For years now Starling Marte has been seen as the best Pirates’s prospect. His potential is through the roof, and now he is finally showcasing his skill at the Major League level. Last season there was much speculation that he was possible trade bait and could be shipped off for a proven talent such as Justin Upton. Luckily, that wasn’t the case and he stayed right here where he belonged. Marte was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Pirates in 2007, and up until 2010 he never ... Read More
MLB Power Rankings: Pirates crack top 20 in opening rankings
Now that we are two weeks into the 2013 MLB season, it’s time for my first installment of my 2013 MLB Power Rankings. There have been some surprises early on and some teams have disappointed coming out of the gates. Where does your favorite team rank? Let’s not waste any time and find out. 30. Miami Marlins (2-11): The Marlins offense is worse than expected and that says a lot. Through 13 games they have MLB worst marks in runs scored (23), batting average (.203), on-base percentage ... Read More
Pirates Notebook: Presley Returns to Pittsbugh to help bench
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Prior to the game on Monday, the Pirates optioned right-hander Phil Irwin back to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalled outfielder Alex Presley. The move balanced the roster back to 12 pitchers and 13 position players, but Manager Clint Hurdle elected to bring up Presley, who is an outfielder rather than fill the void of infielder Josh Harrison. "We looked at the schedule and [we are facing] all right-handed pitchers with the exception of [Atlanta Braves starter Paul] Maholm, ... Read More
McDonald exits early after rough outing raising concern about health
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- James McDonald wasn't able to pitch out of the second inning of Monday's start against the St. Louis Cardinals raising concern about his health. The right-hander was charged with eight runs (three earned) on eight hits over just 1.2 innings. It marked his shortest start since April 30th, 2009 with the Los Angeles Dodgers when he allowed three runs on two hits over 1.2 frames with four walks and no strikeouts. After the game either McDonald nor Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle had ... Read More
McKenry has multi homer game in Pirates comeback win
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Being a bench player, and not getting the opportunity to play everyday can be a tough adjustment for a young athlete. But for Michael McKenry, he's made the transission look smooth as the Pirates No. 2 catcher. Sunday at PNC Park was only McKenry's second start of the 2013 season, but he made the most out of that opportunity by blasting two home runs in the 10-7 comeback win. "That's not the easiest position for a young player to be in," Manager Clint Hurdle said. "Second ... Read More
Irwin battles nerves in Major League debut
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- The first time a player takes the field for their Major League debut, a lot of things race through their mind. Everything slows down. Their heart feels like it's beating through their chest. Raw emotions. Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle remembers that feeling all to well when he stepped onto the grass back in September of 1977 for the Kansas City Royals. "It's one of the best things I've experienced," Hurdle said. "It's a life highlight. It's a priceless memory. For me, it was ... Read More
Reds can’t capitalize as Pirates take game two of three-game set
It wasn't that the Pirates outplayed the Reds on Saturday night. Actually, it was anything but. If you watched the game, the Pirates were outplayed in every facet. Fortunately for the Pirates and the fans, the Pirates were able to win the only category that mattered in a 2-1 victory. Looking at the match up, it wasn't in the Pirates favor as they entered PNC Park. Johnny Cueto, one of the top pitchers in baseball, was going for the Reds. Jeff Locke, a mystery at this point, was taking the ... Read More
Yinzer of the Week: Starling Marte
Even though the Pirates have had a rough start to their baseball season, one player on the team is shining. That player is the youngster in the outfield, Starling Marte. So far this young season, Marte is batting .350 with 4 RBI's, 14 hits, 7 runs and two stolen bases. He also has an on-base percentage of .395 and a slugging percentage of .450. He's also hitting .500 with runners in scoring position, and .333 with runners on and two outs. He currently leads the Pirates in batting average, hits, ... Read More
McCutchen picks up the Pirates with go-ahead blast in Win
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- After taking a 5-1 lead over Cincinnati in the bottom of the second inning, things looked to be in the Pirates favor at PNC Park on Friday night. But the hitter heavy lineup of the Reds scratched and clawed to make the game interesting. The Pirates plated four runs in a five hit second inning against their rival Reds. That lead slowly dwindled after starter A.J. Burnett allowed two more runs to Cincinnati, and infielder Brandon Phillip's homerun tied the game up at 5 in the ... Read More
Pirates Notebook: Leroux’s struggle opens up the first of several possible roster moves
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Prior to the game on Friday, the Pirates recalled right-handed reliever Bryan Morris from Triple-A Indianapolis and designated righty Chris Leroux for assignment. "We've got another move that could be pending here sooner than later," Manager Clint Hurdle said. "This move, to have the flexibility, can help impart the next move, and there very well could be a third move. I don't know the length. Bryan sat down in that chair, and we told him that it could be temporary, it ... Read More