As the Pittsburgh Pirates go into the 2015 season, it is not as a team looking for an identity, anymore. It goes into this season as regulars that expect nothing less than their main goal of winning the final game of the season and hoisting the Commissioner's Trophy. It may feel different to fans being called "regulars" after everything they have endured since that night in October way back in 1992, but it's now the truth. And don't think this is only with the Pirates' fanbase, ... Read More
Neal Huntington on Jung-ho Kang’s position with Pirates
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington went on 93.7 "The Fan" on Wednesday to discuss Jung-ho Kang and the Pirates going into the 2015 season. While Huntington has made it clear that Kang will be with the Pirates when they open the season in Cincinnati, he has also stated that the team won't rush the former KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) superstar into a starting role with the team. "We believe he's going to be a very good big league player. A solid regular," Huntington told the Starkey ... Read More
Huntington addresses state of the Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington went on MLB Network Tuesday night to discuss the state of the club and the direction that they are going. Thanks to the club's elevated play on the field, Huntington has found it easier than it has before to get into discussions with other agents and teams because the Pirates aren't seen as a bottom feeder anymore. Other players have found more interest with the organization thanks to their 182-142 record over the past two seasons and ... Read More
Huntington willing to make big push to keep Russell Martin
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington went on 93.7 "The Fan" this afternoon and told the show they are willing to go beyond their normal limits to try and keep catcher Russell Martin. #Pirates GM Neal Huntington just told us that "We are going to go way beyond our comfort level to keep Russell Martin" #CookandPoni Show — Joe Kapp (@937Catfish) September 24, 2014 Martin will be, by far, the best free agent catching candidate this offseason as he is having a career year at the ... Read More
Neal Huntington should be given benefit of the doubt despite quiet deadline
The 2014 MLB trade deadline came and went on Thursday and the Pittsburgh Pirates were once again shut out from the party. While big names like Jon Lester, David Price and John Lackey were moved, Pirates’ general manager Neal Huntington didn’t pull the trigger on any move that could help this team down the stretch run. And that’s just fine. While Pirates’ fans everywhere are disappointed and outraged about not landing a big star at the end of the day Huntington should have at least ... Read More
Pirates stay put at trade deadline
For the second-straight year, the Pirates didn't make any major moves at the trade deadline. Pirates GM Neal Huntington and the front office were in numerous talks with other teams as reports had them asking for the likes of Lester, Price, Lackey, Bonifacio and various bullpen arms. At the end of the day, however, the asking price was too high for them as the Pirates would have needed to let go a package deal that included the likes of Josh Bell, Tyler Glasnow, Jameson Taillon, Alan Hanson , ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade deadline predictions
As I sit here writing, Pittsburgh Pirates’ general manager Neal Huntington has around eight hours remaining to figure out exactly what he wants to do in order to shape this team for the stretch run. Any trade deadline is a great day for sports fans, but especially baseball’s trade deadline. It’s easy to say just pull the trigger and add a guy like Jon Lester, but put yourself in Huntington’s shoes for a minute. Do you mortgage parts of your future for a guy you are going to only have for ... Read More
Should Pittsburgh Pirates ‘go for it’ in injury riddled NL Central?
After a torrid home stand that saw the Pittsburgh Pirates win eight of 10 games, the Bucs found themselves 27 outs away from being swept in a four-game series Thursday night. Thanks to a complete game effort from Edinson Volquez that didn't happen, but despite losing three of four games to the Red Birds, the Pirates have to be feeling pretty good about themselves as they head into Cincinnati for their final three-game series before the All-Star break. Make that they have to be feeling ... Read More
Pirates GM Neal Huntington Comments on Grilli Trade
Pirates GM Neal Huntington spoke to the media concerning the trade of Jason Grilli to the Angels in exchange for RHP Ernesto Frieri. On making the trade: "It's one of those change of scenery deals that both clubs are looking at guys they liked in the past that are currently struggling and felt they were the right move for their club and we certainly appreciate everything Jason has done not only on the field but in the clubhouse and in the community and the human part of it makes it really ... Read More
Neal Huntington Comments on Cole’s Injury
Neal Huntington spoke to the media prior to Sunday afternoon's game with the Brewers about the condition of Gerrit Cole's arm injury that has placed him on the 15-day DL (retroactive to 6/4). Manager Clint Hurdle broke the news yesterday that Cole had "right shoulder fatigue" and Huntington confirmed the diagnosis today. "All the tests that we've done so far have confirmed shoulder fatigue and Gerrit feels good with it," said Huntington. "We feel good with it and we'll see how the ... Read More