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”

Five Pirates Thoughts at Five – Biggest Offseason Questions are Already Apparent

The Pirates remain optimistic about their playoff chances and are focusing on key areas such as centerfield, bullpen roles, catching, and addressing longstanding roster gaps. Ke’Bryan’s health is a concern.

Starter Spotlight: Dun Dun Dunning

8-19-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Heading west hoping for better results than their last road trip as the Pirates will try building on their weekend series win against the host Texas Rangers and starting pitcher Dane Dunning. A former first round pick, Dunning has struggled to live up to the first round hype,Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Dun Dun Dunning”

Series Preview: Pirates (58-65) at Rangers (57-68)

8-19-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter Two teams that still have a winning record within reach, two teams that probably have lost the dream of making the playoffs in 2024. The Rangers have struggled with pitching, the Pirates have struggled with offense. Neither are exactly where they want to be. Let’s get in there…Continue reading “Series Preview: Pirates (58-65) at Rangers (57-68)”

Starter Spotlight: Kirb Your Enthusiasm 

8-18-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Looking for a sweep in the other direction from their previous three series, the Pirates will face the final Mariners pitching boss in George Kirby. Kirby is a control freak! Not in the OCD kind of way (I don’t think) but in the refusal to walk batters asContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Kirb Your Enthusiasm “

Starter Spotlight: The Cask of Luis Castillo

8-16-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The thousand injuries of Castillo I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon insult I vowed revenge. – Edgar Allen Poe (paraphrased from ‘The Cask of Amontillado’) After FINALLY breaking the losing streak last night, the Buccos will look to start a winning one inContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: The Cask of Luis Castillo”