Jake Arrieta appeared mortal. At least that was the case early on, but a Josh Harrison grounder that appeared destined for a single ended that. Arrieta clearly was not pitching his best in the fourth inning and paid the price for it. In that fourth inning, Arrieta allowed two earned runs to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the first time since Sept. 13, 2013 and with Francisco Cervelli on third base after a wild pitch, seemed destined for a third run. That third run never came, and the ... Read More
Nicasio fits the mold of the Pirates next reclamation project
The Pittsburgh Pirates signing of Juan Nicasio may seem all too familiar to Pirates fans. Nicasio is a hard throwing reliever with a high strikeout rate. He’s had control issues in the past. He was acquired for next to nothing (one year, $3 million deal). Last season Arquimedes Caminero fit that mold. Before Caminero it was Mark Melancon – though Joel Hanrahan was decent return at the time. Before Melancon is was Jason Grilli. If there is one thing general manager Neal Huntington and ... Read More
Who are the reclamation projects the Pirates may sign?
The process may as well be a set schedule by now. December-February: The Pittsburgh Pirates acquire a struggling pitcher with some past success. The acquisition gains little attention nationally; fans give mixed reactions. May: After a few appearances, the pitcher is making a positive impact. Fans are cautiously optimistic. Nay a peep from the national media, though. August: The pitcher is having a great season. He has won the support of the fan base; pitching coach Ray Searage gets ... Read More
COLUMN: Deserving Benedict will be missed by Pirates
It is a sad day for the Pittsburgh Pirates as Jim Benedict, whose work has been praised from top to bottom in the organization, has departed to join the Miami Marlins as vice president of pitching. Though the title sounds like a bizarre one, this is a compliment to a man who frankly I am surprised was even with the Pirates last season. Benedict and Ray Searage made a great team that consistently improved Pirates pitchers. Whether they found success with the team or with another after their ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/20: Morton works on confidence
Earlier in the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates swept a road series against the San Francisco Giants. The Pirates hope to do the same in a four-game series that begins tonight. In tonight’s game, Charlie Morton [7-4 4.36 ERA] takes on Jake Peavy [3-5 4.18 ERA]. Morton is 3-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 career starts against the Giants. In his last start Morton earned a no-decision allowing three runs [two earned] on four hits in 6.4 innings against the New York Mets. Morton's journey this ... Read More
Pirates pregame 6/23: Locke regains confidence
It is the start of another home stand for the Pittsburgh Pirates as the team returns to town to face the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates are 1-5 against the Reds this season and 1-2 at PNC Park. Locke goes back to basics Jeff Locke gets the start for the Pirates and is 1-0 in his last three starts. He also has not allowed a run at PNC Park in his last 16.2 innings pitched. Locke was a winner in his last start which was Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox. He allowed two runs on three ... Read More
Cole learns to trust off-speed pitches
Gerrit Cole had always been a pitcher that blew his fastball past hitters, however a conversation two years ago with former Pittsburgh Pirate John Buck changed this mindset. "He told me not to overthrow the breaking ball and not to overthrow the changeup," Cole said. This change in addition to injuries during the 2014 season allowed for Cole to place more trust in his off-speed pitches. Buck's remarks were echoed by pitching coach Ray Searage, who had similar observations after seeing ... Read More
Rob Scahill overcoming mental hurdles
Yogi Berra once started a famous quote by saying that 90 percent of the game was mental. This is something Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Rob Scahill can certainly relate to. "Physically the tools were always there, mentally I had to get over a hump," Scahill said. "I think I’m getting to the top of that mental hump and trying to get over it.” Scahill has translated this into success to the tune of one earned run allowed in 13.1 innings of work, good for a 0.68 ERA. "He’s pitched all ... Read More
Clayton Richard declines opt out clause; to remain with Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates still have roster decisions to make, but pitcher Clayton Richard made his intentions clear Wednesday; he wants to stay with the team. When the Pirates signed Richard to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, he had an opt out clause Tuesday and opted not to use it. This spring, Richard has a 1-1 record with a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 innings. Richard has been considered to be a 'reclamation project' by many however under pitching coach Ray Searage and ... Read More