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
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
Down on the farm: Looking at Pirates pitching depth in AAA without Kingham
It’s a reality Pittsburgh Pirate fans are becoming all too familiar with over the last couple seasons – a top pitching prospect needs Tommy John Surgery. This time, it’s Nick Kingham. Kingham is considered by pundits as the third-best pitching prospect in the Pirates system, and a guy that was expected to make the majors at some point in 2015. Now his big league debut is going to have until late 2016, or maybe even 2017. The surgery obviously gives the Bucs one less depth option this season ... Read More
Pirates Kingham undergoes Tommy John surgery
Pittsburgh Pirates fans assumed the worst and after a wait of nearly three weeks those fears were confirmed as Nick Kingham underwent Tommy John surgery yesterday in New York. The procedure performed Wednesday by Dr. David Altcheck and expected recovery time is 12-18 months. Kingham's wait came after he was placed on the disabled list by the Indianapolis Indians. Kingham was seeking a second opinion for his injury and after a long wait received the news of a torn UCL. Kingham, the ... Read More
Huntington discusses draft, Glasnow, Kingham
In what may be the last time he meets with reporters before the MLB Draft, Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington discussed the class, minor league depth and addressed whether Chris Stewart was Gerrit Cole's personal catcher. The MLB Draft will be June 8-June 10, and for the second consecutive year, the Pirates will be picking late. “This is a really good class to be picking from the back end of the first round," Huntington said. "There’s a ton of gray at the top of the draft, ... Read More
Neal Huntington presser 5/10: GM provides updates on Glasnow, Kingham
Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals and as always discussed a variety of topics. The question on everyone's mind was an update on Nick Kingham's elbow injury. Outside of the identity of the injury's location and that he was placed on the disabled list, not much was known. “As we know over the years we’re going to wait until we get the second opinion to talk about what might be going on," Huntington ... Read More
Kingham suffers elbow injury during start
Indianapolis Indians pitcher Nick Kingham left Wednesday's game in the sixth inning with elbow pain. Kingham was making a start against the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Kingham came into the season ranked as the sixth best prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system by Baseball America. “Kingham was removed from his start today due to discomfort in his right elbow,” the Indianapolis Indians said in a statement released to media. “He is ... Read More
Polanco Leads Strong Core of Minor Leaguers
Indianapolis (12-5) - Gregory Polanco enters today first in the International League in batting average (.406)...Polanco also leads the International League in hits (28) and is tied for fourth in total bases (42)...Polanco has hit safely in 14 of his first 17 games of the season...Brandon Cumpton enters today sixth in the International League in ERA (1.42)...Casey Sadler if fifth among International League starters in baserunners per 9.0 innings pitched (8.55). Altoona (6-9) - Elias Diaz has ... Read More