Pirates at Twins, 3/16

Saturday, 16 March 2013 10:58

Written by Michael Sanserino

Game: Pirates (9-11) at Twins (10-10)

Starting pitchers: Gerrit Cole (1-0, 4.50) vs. Cole De Vries (2-0, 0.00)

Time: 1:05 p.m. 

Place: Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers, Fla. 

Weather: Perfect. High of 79 degrees. Sunny. 

Webcast:www.Pirates.com

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I know I'm a little late on the discussion here (from last night), but I see little wrong with throwing A.J. Burnett in the minor league game and Gerrit Cole against the Minnesota Twins. Burnett doesn't need to pitch to major league hitters to do his most important job, which is get his arm in shape for the season. He's not learning how to pitch to major league hitters. Gerrit Cole is, and he has much more to gain pitching against the Twins than Burnett does. 

As things shape up, this figures to be Cole's final outing in major league camp. It would surprise me if he is not cut before his next start (not that he's been bad, but he's not starting the season in Pittsburgh. 

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Lineups

Pirates
1. Presley lf
2. Tabata rf
3. McCutchen cf
4. Sanchez 3b
5. Walker 2b
6. Hawpe DH
7. Inge 1b
8. Barmes ss
9. McKenry c
Cole RHP

Twins
1. Hicks cf
2. Dozier 2b
3. Willingham lf
4. Morneau 1b
5. Doumit DH
6. Benson rf
7. Olmedo 3b
8. Butera c
9. Florimon ss
De Vries RHP

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Tony Watson will NOT pitch against the New York Yankees tomorrow at McKechnie Field. Instead, he said, he will pitch in a minor league game at Pirate City. He said he has been working through some mechanical issues and had previously felt "discomfort," but said he is not injured. He feels fine now, he said, and expects to be ready by opening day. 

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Russell Martin forgot his jersey yesterday, hence the uniform switch. He also forgot his belt and sliding shorts. Rookies...