The Pittsburgh Pirates offense is hurting, and it’s time to look to the triple-A Indianapolis Indians for help. After a promising 8-2 start, the Pirates are 14-16 after Monday’s 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Oakland Athletics. The Pirates rank in the bottom third of the most important offensive categories among the 15 National League teams. They rank second in the NL in … [Read more...] about Six Minor Leaguers Who Could Help Pirates Offense
High-Priced Reliever is Underperforming for Pirates
After being given a $10.5 million contract by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Aroldis Chapman has been a disappointment recently. After a good start to the season, Chapman now has an ERA of 6.00, a WHIP of 1.889, and a FIP of 5.05 at the close of Sunday’s action. In 13 appearances covering nine innings, he’s struck out 16 but walked 12. As ugly as those statistics are, they hardly … [Read more...] about High-Priced Reliever is Underperforming for Pirates
Former No. 1 Draft Pick’s Hot Start Continues for Pirates
Critics who wondered why the Pittsburgh Pirates traded for Joey Bart have been silenced by his hot start. Bart was the No. 1 draft choice (second overall) by the San Francisco Giants in the 2018 June Amateur Draft. The Pirates acquired the catcher in a trade with the Giants on April 2 in exchange for minor league pitcher Austin Strickland. Depending on one’s point of view, Bart … [Read more...] about Former No. 1 Draft Pick’s Hot Start Continues for Pirates
Pirates Former No. 1 Draft Pick Needs Time in the Minors
As Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis continues to underperform, it’s time to consider a demotion to Triple-A. Davis, the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB June Amateur Draft in 2021, was expected to contribute offensively, especially in the power department, while doing a reasonable job defensively. So far, he’s largely failed at both. After a promising spring exhibition … [Read more...] about Pirates Former No. 1 Draft Pick Needs Time in the Minors
Pirates Rookie Joins Select Group of Pitchers
On Monday, Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Jared Jones joined a select group, striking out seven Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park. That made him the fourth pitcher to strike out seven batters in each of his first five career games since 1893. Coincidentally, one of the other three pitchers in this class is a former Pirate, the hard-luck pitcher José DeLeón. Jones joins: 2014 … [Read more...] about Pirates Rookie Joins Select Group of Pitchers