For what is likely the final time this season, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters to discuss a myriad of topics relating to the past, present and future. Here's an edited transcript of what was said. On pitcher Gerrit Cole’s routine: “Really, his offseason routine has been a good one. We had the challenge in January (right rib inflammation) that we’ll address, but he was working. It’s hard to fault a guy for working when he got off track. Essentially knocked ... Read More
Huntington: ‘We’ve got the streakiest team in baseball’
Once again Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds to discuss his team's struggles and answer questions regarding the remainder of the season. Below is an edited transcript. On Josh Harrison: “This is not going to be day-to-day. We’ll have to see how he responds in 24-48 hours and determine what other diagnostics need to be explored if he is not feeling better.” Neftali Feliz/A.J. Schugel progress: “They’re ... Read More
A eulogy for the 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates playoff chances April 3, 2016 - September 6, 2016 (dates may be subjective) Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to pay our respects to the 157 days worth of pipe dreams known as the Pittsburgh Pirates playoff chances this season which though mathematically did not end on this Tuesday night in September, were for all purposes silenced by a familiar foe. It was the big brother known as the St Louis Cardinals which slayed these Pittsburgh Pirates once again by a 9-7 ... Read More
Neal Huntington talks Nova, playoffs, Cole and more
Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday's Pittsburgh Pirates game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Here are some highlights of said press conference. On Neftali Feliz: "Feliz feels better today. It’s more muscular than connective tissue. That is our read right now. On Jake Brentz and Pedro Vasquez, the relievers the Pirates picked up in Caminero trade: “We had a list of players we agreed to when we traded Caminero there. We tracked them with multiple scouts and took different ... Read More
Pirates ink Freese to two-year extension with club option for 2019
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced Monday that they've signed 1B/3B David Freese to a two-year extension beginning in 2017 with a club option for the 2019 season. As first reported by Jon Heyman, Freese will make $6.25 million in 2017, $4.25 million in 2018 and, in 2019, there will be a $6 million team option or a $500 thousand buyout. https://twitter.com/Pirates/status/767793604723081216 “David has been a consummate professional while producing offensively and playing solid defense at both ... Read More
GM Huntington: “Triple-A is a place no one wants to be”
Predictably, prospect Josh Bell and pitcher Gerrit Cole were popular topics when Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington spoke to media Sunday. Below are some highlights of said press conference. On whether Bell's promotion had been planned or was in reaction to Kang's injury: “David Freese is now going to be the third baseman, and that opens up some at-bats at first base. Clint will make the decision on a daily basis with what gives him the best lineup to win that night. We ... Read More
Pirates’ GM discusses trades and team’s approach
For the first time since the trade deadline, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington spoke to the media. Here are some of the highlights of that conversation. On the potential of August acquisitions: “We're certainly looking for ways to add to the club. The challenge becomes the way the system works. An American League player has to go through the entire American League and then anybody with a worse record than us to get to us. Typically, it's a rare player that does get to us from ... Read More
Why timing was right for Mark Melancon trade
Here's a memo to Pittsburgh Pirates fans upset about closer Mark Melancon being traded: Relax. The Pirates' management is very aware of what it is doing and, under general manager Neal Huntington, they're not wrong by making this move. First of all, Melancon is going to be just fine. He's heading to a Washington Nationals team that leads the NL East by five games. Those who question whether Melancon can handle being outside PNC Park because he doesn't strike enough batters out should stop ... Read More
Here’s what Neal Huntington had to say about the Melancon trade
After almost three years with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, closer Mark Melancon will be heading to Washington, D.C. On Saturday, it was announced Melancon was traded to the Washington Nationals in return for reliever Felipe Rivero and prospect Taylor Hearn. Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington said it was a “very difficult decision” to trade Melancon, especially “given the person that (he) is … he’s poured his heart and soul into this organization.” Melancon has had a phenomenal ... Read More
Huntington: It’s too early to determine nature of young pitcher injuries
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday's game and spoke on several topics, including injuries and the approaching trade deadline. On pitcher Tyler Glasnow's right shoulder discomfort: “I feel like we caught it early. That’s always good, but we don’t have a lot of information to relay at this time. I don’t think it was one pitch that he felt it on. To his credit, he’s trying not to let it be an excuse. He wanted to put his team in a position to ... Read More