Almost 12 years to the day Aramis Ramirez was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Chicago Cubs, the third baseman came back to town wearing the familiar P and black and gold jersey. The Pirates acquired Ramirez and cash considerations from the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday in exchange for Yhonathan Barrios. “This is a good situation," Ramirez said. "I’ve played my whole career in the [NL] Central, I’m familiar with the teams, the pitching and this is a pretty good team.” Ramirez did ... Read More
Catchers easily transition into becoming a manager
Prior to a recent Pirates game Jared Hughes, came up to me to discuss my Kris Watts feature and made a statement that confirmed what had become a popular school of thought. "I'll tell you what," Hughes said, "so many catchers have made the transition into becoming a manager. Right away I think of Mike Matheny, Mike Scioscia, Brad Ausmus and it makes so much sense. They already have a lot of guys to manage, more than anyone else." His words were supported by many people and prove that there ... Read More
Resilient Pirates come back against Scherzer, Nationals
The last two nights have been quiet ones for Brent Morel, however in the bottom of the sixth inning, that changed. In what could be his final at-bat before being designated for assignment-- Aramis Ramirez is expected to be added to the roster this weekend -- Morel hit an RBI double that scored Francisco Cervelli from first base and gave the Pittsburgh Pirates a lead that they would not relinquish, and they held on to defeat the Washington Nationals by a 7-5 score on Friday night. “I was ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/24: Bucs vs. Scherzer; Caminero pitching through rough patch
When the Pittsburgh Pirates landed from Kansas City at 2:30 a.m Thursday morning, they were coming off a 1-5 road trip. The Pirates returned home and defeated the Washington Nationals by a 7-3 score. Francisco Liriano picked up the win and manager Clint Hurdle would remark after the game of his starting pitcher's early game dominance that he had never seen four innings where it was only the pitcher, catcher and first baseman that had to make plays. The Pirates hope to make it two in a row ... Read More
Ramirez a great fit considering cost, role
On July 23, 2003, the Pittsburgh Pirates made perhaps one of their worst trades in franchise history. A promising, then 23-year-old third baseman named Aramis Ramirez was traded to the Chicago Cubs, while the Pirates received what amounted to a bag of sunflower seeds in return. Exactly 12 years to the day later, Ramirez returned to Pittsburgh in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers for minor league relief pitcher Yhonathan Barrios and cash considerations. Ramirez now joins Plaxico Burress and ... Read More
Pirates return home to beat Nationals
Following a 1-5 road trip, the Pittsburgh Pirates returned to PNC Park and promptly won a 7-3 contest against the Washington Nationals Thursday night. "It was good to play in front of our hometown fans and good for the guys to push everything back, catch their breath and go out and play a baseball game," manager Clint Hurdle said. The Pirates scored first in the bottom of the first inning and used two-out hitting to benefit them in the process. Andrew McCutchen started with a single and ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/23: Liriano back; Alvarez gone?
The phrase there is no place like home may resonate for the Pittsburgh Pirates following a 1-5 road trip. The Pirates are 32-16 overall this season at PNC Park and winners of eight of their past nine home contests. Now, the Washington Nationals come to town, perhaps something which could bode well for the Pirates considering their 11-1 home record against National League East opponents at PNC Park. Coming into tonight's game, the Nationals lead the NL East by three games over the New York ... Read More
MLB Trade deadline: Ramirez rejoins Pirates
Twelve years ago, the Pirates made what many fans considered to be the worst trade in franchise history when Aramis Ramirez departed the team for the Chicago Cubs. Prior to Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals the Pirates reacquired Ramirez. “We felt like he was a good addition to our club to come in and stabilize third base for us for a while," Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington said. "We like what he has done offensively and obviously he’s had a great career. The last six ... Read More
Pirates conclude road trip 1-5 after loss to Royals
In 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates fans were used to giving Edinson Volquez standing ovations. Wednesday night however, it happened at Kauffman Stadium and for the opposing Kansas City Royals following a 5-1 victory. The Pirates and Charlie Morton [6-4] were undone by a four-run seventh inning. In the inning, catcher Salvador Perez led off with a walk. It appeared as though the big inning would be avoided on the next play as Omar Infante's sacrifice bunt attempt was quickly read by Travis Ishikawa ... Read More
Pirates late miscues result in loss
A controversial call, eighth inning defensive issues and ninth inning base running cost Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Starling Marte hit what appeared to be a home run in the second inning, however after video review the play was ruled a double. The ball hit near the top row of padding in left field and then landed in the Royals bullpen. The Root Sports broadcast clearly showed Marte surprised by the call. Manager Clint Hurdle looked for an ... Read More