In 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates received a boost during their playoff run when they called up then-rookie pitcher Gerrit Cole. Next season, the Pirates may get a similar impact from several different prospects. With the recent promotions of first baseman and arguably top hitting prospect Josh Bell and top pitching prospect Tyler Glasnow to Triple-A Indianapolis, both are now in a position to arrive in Pittsburgh sometime in 2016 barring injury. Of course, this is under the assumption ... Read More
Pirates’ buy-low-high-reward deadline could pay off
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington has never been one for flashy transactions, and his approach at the trade deadline was no different. And for now, that is OK. Huntington has always been shy about trading his top prospects, but at the same time he said he wanted to improve the club via trade this year. So far he has managed to do both. But how much the Pirates have improved now that the non-waiver trade deadline has passed remains to be seen. Outside of the trade for ... Read More
Report: Pirates promote pitcher Tyler Glasnow to Triple-A
Pirates fans have been waiting patiently to see what the team will do to improve itself before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline on Friday. The Pirates have been linked to numerous right-handed outfielders and relievers, but perhaps the most impactful move for the future of the team took place this morning, as Sean McCool of Pirates Prospects reports that the Pirates have promoted their No. 1 prospect Tyler Glasnow to Triple-A Indianapolis. Source: #Pirates are promoting top prospect ... Read More
COLUMN: Winners from trade deadline don’t always win in playoffs
If there is one thing that can be predicted about the MLB trade deadline each year, it is that it is unpredictable. The big deadline winners have rarely made it to the World Series as of late, while some teams that make little to no moves end up winning the pennant. Last season, for example, the Oakland Athletics came away as the deadline’s big winner. They went all-in to acquire pitchers Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel and Jon Lester and gave up outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and top prospects ... Read More
Ramirez a great fit considering cost, role
On July 23, 2003, the Pittsburgh Pirates made perhaps one of their worst trades in franchise history. A promising, then 23-year-old third baseman named Aramis Ramirez was traded to the Chicago Cubs, while the Pirates received what amounted to a bag of sunflower seeds in return. Exactly 12 years to the day later, Ramirez returned to Pittsburgh in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league relief pitcher Yhonathan Barrios and cash considerations. Ramirez now joins Plaxico Burress and ... Read More
Who are Pirates most appealing trade pieces?
It is that time of year again – the trade deadline is a week and a half away and the Pittsburgh Pirates are already being linked to a number of names on the trade market. But of course teams have to give to get, so what do the Pirates have to offer other teams? The top prospects If the Pirates decide to get creative and make a run at Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels it would have to take a package center around top pitching Tyler Glasnow, and possibly include top hitting ... Read More
Pirates Mercer sprains MCL, Morel called up
On Monday, the Pittsburgh Pirates released an update on Jordy Mercer, who was carted off the field during Sunday's finale against the Milwaukee Brewers. Jordy Mercer Update: Jordy has been diagnosed with a lower leg contusion and a sprain of the medial collateral ligament of his left knee. — Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 20, 2015 The Pirates announced that Mercer would be placed on the disabled list, but he would not require surgery at this time. The timetable for Mercer is six ... Read More
COLUMN: Polanco could be Pirates biggest X-Factor in second half
Now more than ever the Pittsburgh Pirates need Gregory Polanco to live up to his potential. The Pirates are in the midst of a tightly contested NL Central race with the St. Louis Cardinals, but Josh Harrison’s injury will keep him out at least another month, while Starling Marte has been battling the injury bug lately. This is the perfect chance for Polanco’s star to shine: to be the guy that steps up and helps deliver the Pirates to their first ever NL Central crown. The Pirates need ... Read More
Checking in on Pirates top prospects
As Pittsburgh Pirates fans may be all too familiar with by now, the lower budget Major League club’s lifeblood is the team’s farm system. With the MLB All-Star Future’s Game now in the rear view mirror, now is a good time to see how some of the club’s top prospects have been performing this year. Keep in mind pitchers Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham were omitted due to having both suffered a major injury that cost them most of their seasons. Tyler Glasnow - The right-handed pitcher was ... Read More
POLL: Who would win a Pirates home run derby?
With the MLB Home Run Derby tonight in Cincinnati, it had is thinking what the results would be if the Pirates squared off against each other in a home run derby. Who would you pick to win? [poll id="141"] ... Read More