6-9-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates are riding high this home-stand, winning 4 of the first 5 games and looking for a chance at a series sweep today – a feat the Bucs have been unable to achieve since the opening series in Miami. Taking the bump for the Twins and tryingContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Bailey Ober”
Tag Archives: Baseball
Starter Spotlight: Simeon Woods Richardson
6-8-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Bullpen game on the Pirates side today facing the Twins and their young righty in Simeon Woods Richardson. Woods Richardson made a spot start for Minnesota in each of the previous two seasons before finally breaking in as part of the big league club’s rotation. He’sContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Simeon Woods Richardson”
The Pirates are Winning Baseball Games, Despite Their Warts
In recent coverage of the Pirates, there is more focus on shaping fans’ emotions than on the team’s performance. Despite challenges, they show promise, especially with elite starting pitching and potential for improvement. It’s a tough season, but not without hope.
Starter Spotlight: Joe Ryan
6-7-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Despite the loss in the loss yesterday, the Pirates overall have been hitting RHP better of late – a wRC+ since June 1 – and they’ll be facing another challenge in today’s starter for the visiting Minnesota Twins: Joe Ryan. Ryan had an ELITE start toContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Joe Ryan”
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.
The Pirates are Better than Last Year? The GM Says They Are.
Ben Cherington expressed optimism about the Pirates’ improvement in 2024. While acknowledging areas for growth, he expects the team to contend for a Wild Card spot and deliver results.
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”