Starter Spotlight: A Broken Crown

8-13-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Hopelessness is setting in for the Pirates. This team is desperately in search of a win as they struggle to find consistency out west. They’ll enter today with a rematch against Michael King, whom they faced at home last week and managed 4 runs (3 earned) off 6Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: A Broken Crown”

Five Pirates Thoughts at Five – Outside Looking In

The Pirates’ struggles have sparked discussion on the team’s future. Despite challenges, the GM and coach are unlikely to be fired. Evaluations of players and offseason decisions are critical for the team’s growth.

Series Preview: Pirates (56-61) at Padres (66-53)

8-12-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X While the Pirates pathetic playoff potential has plummeted, the Padres push past pitching pitfalls to plunder…victories. You get where we’re going with this. The Pirates have lost 9 of their last 10, including being swept by these same Padres at home last week while San Diego has surgedContinue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (56-61) at Padres (66-53)”

Starter Spotlight: Yo Ho, Java Joe

8-12-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Last time Java Joe Musgrove took the mound for the Padres on May 26, the team was 26-26 and just treading water as they tried to contend in the ever-improving NL West division. Today, San Diego tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the top wild card spot andContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Yo Ho, Java Joe”

Starter Spotlight: Glas-Now We’ve Done It

8-11-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Pirates have now dropped 3 consecutive series, losing 8 of their last 9 games, including six straight, as they have tumbled down the standings in their worst stretch of the season. They will look to avoid back-to -back sweeps this week in the final game of the DodgersContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Glas-Now We’ve Done It”

Is Joey Bart for Real? If So, What Does it Mean for the Pirates

At 27, Joey Bart is impressing with new levels of performance, sparking speculation about the Pirates’ future catchers. With uncertain outcomes, the team has options and a potentially bright future.

Starter Spotlight: A River Runs Through It

8-10-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Mired in a 5-game losing streak – their longest of the season, the Pirates have quickly dropped out of the playoff race and are now just desperately trying to get back in the win column. But it’s never easy when you’re facing the Dodgers, and they’ll have toContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: A River Runs Through It”

The Pirates Have Some Big Problems

To the Pirates’ fans, Gary Morgan expresses his views on the team’s hitting instruction, small ball approach, player development, fundamentals, and payroll concerns. He calls for accountability and proactive change.

Starter Spotlight: Beat Back Jack

8-9-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Hitting the road out west as the Pirates visit the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers – and the first pitcher they will see this weekend is old rival, Jack Flaherty. Flaherty has plenty of experience facing the Buccos with 16 career appearances, compiling 90 strikeouts to 28 walksContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Beat Back Jack”

Starter Spotlight: Stop The Padre Party

8-8-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X After dropping 5 of their last 6 games, the Pirates dip below .500 for the first time since the All Star Break. They have a chance to fix that today in the finale versus the Padres and their starter, Randy Vasquez, as the Bucs look to avoid gettingContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Stop The Padre Party”