From a Waiver Pickup to a Reliable Reliever

Before the 2020 season started in July, I had a conversation in a Rum Bunter recap about one of the Pirates’ exhibition games against Cleveland. The comment I specifically took note of was one about how Chris Stratton, a reliever in Pittsburgh’s bullpen, had been bad in 2019.

Pirates Development Philosophy on Full Display

I’d imagine both coaches had to blow off some steam after this one. An error filled disaster of a baseball game on both sides of the diamond. So it was an odd night to have Kevin Young in the booth talking about defense and the importance of it in the system.

It’s Cool To Have Good Prospects

Pirates Fans are paying attention to Spring Training with one watchful eye, as the other regularly drifts toward the future. This obviously includes the prospects that will one day reopen the window, which was abruptly shut following the 2015 season ; although we didn’t know it was officially closed until at least 2017 or after.Continue reading “It’s Cool To Have Good Prospects”

Closer or Trade Piece? 2021 Might Have it All For Richard Rodriguez

The Pirates’ 2021 bullpen is likely to include a lot of moving parts, with competition for almost every spot taking place this spring. There are a few spots already filled up, and one of them is occupied by Richard Rodriguez, the presumptive closer. But is his place on the roster really set in stone, andContinue reading “Closer or Trade Piece? 2021 Might Have it All For Richard Rodriguez”

Then Came the Moves – Let’s Wrap Up the Pirates First Half of Spring

I thought what would be nice today would be to quickly talk about how all of these guys did in limited action this Spring. Some were given more of an opportunity than others but that’s ok, the goal was different for all of them.

The Next Man Up: A Cautionary Tale

For many Pirates Fans Blake Cederlind burst on to the scene during last year’s Spring Training with his K-struts and flowing golden locks, earning the nickname Baby Thor along the way. He was young and exciting, energetic and passionate; bringing everyone along with him, including his teammates, before he was abruptly, but understandably, optioned toContinue reading “The Next Man Up: A Cautionary Tale”