Michael

Run It Back, Jack!

3–14-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X There were a number of offensive pieces in the Pirates system who underperformed expectations in 2024 but one who fell off perhaps harder and faster than any other was Jack Suwinski. Jack has notably drawn the ire of many fans over the years. His tepid approach both atContinue reading “Run It Back, Jack!”

Oh, Henry!

2-28-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X As the rebuild has progressed for the Pirates, there have been less and less real “battles” in Spring Training. Sure, a utility role or a 4th outfielder consistently has competition but the team, despite however you may feel about it, have started nailing down specific players at specificContinue reading “Oh, Henry!”

Outlook Hayesy

2-21-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X One of the players for whom fans have had the most up-and-down expectations and results over the past few years, Ke’Bryan Hayes has had some high highs and some low lows in his first five seasons in black and gold. He surged to a stellar Covid-abbreviated 2020 beforeContinue reading “Outlook Hayesy”

Can David Put His Struggles to Bed-nar?

2-14-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Pitchers and catchers reported this week and while there are a number of young arms catching looks down in Bradenton, another one enters this spring with a lot to prove as David Bednar hopes to overcome the issues that plagued his underwhelming 2024 after a stretch where heContinue reading “Can David Put His Struggles to Bed-nar?”

At Hor-witz End: Why Spencer Horwitz Might Be The Pirates MVP in 2025

2-7-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X It’s been a fairly tepid off-season for the Pirates. After spending $33.2M on free agents last year and entering the season pledging that the goal was to win the division, they limped down the stretch en route to another 5th place finish. This off-season, they have been lessContinue reading “At Hor-witz End: Why Spencer Horwitz Might Be The Pirates MVP in 2025”

Helter Skelter, Derek Shelton

1-31-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X ‘Helter skelter,’ a phrase meaning “in undue haste, confusion, or disorder,” feels a fairly appropriate way to describe how this rebuild has unfolded. Messy trades, confusing signings and inability to properly develop impact bats within the system are just a few issues plaguing this squad. And now, headingContinue reading “Helter Skelter, Derek Shelton”

Make Or Break Time For Hank The Tank

1-24-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a season where Paul Skenes took the league by storm en route to winning Rookie of the Year honors and cementing himself as the correct first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, it is easy to overlook the Pirates prior 1-1 pick in Henry Davis, especiallyContinue reading “Make Or Break Time For Hank The Tank”

It’s Up To You Nick Yorke, Nick Yorke

1-17-25 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a bit of a bashing in last week’s article, I have decided to go more positive with this week’s topic. So start spreading the news because my 2025 breakout pick is none other than Nick Yorke. And, for the record, I started writing this prior to theContinue reading “It’s Up To You Nick Yorke, Nick Yorke”

I Don’t Believe In Bailey Falter – And Here’s Why

1-10-25 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Ok, I took a couple months off and am able to start settling in for the Pirates off-season with a little over a month before pitchers and catchers report. With a clear need to improve the offense which scored the 3rd lowest amount of runs in the NationalContinue reading “I Don’t Believe In Bailey Falter – And Here’s Why”

Starter Spotlight: Flushing Schmidt

9-29-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Final game of the season as the Pirates vie for a potential sweep of the Yankees in the Bronx with the opposing starter pitcher, Clarke Schmidt, facing off in game 162. Despite spending more than three months on the injured list due to a right lat strain, SchmidtContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Flushing Schmidt “