Category Archives: Series

Series Preview: Twins (33-29) at Pirates (29-33)

In 2024, the AL and NL Central divisions lack “super” teams. The AL’s Guardians and NL’s Brewers lead their divisions. Many teams hover around .500, with only 5 teams out of contention. The Pirates and Twins are in the middle with no impact deals likely soon. The Twins’ Carlos Santana is showing improvement, while the Pirates’ Nick Gonzales is performing exceptionally. Byron Buxton’s current form may benefit the rival teams. Connor Joe’s recent performance raises concerns. Injuries affect the Pirates’ rotation, with uncertainty surrounding Henry Davis and the upcoming game strategy.

Starter Spotlight: Walker Buehler

6-6-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X As the Pirates look for a sweep of the visiting Dodgers, they will face off against Walker Buehler – who is looking to make up for lost time after missing most of 2022 and all of 2023 due to injury and an eventual second Tommy JohnContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Walker Buehler”

Is Bryan Reynolds Due to Break Out in June?

They don’t play MLB games on paper – or computer screens, in this case. But if we are going to use the numbers in front of us to project forward, I would lean on the side of history and suggest that Reynolds is due for another big June.

Starter Spotlight: James Paxton

6-5-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Following a win in the opening game last night against the flame-throwing right-handed pitcher, Tyler Glasnow, the Pirates will look to keep rolling against contact-oriented southpaw in James Paxton. The veteran Paxton joined the Dodgers as a free agent this past offseason, providing a steadying presence despite notContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: James Paxton”

Tyler Glasnow: Revenge Game

6-4-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X New series! If you follow me on X, you have likely seen my near daily posts breaking down the opposing starting pitcher. We’re going to move that over to Steel City Pirates going forward to provide a more easily accessible format for everyone. Starting off withContinue reading “Tyler Glasnow: Revenge Game”

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: Pirates (26-30) at Blue Jays (26-29)

In the midst of the 2024 MLB season, the Pittsburgh Pirates face the Toronto Blue Jays in a critical series. Both teams are closely matched, poised for intense competition.

Series Preview: Pirates (25-29) at Tigers (26-27)

5-28-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on X The Pirates are coming off a really nice series, taking 2 of 3 from the Atlanta Braves and now they enter a 2 game set against a completely not made up in any way “rivalry” series with the Buccos MLB designated rival while throwing Jared Jones and Paul Skenes. DetroitContinue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (25-29) at Tigers (26-27)”

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)”