Ortiz is technically in competition this spring for a rotation spot, all but assured a few months ago, but less likely now with the off-season additions of free agents Rich Hill and Vince Velasquez.
Category Archives: Opinion & Analysis
Hump Day Pittsburgh Pirates Q&A
Ton of great questions this week, honestly, some of them are flattering that you’d think I could even attempt to answer, but I’ll give ’em a swing.
Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Battles
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-32cj8-13a3cb0 Craig and Chris speak to yet another financial failure by Pirates Owner, Bob Nutting; and then get into some discussions about the most interesting Spring Training Battles for Pittsburgh in the Grapefruit League. Brought to you by ShopYinzz.com! Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and joins his buddy Chris at a 9-footContinue reading “Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Battles”
Top 5 Pirates Prospects: Spring Training Impact
2-28-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) Many times, when a prospect enters Spring Training there is little to no chance that they will come north with the Big League Club; often taking the detour along I-70 West, on their way to Indianapolis. In some cases this decision is made before anyone evenContinue reading “Top 5 Pirates Prospects: Spring Training Impact”
Five Pirates Thoughts at Five
Well, by the time you read this the Pirates will have played two games, but as I sit down to write it, I’ve got the knowledge that comes with one. In other words, don’t expect a pitch by pitch examination of the roster and what it’s done so far.
Minor League News and Brews: Bradenton Marauders Preview
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9g2bv-139d4e0 In this bonus episode of the podcast, Craig is joined by the new Voice of the Bradenton Marauders-Ben Pokorny-to discuss prospects that could potential be in Bradenton to start the season, how promotions and assignments in the levels above affect how decisions are made, depth at the catcher position and much more! Craig TothContinue reading “Minor League News and Brews: Bradenton Marauders Preview”
The Pirates Spring Baseball Schedule Begins Tomorrow – Rinse & Repeat, Right?
I keep hearing this is all the same, nothing’s changed. Thing is, to some degree, there is truth in that, but sometimes it actually makes sense. Give me a chance to show you what I mean.
Through The Prospect Porthole: Hunter Barco
2-23-23 By Craig W. Toth (aka @BucsBasement on Twitter) At the time of the 2022 MLB Draft there were eight pitchers within baseball writer Keith Law’s Top 100 Prospects, who were in the process of recovering from Tommy John Surgery; with six of them once being considered first round draft picks. Of the later grouping,Continue reading “Through The Prospect Porthole: Hunter Barco”
Five Fearless Pirates Predictions for 2023
I like doing these every year. Some of them get us talking, some come true, some turn into freezing cold takes, but it’s nice to take a crack at calling your shot sometimes.
Making a Case For Johan Oviedo
2-22-23 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter With Spring Training off and running, I decided to dive into the roster and try to determine who could be a breakout player in 2023. I kept coming back to one name, someone who I saw sitting with Rich Hill last week and appearing to beContinue reading “Making a Case For Johan Oviedo”
Steel City Pirates 