The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped two of three road games against the San Diego Padres. There certainly were some things to like and things that were not so favorable. Here are just a few of each. Jeff Locke does not have a finishing pitch Anytime you are a pitcher who does not have blow-it-by-you velocity, you have to paint corners and find other ways to succeed. Add that inability to inconsistent performance and a lack of confidence from fans, and you have Jeff Locke. Locke was ... Read More
COLUMN: Bullpen surprisingly Pirates’ weak link early on
The Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen has been rock solid under manager Clint Hurdle, but early on this season, it can be a big thing holding the team back from winning. I will preface this by saying 10 games is way too early and way too small of a sample size, but still the current body of work needs to be judged and that is where relief pitching has fallen short. This season, the normally good Pirates bullpen has a 5.11 Earned Run Average through 10 games. I know what you're thinking: What ... Read More
Saltalamacchia’s grand slam too much for Pirates
Detroit Tigers rightfielder J.D. Martinez knew the game plan when it came to facing Arquimedes Caminero, so Martinez sat on a 3-2 slider. He got his pitch and hit it hard, but it was just foul. Hard-hit contact was the difference in this game, and it was the reason why the Tigers came away with a 7-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday night at PNC Park. For what it's worth, Martinez worked a walk in that at-bat and set the table for a Jarrod Saltalamacchia grand slam. “Those ... Read More
Pirates pregame: Bullpen effective at changing speeds
Last night, Jordy Mercer took a changeup to the opposite field for the game-winning hit in the 11th inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates outlasted the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-5. Tonight, the Pirates will attempt to make a statement with an opening series sweep against the Cardinals, a team coming off a season-high 100 wins last season. Pittsburgh righthander Juan Nicasio will get the start for the Pirates, and his mound opponent will be Mike Leake. Nicasio is coming off a spring training ... Read More
Pirates fall to Tigers, 10-3
Skepticism would be a good way to describe how fans feel about Jeff Locke projecting to be a part of this season's Pittsburgh Pirates pitching rotation. Locke did himself no favors allowing four runs in his two innings of a 10-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage has worked with Locke to try to correct things which could allow him to find more consistent success and this could very well be a byproduct of making the adjustment. It also could be the same old ... Read More
Pirates offseason analyzed: New additions
It has been a busy time all around baseball as the 2015 season is over and teams are trying to find the right pieces to make a run toward the 2016 World Series. The Pittsburgh Pirates are no different and have welcomed some faces, while saying goodbye to other ones. Hellos: Oct. 24 Pirates acquire Trevor Williams - This was a bizarre acquisition as this was later revealed to be compensation for the Pirates losing their "pitching guru" in Jim Benedict, someone whose opinion had high ... Read More
Pirates headed to wild card game with loss to Cardinals
Many Pittsburgh Pirates fans had not yet filed in their seats by the time Charlie Morton was removed from the game. A two-plus inning start from Morton ended the Pirates chances of winning the National League Central as they lost 11-1 Wednesday night to the St. Louis Cardinals. “This is a game I want to come in and win," Morton said. "Folks showed up and everyone was excited and I gave it up. It’s just heartbreaking.” Morton [9-9] made his second shortest start of the season behind only ... Read More
Pirates dominated by Arrieta again in loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates saw Jake Arrieta for the third time in as many weeks, and the results were not favorable. Arrieta had a perfect game through six innings and the Chicago Cubs avoided a sweep winning 4-0 Sunday night. Arrieta [21-6], entered play with a 2-1 record to go with a 0.93 ERA in four starts against the Pirates. In Sunday's contest, Arrieta pitched seven scoreless innings striking out nine batters and allowing one hit, the leadoff single from Gregory Polanco in the seventh ... Read More
Bucs come back to beat Brewers in extras
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had a speaking engagement for 6:30 and dinner with his family two hours later. Both were in jeopardy. With Sunday afternoon's game in the 11th inning and runners on the corners with one out, the defense shifted into double play depth. “You’re gambling," Hurdle said. "You’ve got the game on the line.” The result was an inning-ending double play and Jared Hughes, pumped his fist from the mound after the play unfolded. “When the ball goes off the ... Read More
Locke, Pirates continue struggles versus NL Central
Coming into Wednesday night's start against the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeff Locke had made two quality starts since June 17. After departing the start, Locke still had two quality starts since June 17 as the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 9-4 to the Brewers. Locke pitched 3.2 innings, matching his shortest outing of the season, which previously came April 28 against the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, relievers Joe Blanton and Arquimedes Caminero saw their scoreless streaks come to an end. Blanton ... Read More