The Pittsburgh Pirates played its annual Black-Gold scrimmage with Team Black defeating Team Gold 2-1 Monday at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, FL. This game was the first time fans got the opportunity to see Jung-ho Kang. Kang played in three innings registering a first inning ground out to short in his lone at-bat. "That's when I realized, 'Game on.' It helped a lot to get to play [before facing other teams], to get a feel for it," Kang said to the assembled media. Fans cheered loudest ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates reveal new McKechnie Field home clubhouse
A day after announcing changes to PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates did the same with McKechnie Field unveiling a new home clubhouse. The Pirates' 22,500 foot clubhouse will include: a strength and conditioning room, athletic training room, hydrotherapy, equipment room, wooden lockers for both players and coaches, a kitchen and dining hall, a conference room for the team's coaches to meet, offices and a press conference room. The clubhouse itself has multiple intentions with one being a ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates unveil ballpark changes for 2015 season
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that is has made improvements in left field, the 300 level and an administration building meeting center as the 2015 season approaches. “It is important for the Pirates, and we believe the City of Pittsburgh, that PNC Park continues to be widely considered as the best ballpark in America,” Pirates President Frank Coonelly said in a press release. “We view PNC Park as one of Major League Baseball’s iconic ballparks, and we understand that iconic ballparks ... Read More
Player-to-be-named announced in Snider trade
The Pirates announced the player-to-be-named in the Travis Snider trade with Baltimore. The team acquired 22-year-old LHP Steven Brault from the Orioles High-A Frederick organization. Brault, an 11th round pick by the Orioles in the 2013 Amateur Draft, posted an 11-8 record with a 2.77 ERA and a 0.984 WHIP in 24 starts (25 games) in 2014 between Class-A Delmarva and High-A Frederick. Brault's fastball sits 90-92 mph with some sink to it. He also has a decent slider and change up that ... Read More
Pirates unveil new performance center at Pirate City
The Pittsburgh Pirates today officially unveiled the new 12,240-square-foot performance center at Pirate City, the Pirates’ training facility in Bradenton, Florida. The new two-story performance center, which was constructed adjacent to the existing dining facility, combines leading edge technology with coaching, training and recovery support. It is designed to support the club’s year-round athletic performance and rehabilitation programs in Bradenton. The center includes coaches’ offices, ... Read More
Alvarez wins arbitration hearing
Pedro Alvarez has won his arbitration hearing against the Pirates and will earn $5.75 million this season. The Pirates offer was $5.25 million. Alvarez got the decision despite an all-around down year leading the league in errors committed while only posting a .231/.312/.405 slash line with 18 home runs — 18 less than in 2013. Alvarez will try to get back on track this season as he will complete the move to first base during the spring. The Pirates have no more players in arbitration ... Read More
Pirates new affiliate unveils logo
The West Virginia Black Bears — a Low-A short-season affiliate of the Pirates — unveiled their new logo on Wednesday at a press conference in Morgantown, WV. PRESS RELEASE – With anticipation building for Opening Day, the Black Bears today unveiled their exciting new primary team logo that combines the scenic natural beauty of their West Virginian home with the strength and power represented by the Black Bears’ name. Opening Day of the inaugural season of Black Bears baseball is just 121 ... Read More
Pirates spring training: Three things to watch
1) Pedro Alvarez's move to first Alvarez has the potential to be a 30+ home run guy — as seen during the 2013 season — but his defensive struggles last season may have aided in his lack of offense (.231/.312/.405 slash with 18 home runs in 122 games). Although he didn't attend voluntary workouts in Bradenton, Alvarez has reportedly been working out in Nashville during the offseason and is at 100% health going into spring training. A change to first could help Alvarez focus solely on his ... Read More
Pirates enter spring training with unanswered questions
As the equipment trucks make their way from Pittsburgh to Bradenton, questions still remain with the Pirates. One arbitration case remains Pedro Alvarez is the lone arbitration case that remains open on the Pirates roster. His case will decide the Pirates $5.25 million asking price against his $5.75 asking price. Vance Worley won his case and will earn $2.45 million while the Pirates won it's case against Neil Walker as he will receive $8 million. Walker's dollar amount is not the ... Read More
Pirates acquire Salcedo from Braves
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to stockpile for the 2015 season as they have acquired AAA utility INF/OF Edward Salcedo from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for High-A RHP Bryton Trepagnier. Salcedo (23) played his first full year in AAA last season posting a .212/.294/.357 slash line and a .651 OPS with 10 home runs, 21 doubles and 44 RBI in 110 games (413 PA) for Gwinnett of the International League. Salcedo was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Braves in 2010 and has a ... Read More