The Pirates have emerged as a "darkhorse" in the race to acquire Red Sox starter Jon Lester. Tim Brown of Yahoo! sports has declared the Pirates a "darkhorse" contender for Lester as reported by Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports. Sources: Pirates emerging as Lester darkhorse. Deal could possibly center around Josh Bell. News with @TBrownYahoo: http://t.co/MC2CBomWpc — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 29, 2014 Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston confirms the Pirates involvement for ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Byrd back in the Burgh?
More names have surfaced in the past 48 hours as potential trade pieces for the Pirates, who are expected to be buyers by this Thursday's 4 pm trade deadline. Jon Morosi of FOX Sports has reported the Pirates are continuing to look at Phillies reliever Antonio Bastardo, but they may also have their eye on another position player from Philadelphia. Marlon Byrd: Morosi has reported the Pirates are also interested in Byrd, who was acquired by the Pirates after last year's deadline. Pirates ... Read More
Worley goes the distance in Pirates 5-0 victory
Vance Worley pitched like a man trying to keep his job as he went the distance shutting the Giants out in a Pirates 5-0 victory on Monday night. Worley had a perfect game through four innings until Pablo Sandoval broke it up with a leadoff single to start the fifth. He would be erased by a highlight-reel double play where Jordy Mercer ranged to his left and flipped the ball to Neil Walker with his glove. Walker barehanded the ball while leaning away from the base and immediately spun around ... Read More
Polanco is still adjusting to the big leagues
Gregory Polanco has been in the big leagues for more than a month and while he had one of the more successful starts a prospect could have after making the jump -- .288/.374/.749 with two home runs, 10 RBI and 11 walks in June --, he has cooled down as pitchers have learned how to throw to him and Polanco has tried to adjust. What most overlook though, is a rookie not only has to adjust to the pace and play on the field, but the everyday occurrences that go on before and after the game. ... Read More
Rockies handle Pirates again 8-1
For the second straight night, the Colorado Rockies handled the Pirates easily at Coors Field 8-1 on Saturday night. The Rockies (43-60) got to Pirates starter Jeff Locke for six runs over 6 2/3 innings. They started things in the third when Charlie Blackmon reached and advanced to second on a Jordy Mercer throwing error. Josh Rutledge followed with a RBI single. Drew Stubbs added on in the fourth with a solo home run to left field. The two Rockies runs would be enough as the Pirates ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Pirates interested in bats
The Pirates stand three games out of first place in the NL Central prior to Saturday's action meaning they will most-likely become buyers prior to this year's trade deadline. A few names have popped up that could help the Pirate offense in the stretch run. Josh Willingham: Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN in Minneapolis reported that the Pirates could be interested in Willingham. Reds and Pirates two of a few teams to monitor on the Willingham trade front. Reds offered him a 2 year deal before ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates trade rumors: Pirates linked to multiple pitchers
The Pirates find themselves in the midst of another playoff run which means they will look to be buyers once again on the trade market. With the recent injury bug to the starting rotation and troubles in the bullpen, the team has been seen looking at some potential arms to acquire. A.J. Burnett: Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports the Pirates have "mild at best" interest in the former Pirate as they are not on Burnett's no-trade clause. However, Heyman believes the Pirates wont trade for Burnett ... Read More
Selig believes in the Pirates
MLB commissioner Bud Selig made his farewell stop in Pittsburgh this week and he has liked what he has seen. Selig, who is in the final months as commissioner, is proud of the way the Pirates have reemerged as contenders. He even kept tabs on the club during their historic run last season that broke a 21-year losing streak and playoff drought. "I have to tell you, me sitting and watching what was going on here last fall was something that i'll never forget," said Selig. "I'm not ashamed to ... Read More
Pirates strike early in 6-1 win over Dodgers
Francisco Liriano looked like his 2013 self and the Pirate bats put up four runs in the first as they took a three-game series from the Dodgers with a 6-1 victory on Wednesday night. The Pirates (54-47) got to an ineffective Dan Haren right away as Gregory Polanco and Travis Snider started the bottom of the first with singles. Neil Walker and Russell Martin followed with one out walks to put the first run across. Ike Davis added a sac fly and Josh Harrison put a cap on the inning with a 2-RBI ... Read More
Cole taking rehab slow and steady
Gerrit Cole is making progress in his rehab since being placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to 7/5 with "right lat soreness" . Wednesday he threw a four inning simulated game prior to the teams series finale against the Dodgers. It was expected to be a 50-60 pitch outing, but Cole felt good enough to add a few more pitches. "I threw 70 pitches," Cole said. "Everything was pretty good. I feel good, so we'll have to gameplan what the next step is. I didn't ask how many I had to ... Read More