Starter Spotlight: Shutdown Shota

9-4-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X With a potential payback sweep on the line, the Pirates send out Domingo Germán to start off against rookie Japanese southpaw, Shota Imanaga. This is Imanaga’s second game against the Pirates this season after pitching 7 shutout frames on May 18th with 4 hits and 1 walk whileContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Shutdown Shota”

If Andrew McCutchen Wants to Play in 2025, Someone Will Happily Take Him

Andrew McCutchen’s return to Pittsburgh may end with retirement or a messy breakup. Despite concerns, his on-field performance suggests he’s still valuable. Possible DH role.

Starter Spotlight: Change Up Approach Against Hendricks

9-3-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X From Whiskey to Gin, the Pirates trade out facing Jameson Taillon yesterday for Kyle Hendricks today, whom they faced last week with an offensive outburst as they notched 6 runs off 8 hits over just 1.2 innings during that previous outing.  If the Pirates want to repeat thatContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Change Up Approach Against Hendricks”

If the Pirates Move On from Derek Shelton, Who Might Be a Candidate?

9-2-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter Derek Shelton’s seat is mighty warm, as it should be, and who he’s replaced with is hardly as front and center as deciding to move on in the first place. So, I thought, lets have some fun and before we see new candidates enter the pool after theContinue reading “If the Pirates Move On from Derek Shelton, Who Might Be a Candidate?”

Series Preview: Pirates (63-73) at Cubs (71-66)

9-2-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X August is thankfully in the rear-view mirror but an 8-19 month has wiped away any hopes of post-season baseball for the Buccos. Now, their only real role in the grand scheme is as spoiler and they have a tough opponent who has been on a HOT streak lately.Continue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (63-73) at Cubs (71-66)”

Five Pirates Thoughts at Five – Priorities Need Updated

The Pirates struggle with impulsive decisions and shortcomings, especially with young players. While some prospects need protection, others should be given opportunities. The coaching staff’s future is uncertain, and there’s pressure to develop young talent for the coming seasons.

Starter Spotlight: Bottle of Jameson

9-2-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X As the calendar turns to September, the struggle continues for the Pirates – who have now dropped 21 of their last 29 games, battling to avoid a last place finish instead of contending for a playoff berth. They’ll have the wrong kind of Jameson tonight in a rematchContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Bottle of Jameson”

Ten Pirates Player Observations Before We Finish 2024

This season has shown insights on returning players. Cruz’s batting, Davis’s catching, Reynolds’s offense, Hayes’s injury, Bednar’s challenges, Gonzales’s promise, Bart’s performance, Skenes’s potential, Keller’s reliability, and Joe’s role are key points.

Starter Spotlight: Looking To Cobb-le A Series Win

9-1-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Looking for a chance at a series win against a strong Guardians team, the Pirates will square off against Alex Cobb, who has spent much of the 2024 season the injured list between the San Francisco Giants and a trade deadline deal which sent him to Cleveland. TheContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Looking To Cobb-le A Series Win”

Starter Spotlight: The Boyd is Back in Town

8-31-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Looking to even the series, the Pirates face veteran lefty, Matthew Boyd, who joined the Guardians on a mid-season free agent contract after spending most of his career with division rival, Detroit Tigers. Boyd struggled to find a contract entering 2024 after posting a 5.45 ERA in 15Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: The Boyd is Back in Town”