The numbers back it up. The man has had 8 full big league seasons and only twice posted a losing record. We need to get off his back.. perhaps being an ace of a terrible staff was too much of a burden (2005) but as a #3 he is very solid and as long as he is healthy we are above-average at that slot. I am rooting for him big-time. In fact when I attended a game in 2005 I was shouting encouragement to him and he pitched a shutout for several innings. We need to get behind this guy and believe in him, he has the talent and the potential to be the difference maker this season.

This week on the podcast, Jon and I are pleased to welcome Pat Lackey of Where Have You Gone, Andy Van Slyke?, which is my favorite Pirates blog, if only because I like to abbreviate it to WHYGAS? and then answer the question in parentheses. For example:This week on the podcast, we’re pleased to welcome Pat of WHYGAS? (‘cuz it’s more fun than the brake).

Pat seems to prefer to abbreviate it WHYGAVS?, though. To each his own, I guess.

Anyway, Pat gives us an overview of the Pirates’ moves this off-season and his expectations for the coming year.

Thanks to Pat for agreeing to be on the show.

Episode 46: Pirates Preview with Pat Lackey (13.1 MB, 19:07)

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