide good but not great images of the protest. PXI and TAE also have news helicopters that might be in service in the vicinity of PNC Park that night.

Although FSN has agreed to not cover the story during the game, they will discuss it on the bevy of shows after the game. Stan Savran and Pittsburgh Sports Tonight have already discussed the protest, and will continue to do so after Saturday's game.

So, remember when I said that it was a long shot to have this protest reach the ears of the Buccos management? Well, it seems like it worked, on a very small level. The decision to not show any coverage of the walk-out?...Weak. I mean, if we're pretending that the past 14 (going on 15) losing seasons haven't happened, we might as well pretend like this protest isn't happening as well. There's nothing like ignorant bliss.

The team knows about the walk-out. Great. Time will only tell if the protest causes any changes.

Bucs Rally in 7th, Hold on to Win

I pretty much gave a recap up to the 7th inning last night that sums up the Buccos' 4-2 win over the Milwaukee "Former best record in the league" Brewers.

Gorzo looked alright early, but started to struggle in the 6th. Ronny Paulino had caught Tony Graffanino in a rundown as he was trying to steal 2nd on a hit and run with pitcher Dave Bush (Why would you use Dave Bush for a hit and run? He showed bunt, then swung through, whiffing on some Gorzo heat). Gorzo seemed to either jam his knee on the pitch, or when he ducked after Paulino began running at Graffanino. He took a couple practice pitches before tossing a passed ball, allowing J.J. Hardy to score from 3rd. The Bucs were down 2-0 at this point, and Gorzo looked finished.

However, a new Pirate offense came out in the 7th.

Freddy Sanchez laced a double to center, and scored when Jason Bay waited on an off-speed pitch, and delivered a fluke shot that fell between 1st and right. Smart base running by Bay allowed him to hustle to 2nd. Ryan Doumit grounded out and Xavier Nady hit a soft liner to Prince Fielder. With two outs, it got to the point where I was talking to my television. "Come on, Bucs. Its the 7th inning. You already got a run, but now we need to get Bay in. There aren't many more chances in this game to tie it up. If we get a third out now, the bottom of the order is coming up in the 8th, and Gorzo is about to get relieved." Pirate's television analyst Bob Walk countered with his, "Bautista needs to work on his power" speech. Bautista absolutely jumped on the next pitch, crushing it to deep left. 3-2 Pirates. Gorzo looked pumped. He still didn't close his mouth. Paulino decided to trot around the bases as well, smacking a pitch to right center. 4-2 Pirates, so Gorzo came up to bat. I was happy, because after the offense showed some life, Gorzo was in like for his 4th win.

He stayed out in the bottom of the 7th, and made a difficult defensive play, diving and tagging out a bunting Tony Gwynn Jr. with the same hand. Awesome. Gorzo sold himself out for the team, and was rewarded with win number 4.

The 13-14 record is good for 2nd in the division, and now puts the Pirates only 4.5 games behind Milwaukee with 2 games left in the series.