We are approaching one of the most exciting times of year right now for serious baseball followers, the upcoming trade deadline. During the last two seasons with the Pirates on the edge of legitimacy there were a lot of calls to buy in on the moment and sell the farm for a big name deal. We have heard big names such as Hunter Pence, Justin Upton and Shin-Soo Choo mentioned as potential trade targets. I will admit that I have been on board with just about any big name trade mentioned, if for ... Read More
The Battling Buccos Sweep the Angels
Even on the Pirates worst defensive day in recent memory, the Pirates found a way. That's been the story of the season so far for the Pirates. I know that people said it last year and that people are treading with caution this year, but this team looks different. It was never as evident as it was in the Pirates 10-9 win over the Los Angeles Angels. In true Pedro Alvarez fashion, he kicked off the game with solo shot to right field to put the Pirates on the board. With Alvarez's hit and Tony ... Read More
Gerrit Cole back to the minors?
Ever since the Pirates selected Gerrit Cole with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, the expectations were through the roof. So far, Cole has met all of the expectations. He became the first pitcher to ever defeat to Cy Young Award winners in his first two starts when he bested Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke, and also earned a third consecutive victory against Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Against the Angels, Cole hit 100 miles-per-hour five times or more. Only one ... Read More
Pirates take second straight from Halos
The Pittsburgh Pirates continued their strong recent road play with a 6-1 interleague victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night at Angels Stadium. Pittsburgh has won four of six games on its current nine-game road trip, including the first two of its series in Anaheim. With the victory and St. Louis falling to the Rangers, the Pirates (45-30) are two games behind the Cardinals and have the second-best record in Major League Baseball. Starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (6-3) ... Read More
Who will be the odd man out on the pitching staff
What a start for Gerrit Cole’s career. Two times he has faced a Cy Young winner and two times he has defeated a Cy Young winner, not to mention Jered Weaver. But there was something interesting being discussed during last night’s game. When A.J. Burnett and Wandy Rodriguez return from the disabled list, is Cole going to be the one going to Triple-A? First, let’s look at the candidates (I assume Ryan Reid will already be DFA’d). Vin Mazzaro: Mazzaro is in the midst of his best season in the ... Read More
Pirate of the Week: Pedro Alvarez
The one Pirate that every Pirates' fan loves to hate, Pedro Alvarez has been on fire as of late. He may not hit for a high average, but not many power hitters do. For his strong play over the past week, Alvarez is awarded with our Yinzer of the Week award. The Pirates played eleven games in a row, and over the past seven days, Alvarez has had at least one hit in every game except for one. He had two games with multiple hits and three games with multiple RBIs. Last Sunday the Pirates overcame ... Read More
Cole remains perfect with win over Angels
In a game that was close to his heart, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole literally felt right at home in defeating the Los Angeles Angels 5-2. The Newport Beach, California born Cole had his best start to date and displayed a fastball that topped out at 101 miles per hour and according to Root Sports color commentator Bob Walk ‘a 92 mile per hour change up’. This was all while earning his third win in as many starts to open the season. Regardless of what pitch was thrown, Cole showed ... Read More
Tony Sanchez to join the Pirates in Anaheim
Just yesterday, the hot topic was surrounding the ESPN article that said the Pirates should make a run at Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins. Along with Jameson Taillon and Gregory Polanco, the other name that was included in the article was Tony Sanchez. Just 24 hours later, Sanchez will have a shot to show what he can do. 93.7 The Fan's Dan Zangrilli broke the news that Sanchez is expected to join the Pirates on their West Coast trip this weekend in Anaheim. Pittsburgh Sporting News has ... Read More
Pedro Alvarez deserves All-Star consideration
"El Toro strikes again!" You've heard that phrase a lot lately, 16 times this season to be exact, from broadcaster Tim Neverett while calling the Pittsburgh Pirates games. El Toro, of course, is the nickname for third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Since Alvarez has arrived, he's been everyone's favorite player to either love or hate; there's no in between. While Alvarez enjoyed a 3-4 day against the Reds with another home run and five RBIs, he continued to prove the point I've been trying to drive ... Read More
Alvarez’s Bat Launches the Pirates Over Reds
Homer Bailey was on the mound but it was Pedro Alvarez who made Cincinnati say, Doh! Alvarez went 3-4 with 5 RBIs, including a bases clearing double in the seventh to give the Pirates a lead they would not relinquish in a 5-3 victory over the Reds. The Reds got the scoring started in the first on a Joey Votto single that scored Shin Soo Choo. Choo reached base on an Alvarez throwing error to begin the game. Alvarez atoned for the error in the third inning with a two out single to score ... Read More