Pirates vs. Giants Wild Card Open Game Thread

[Crimson's Ghost]

It's Official. Postseason baseball returns to PNC Park Wednesday night as the Pirates host the San Francisco Giants.

It's looking like the probably pitching matchup will feature Madison Bumgarner and Edinson Volquez.


Post your thoughts, predictions, concerns here. I'll be there Wednesday night, I believe Coach will be too, anyone else?

[crfball]

I'll be in a night class......

[Eaglealum]

Losing Sunday may have been a blessing in disguise if they can pull this game off. They'd go to Washington with Frankie and Cole with full rest. But again it comes down to one game. I hate that..... Btw, congrats Cards. Have fun with Greinke and kershaw

[Manfred]

I'd have thrown Cumpton, Sadler, the kitchen sink out there today. Saved Cole for Wed. Whats up with Cueto? A 20 game winner drilling the MVP? I'd have a problem with that. Wouldn't have blamed Cutch for charging the mound. Too much of that s##t the past couple months.

[DragonsDoExist]

Gotta get on the board early and keep the crowd on their feet all night long!!!

[Crimson's Ghost]

Does Volquez deserve the ball? Should they have rearranged the weekend rotation? Is everyone OK with him starting?

[bleacherbum]

Absolutely! He should be there. Led the team in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

[WPIAL~Titan]

Volquez has been the best RHP in the NL since July 1. he deserves the start.

Worley is on regular rest, so he could be the long relief man (hopefully will not be needed.)

I know this is meaningless, but the Pirates beat Shumacher earlier this season, one of the few times they have batted well vs. a LHP.

My lineup...

Harrison 3B

Snider RF (I know he hits LH, but he's a better option than Tabata or Polanco)

McCutchen CF

Martin C (I have to believe he has gotten a cortisone shot and will be ready)

Marte LF

Walker 2B (drops to 6th because he's a totally different hitter RH)

Sanchez 1B

Mercer SS

Volquez P

[DragonsDoExist]

I'd bat Mercer 2nd vs lefty.

[Crimson's Ghost]

I think Volquez has done a fine job, and he's really been a savior to this team with the season he has had. Still, I would have reconfigured the weekend rotation to have Cole going on Wednesday. Sunday's game was important in a sense, but the Cardinals were never ever going to lose to the Diamondbacks with Wainwright going. I get why they used Cole and went for it, but sometimes you just need to be realistic. Save your best for the biggest games.


In the most sincere answer you have, here's the scenario. The Pirates are playing in a one game do or die, and if they win you get a billion dollars.


Are you pitching Edinson Volquez or Gerrit Cole?


I know who I'm taking.