The Pirates - A New Beginning indeed!

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There are a few interesting news n notes coming out at this late spring training time... The Miami / Toronto trade looks like it will be beneficial to both teams, Scouting Director Phillip Humber thinks the Marlins will gain the most immediately with OF Hernandez's hitting ability and driving in runs to help offset the defensive deficiencies.

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First the trade news - we accepted the Minnesota Twins offer of Fernando Romero! Braxton Ashcraft is sent to Minnesota and Romero is placed on the 40 man roster and brought to spring training.

The second bit of news is a trade offer from Baltimore for our rising star 3B Oneil Cruz for a fairly good RHP RP Zach Pop. Both Asst GM and I quickly agreed it would do nothing for our club to make this trade, since we have an overabundance of RHP RP's already on the team. Declined!

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The New York(N) Mets have made a trade offer to us for our staff ace SP Chris Archer. In return they offer 2.5 star SP Chris Flexen. While Asst GM Neal Huntington likes the deal, just about everyone else is opposed with the owners nearly angry response, sealing that deal to the trash bin.

In MLB news;
Washington has lost the services of SP Jhoulys Chacin for the year. A torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow will set him on the shelf for the season.

Kansas City SS Adalberto Mondesi reportedly broke his hand while making a play on a ball, he is expected to sit for nearly three months as it heals.

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Here is the final roster (barring injuries or players coming back from injuries)

Pitching Report - Coach Hanrahan reports there were some grumblings as player red tags were found in the lockers this morning. All pitchers that were sent down were given exit interviews. The most common complaint was they didn't get enough chance to show what they had and we should have extended it until the last day of spring training, which is NOT what the Manager wanted to do! Some players were deserving of staying up with he club and became casualties of the numbers. CL Brandon Brennan was especially upset as he had a good spring so far here, but again we have only a few LHP on the club and that was the difference right now.

Players Report - Coach Prince had a slightly easier time of it, only really losing out, having to send 3B KeBryan Hayes to AAA as Bobby Dalbec beat him out slightly for the nod at third base. OF Charlie Tilson is on the bubble as the 5th OF carried because of being out of options here, as soon as SS Kevin Newman comes back, that will see OF Tilson get farmed out and possibly lost to the waiver wire.

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We have made it! All that hard work and hard decisions will soon tell if we are climbing the ladder of respectability, or floundering along in misery.

In MLB news;
The top 100 prospects list is out, the top ten are listed here. (No Pittsburgh Pirates unfortunately)

The Opening Day schedule is here.

Lets hear those vaunted words from the umpires lips "Play Ball!!"

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The first game is in the books, with a loss to the Rays...

Pitching Report - SP Chris Archer (7 IP, 5H, 2ER, 2BB, 8K's) made a one pitch mistake and it cost him early. RP Rich Rodriguez (1 IP, 1H, 0ER, 0BB, 2K) pitched the scoreless eighth inning.

Batting - Pirates scattered six hits with (as usual) DH Josh Bell having a multi-hit game. Bell singled in the first, stole second base, moving up to third on a bobby Dalbec single and then getting thrown out at home trying to advance on a FO by LF Hunter Renfroe.

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Walks are the bane of pitchers ERA... And chances of getting victories, as SP Jameson Taillon found out again.

Pitching Report - SP Jameson Taillon (6 IP, 5H, 3ER, 3BB, 4K's) allowed 2BB in the first inning that led to a run, then an IBB in the sixth inning backfired when 2B Robertson stroked a two RBI single to right field. RP Nolan Blackwood (2 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 2K's) stepped in as relief and didn't allow another run to score for the rest of the game.

Well two close games, but both losses and we aren't looking for moral victories around here this year. Lets avoid the sweep and get on with it.

In MLB news;

LA(N) Dodgers SP Walker Buehler is heading for the IL after getting injuring in his first start of the season. No official report out of the Dodgers, but some are speculating its a serious injury that may just derail Buehler's season.

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Three games, three losses... Tampa Bay hasn't scored more than three runs in any game, but our offense, save ONE player isn't getting it done so far.

Pitching Report - SP Joey Lucchesi (6 IP, 7H, 3ER, 3BB, 5K's) didn't have a great game, but was serviceable. Once again our bullpen came through and this time it was RP Corbin Clouse (2 IP, 1H 0R, 1BB, 1K) that held the Rays scoreless after the 6th inning.

Batters Report - After three games Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein is already on the hot seat. The Pirates rank dead last in EVERY batting category in the National League. 1B Josh Bell (.583, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0R, 0RBI) is one of three players to have a .250 or better BA. SS Jose Pirela (.400, 1HR, 1R, 1RBI) and 1B Ryon Healy (.250, 1 2B, 0R, 0RBI) are the other two.

