I just got back to the hotel from going to the game at PNC Park tonight.  I heard some rumblings from some of the Pittsburgh fans a few rows back (not next to me because there were only a few under 10,000 at the game) talking about how much TLR would be upset batting his pitcher 8th with 1 out and a runner on 3rd.  It really started the wheels turning about how that is not really much of an issue the way the rest of the lineup is set up.

How often will Yadier Molina be on 3rd base with 1 out or less.  He's not going to hit a triple.  He's not going to tag up from 2nd to advance on a fly ball to right.  TLR is not going to bunt the 7th hitter (unless Wagon Maker is pitching-possibly in a 1 run situation).  If there are 0 outs in the inning, it's not that big of a deal because we still have 9 and 1 to drive him in (most likely a double would present that situation-I doubt Yadi goes 1st to 3rd too often).  I really like having the pitcher bat 8th the more I think about it.

Does anyone else see any major faults with this?

Also, there were some fantastic defensive plays (Pineiro's kick save, Ryan's stop, spin and throw).

Final note:  If you want to go see a ball game and not spend a ton of money, PNC Park is where to go.  It's a spectacular stadium.  I walked up to the stadium without having bought tickets prior to going, and ended up paying $26 for seats on the field level 6 rows from the field down the 3rd base line, and beer is only $7/ 16 oz.