Series Preview: Cubs (65-66) at Pirates (62-68)

The Pirates are set to face the Cubs in the last full series of August 2024. Important matchups, player performances, key injuries, and expectations for the series are highlighted.

It Doesn’t Add Payroll to Play Fundamentally Sound Baseball

The author criticizes the lack of fundamental skills in baseball, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail and smart play. He highlights specific examples of players who consistently execute these skills. The piece also laments the shift towards all-or-nothing offensive strategies and calls for a return to practiced and smart play.

Starter Spotlight: Carson Spiers Round Three (Updated to Nick Martinez)

8-24-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X UPDATE: Starting pitcher changed to Nick Martinez – who enters today with a 6-6 record and 3.64 ERA through 101.1 innings this season. He started the year in the rotation but pitched relief from May through July before returning to starting this month. He has a 2.72 ERAContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Carson Spiers Round Three (Updated to Nick Martinez)”

Starter Spotlight: Julian Aguiar 

8-23-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X After taking the first two games of the series, the Pirates are poised for their first winning streak since July 28-30. They’ll be facing off against Julian Aguiar, the MLB Pipeline’s 11th ranked prospect for the Reds making his second MLB start after going 4 innings of 4-hit,Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Julian Aguiar “

Starter Spotlight: Abbott Time For Some Wins

8-23-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates managed to get to Nick Lodolo in their rematch with him yesterday. Can they repeat the feat against his fellow rotation southpaw, Andrew Abbott? While this is Abbott’s first start against the Pirates this season, he saw them twice last year, allowing 4 runs off 8Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Abbott Time For Some Wins”

Series Preview: Reds (62-65) at Pirates (59-67)

8-22-24 – By Ethan Smith – @mvp_EtHaN The Pittsburgh Pirates are back home after a short road trip to Texas that saw a series loss to the Texas Rangers as a result, and the North Shore welcomes the Cincinnati Reds for a four-game set this weekend at PNC Park. These two teams are in veryContinue reading “Series Preview: Reds (62-65) at Pirates (59-67)”

Starter Spotlight: Unload On Lodolo

8-22-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Short road trip and back at PNC, the Pirates will host the Reds and southpaw Nick Lodolo, who tossed 7 frames of 1-run ball during Cincinnati’s last trek to Pittsburgh but has struggled since that strong outing. In Lodolo’s last 9 games, he is 1-3 with a 7.15Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Unload On Lodolo”

The Pirates Must Make Changes, but Should Ben Cherington Be One?

This piece discusses the potential impact of a new GM on the team, suggesting that significant changes may be needed in coaching and scouting. The author believes the current GM has made progress but needs to make key changes for future success.

Starter Spotlight: Rubber Match With Hean Dog

8-21-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X With a dominant performance from Mitch Keller in game 2, the series-decider falls to Domingo German facing the Rangers and veteran southpaw starter, Andrew Heaney. The journeyman lefty has a 4.20 ERA through 124.1 innings this season, a serviceable mark but hasn’t stood up in his starts asContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Rubber Match With Hean Dog”

Starter Spotlight: Cody’s Showdy

8-20-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Pittsburgh wasn’t quite able to complete the comeback in game one but will try again tonight against the Rangers and starting pitcher, Cody Bradford. Bradford enters play tonight with a perfect 4-0 record with a 3.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 33 strikeouts to just 6 walks in hisContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Cody’s Showdy”