For the third consecutive year, the Pittsburgh Pirates will open their season on the North Shore at PNC Park. The team begins the 2014 campaign with a six-game homestand that includes a three-game series vs. National League Central rivals, the Chicago Cubs and the defending N.L. Champion, St. Louis Cardinals. Opening Day festivities will highlight Opening Week as many former Pirates players will return to Pittsburgh to participate in on-field ceremonies and present the Pirates 2013 N.L. award ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: First Base
We finish up our Pirates Spring Training preview at first base, the position that is the most surprising going into Mondays season opener. Gaby Sanchez was a lock going into the spring at first base, but his platoon partner wasn't. The partner for him was looking like Andrew Lambo, who had to only put a decent showing to lock up the spot. He didn't even do that as he hit .095/.095/.269 in 42 spring at bats. The Pirates were lucky enough to have Travis Ishikawa step up and take the ... Read More
Jameson Taillon Shut Down With Elbow Tightness
Multiple sources are reporting Pirates top pitcher prospect, Jameson Taillon will be shut down for a few weeks with elbow discomfort. Jameson Taillon out with what he calls “a little bit of elbow discomfort”. Could miss the first month of the season - http://t.co/mlQNqvENeO— Tim Williams (@timwilliamsP2) March 23, 2014 Neal Huntington told reporters that there is no ligament damage and the pitcher will get a second opinion later this week. #Pirates GM Neal Huntington says no ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Left / Center Field
We continue our Pirates preview by looking at two of the most talented positions on the field. Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte are one of the best outfield duo's in the game. Their ability to cover ground helped lead the Pirates defense last year and with the addition of Gregory Polanco in mid-June, they will have one of the best outfields in the majors. Starling Marte: Marte was posting a solid rookie season until a hand injury sidelined him for 25 games in late-August. He ... Read More
Pirates Make More Cuts
The Pittsburgh Pirates made more spring training cuts today sending eight players off of the major league roster. Five players were reassigned to minor league camp: Jake Brigham (RHP) Chase d' Arnaud (INF) Cody Eppley (RHP) Josh Kinney (RHP) Yao-Hsun Yang (LHP) The Pirates also optioned three players to Triple-A Indianapolis: Phil Irwin (RHP) Chris McGuiness (INF) Brent Morel (INF) The moves, along with catcher Chris Stewart expected to start ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Right Field
We continue our preview of the 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates with a look at right field, a position that had some question marks going into spring training. Gregory Polanco will be the Pirates right fielder once he gets the call up from AAA -- Most likely mid-to-end of June -- but before he gets his shot, it will be the tandem of Travis Snider and Jose Tabata to hold down the spot. Jose Tabata: Tabata experienced an up-and-down season in 2013 which included a stint on the DL that made him miss ... Read More
Jameson Taillon: On the Verge of the Bigs
Jameson Taillon has been sent down to minor league camp by the Pirates, but this doesn't mean it will be the last time you see him this year. As with Gerrit Cole last year, the Pirates gave Taillon a second small helping of big league spring training to get used to the staff, players and the feel for the major league game before going back to minor league camp to get prepared for the start of the AAA season. It was a different feel for him this time around as he was able to focus on his game ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Setup man / Closer
We move on with our 2014 Pirates position previews with the men that shut the door on opposing offences at the end of games. The Pirates back end was 73 - 5 -- three of those losses came in the final month-- when taking a lead into the eighth inning and it produced two NL All-Stars in Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli. Tony Watson and Justin Wilson also aided in the setup role with their power game to create one of the most feared groups in the league. Justin Wilson: 2013: 6 - 1, 2.08 ERA ... Read More
Mercer, Pirates Confident For 2014
Jordy Mercer made the most of his first full year in the majors as he the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates broke the streak, made the playoffs and took the eventual NL Champion St. Louis Cardinals to the brink in the NLDS. "It was fun, bringing winning back to Pittsburgh is what it's all about," said Mercer. "The tradition that the Pirates have and to be able to bring a playoff atmosphere back and playoff baseball back, it was something special. We had a good group of guys last year and we have the ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Third Base
We continue our spring preview of the Pirates with the hot corner. The position filled by last years Co-NL home run champ, Pedro Alvarez. Although, this season, he may be getting some help. Pedro Alvarez: Pedro showed offensive improvement last season by hitting a league-leading 36 home runs and driving in 100 which was fifth-best in the NL and also good enough for his first silver slugger award. He still has more room to improve though, as he led the league in strikeouts (186) while ... Read More