- The Pirates will have a new logo when the 2014 begins, but it will be a sight that fans have seen for years.
The gold “P” that has been stitched on the Pirates cap’s for years has replaced the Jolly Roger Pirate as the Bucs primary logo of the team. Transition to this logo was seen last season when the Pirates black alternate jerseys used the “P” on the chest. The Jolly Roger had been used by the organization since the late 1930’s and had been transformed many times until its final change in 1997.
There is nothing to worry in terms of Raising the Jolly Roger, though. The Pirates notified fans on twitter that the Jolly Rodger will still be used on a patch on the teams uniforms and they will still raise the flag after home wins.
(2/2) We will in fact be keeping the Jolly Roger art as a patch on our unis & look forward to getting to #RAISEIT many times in 2014!
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) January 8, 2014
With the logo change, the team has unveiled new BP jerseys that will also be used during spring training.
Also check out our new BP unis for 2014. #BUCN2014 pic.twitter.com/qw9HLFuonr
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) January 8, 2014
- Andrew McCutchen made an appearance to the teams voluntary workouts in Bradenton this week.
The workouts are arranged mostly for the new and younger players to get acquainted with each other and the coaching staff while Clint Hurdle watches on. McCutchen and Jordy Mercer made surprise appearances to get an early start on what is the most anticipated season in years.
- The Pirates signed two players in the past week to minor league contracts with an invite to Major League camp as non-roster players.
On Monday, the Pirates signed outfielder Chris Dickerson, who appeared in 56 games for the Baltimore Orioles last season as well as appearing for their Class – A affiliate. He hit .238 (25 – for – 105) for the Orioles with four home runs and 13 RBI. He also hit .243 with two homers and eight RBI in 37 games at AAA Norfolk.
On Tuesday, the Pirates signed Robert Andino, who was acquired from Seattle at last years trade deadline and played the remainder of the season in AAA Indianapolis. The 29 – year – old appeared in 25 games for the Indians where he hit .302 (29 – for – 96) with eight doubles and nine RBI.
- Andrew Lambo has made the transition to first base where he could be a platoon-mate with Gaby Sanchez for the upcoming season.
Lambo played at first during winter ball and has 41 appearances at the position in the minors. The platoon could also benefit Lambo nicely as Sanchez would get the brunt of the starts against lefties allowing Lambo to use PNC Park to his advantage against righties. This also seems to be a smart play with Polanco nearing Major League readiness which would bump Lambo from a starting job in right field.
- The Pirates announced four time changes for home games to allow for a national television broadcast.
Monday, March 31: The first pitch for Opening Day will be changed from 1:35 to 1:05 to allow ESPN to cover the game nationally. The game will also be televised locally on ROOT Sports.
Sunday, May 11: For the first time, ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball will broadcast from PNC Park. The game time against the St. Louis Cardinals has been changed from 1:35 to 8:05 to accommodate the National TV appearance.
Saturday, May 24: First pitch has been changed from 4:05 to 7:15 against the Washington Nationals to accommodate a FOX National broadcast.
Saturday, August 30: First pitch has been changed from 7:05 to 4:05 against the Cincinnati Reds to accommodate a Fox Sports 1 audience. The game will also be televised locally on ROOT Sports. That night’s Skyblast featuring Gavin DeGraw will now be a Fan Jam concert presented by Highmark.
Follow @TBerardi_OVA
(Picture Source: feedio.net)
