7-11-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Chance for a crucial series win today as Paul Skenes once again will pitch the deciding game against opposing starter, Aaron Civale – a rematch from June 23 while Civale was still a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. In that game, Civale pitched 5 frames of 3-hit,Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Civale-Deja Vu”
Category Archives: Opinion & Analysis
Starter Spotlight: Can They Make It Three Straight?
7-10-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates have not won (or lost, for that matter) 3 consecutive games in over three months when they notched successive victories from April 6-8. After scoring 20 combined runs over the past two games, do the bats still have some more in the tank to get anotherContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Can They Make It Three Straight?”
Internal Improvement: Pirates Players Proving Management Right?
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ management has been vocal about expecting internal improvement from the team. Despite skepticism, recent performances by players like Quinn Priester and Rowdy Tellez are proving them right. The team’s patience with young players is starting to pay off, showing promise for the future.
Starter Spotlight: Looking For A Rea of Hope
7-9-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Heading to Milwaukee for a potentially pivotal series this week, the Pirates will once again face off against Brewers starting pitcher Colin Rea, who enters play tonight with an 8-2 record, 3.34 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over his 94.1 innings this season. Although he’s experiencing a breakout thisContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Looking For A Rea of Hope”
Series Preview: Pirates (43-47) at Brewers (53-38)
7-9-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Brewers have been handily in control of the NL Central for the better part of the last few months but they split a series in Colorado and lost 2 of 3 to the Dodgers this past weekend. The Pirates, on the other hand, bring a hobbled rotationContinue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (43-47) at Brewers (53-38)”
Five Pirates Thoughts at Five – All Star Edition!
In baseball, the Pirates face challenges as they head into the All Star Break. With two players selected for the All Star Game, the team also considers adding starting pitching and making strategic player acquisitions. Despite facing uphill battles, players like Joshua Palacios bring energy and memorable moments to the game.
Starter Spotlight: Great Scott!
7-8-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following an offensive slugfest in Friday’s game, the bats have struggled to get traction this past weekend against the Mets. Heading into the final game of the series, they’ll have one last shot at New York via their #2 prospect (per MLB Pipeline) in Christian Scott. A 2021Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Great Scott!”
Young Pirates, and Why We Need to See More
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ struggle to surround their promising players with established talent due to payroll constraints is typical across MLB. Developing young talent is essential, despite the challenges it presents. The team’s ongoing efforts ensure a continuous build for the future.
Starter Spotlight: Manaea Matchup
7-7-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a short-lived southpaw showdown yesterday between Bailey Falter and David Peterson, the Pirates will face-off against one more lefty in Sean Manaea. Manaea, in his first year with the Mets after his first 8 seasons on the west coast, has provided solid results thus far in hisContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Manaea Matchup”
Starter Spotlight: Keep Pressing On Peterson
7-6-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X After a franchise-best 7 home runs last night in the 14-2 rout, the Pirates finally fronted an offensive explosion and will look to repeat that feat today against southpaw David Peterson. A torn labrum in his left hip required surgery, delaying Peterson’s start to the 2024 season butContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Keep Pressing On Peterson”
Steel City Pirates 