The grim faces of the manager and coaches fit perfectly with the feeling the GM has about our start. There will be a short Manager's meeting at the hotel before we catch our flight out of Tampa.

In MLB news;

Seattle Mariners SP Justus Sheffield has been placed on IL with what is described as a sore shoulder. Seattle beat writers are saying that Justus could be out a significant time period.

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League and Pirates info from the week 3/26/20 - 3/29/20

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We flew into Chicago(N) to continue our road trip with a three game set against the Cub's. Surprisingly the Cubbies, the early pick for repeating as Division Champion, is suffering the same record as our Pirates 0-3 start.

The next topic is the weekly power rankings. The Pirates and Cubs are tied for last place with a -0.6 rating. YES the Tampa Bay Rays are tied at the top of the power rankings. We wont forget that weekend sweep soon.

Finally the MLB office released some stats and info from league reports for your viewing pleasure.

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Ok if your gonna struggle scoring runs, then just don't let the other team get many hits! Pirates win their first game on the season by three Pirates pitchers throwing a one hitter at the Cubs.

Pitching Report - SP Jimmy Nelson ( 6 IP, 1H, 1 ER, 3BB, 6K's) didn't have dominant stuff today, but it was good enough for a win. RP Ryan Brasier (2 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 3K's) and CL Archie Bradley (1 IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) shut out the Cubs for the final three innings.

Batters Report - Two runs on seven hits is better, not good, but good enough for today. C Reese McGuire (2/4 1RBI) and LF Andrew Toles (2/4) both had multiple hits today, SS Jose Iglesias made the most of his lone hit, driving in 3B Dalbec from third then later scoring after being walked.

The locker room is much happier after the win, players are still not cocky, which is good, but they are testing the waters and enjoying the moment.

[moore4807]

There is just something about a lead that this team seems to have an aversion to.
GM Moore is not happy about OP Ryan Brasiers injury. While the team is still waiting on an injury report, at the postgame press conference Moore opined his thoughts about a reliever and starter's jobs and how the "newfangled" process was likely to cause more reliever injuries as they "start" the games. No comments on the subject were made by the Manager or Coaches.

Pitching Report - OP Ryan Brasier (1.1 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) lasted just past the first inning before having to be replaced by the FO Dario Agrazal (4.2 IP, 7H 3ER, 2BB, 1K) who wasn't impressive in his debut. RP Nolan Blackwood (1 IP, 1H 1HR, 1ER, 0BB, 1K) gave up 2B Baez's second HR of the day, but that was all. Overall it was a "meh" day for the pitchers.

Batters Report - Three hits? Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein is clearly not enjoying the beginning of the season, as his team is LAST in all offensive batting categories after todays game. The ONLY positive to take away is all three hits were EBH, a double for LF Toles, a double for CF Hamilton, and RF Straw's 4th inning jack... otherwise a pitiful performance.

in MLB news;
St. Louis Cardinals SP Nate Karns got the bad news and today they made it official, Karns is going to be out 10-11 months with a stretched elbow ligament. No replacement was announced for Karns spot in the rotation.

Cincinnati Reds SP Tyler Mahle (9 IP 3H, 5BB, 4K) was "en fuego" against the Toronto Blue Jays, firing a complete game shutout for his first win of the season.

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March Player Development page 1 of 2

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March Player Development pg2

Pirate roster moves - CF Charlie Tilson is put on irrevocable waivers to make room for SS Kevin Newman. RP Brasier has a minor neck injury and is put on 10 day IL, CL Brandon Brennan is recalled from AAA Indianapolis.

In MLB news;
Oakland RP Zach Duke has announced his retirement at the end of the season. The 14 year veteran was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 20th round of the 2001 draft. The Pirates thank Zach for his contributions and wish him well with his future plans.

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We lose to the Cubs, making it our second straight series loss. This time we get ten hits but only score twice on solo HR's.

Pitching Report - SP Chris Archer (5.1 IP, 10 5ER, 3BB, 2K's, 2 WP) didn't have his best game today. RP Corbin Clouse (1.2 IP, 1H, 1BB) and RP Fernando Romero (1 IP, 0R, 1BB, 0K) held off the Cub's batters for the last three innings.

Batters Report - newly called up 3B KeBryan Hayes (2/5, 1HR,1R, 1RBI) made an impression in his first game. 2B Jose Pirela (2/4) also contributed multiple hits. 1B Josh Bell made his only hit count in the first inning, his solo homer staking the Pirates to a one to nothing lead.

