If there is one thing that can be predicted about the MLB trade deadline each year, it is that it is unpredictable. The big deadline winners have rarely made it to the World Series as of late, while some teams that make little to no moves end up winning the pennant. Last season, for example, the Oakland Athletics came away as the deadline’s big winner. They went all-in to acquire pitchers Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel and Jon Lester and gave up outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and top prospects ... Read More
PNC Park voted best ballpark in MLB
Approximately 91,000 fans let their voices be heard, and the final result was that PNC Park was voted the best ballpark in Major League Baseball. The voting was conducted online and took multiple rounds to determine the winner. “There are so many outstanding MLB ballparks out there, and our readers certainly know quality when they see it,” said Kevin Reichard, Ballpark Digest publisher in a press release. “With a lovely Allegheny River location and the ultimate site in downtown Pittsburgh, PNC ... Read More
Pirates win series in front of sellout crowd
Up by two runs with starter Gerrit Cole out of the game, Tony Watson faced Bryce Harper with two on and two out. Harper hit a ground ball that Sean Rodriguez read off a hop and ran to the bag to record the third out. “It was one of those in-between ones," Rodriguez said. "That was basically one of those that if I get to it then there’s no play at first but I could at least keep a run from scoring. I took that chance and [Walker] said it was the right read.” The Pittsburgh Pirates took ... Read More
Neal Huntington presser 7/26: Harrison, Lambo, Sadler among injury updates; Hanson continues progression
Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday afternoon's game against the Washington Nationals and tackled topics ranging from injury updates, trade deadline conversation and some of the players on the major league roster. On Gorkys Hernandez: “Gorkys has gone out and played a couple of games with [Triple-A] Indianapolis and looks healthy. Our anticipation is if he continues this way we’ll activate him and have to make a decision.” Regarding Rob ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/26: Ramirez discusses love for basketball; Scahill roots on teammates
Following a 9-3 loss by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Washington Nationals, the home team hopes to take three of four against a team that is leading the National League East. Gerrit Cole [13-4 2.31 ERA] will face Joe Ross [2-2 2.70 ERA] in this afternoon's contest. Cole is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts against the Nationals. Cole lost his last start against the Kansas City Royals allowing three runs [two earned] on five hits over the course of 7.1 innings of work. Ross is ... Read More
Pirates overwhelmed by Nationals offense
Ask A.J. Burnett about his start in Saturday night's loss and he would not discuss the eight strikeouts, but rather all of the mistakes he made. “I’m hitting guys in the foot, throwing balls down the middle, throwing balls away from first, I didn’t cover home," Burnett said. "I got strike outs but I’ve got to keep the balls in the lanes and in the corners.” The Pittsburgh Pirates appeared to be on the verge of a comeback following a three-run sixth inning, but one swing of the bat from Ian ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/25: Ramirez to bat cleanup; Caminero looks to improve
Though Aramis Ramirez has been much of the talk of late, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been able to win its first two games of its four-game series against the Washington Nationals. The Pirates won the two games by scores of 7-3 and 7-5. “Any time we win it’s what we’re looking for," Jared Hughes said. "These last couple of games have been nice because we’ve won. It’s time to keep that positive momentum going and continue to win.” Tonight A.J. Burnett will face Gio Gonzalez. Burnett ... Read More
Ramirez excited to be back with Pirates
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