Pitchers and catchers start reporting Feb. 17 with other teams doing the same later in the week. This means that baseball season is fast approaching. With that in mind, it is time to offer up an early look at how I expect the National League Central to shape up. Will the St. Louis Cardinals continue its dominance atop the division? 1. Chicago Cubs 88-74 Key additions- Jason Heyward (FA), John Lackey (FA), Ben Zobrist (FA), Adam Warren (trade/Yankees) Key departures- Starlin Castro ... Read More
Pirates spring training preview: Pirates young outfield ready to take next step
As part of our Spring Training preview, we will be highlighting each unit of the Pittsburgh Pirates, spotlighting what they might be working on as they get ready to face the rigors of the Major League Baseball season. In part one we focused on what the starting rotation should work on. Now, the outfielders get their turn. The Pittsburgh Pirates have arguably the best young outfield in baseball. Gregory Polanco, Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen combined for 12.9 WAR (wins above ... 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
Pirates ink extension with Chris Stewart
Several outlets have reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms on a contract extension with catcher Chris Stewart. Robert Murray of Baseball Essential was the first to relay the news via a tweet. Source: #Pirates signing Chris Stewart to a two-year deal. Has a team option for a third year. — Robert Murray (@RobertMurrayBBE) January 14, 2016 The move is a surprising one. With Elias Diaz major-league ready and Reese McGuire making steady progress through the team's ... 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
First step toward spring training arrives as Pirates begin mini camp
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin their first steps toward the 2016 season as they open their annual mini-camp today in Bradenton, Florida. Joining the club will be new relief pitching acquisition Daniel Bard. Bard signed a minor-league deal with the team and will attend spring training. Bard made his name as a reliever for the Boston Red Sox. He had some effective years, most notably 2010 in which he posted a 1.93 ERA in 73 appearances. After an attempt to convert him into a starter in 2012 ... Read More
Pirates sign RP Trey Haley
A day after signing Neftali Feliz, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed another bullpen arm in right-handed pitcher Trey Haley. The deal is for one-year according to a team release. Haley, a second-round pick in 2008, was a minor league free agent but was signed to a Major League contract, meaning he will likely compete for a spot with the Pirates, after spending 2014 in the Cleveland Indians minor league organization. In Double-A he threw 34 innings and put up a 2.38 ERA and a 10.1 K/9 ... Read More
Pirates DFA Tony Sanchez
In a move necessitated by the team’s acquisition of reliever Neftali Feliz, Tony Sanchez was designated for assignment today by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move brings an end to a colorful time with the team besotted by off-the-field incidents and lackluster progression. If a rival MLB club does not claim Sanchez during the waiver period, he will remain in the Pirates’ system but will not be on their 40-man roster. Taken with the fourth overall pick of the 2009 MLB Entry Draft, Sanchez ... Read More
Pirates sign RP Neftali Feliz
The Pittsburgh Pirates added another power arm to their bullpen for the 2016 season on Wednesday, coming to terms with right-handed relief pitcher Neftali Feliz. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports was the first to report the signing. Feliz gets a one-year deal that will pay him $3.9 million. Source: Neftali Feliz, Pirates agree to one-year, $3.9 million deal. — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 6, 2016 The 28-year old Feliz made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2009 and has ... Read More