Michael

Series Preview: Dodgers (38-23) at Pirates (27-32)

6-4-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X If there is a David vs. Goliath in MLB, it’s whenever the Pirates and Dodgers face off as the Pirates have won 8 of the last 13 games against LA. Adding the reigning AL MVP in Shohei Ohtani to a lineup that includes former MVPs in Mookie BettsContinue reading “Series Preview: Dodgers (38-23) at Pirates (27-32)”

Series Preview: Giants (23-25) at Pirates (22-26)

5-21-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a 4-3 road trip against division rivals Brewers and Cubs, the Pirates return home for a series against the San Francisco Giants. While the Giants took 2 of 3 when the teams last matched up at the end of April, the Pirates will look for payback on their homeContinue reading “Series Preview: Giants (23-25) at Pirates (22-26)”

Tick Tock, Tellez

5-17-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The clock is quickly running out for Rowdy Tellez, whose early season remarks endeared him to some fans while ruffling the feathers of others. Unfortunately for him, things have gone about as badly as they could since then. After posting a respectable .273/.385/.364 slash through the team’s firstContinue reading “Tick Tock, Tellez”

Series Preview: Cubs (22-16) at Pirates (17-21)

5-10-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X We waited for not even 9 months but the day has nearly arrived: Skenes Day! That’s right, 2023 first overall draft pick, Paul Skenes, will make his MLB debut on Saturday to a likely PACKED PNC Park and face division rival Chicago Cubs. This is a matchup ofContinue reading “Series Preview: Cubs (22-16) at Pirates (17-21)”

Where Has All The Offense Gone – And How Can We Get It Back?

4-29-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X This team stinks! The “shutdown bullpen” can’t hold leads, the defense keeps making mistakes and worst of all, the team can’t hit! I understand the fan rage right now. For the most part, I feel it too. David Bednar and Aroldis Chapman have a combined 19 earnedContinue reading “Where Has All The Offense Gone – And How Can We Get It Back?”

Series Preview: Pirates (13-13) at Giants (12-14)

4-26-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a series split against division-leading Brewers, the Pirates head west and will try to break over .500 against the underperforming San Francisco Giants. Both teams entered the 2024 season with post-season expectations but are each sitting 4th in their respective divisions. Both of these teams have struggledContinue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (13-13) at Giants (12-14)”

Series Preview: Pirates (9-3) at Phillies (6-6)

4-11-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Before the divisional shake-up three decades ago, matchups with the cross-state Phillies were a regular occurrence with heated rivalry pitting the teams and fans alike against each other. While its been a long time since both teams were truly competitive at the same time, stakes are raised headingContinue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (9-3) at Phillies (6-6)”

Happy Home Opener, Pittsburgh!

4-5-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X There’s a different *feel* in the air when it comes to Opening Day. Sure, we’ve all seen the MLB promo videos, current and former players talking about what it means to them but, man, it just hits different this year for Pirates fans. The hope of the rebuildContinue reading “Happy Home Opener, Pittsburgh!”

Series Preview: Pirates (0-0) at Marlins (0-0)

The Pirates open the season in Miami against the Marlins for the first time in 18 years. The Fish are coming off a playoff season after finishing 84-78 but their pitching staff, which was formerly a strength, has been decimated by injuries.

Spring Breakout Preview

3-13-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X When it was announced this past off-season that MLB would be holding spring scrimmages strictly involving prospects, it seemed inevitable that the Pirates and Orioles would be two of the teams playing in spotlight games. Both teams have built up their farm system through trades and draft over the pastContinue reading “Spring Breakout Preview”