Who in the world are these guys??

[imgreat95]

Suddenly, the Bucs are scoring runs!! IN their past 5 games, they have scored 35 runs. One of those was a shutout, so that makes 35 runs in the 4 other games.

Kenny Lofton went 3-5 to extend his hitting streak and lift his average to .312--

Aram went 4-5 and is now hitting .288

Giles was 2-3 and is now hitting .268

Heck, even Jeff Reboulet is hitting .333


Who are these guys and what did they do with our Pirates?? How much would it cost to keep these guys for the rest of the season?

[Greymire]

I noticed a little over a week ago that Aram was swinging the bat well. He was no longer looking foolish and was starting to drive in runs. I didn't say much at the time, because I wasn't sure if it was a fluke. I fully expect Giles to improve, but the others are a big surprise. Ramirezx is now second on the team to Randall Simon is RBis. I would say the biggest disappointment so far for me has been that after a quick start, Kendall has slipped back into hius hitting of the last two years. I thought he was finally back.

[BPBlueSox]

I guess there is some hope...they are only six back right now of the Cubs. The Cubs are coming back to Earth, and we face the Cards next...so we can kind of control how things play out here in the next week or so to see if we get back in the race or not...

[imgreat95]

Maybe Mac wasn't a total idiot when he talked about being able to get back into this thing. There is still a long ways to go, but this team is beginning to show some signs of hope once again. Let's just hope it lasts.

Also, anyone notice how well Benson has pitched in his last 2 starts??? HHmmm...

[3-2 Changeup]

And Simon is hitting .301. Benson has been on the past couple of starts, pickin up Suppan who has back to earth. All I know is I like it. Wish today's game was on WGN since I'm home again today.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Now now, let's relax ... the last time I saw light at the end of the tunnel, the Pirates went on that long losing streak. Of course, I'll take the fault for that if this streak continues.

Next thing for Aram to get going is his power game ... but I'm not complaining. That will come shortly.

Kind of hate to benefit from another team's injury (unless it's the Yankees), but with Vina out, the Cards should "struggle" a little bit .. maybe 4 runs a game instead of 6.

And Shawn, Mac's words have nothing to do with Benson's success. In his last two starts, Benson's ERA is 3.95; before Mac's berating, it was 3.73. His WHIP in his last two starts is 1.38; before the berating, it was around 1.32. His K/9IP is .53; prior it was .70. Benson is simply getting more run support --- which is, not to toot my own horn, exactly what I said the problem was.

[imgreat95]

Josh, #1 I said NOTHING about the comments Mac made. Absolutely not a thing. I was making a statement about Benson. You can give me all the numbers and stats you want. To me, this isn't ABOUT numbers and stats. It is about the ability to pitch and get out of jams... to buckle down when needed to. To prevent the big inning. THAT is what I am talking about. So forget about ERA... and WHIP... I don't really give a crap about those.

[GiveHyzduashot]

No, you didn't say it ... but it is HEAVILY implied since you supported Mac's comments at the time, and it's been two starts since Mac lambasted Benson in the press.

I still say Benson has prevented the big inning, for the most part .. with the exception of a very few amount of starts, maybe three. The way I see it, Benson is the exact same pitcher now as he was two starts ago, three starts ago, four starts ago, etc.

In any case, let's not turn this thread away from your intention ... which was to focus on the success of the Buccos.