What do the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves have in common? This isn't a trick question, and there isn't punchline — unless you consider the Pittsburgh Pirates (53-53) one for losing to both during this road trip, a fact secured with the team's 5-2 loss Thursday night to the Braves. It's a shame because Ryan Vogelsong pitched his heart out. The fact that Vogelsong even was on a Major League mound is beyond commendable. In late May, while in the batter's box, Vogelsong was hit ... Read More
Four-run first not enough for Pirates
The Atlanta Braves own Major League Baseball's worst record, yet it was hard to tell in their 8-4 victory Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In this game, the Pirates were out-hit 15-4, and thus far in the two games this series, the Braves have 25 hits to the Pirates nine. After allowing the Pirates to have a four-run first inning, the Braves scored at least one run in six consecutive frames. Early on it appeared the narrative would be the Pirates victimizing a starting ... Read More
Four-run sixth highlights Pirates’ win vs. Braves
A day after the Pittsburgh Pirates made some tough decisions at the trade deadline, the team gave fans something to cheer for. For the first time since last Wednesday, the Pirates (53-51) found themselves in the win column with a 5-3 road victory Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves (37-69). Tony Watson made his debut as the Pirates' closer and pitched a scoreless inning to earn his first save since April 22, 2015 (and his sixth career save). He struck out one batter and walked another ... Read More
What are best-case results for each Pirates trade?
Neal Huntington, you might have finally outsmarted yourself. Let me start by saying Huntington has done his share of wonders as general manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Taking them from a perennial loser with a barren farm system and making them a contender year-in-and-year-out with a loaded system was no small task. He has pulled off some absolute steals, and he should not be pushed out the door after a down year of transactions – assuming his latest round doesn't work. But will they, ... Read More
What do trade deadline acquisitions bring to Pirates?
Another trade deadline has come and gone in Major League Baseball and, like many teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates were very active on the trade front. With an offense that has been relatively good this season, the Pirates turned their attention strictly to pitching as they made four deals leading up to the deadline. However, questions surround these new acquisitions and how they will impact the Pirates the rest of this season and into the future. Let's take a look at each trade and examine ... Read More
Pirates acquire Ivan Nova, trade Niese
With rumors floating around the past few weeks including Chris Archer - wasn't going to happen - Nate Eovaldi and Matt Moore, the Pirates landed a pitcher before the 4 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline on Monday, as they acquired pitcher Ivan Nova from the New York Yankees. nova traded to pirates — Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) August 1, 2016 Umm, sure. The return is a player to be named later. Nova, 29, has a 4.90 ERA, with a 5.09 FIP and a 1.35 WHIP on the season. Nova is primarily a ... Read More
Pirates swept again in Milwaukee
There was more to Sunday afternoon's 4-2 loss by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Milwaukee Brewers. Not only were the Pirates swept this weekend, but they never had a lead at any point. Additionally, the Pirates have lost nine straight contests to the Brewers at Miller Park and are 17-64 there since the 2007 season. In each of the three games this series, the Brewers scored first. Friday and Saturday, the Brewers hit two-run home runs in the opening inning, but this time the run was ... Read More
Why timing was right for Mark Melancon trade
Here's a memo to Pittsburgh Pirates fans upset about closer Mark Melancon being traded: Relax. The Pirates' management is very aware of what it is doing and, under general manager Neal Huntington, they're not wrong by making this move. First of all, Melancon is going to be just fine. He's heading to a Washington Nationals team that leads the NL East by five games. Those who question whether Melancon can handle being outside PNC Park because he doesn't strike enough batters out should stop ... Read More
Base-running gaffes cost Pirates in 5-3 loss to Brewers
When five consecutive batters reached base in the fourth inning, it seemed like Saturday night's game could be big for the Pittsburgh Pirates (52-50). But the opportunity was squandered, and only one baserunner scored. As such, manager Clint Hurdle couldn't even force a smile in a 5-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers (46-56). Even the play where the run scored, a Jung Ho Kang single, didn't have the desired impact as Starling Marte was thrown out at third base. This came after Marte was also ... Read More
Here’s what Neal Huntington had to say about the Melancon trade
After almost three years with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, closer Mark Melancon will be heading to Washington, D.C. On Saturday, it was announced Melancon was traded to the Washington Nationals in return for reliever Felipe Rivero and prospect Taylor Hearn. Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington said it was a “very difficult decision” to trade Melancon, especially “given the person that (he) is … he’s poured his heart and soul into this organization.” Melancon has had a phenomenal ... Read More