3-2-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) Mention Endy Rodriguez in a room full of Pirates Fans, and I can almost guarantee you that the majority would join together in mass to scream about how he should start behind the plate in the Majors; in spite of the fact that most have probablyContinue reading “Through The Prospect Porthole: Expectations For Endy”
Author Archives: Craig W. Toth
Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Battles
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-32cj8-13a3cb0 Craig and Chris speak to yet another financial failure by Pirates Owner, Bob Nutting; and then get into some discussions about the most interesting Spring Training Battles for Pittsburgh in the Grapefruit League. Brought to you by ShopYinzz.com! Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and joins his buddy Chris at a 9-footContinue reading “Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Battles”
Top 5 Pirates Prospects: Spring Training Impact
2-28-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) Many times, when a prospect enters Spring Training there is little to no chance that they will come north with the Big League Club; often taking the detour along I-70 West, on their way to Indianapolis. In some cases this decision is made before anyone evenContinue reading “Top 5 Pirates Prospects: Spring Training Impact”
Minor League News and Brews: Bradenton Marauders Preview
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9g2bv-139d4e0 In this bonus episode of the podcast, Craig is joined by the new Voice of the Bradenton Marauders-Ben Pokorny-to discuss prospects that could potential be in Bradenton to start the season, how promotions and assignments in the levels above affect how decisions are made, depth at the catcher position and much more! Craig TothContinue reading “Minor League News and Brews: Bradenton Marauders Preview”
Through The Prospect Porthole: Hunter Barco
2-23-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) At the time of the 2022 MLB Draft there were eight pitchers within baseball writer Keith Law’s Top 100 Prospects, who were in the process of recovering from Tommy John Surgery; with six of them once being considered first round draft picks. Of the later grouping,Continue reading “Through The Prospect Porthole: Hunter Barco”
Pirates Preparation With Matt Capps
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-jhd9g-139ad76 Craig is once again joined by Matt Capps-Former Pirates Closer and Current Pirates Color Analyst for AT&T SportsNet to discuss the differences between starters and relievers, the idea of having a personal catcher, the advantages to veteran leadership in the clubhouse and the rule change he believes will have the biggest affect on pitchers. Continue reading “Pirates Preparation With Matt Capps”
Top 5 Pirates Prospects: NRIs
When I first read the NRI list-and thought about writing this blog post-I started a list that looked much like the previous Top 5s from previous weeks; as in containing almost all the same familiar names. But then it dawned on me, that there were almost more surprises on the list than guys I expectedContinue reading “Top 5 Pirates Prospects: NRIs”
Through The Prospect Porthole: Po-Yu Chen
2-16-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) Once a year the Pirates Fanbase is inundated with a list of prospects that Pittsburgh has inked to deals during the International Signing Period. Then without fail, these young man are quickly pushed to the back of nearly everyone’s minds, until hopefully one day they showContinue reading “Through The Prospect Porthole: Po-Yu Chen”
Pirates Spring Training Preview With Jason Mackey
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-uav7h-1390886 Craig sits down with Jason Mackey-Pirates Beat Writer from the Post-Gazette-to discuss Position Battles in Spring Training, The Starting Rotation, the Bullpen Overload, Ke’Bryan Hayes’ Potential and Bryan Reynolds. Brought to you by ShopYinzz.com! Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and joins his buddy Chris at a 9-foot homemade oak bar toContinue reading “Pirates Spring Training Preview With Jason Mackey”
Top 5 Pirates Prospects: Odd Men Out
2-14-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) Before anyone gets too bent out of shape, because their favorite prospect is on the list and/or you decide to jump to the conclusion that I am writing everyone of these guys off, let’s remember who I probably would have had on the Top 5: OddContinue reading “Top 5 Pirates Prospects: Odd Men Out”
Steel City Pirates 