2008_Pittsburgh_Pirates_season

2008 Pittsburgh Pirates season

2008 Pittsburgh Pirates season

Major League Baseball team season

The 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the 127th season of the franchise; the 122nd in the National League. This was their eighth season at PNC Park. It was the first under new president Frank Coonelly, general manager Neal Huntington, and manager John Russell. Unable to improve on their 68–94, last place finish during the 2007 season, the Pirates had not had a winning record or made it to the playoffs since 1992, and finished 67–95 for their 16th straight losing season. The season was the final of play-by-play announcer Lanny Frattare, whose 33-year tenure as Pirates' broadcaster was the longest in franchise history.[2][3]

Quick Facts Pittsburgh Pirates, League ...

Regular season

See also: 2008 Major League Baseball season
The Pirates play the Tampa Bay Rays at PNC Park
Pirates play the Cincinnati Reds at an evening game in August 2008

On November 5, 2007, John Russell was introduced as the Pirates manager, replacing Jim Tracy.[4] Team management cited three areas that the franchise hoped to improve: "refocused emphasis on fundamentals", holding players to a higher standard, and signing younger players.[5] The Pirates won their season opener against the Atlanta Braves, by the score of 12–11, in 12 innings.[6] The Pirates played their home opener against the division-rival Chicago Cubs on April 7, losing 10–8, also in 12 innings.[7] The Pirates started out the season with a 7–7 record after the first half-month; however, after a five-game losing streak they began to struggle, finishing out April with an 11–16 record. The Pirates losing continued as they dropped three of four to the Washington Nationals to begin May. The team fought back, winning six straight games—the most consecutive since 2004,[8] to bring their record within one victory of a .500 record. Throughout the remainder of May the team struggled, but never fell more than four games under .500. Throughout the early months of the season closer Matt Capps was perfect, getting saves in 15 consecutive opportunities. However, on June 10, Capps gave up a two-run home run to the Nationals, losing his first decision of the season.[9] In addition, Capps would blow saves in two of his next three appearances; however, he achieved his first win of the season after an extra-inning victory over the Baltimore Orioles.[10]

Pittsburgh went 6–9 in interleague play,[11] including two wins against the New York Yankees who returned to Pittsburgh for the first time since the 1960 World Series.[12] On July 12, in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Pirates came back to win a game that they trailed by six runs in the seventh inning. It was only the second time in the past 25 years that the Pirates won at home after scoring runs in the seventh, eighth, ninth, and extra innings.[13] The Pirates finished out the remainder of July with a 6–9 record—50–58 overall. On the final day of July, the Pirates made a deal with the Yankees to send outfielder Xavier Nady and pitcher Dámaso Marte in return for Jeff Karstens, Daniel McCutchen, Ross Ohlendorf and José Tábata.[14] Later in the day the team became involved in a three-team deal in which the Pirates sent Jason Bay to the Boston Red Sox in return for four players from the Los Angeles Dodgers.[15] The Pirates won seven of the first 18 games in August before dropping ten consecutive games to close out the month. Pittsburgh entered the final month of the season 21 games below the .500 mark. On September 7, the Pirates lost their 82nd game of the season, tying them with the Philadelphia Phillies as the only two franchises in professional sports history to have losing records in 16 consecutive seasons.[16][17] The Pirates concluded their season on September 28 with a victory against the San Diego Padres.[18] The team became the second in the Pirates' 122-year history to have no pitchers to win 10 games.[19] The performance of the pitchers lead the team to fire pitching coach Jeff Andrews after the season.[20]

Standings

More information W, L ...

Game log

More information #, Date ...

Record vs. opponents

More information Team, AZ ...

Detailed records

More information Opponent, W ...

Roster

2008 Pittsburgh Pirates
Roster
Pitchers Catchers

Infielders

 Outfielders Manager

Coaches

Opening Day lineup

More information Opening Day Starters, Name ...

Statistics

Hitting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

More information Player, G ...
Pitching

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

More information Player, G ...

Awards and honors

  • Xavier Nady named National League Player of the Week for the opening week of the 2008 regular season.[24]
  • Ryan Doumit was named the co-National League Player of the Week, along with Ricky Nolasco, for the week of June 9.[25]
  • Nate McLouth was elected to the 2008 National League all-star team.[26] He batted 1–4, and threw a runner out at home plate from center field in the 11th inning, stopping the game-winning run.[27]
  • Jason Bay was selected as the winner of the Chuck Tanner Award for "professionalism, cooperation and availability to and with Major League writers best assists them in carrying out daily responsibilities."[28]
  • Nate McLouth received the Roberto Clemente as "the Pirates player who best exemplifies the standard of excellence achieved by Clemente."[28]

Transactions

Pre-season

(October 29, 2007 – March 24, 2008)

In-season

(March 25, 2008 – October 29, 2008)

Draft picks

Main article: 2008 Major League Baseball draft
More information Rd, # ...
Note
  • Age at time of draft.

