In case you missed it, many teams got better in the National League this offseason. A lot better. If we take an early look at the landscape as we stand in frigid January temperatures, we can see a caste system of sorts taking shape. There are the perennial contenders out west. The San Francisco Giants got considerably better than they did last year by bringing in Jeff Samardzjia, Johnny Cueto and Denard Span. The Los Angeles Dodgers took a huge hit in losing Zack Greinke to the Arizona ... Read More
Andrew McCutchen ranked as fourth-best CF by MLB Network
MLB Network kicked off its annual "Top Ten Right Now" series of programs by ranking the top 10 centerfielders and shortstops. To arrive at the rankings, the network uses a proprietary algorithm named "The Shredder." This program measures offensive and defensive input without emotion or bias, leading to an ideally objective ranking. To round out the discussion, host Brian Kenny is joined by a second analyst to allow for real-life human analysis as well. After ranking first for the 2015 ... Read More
Pirates ink extension with Chris Stewart
Several outlets have reported that the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms on a contract extension with catcher Chris Stewart. Robert Murray of Baseball Essential was the first to relay the news via a tweet. Source: #Pirates signing Chris Stewart to a two-year deal. Has a team option for a third year. — Robert Murray (@RobertMurrayBBE) January 14, 2016 The move is a surprising one. With Elias Diaz major-league ready and Reese McGuire making steady progress through the team's ... Read More
ESPN ranks Pirates pitching in Top 10
ESPN's Buster Olney has put out his annual rankings of the top rotations and bullpens in baseball. Last year Olney predicted the Pittsburgh Pirates to win the World Series. This year he is equally bullish when it comes to the Pirates starting pitching staff and bullpen. For the starters, Olney has ranked the unit seventh overall (subscription required) in MLB. The New York Mets unsurprisingly were ranked first, followed by the Indians, Cardinals, Cubs, Giants and Dodgers The ranking be ... Read More
First step toward spring training arrives as Pirates begin mini camp
The Pittsburgh Pirates begin their first steps toward the 2016 season as they open their annual mini-camp today in Bradenton, Florida. Joining the club will be new relief pitching acquisition Daniel Bard. Bard signed a minor-league deal with the team and will attend spring training. Bard made his name as a reliever for the Boston Red Sox. He had some effective years, most notably 2010 in which he posted a 1.93 ERA in 73 appearances. After an attempt to convert him into a starter in 2012 ... Read More
Pirates DFA Tony Sanchez
In a move necessitated by the team’s acquisition of reliever Neftali Feliz, Tony Sanchez was designated for assignment today by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The move brings an end to a colorful time with the team besotted by off-the-field incidents and lackluster progression. If a rival MLB club does not claim Sanchez during the waiver period, he will remain in the Pirates’ system but will not be on their 40-man roster. Taken with the fourth overall pick of the 2009 MLB Entry Draft, Sanchez ... Read More
Pirates add 12 to spring training non-roster invitee list
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they would be inviting 12 additional non-roster prospects to spring training in 2016. Headlining the list is prized catching prospect Reese McGuire. The 20-year old McGuire spent the entirety of the 2015 with the Class A- Advanced Bradenton Marauders, in which he hit .254 with a .595 OPS. By most accounts, his defensive abilities are far ahead of his swing. The invite to spring training comes on the heels of a hot sting in the Arizona Fall League. ... Read More
Do the Pittsburgh Pirates have a legitimate cleanup hitter?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a cleanup hitter problem. Indeed, the fourth spot in the batting order is a nebulous one for the team as it is currently constructed. Traditionally, a hitter in that spot is counted on to provide protection for a team's third hitter and, well, clean up by driving in any runners left on base. Last year, the team felt that the cleanup hitter was enough of a weakness to address it mid-season in the form of welcoming Aramis Ramirez back to the fold. Ramirez ... Read More
Face off Friday: Pirates roundtable
If there's one thing Pittsburgh Pirates fan love, it's debating the team's move during the off-season. The signing of John Jaso and acquisition of Yoervis Medina gave fans plenty of chances to do so. We here at the Pittsburgh Sporting News are no exception. Fellow Pirates contributor Jose Negron and I went back and forth via email on a few key hot stove topics, and that exchange is recounted for you here. On the First Base position... JASON: Jose, it seems as if the Pirates have ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates find left-handed 1B in John Jaso
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a busy day today as they made several moves, most notably addressing their intended first base platoon by signing left-handed hitting 1B/OF John Jaso to a two-year/$8million contract. Jaso missed most of 2015 due to injury. He is a seven-year veteran having spent parts of his career with the Mariners, Rays and Athletics. For his career, Jaso has a triple-slash line of .263/.361/.406. By far Jaso's biggest tool is the ability to get on base, with an excellent ... Read More