Agree with YYZ. 2nd time around facing Prior in 6 days. As bad as Pitt batting is, they're still major league batters. Here's an article from Pitt Tribune Review. At-150+, this is way overpriced. Cubbies had their little run, I expect to see the same ole crappy Cubbie offense again today.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Monday, May 27, 2002
The Pirates simply are looking for a victory and nothing more tonight when they face Chicago Cubs phenom Mark Prior for the second time in six days.
Respect won't be an issue, although the Pirates are aware they could earn some by beating Prior in the rematch.
Considered the greatest college pitcher ever, Prior lived up to his hype in his major-league debut Wednesday. He struck out 10 batters in six innings and gave up two runs in a 7-4 victory over the Pirates.
The next day, the Pirates opened up the newspapers and discovered a few Chicago columnists had taken shots at them, criticizing their talent.
In particular, Rick Morrisey wrote that Prior didn't need to be "otherworldly" to beat the Pirates. "You need an arm, a ball and eight guys from a softball beer league. Think of the Pirates as a starter set."
Would the Pirates like to change that outlook in the rematch?
"The guys in the locker room were aware of things that were said," manager Lloyd McClendon. "I guess I'll leave it at that."
Outfielder Brian Giles said the cheap shots weren't going to serve as a motivational tool against Prior.
"You have to keep it in perspective," he said. "The guy never has had to hit a 90 mph fastball before. It doesn't really matter what he thinks. The only thing I disagree with is ripping a visiting team in that city. They take enough shots at the home team, why would they do it to the visiting team?"
Catcher Jason Kendall also wasn't concerned with the criticism.
"People can say what they want to say," he said. "A lot of times those things are written by people who never put on a jock strap."
Giles thinks the Pirates will be better equipped against Prior this time because of the matchup last week.
"We had never seen him before," Giles said. "You can say on paper that he throws a fastball, breaking ball and changeup. But until you see it, you don't know what to expect. Now, we do."
Woof Woof!
