The Pirates (76 - 55) look to bounce back after last nights disappointing loss to the Brewers (58 - 73) in game two of this 3-game set. Charlie Morton (5 - 3, 3.42 ERA) will oppose former Pirate, Tom Gorzelanny (3 - 5, 3.60 ERA) Leading Off Marlon Byrd will make his first start as a Pirate tonight as he will bat in the cleanup spot and play right field. John Buck will be available off of the bench. To make room for these two on the 25-man roster, Tony Sanchez and Jeff Locke have been sent to ... Read More
Wandy Rodriguez Experiences Another Setback
The Pirates have announced that Wandy Rodriguez experienced a further setback as he experienced pain during his simulated game today. He will meet with Dr. James Andrews next week. Rodriguez had a 6 - 4 record in 12 starts while posting a 3.59 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 12 walks. He was forced from his start in Atlanta on June 5th with left forearm tightness. It is unlikely, now, that he will be back on the roster this season. Other Injury News: Jason Grilli threw 25 pitches off of a ... Read More
“Mark and Cheese” Take to the Big Apple
Jason Grilli and Mark Melancon are the first bullpen duo to make the All-Star game from Pittsburgh in the history of the Midsummer Classic. That’s 83 years without this happening. It goes to show you how important the back end of the bullpen, also known by fans as “Mark and Cheese”, has been for the Bucs this season. Jason Grilli’s numbers have been solid in his first year as closer for the Pirates going 29 of 30 in save opportunities while holding a 1.99 ERA in 40 2/3 innings (9 ER). He has ... Read More
Father before athlete: What it’s like to be a big league daddy
Growing up, the 25 men on the Pittsburgh Pirates dreamt about reaching the Major Leagues. When they finally reached that level, they held the title that little boys everywhere were jealous of: Major Leaguer. Playing baseball in the backyard, kids would emulate their favorite player in hopes of one day making it to "The Show." For some athletes, the title of Major Leaguer or professional athlete isn't the only title that matters. Ask some of the Pirates and they'll tell you there is one that ... Read More
Can Pirates’ Jason Grilli continue record setting pace?
When the Pittsburgh Pirates made the decision to trade former closer Joel Hanrahan to the Boston Red Sox and hand the job to set-up man Jason Grilli, it was often questioned how the veteran would handle to transition from the eighth inning to the pressures of pitching in the ninth inning. With close to two months of the 2013 season now in the books, Grilli hasn't just made the transition to closer, he’s made it look easy. Grilli not only currently leads all of baseball with 21 saves at the ... Read More
Smelling blood in the Shark Tank
Much criticism has been given to the job that General Manager Neal Huntington has done with the Pirates since he took the position. A lot of it has been warranted, but one thing that you can't criticize Huntington for is the job that he has done with building the bullpen. The Pirates 'pen, or the aptly nicknamed Shark Tank, has been dominate once again this season. Much of the success can be directed towards Huntington and the moves he has made over the past few seasons. Let's take a look, ... Read More
Pirates reflect back to their time at WBC
Once every four years, respective sports hold a competition to find out who the best of the best is throughout the world. The first one that comes to mind, of course, would be the Summer and Winter Olympics respectively. To a lesser degree - depending on who you speak to - is the World Cup which pits the best of the best that soccer has to offer against each other over a month long tournament. While baseball is America's oldest game, it's also the newest to the four-year annual ... Read More
Pirates embrace Opening Day, give fans a reason to believe this year
Despite the snowfall, it is Opening Day for the 2013 Major League Baseball season. While the last two seasons are well documented -- they'll forever be known as the Collapse Part 1 and the Collapse Part 2 -- the Pirates are focused on this year only. After a longer than usual Spring Training in Bradenton, Fl., the Pirates are back to Pittsburgh and are set to take on the Cubs for a three-game set. While the season is a marathon, not a sprint, Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle didn't want to take ... Read More
Pirates Notebook: Hurdle Confident in McDonald Despite Shaky Outing
ALTOONA, Pa. -- Right-hander James McDonald took the mound at People's Natural Gas Field on Saturday afternoon to get some final work in of the spring before the season kicks off on Monday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Facing the Pirates Double-A affiliate the Altoona Curve, McDonald had a rough first inning --allowing four runs-- but was able to finish off the lengthy frame with a scoreless second to end his outing. "I think at times, James just tries to feel his way through things," ... Read More
Pirates re-sign Jason Grilli to two-year deal
Jason Grilli (64 G, 2.94 ERA, 90 K’s) will be a Pirate for two more years. Well, at least in contract he will be. Last night, Grilli agreed to a two year, $6.75 million dollar contract with the Bucs (pending a physical). This, according to sources, was actually a hometown discount compared to other teams offering. When was the last time Pirates fans heard that with a big name free agent? This signing is huge because what it does is allow the front office to pursue talks with teams ... Read More