David Bednar’s struggles as a closer for the Pirates raise questions about management’s handling of the situation and the role of closers in baseball. Calls for a change are finally being heard.
Tag Archives: MLB
Series Preview: Pirates (62-71) at Guardians (76-58)
8-30-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The last time the Pirates visited Cleveland, the team was in the throes of the first year of the current rebuild under Cherington, finishing off the 19-41, 2020 Covid-shortened season going 1-2 against host Cleveland squad – who were still known as the [name redacted] back then. WhileContinue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (62-71) at Guardians (76-58)”
Starter Spotlight: Looking For A Lively Game
8-30-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Eager to move past a dreadful series at home against the Cubs, the Pirates head 130 miles northwest to face the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians and surprising success story in Ben Lively. Lively bounced around several MLB organizations since debuting in 2017, even spending a few years inContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Looking For A Lively Game”
If Change for this Pirates Club is Coming, Where?
In 2024, Pittsburgh’s team faces the challenge of upgrading its roster despite few obvious areas for improvement. The manager’s role is discussed as crucial for development and deployment of players.
Deflating Sweep to Cubs Bookends Inconsistent Homestand
The Pirates struggled against the Cubs, highlighting pitching and managerial issues. The focus should be on developing young players, despite the team’s season outcome.
Starter Spotlight: Gin Up On Hendricks
8-28-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates will look to avoid being swept by the Cubs against the veteran, soft-tossing Kyle Hendricks, who is in the twilight of his career but still somehow can get the best of the Bucs. Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele both entered this series with poor career marksContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Gin Up On Hendricks”
Where To Point The Finger
8-28-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates finally pulled the trigger and fired someone. Granted, it was not anyone in the Pirates coaching staff or the front office – but the Director of International Scouting, Junior Vizcaino – who had been in the role since replacing Rene Gayo, famously associated with the MiguelContinue reading “Where To Point The Finger”
Should the Pirates bring back any of their off-season acquisitions in 2025?
8-27-24 – By Ethan Smith – @mvp_EtHan on X Ya know, its the end of August, the weather is warm some days and cooler on others, football is right around the corner, and with September comes questions regarding your favorite baseball team about what you’ve watched over the summer and how things could change goingContinue reading “Should the Pirates bring back any of their off-season acquisitions in 2025?”
How does Oneil Cruz moving to center field impact him and the team?
8-27-24 – By Ethan Smith – @mvp_EtHan on X The Pittsburgh Pirates hit us with massive news before yesterday’s series opener versus the Chicago Cubs, announcing Oneil Cruz would be making a permanent move from the shortstop position to center field. Immediately, the announcement sent shockwaves through the organization, because as fans, it’s a moveContinue reading “How does Oneil Cruz moving to center field impact him and the team?”
Starter Spotlight: Real Steele
8-27-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X In last night’s game, steals were a HUGE part of the Cubs game plan. Tonight, a different kind of ‘Steele’ will be on display as Jared Jones makes his long-awaited return from the injured list to face 2023 Cy Young finalist and Chicago ace, Justin Steele. Steele isContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Real Steele”
Steel City Pirates 