Farm system

See also: Minor League Baseball
More information Level, Team ...

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS: VSL Pirates

See also

References

  • Game Logs:
1st Half: Pittsburgh Pirates Game Log on ESPN.com
2nd Half: Pittsburgh Pirates Game Log on ESPN.com

Notes

  1. [1]
    From 1882–1906, the team played in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, which became annexed by Pittsburgh as the North Side in 1907.
  2. [2]
    Robinson, Alan (October 1, 2008). "Frattare retires after 33 seasons with Pirates". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  3. [3]
    "Pittsburgh Pirates play-by-play announcer Lanny Frattare to retire after 33 seasons" (Press release). PittsburghPirates.com. October 1, 2008. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  4. [4]
    Meyer, Paul (November 5, 2007). "Pirates make it official, name Russell manager". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on March 8, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  5. [5]
    Langosch, Jenifer (September 28, 2008). "Results not there, but hopes high". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  6. [6]
    Langosch, Jenifer (April 1, 2008). "How's that for openers?". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  7. [7]
    Langosch, Jenifer (April 7, 2008). "Bucs' comeback bid falls in 12". PittsburghPirates.com. Archived from the original on April 9, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2008.
  8. [8]
    Langosch, Jenifer (May 12, 2008). "Pirates' bats mostly silent in Game 2". MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 15, 2008. Retrieved May 14, 2008.
  9. [9]
    Langosch, Jenifer (June 10, 2008). "Capps' first blown save leads to loss". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2008. Retrieved June 11, 2008.
  10. [10]
    Langosch, Jenifer (June 17, 2008). "Capps' confidence unwavering". MLB.com. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  11. [11]
    Kovacevic, Dejan (July 10, 2008). "McLouth's two-run blast lifts Pirates past Yankees". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved July 13, 2008.
  12. [12]
    Musselman, Ron (June 15, 2008). "Pirates, Indians struggle with lack of attendance". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on June 15, 2008. Retrieved June 15, 2008.
  13. [13]
    Krise, Todd (July 13, 2008). "A day later, Bucs reflect on victory". MLB.com. Retrieved July 13, 2008.
  14. [14]
    "Pirates acquire three starting pitchers and an outfielder for Nady and Marte" (Press release). PittsburghPirates.com. July 26, 2008. Archived from the original on July 29, 2008. Retrieved July 26, 2008.
  15. [15]
    "Pirates deal Bay for four prospects" (Press release). MLB.com. July 31, 2008. Retrieved July 31, 2008.
  16. [16]
    Kovacevic, Dejan (September 8, 2008). "Pirates reach tragic number with 82nd loss". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 8, 2008.
  17. [17]
    Langosch, Jenifer (April 1, 2008). "Pirates not affected by 'the streak'". PittsburghPirates.com. Archived from the original on April 2, 2008. Retrieved April 1, 2008.
  18. [18]
    Wilson, Bernie (September 28, 2008). "Bucs finish with win; Padres have big decisions". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  19. [19]
    Kovacevic, Dejean (September 25, 2008). "No 10-game winners for Pirates' pitching staff". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved September 25, 2008.
  20. [20]
    Kovacevic, Dejean (September 29, 2008). "Pirates fire pitching coach Andrews". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on October 2, 2008. Retrieved September 29, 2008.
  21. [21]
    "2008 Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule and Results". Baseball-Reference.com.
  22. [22]
    "Major League Baseball Stats | pirates.com: Stats". Pittsburgh Pirates. Archived from the original on October 12, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
  23. [23]
    "Major League Baseball Stats | pirates.com: Stats". Pittsburgh Pirates. Archived from the original on October 12, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
  24. [24]
    "Pittsburgh's Nady earns Bank of America Presents the National League Player of the Week honors" (Press release). MLB.com. April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 7, 2008.
  25. [25]
    Gonzalez, Alden (June 16, 2008). "Doumit, Nolasco share NL honors". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008.
  26. [26]
    Langosch, Jenifer (July 16, 2008). "McLouth's skills shine in NL's loss". MLB.com. Retrieved July 17, 2008.
  27. [27]
    "Box Score". 2008 All Star Game. MLB.com. July 16, 2008. Archived from the original on July 18, 2008. Retrieved July 17, 2008.
  28. [28]
    Langosch, Jenifer (October 7, 2008). "Two tabbed by Pittsburgh writers". PittsburghPirates.com. Retrieved October 7, 2008.
  29. [29]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 5, 2007). "Russell named Pirates manager". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  30. [30]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 7, 2007). "Huntington fills out front-office staff". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  31. [31]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 9, 2007). "Pirates name Tanner senior advisor". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  32. [32]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 16, 2007). "Notes: Izturis' option declined". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  33. [33]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 20, 2007). "Notes: Pirates filling out coaching staff". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  34. [34]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 21, 2007). "Bucs name Andrews as pitching coach". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  35. [35]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 27, 2007). "Pirates name Long hitting coach". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  36. [36]
