Category Archives: Opinion & Analysis

Starter Spotlight: Bryce The Elder 

5-9-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Back home for a weekend series against the long-time rival Atlanta Braves, the Bucs will face off against the not-so-elder, Bryce Elder, who enters play today with a 5.06 ERA through his 32 innings of work this season. Elder had some early season struggles as he allowed 12Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Bryce The Elder “

Series Preview: Atlanta Braves (18-19) at Pittsburgh Pirates (12-26)

5-9-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a busy off day where the Pirates finally gave the heave-ho to Derek Shelton, the team returns home to face the Atlanta Braves who, after scuffling out of the gate to an 0-7 start, have refound themselves, winning 15 of their last 21 games as they haveContinue reading “Series Preview: Atlanta Braves (18-19) at Pittsburgh Pirates (12-26)”

The Ax Finally Falls

5-8-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X It’s finally happened. After 746 games at the helm where he lost 440 of them, Derek Shelton is officially out as skipper of the Pittsburgh Pirates. What Comes Next? Well, for starters, Don Kelly has been named the interim manager after working as Shelton’s Bench Coach since 2020.Continue reading “The Ax Finally Falls”

Starter Spotlight: Gray and Getting Grayer

5-7-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X I’m bald. I’ve been bald for nearly 15 years – partly by choice and partly because of genetics mostly forcing my hand. But one thing that has been outside of both my and my genetics control is how quickly this team is turning what few hair I haveContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Gray and Getting Grayer”

The Pittsburgh Pirates are Trapped in a Cage of Their Own Design

Reflections on baseball management reveal a paralyzed franchise, questioning decision-making in light of uncertain futures and poor talent development, leaving fans and players disillusioned.

Starter Spotlight: Put The L In Liberatore

5-6-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates are looking in all the wrong places to find wins but hopefully a rematch against an opponent they’ve already defeated this year in Matthew Liberatore. Pirates faced Liberatore once already this season on April 7th and got to him for 5 runs off 8 hits withContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Put The L In Liberatore”

Gary’s Five Pirates Thoughts – Sullen, Lifeless and Poorly Coached

Gary critiques the struggling Pirates, advocating for immediate changes, including firing the manager, revamping the roster with youth, and addressing poor scouting and coaching.

Starter Spotlight: Miles Away From Where We Need To Be

5-5-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X As the losing streak stretches to four games, the fan morale has never been lower. After entering this season with the team expressing confidence that they would be in playoff contention, there have been nothing but ineffective offense and inconsistent defense. Nevertheless, the Pirates head west to faceContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Miles Away From Where We Need To Be”

Starter Spotlight: Peak Pivetta

5-4-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X ***Disclaimer: The starting pitcher was changed to Stephen Kolek, who was recalled to start today’s game. It’s his first MLB game this season but he had a 5.21 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP last season in 46.2 innings pitched. He has control issues that Pirates may want toContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Peak Pivetta”