Gregory Polanco has been in the big leagues for more than a month and while he had one of the more successful starts a prospect could have after making the jump -- .288/.374/.749 with two home runs, 10 RBI and 11 walks in June --, he has cooled down as pitchers have learned how to throw to him and Polanco has tried to adjust. What most overlook though, is a rookie not only has to adjust to the pace and play on the field, but the everyday occurrences that go on before and after the game. ... Read More
Rockies handle Pirates again 8-1
For the second straight night, the Colorado Rockies handled the Pirates easily at Coors Field 8-1 on Saturday night. The Rockies (43-60) got to Pirates starter Jeff Locke for six runs over 6 2/3 innings. They started things in the third when Charlie Blackmon reached and advanced to second on a Jordy Mercer throwing error. Josh Rutledge followed with a RBI single. Drew Stubbs added on in the fourth with a solo home run to left field. The two Rockies runs would be enough as the Pirates ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Pirates interested in bats
The Pirates stand three games out of first place in the NL Central prior to Saturday's action meaning they will most-likely become buyers prior to this year's trade deadline. A few names have popped up that could help the Pirate offense in the stretch run. Josh Willingham: Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN in Minneapolis reported that the Pirates could be interested in Willingham. Reds and Pirates two of a few teams to monitor on the Willingham trade front. Reds offered him a 2 year deal before ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Pirates linked to multiple pitchers
The Pirates find themselves in the midst of another playoff run which means they will look to be buyers once again on the trade market. With the recent injury bug to the starting rotation and troubles in the bullpen, the team has been seen looking at some potential arms to acquire. A.J. Burnett: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the Pirates have "mild at best" interest in the former Pirate as they are not on Burnett's no-trade clause. However, Heyman believes the Pirates wont trade for Burnett ... Read More
Selig believes in the Pirates
MLB commissioner Bud Selig made his farewell stop in Pittsburgh this week and he has liked what he has seen. Selig, who is in the final months as commissioner, is proud of the way the Pirates have reemerged as contenders. He even kept tabs on the club during their historic run last season that broke a 21-year losing streak and playoff drought. "I have to tell you, me sitting and watching what was going on here last fall was something that i'll never forget," said Selig. "I'm not ashamed to ... Read More
Can Andrew Lambo make an impact in 2014?
Heading into to Spring Training this season, it seemed that Pirates outfielder/first baseman Andrew Lambo was on track to start the season in the majors. Penciled in as the left-handed portion of a platoon with Gaby Sanchez at first base, all the pieces seemed to be in place for Lambo. Unfortunately, a dreadful showing at Bradenton not only cost Lambo a job most assumed would be his, it also cost him an Opening Day roster position. Once optioned to the Pirates AAA affiliate, the Indianapolis ... Read More
Cole taking rehab slow and steady
Gerrit Cole is making progress in his rehab since being placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to 7/5 with "right lat soreness" . Wednesday he threw a four inning simulated game prior to the teams series finale against the Dodgers. It was expected to be a 50-60 pitch outing, but Cole felt good enough to add a few more pitches. "I threw 70 pitches," Cole said. "Everything was pretty good. I feel good, so we'll have to gameplan what the next step is. I didn't ask how many I had to ... Read More
Marte to the seven-day concussion list
Starling Marte has been placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list. Marte took a 93 mph pitch to the head during Friday's game against the Rockies. Brent Morel has been called up from AAA Indianapolis and will be available for Wednesday nights game against the Dodgers. Morel was hitting .246 (64-for-260) with 14 doubles, a triple, three home runs, 37 RBI and 41 runs scored in 73 games with Indianapolis at the time of his promotion to Pittsburgh. He has also hit safely in 14 of his ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/23: Injury update, Hurdle discusses OBP
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (53-47) look to take the series against the Dodgers (56-46). Francisco Liriano (1-7, 4.43 ERA) will oppose Dan Haren (8-7, 4.30 ERA). Injury Update -- Starling Marte is not in tonight's starting lineup and is not listed as a player off the bench. He is currently undergoing concussion testing. If he fails those tests, he will be placed on the 7-day concussion DL and Brent Morel will be called up from AAA Indianapolis. "We're still going through ... Read More
Quiet bats wake up in Pirates 12-7 victory
Gregory Polanco and Ike Davis each broke out their slumps in style going a combined 5-for-9 with two home runs and five RBI as the Pirates defeated the Dodgers 12-7 on Tuesday night. After a back-and-forth contest through 5 1/2 innings, the Pirates (53-47) finally broke through for good in the bottom of the sixth. Russell Martin and Ike Davis started the inning with singles and advanced 90-feet on a Josh Harrison sac bunt. After a strikeout and a walk to load the bases, Polanco worked the ... Read More