ALTOONA, Pa. -- Right-hander James McDonald took the mound at People's Natural Gas Field on Saturday afternoon to get some final work in of the spring before the season kicks off on Monday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Facing the Pirates Double-A affiliate the Altoona Curve, McDonald had a rough first inning --allowing four runs-- but was able to finish off the lengthy frame with a scoreless second to end his outing. "I think at times, James just tries to feel his way through things," ... Read More
Pirates set roster in preparation for Opening Day
The buses are packed up and the Pirates are going to be on their way back to Pittsburgh before you know it. With its scrimmage against Altoona on Saturday and Opening Day on Monday, the Pirates have all but finalized its Opening Day roster. Roster moves were made earlier today that put the roster at 26 men. Kyle McPherson, Jordy Mercer and Alex Presley were all optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Felix Pie, Vin Mazzaro, Lucas May, Ryan Reid, Carlos Paulino and Mike Zagurski were all ... Read More
Snedden’s Take: Potpourri Madness
Due to circumstances beyond my control – a confluence of the flu, work, and late night World Baseball Classic games – Snedden’s Take took a brief one week hiatus last week. I appreciate all of the encouraging letters and email I received from my worldwide fan base, asking about my health and general wellness. Being the generous humanitarian I am, I sent every single one of those fans a personalized fruit basket. I hope you both received them and didn’t get sick from the spoiled mangos. In ... Read More
Taillon, Sands among first cuts for Pirates
With opening day just a few weeks away, it's time for the Pirates roster to start taking shape. This morning, the Pirates made their first cuts of spring training. The most notable cuts were their No. 2 prospect Jameson Taillon and one of the players in the Joel Hanrahan deal, Jerry Sands. Taillon arrived back in Bradenton yesterday after pitching for Team Canada in the WBC. Taillon was assigned to minor league camp. Along with Taillon, Matt Hague, Darren Ford, Anderson Hernandez and Erik ... Read More
Is Clint Barmes the next Paul Martin?
As Sidney Crosby is once again putting any doubt aside that he's the best player in the world, there are a slew of Pens players that are making a name for themselves this year as well. James Neal has eight power play goals and is showing that last season was no fluke. The most shocking surprise - in hockey, not just Pittsburgh - is the play of Chris Kunitz. He currently leads the league in +/- at 22, is third in points with 37 and second in goals with18. Chris Kunitz people. On a team with ... Read More
Top 5 Games in Three Rivers Stadium History
Surrounded by the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, Three Rivers Stadium is a big part of Pittsburgh's history. The stadium hosted a World Series, many All Star games, and housed the Pirates, Steelers, Pitt Panthers, and the Pittsburgh Maulers. Three Rivers Stadium opened in 1970 and closed in 2001. For 31 years, it was one of the most celebrated stadiums in the country. With that, I wanted to take a look at the top 5 games in the history of Three Rivers Stadium. Here they are: #5 – ... Read More
Pirates to implement leadership group; Who belongs on it?
In his Sunday column, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writer Dejan Kovacevic had a one-on-one interview with Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle. In the column, Kovacevic goes on to say how the team still has Hurdle's back despite the back-to-back late season collapses. In order to ensure that the players know that Hurdle has their back as well, he is doing something that very few - if any - other coaches/managers do it sports. "Near the end of this spring training, Hurdle will ask his players to vote on ... Read More
With starting lineup set, Pirates look to fill bench positions
The Pittsburgh Pirates are going into this season with their starting lineup pretty much set in stone barring any injuries. They will have Russel Martin at catcher, Garret Jones at first base, Neil Walker at second base, Pedro Alvarez playing third, Clint Barmes at shortstop, Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, and Travis Snider patrolling the outfield. It has been said that Gabby Sanchez will get some time at first base. So that means he has solidified his spot on the bench so that only leaves ... Read More
Six Pirates set to compete in World Baseball Classic
As the 2013 World Baseball Classic gets ready to take off, not only will baseball fans get an early start on watching meaningful games, but Pittsburgh Pirates fans will get an early look at some of their own against the world's best competition. The Bucs will be sending six players to compete for their respective countries, a number that has shrunk by two after Russell Martin and Ivan DeJesus pulled out of playing for their respective countries. Martin recently declined the option to ... Read More
Pirates extend Hurdle through 2014 with option for 2015
Despite two straight late season collapses, the Pirates have announced that they will extend Manager Clint Hurdle through the 2014 season with an option for 2015 according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review. Hurdle, who is going into his third season as the Pirates manager, was originally signed to a three-year deal in the winter of 2010. In his two seasons with the Pirates, Hurdle is 151-173 for a .466 winning percentage. Hurdle was on the hot seat last year as fans ... Read More