Pittsburgh Pirates starter Jeff Locke appeared comfortable setting down 10 consecutive Detroit Tigers batters, that was until J.D. Martinez stepped up to the plate. The Tigers were already up 1-0 and Martinez's solo shot provided breathing room and helped result in a 3-0 win over the Pirates. This home run put a damper on what appeared to be a good outing for Locke. Locke was stretched out to four innings and appeared to respond well allowing two runs on two hits. He also walked a ... Read More
Brault looks to make impact as non-roster invite for Pirates
The amount of pitching depth the Pittsburgh Pirates have within their minor league system is noticeable. All you have to do is look at the talent that is gracing the fields at Pirates City in Bradenton, Fla. The brigade of young talent includes Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham, as well as non-roster invites Chad Kuhl and Trevor Willams. However, one pitcher in particular that should attract attention will be non-roster invite Steven Brault. In January of 2015, the Pirates ... Read More
Pirates win Spring Training opener
Last season was a frustrating one to say the least for Jordy Mercer. The Pirates shortstop, known for his defense, could not match that intensity to the offensive side of the game and missed significant time with a left leg injury. Tuesday's Spring Training opening game against the Detroit Tigers shows that Mercer has moved on from last year as he hit one of two Pirates home runs on the day. The Pirates also took the victory winning by a 4-2 score. Francisco Cervelli hit the other ... Read More
Pirates play Black-Gold Scrimmage
The Pittsburgh Pirates held its Black-Gold intrasquad game Monday afternoon and it was the gold team which won by a 4-3 score. This game served as the first time many fans have seen Jameson Taillon on a mound since he underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2014. His outing was a mixed bag as he faced nine batters, striking out three of them, but also allowing a run. Taillon's mound opponent in this game was Tyler Glasnow, the Pirates top prospect pitcher who many fans wanted to see as a ... Read More
Pirates have options with remaining bench spots
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bench is different than previous seasons. In the past, the bench typically provided good defense, but little on offense. In 2014, for example, the bench had three of its members – Jayson Nix, Michael Martinez and Brent Morel – batting under .200 on it. Pinch hitters were usually easy outs, and instead just good defensive substitutions. Now, the script has been flipped. Three spots on the five-man bench are secured by Sean Rodriguez, Chris Stewart and whoever in ... Read More
Is now the time for the Pirates to extend Polanco’s contract?
Within the last few years, the Pittsburgh Pirates have had a main priority of locking up star players to long-term contracts. Two of those players were two-thirds of an outfield that was recently ranked the best in baseball by ESPN. The next player on the list of players who may see an extension in the near future could be the Pirates young right fielder, Gregory Polanco. In March of 2012, star outfielder and former National League Most Valuable Player Andrew McCutchen signed a six-year, ... Read More
Will the National League’s top-heavy lean affect Pirates?
In case you missed it, many teams got better in the National League this offseason. A lot better. If we take an early look at the landscape as we stand in frigid January temperatures, we can see a caste system of sorts taking shape. There are the perennial contenders out west. The San Francisco Giants got considerably better than they did last year by bringing in Jeff Samardzjia, Johnny Cueto and Denard Span. The Los Angeles Dodgers took a huge hit in losing Zack Greinke to the Arizona ... Read More
Andrew McCutchen ranked as fourth-best CF by MLB Network
MLB Network kicked off its annual "Top Ten Right Now" series of programs by ranking the top 10 centerfielders and shortstops. To arrive at the rankings, the network uses a proprietary algorithm named "The Shredder." This program measures offensive and defensive input without emotion or bias, leading to an ideally objective ranking. To round out the discussion, host Brian Kenny is joined by a second analyst to allow for real-life human analysis as well. After ranking first for the 2015 ... Read More
ESPN ranks Pirates pitching in Top 10
ESPN's Buster Olney has put out his annual rankings of the top rotations and bullpens in baseball. Last year Olney predicted the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the World Series. This year he is equally bullish when it comes to the Pirates starting pitching staff and bullpen. For the starters, Olney has ranked the unit seventh overall (subscription required) in MLB. The New York Mets unsurprisingly were ranked first, followed by the Indians, Cardinals, Cubs, Giants and Dodgers The ranking be ... Read More
Pirates could find value in Latos or Masterson
If the Pittsburgh Pirates 2016 season were to begin tomorrow, their starting rotation would look a bit different from years past. With the loss of two starters this offseason, the Bucs have begun to rebuild their rotation. However, it might not hurt for the organization to work out a deal for one of two available right-handed arms. With the Departures of A.J. Burnett and Charlie Morton, the projected Pirates rotation includes returning starters Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano and Jeff Locke. ... Read More