    Langosch, Jenifer (November 28, 2007). "Youman claimed off waivers by Phillies". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  37. [37]
    Langosch, Jenifer (December 3, 2007). "Pirates claim two off waivers". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  38. [38]
    Langosch, Jenifer (December 6, 2007). "Pirates select Meek in Rule 5 draft". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  39. [39]
    Hill, Justice B. (December 7, 2007). "Torres dealt to Brewers for prospects". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  40. [40]
    Langosch, Jenifer (December 12, 2007). "Pirates finalize deal with Gomez". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  41. [41]
    Langosch, Jenifer (December 21, 2007). "Notes: Bucs sign four to Minors deals". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  42. [42]
    "Pirates sign two Minor League free agents". MLB.com. January 7, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  43. [43]
    Langosch, Jenifer (January 11, 2008). "Bucs sign three to Minor League deals". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  44. [44]
    Langosch, Jenifer (January 14, 2008). "LaRoche agrees to $5 million contract". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  45. [45]
    Langosch, Jenifer (January 17, 2008). "Bucs sign third baseman Bautista". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  46. [46]
    Langosch, Jenifer (January 18, 2008). "Notes: Nady, Grabow avoid arbitration". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  47. [47]
    "Wright, Bucs agree to Minor League deal". MLB.com. The Associated Press. January 23, 2008. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  48. [48]
    Langosch, Jenifer (January 24, 2008). "Bucs ink trio of arms to Minors deals". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  49. [49]
    Langosch, Jenifer (February 1, 2008). "Bucs claim Olmedo, designate Burnett". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  50. [50]
    Langosch, Jenifer (February 5, 2008). "Sanchez, Pirates agree to multiyear deal". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  51. [51]
    Langosch, Jenifer (February 11, 2008). "First mate: Mientkiewicz inks in Minors". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  52. [52]
    Langosch, Jenifer (February 24, 2008). "Bucs ink Kim to one-year deal". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  53. [53]
    Langosch, Jenifer (February 26, 2008). "Notes: Olmedo claimed by Phillies". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  54. [54]
    Langosch, Jenifer (March 16, 2008). "Snell, Bucs reach long-term agreement". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  55. [55]
    Langosch, Jenifer (March 26, 2008). "Pitcher Kuwata announces retirement". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  56. [56]
    Langosch, Jenifer (March 26, 2008). "Pirates shoring up their bullpen". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  57. [57]
    Krise, Todd (March 26, 2008). "Pirates acquire Yates from Braves". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  58. [58]
    Langosch, Jenifer (March 31, 2008). "Bucs sort out Minor League rosters". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  59. [59]
    Langosch, Jenifer (April 4, 2008). "Pirates sign Capps to new deal". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  60. [60]
    Phillips, Michael (May 1, 2008). "Pirates cut ties with Astacio". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  61. [61]
    Langosch, Jenifer (May 8, 2008). "Bucs acquire Michaels, option Morgan". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  62. [62]
    "Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  63. [63]
    Langosch, Jenifer (June 25, 2008). "Bucs acquire Bautista from Tigers". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  64. [64]
    Krise, Todd (July 10, 2008). "Pirates trade C. Wilson to Mariners". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  65. [65]
    Castrovince, Anthony (July 10, 2008). "Bullington claimed, sent to Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  66. [66]
    Langosch, Jenifer (July 26, 2008). "Pirates trade Nady and Marte to Yanks". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  67. [67]
    Langosch, Jenifer (July 31, 2008). "Pirates deal Bay for four prospects". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  68. [68]
    Langosch, Jenifer (August 21, 2008). "Bautista traded to Blue Jays". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  69. [69]
    Langosch, Jenifer (August 25, 2008). "Pirates acquire Diaz from Blue Jays". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  70. [70]
    Bowman, Mark (August 27, 2008). "Braves sign veteran Dessens". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  71. [71]
    "Pittsburgh Pirates Transactions". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  72. [72]
    Langosch, Jenifer (September 24, 2008). "Bucs ink No. 2 overall pick Alvarez". MLB.com. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  73. [73]
    "2008 Pittsburgh Pirates Picks in the MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article 2008_Pittsburgh_Pirates_season, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.