Author Archives: Gary Morgan

The Pirates face challenges managing their young pitchers for playoffs while stretching them out. Rotation’s shuffling creates issues. Next year might be easier.

It’s Gary Morgan’s Weekly 5 Thoughts at 5 here at Steel City Pirates!

The Pirates face challenges managing their young pitchers for playoffs while stretching them out. Rotation’s shuffling creates issues. Next year might be easier.

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ progress since 2019 is mixed. While the starting rotation and bullpen have improved, the offense still needs work. Overall, there’s potential for growth.

Andrew McCutchen’s return to Pittsburgh may end with retirement or a messy breakup. Despite concerns, his on-field performance suggests he’s still valuable. Possible DH role.

9-2-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter Derek Shelton’s seat is mighty warm, as it should be, and who he’s replaced with is hardly as front and center as deciding to move on in the first place. So, I thought, lets have some fun and before we see new candidates enter the pool after theContinue reading “If the Pirates Move On from Derek Shelton, Who Might Be a Candidate?”

The Pirates struggle with impulsive decisions and shortcomings, especially with young players. While some prospects need protection, others should be given opportunities. The coaching staff’s future is uncertain, and there’s pressure to develop young talent for the coming seasons.

This season has shown insights on returning players. Cruz’s batting, Davis’s catching, Reynolds’s offense, Hayes’s injury, Bednar’s challenges, Gonzales’s promise, Bart’s performance, Skenes’s potential, Keller’s reliability, and Joe’s role are key points.

David Bednar’s struggles as a closer for the Pirates raise questions about management’s handling of the situation and the role of closers in baseball. Calls for a change are finally being heard.

In 2024, Pittsburgh’s team faces the challenge of upgrading its roster despite few obvious areas for improvement. The manager’s role is discussed as crucial for development and deployment of players.