McTeammates

One thing that is synonymous with St Patrick's Day is McDonald's Shamrock shake.

The 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates had more members with a surname that began with Mc__ than any other team I have seen before.  

Above is my Pirates country wooden sign I got signed during Spring Training 2012.  Among the names on the sign,are former All-Stars: Andrew McCutchen, Josh Harrison, Pedro Alvarez, Jason Grilli, Starling Marte, Nate McLouth, and Evan Meek.

Also on the sign is Casey McGehee

 and Relief Pitcher Daniel McCutchen

Not on the sign, but eligible to be on it because he played for the 2012 Pirates is Catcher Michael McKenry, Utility Infielder John McDonald, Starting Pitcher James McDonald, and Pitcher Kyle McPherson. 

That's 8 Mcs

Shark Week

The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates was my favorite team I rooted for. (EVER!!!)

They would go on to have their 1st winning season in 20 years.

The bullpen lead by Jason Grilli was dubbed the Shark Tank.  Grilli would even go as far to get the team a shark tank for the clubhouse.  They began to use a 3 headed back of bullpen (Watson-Melancon-Grilli) in the same way that many teams are using bullpens today.

Look up the ERAs of the core members of the Shark Tank in 2013 and you will see that when there was blood in the water, these sharks fed like a frenzy.

Yesterday I used a bible quote involving the fish in the sea trembling at His presence.

For the rest of this week I will look at some cardboard featuring Cutch with members of The Shark Tank and why batters trembled in their presence.

Let's begin with the mastermind behind the Shark Tank, Jason Grilli.  Nicknamed Grill Cheese he would lead the Pirates into the All Star game with over 20 consecutive saves converted.  He lead the NL in saves at the break and even was the cover athlete for Sports Illustrated highlighting the Pirates miraculous season.

Shortly after the SI article, Grilli would land on the DL (thanks Sports Illustrated curse) and hand the reigns of the closing role to Mark "The Shark" Melancon.