Earlier this week, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they have re-signed cornerback William Gay. I've said it many times before. In every sports city - especially Pittsburgh - there is always a scapegoat. For the Penguins, it has been Marc-Andre Fleury, Paul Martin and most recently Tyler Kennedy. For the Pirates, it's Kyle Stark, Neal Huntington, Rod Barajas, Clint Barmes and Clint Hurdle. A few seasons ago for the Steelers, it was none other than Gay. Was Gay as bad as people made him ... 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
Snedden’s Take: A Yinzerific Look at the 2013 MLB Season
Every morning, the routine is the same. We wake up and peer out the window, fingers crossed, just hoping for a break in the dreariness of another Pittsburgh winter. We plan a few extra minutes to clear the new coating of snow and ice off of our cars before leaving for work, and in the meantime we stare at that covered grill and patio furniture in the garage- dreaming of summertime cook-outs. Staring out from the corner, a lonely lawnmower seems to be calling our name. We mumble a few ... 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
Neil Walker’s living every kid’s dream
Growing up as a kid from Pittsburgh who loved to play and watch baseball, it was always a dream of mine to put on that Pirate uniform and take the field for my hometown team. If you ask any kid around the country who plays baseball, I’m sure they’d agree that playing for their hometown team would be a dream come true. By playing for the team that was located in your city and the team that you grew up watching would be a life changing experience. Everyone wants to be that “hometown hero” and ... Read More
The Future of the Pirates’ Outfield
When forecasting the Pirates of the future, many fans focus on the possibility of a star-studded pitching staff featuring the likes of Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, and Luis Heredia. While the thought of a pitching staff featuring three potential aces is exciting- especially considering the Pirates’ lack of legitimate frontline starters in recent memory-the future pitching staff is not the only reason for excitement. The Pirates could wind up with one of the better outfields in baseball in the ... Read More
Pirates sign Jonathan Sanchez
The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league contract. The contract includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training. Sanchez went 1-9 last year with a 8.07 ERA between Colorado and Kansas City. The signing of Sanchez is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Pirates. It also provides insurance for the signing of Francisco Liriano. Liriano broke his non-pitching arm over Christmas, but the Pirates were able to ... Read More
An Early Look at Pirates Pitching Roster Battles for 2013: Pitching Staff
Earlier this week, we took a deep look at the Pittsburgh Pirates roster battles by position. Today we will take a gander over to the pitching staff, where several key changes have once-again given the Bucs a new look on the rubber. The 2012 Pirates opened the season with veterans LHP Erik Bedard and RHP Kevin Correia at the back of the rotation, both expected to provide the team with solid innings pitched. Bedard was a total flop, never regaining any semblance of the form he had shown in ... Read More