The 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates are a much different team from years past. For the first time since 2010 when they lost 52 games by the fourth of July, the Pirates (42-41) have questions regarding their role when it comes to the trade deadline. As always, the trade deadline (August 1 this year) is bound to be an exciting one. With the Pirates sitting just one game above the .500 mark, many think that it may be time to sell and bring younger talent into the organization. However, the time is now ... Read More
Pirates take opening game against Cardinals, place Taillon on DL
Prior to Monday afternoon's game, it was unclear if Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco would have the chance to be in the starting lineup. By game's end, the answer was fairly clear. Polanco homered twice in a 4-2 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. His first home run gave the Pirates a 2-1 advantage and came in the sixth inning off Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez. John Jaso, who doubled to lead off the inning, also scored on the play. The second homer came in ... Read More
Make-or-break week on tap for Pirates
Pittsburgh ... we're here. No, I haven't suddenly turned into Bray Wyatt (wrestling is still real to me, dammit!), rather it's the most important week for the Pirates in the 2016 season. Before heading into the All-Star break, the Pirates travel to St. Louis for four games before hosting the Chicago Cubs for three entering the mid-summer classic. Make or break time for the Pirates. Coming off a series sweep of the Oakland Athletics where the Pirates earned come-from-behind wins in all ... Read More
Pirates sweep A’s, return to .500
It appeared the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen would finally allow a run as the Oakland Athletics had runners on first and third base with one out in the sixth inning. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had been ejected earlier in the inning, his second removal of the week, and A.J. Schugel was tasked with keeping his team up 4-3 on the scoreboard against the Athletics. Stephen Vogt was the batter and defensive replacement David Freese would be put to the test. Vogt hit a hard line drive to Freese ... Read More
Another come-from-behind win gives Pirates series vs. A’s
It was a game that mirrored Friday night's game, and, though Saturday's game took longer to determine a winner, the outcome was the same: a Pittsburgh Pirates win over the Oakland Athletics. Although, tonight, the final score was 4-2, and it took 10 innings. Tonight's win means the Pirates are now 4-4 on the season in extra inning games and have won two of their past three series (after dropping four in a row); this is the first time the Pirates have won a road series since a trip to St. ... Read More
Pirates recover from early deficit, defeat A’s 7-3
This game had “loss” written all over it for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates trailed the Oakland Athletics 3-0 through two innings, and Jeff Locke was starting on the mound in a road contest. As good as Locke has been at home — posting a 2.96 ERA — he's struggled mightily on the road; he has a 7.36 ERA (36 earned runs allowed in 44-plus inning pitched) to show for it. And, tonight, after three innings Locke was already at 72 pitches. It had the makings of a short outing. But, after a ... Read More
Breaking down pitch adjustments from pitcher, catcher and hitter POVs
It seems so simple: a pitcher throws a pitch, and a batter either looks at it or swings. But, in reality, it’s much more complicated than that. It’s this game of cat-and-mouse game between a pitcher, catcher and hitter that determines success, wins and so much more. So you wanna be a pitcher? The pitcher has the most control in an at-bat — after all, the ball is in his hand. He dictates the pitch, and he relies on a variety of different things to determine what he should throw. “The ... Read More
Pirates split series vs Mariners as Pittsburgh’s offense awakens
A day after the frustrated Pittsburgh Pirates could do no right, smiles were aplenty as they beat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 Wednesday night. The Pirates were able to capitalize off Mariners starter Wade Miley, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list after recovering from a shoulder injury. Miley (6-4) didn't make it to the fifth inning as he had already allowed five runs on seven hits through four innings while also throwing 74 pitches. See also: Niese's miscues ... Read More
Niese’s miscues costly in Pirates’ loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates' reaction to Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners can best be summarized by something simple: a hung head. Pittsburgh starter Jon Niese hung his head after Seattle's Nelson Cruz hit a towering home run, the 19th homer the Pirates starter surrendered this season. Cruz's ball stayed just fair, flirting with the left field foul pole and giving Cruz 20 home runs for the eighth consecutive ... Read More
Which prospects could help the Pirates out this year?
Chad Kuhl's first career at-bat Sunday probably won't be memorable. He struck out, as pitchers often do at the plate. But it wasn't a typical strikeout. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie fouled off five pitches and took another two for balls before he failed to connect with the eighth pitch he saw. In doing so, Kuhl drove Los Angeles Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw's pitch count up to 37 on the night and 21 in the second inning. Kuhl then helped set the stage for fellow rookie Adam ... Read More