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We have a odd weekend set with Cincinnati Reds to open our homestand. All three games are 1:35pm starts with it also being a Thursday, off Friday, Saturday then Sunday matinees.

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We win, but we couldn't do it the easy way... No! Pirates are up five to one after the 7th, and we go to the bullpen... should be a piece of cake right? Well whatever, the Jolly Roger gets hoisted, the win column is one number higher, and I need a drink.

Pitching Report - SP Jameson Taillon (7.2 IP, 2H, 2R 1ER, 5BB, 4K's)is giving up free passes to first WAY too much, but he is living the charmed life and escapes damage but one solo HR by 2B Senzel. RP Rich Rodriguez (0.1 IP, 1H,1R, 2BB, 1K) should have an easy time but an errant throw by 1B Bell costs Taillon his second run and puts two batters on base with Rodriguez's subsequent walk. That brings in newly called up CL Brandon Brennan (0.1 IP, 3H, 4ER, 1BB, 0K) to get out of the jam and instead of closing the game, he nearly wipes out our lead!!! RP Archie Bradley (0.2 IP, 1H 0R, 1BB, 1K, 1SV) makes it exciting before getting the last out for his second save.

Batting Report - Eight runs on twelve hits is much better. Several players to highlight today, 1B Josh Bell (3/4, 2B, 2R) and CF Billy Hamilton (3/3, 2B, 1BB, 1R, 2RBI), followed by our "Big Bopper" LF Hunter Renfroe (2/4, 2R, 4RBI, 2HR) and 2B Eduardo Nunez (2/4, 3B, 1R). GM Moore is very impressed with the performance of the offense today given our struggles so far.

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Ok so if we pitch well, we can't hit. If we hit, we can't pitch well? Was the lament heard in the owners box from Bob Nutting, after watching the Pirates disappoint once again. He flew into town to see for himself how his team is floundering in the Central Division standings. Not knowing what to say to him, I look to Penny Layne for help. She said "Its still too early in this season to panic, we still have players who can help down in AAA." Bob Nutting smiles at her and says "Penny, if HE (gestures to GM) had said that I'd have ripped his head off for NOT having those players up here NOW!" Then he laughs for a second and says "Penny your right, but it doesn't make me feel any better about this team yet". And so goes another chapter in "Misery loves Pittsburgh... the 2020 edition"

Pitching Report SP Joey Lucchesi (4.2 IP, 6H, 7R 4ER, 2BB, 4K's 2HRs) wasn't very good but his relief wasn't bad. RP Mitch Keller (1.1 IP, 1ER, 1BB, 1K) allowed two of the three baserunners to score, then ceded to RP Nolan Blackwood (1 IP, 2H, 0BB, 2K's) and then RP Corbin Clouse (2 IP, 1H, 1BB, 2K) So Pitching Coach Hanrahan will be working with SP Lucchesi on pitch location between starts.

Batting Report - Five runs on eight hits isn't a bad bay although only 1B Josh Bell (2/5 1R) got a multi-hit game. The bottom of the order and the pinch hitters did most of the damage by stringing together some base hits.
RF Hunter Renfroe (1/3 1R, 1RBI) PH Myles Straw (1/1, 1R, 1RBI) and LF Andrew Toles (1/4, 1R, 1RBI, 1HR) were effective along with 2B Nunez (1/3 1RBI).

In MLB news;
It's panic time in Tinsel Town! The Dodgers have announced they have now lost their staff ace for an extended period of time. Coupled with the loss of SP Walker Buehler, the Dodgers rotation might be merely ordinary now. Team doctors are saying its an arthritic elbow that is bothering Kershaw, and he will need rest for it to heal.

[moore4807]

Well that's another series lost! The game was going well for the first six innings, then as Cincinnati batted in the seventh inning, Owner Bob Nutting grew agitated, then angry, springing up from his seat screaming at the glass partition "NO! nobody can be that STUPID, can they"? He turns to me and says "The manager... Here... As SOON as the game is over". Bob Nutting is speaking in a calm measured tone, but if looks could kill. I go to reach for the clubhouse phone, Bob stops me, "Go down there and deliver this message personally, NOW." Still in even tones but the emphasis on the now is unmistakable. I leave and do as ordered.

Manager Esposito looks surprised at seeing me in the hallway between the field and the clubhouse, I catch his arm and say to him "The owner wants you in the skybox now". He starts to give me an excuse about after the press conference, but I tell him "NO, the Boss said right now" This visibly angers Esposito and he stalks off after telling Bench Coach Tom Prince to handle the postgame interviews. Coach Prince asks me to go with him to the press conference, and I do but say little once there.

I see Brian Esposito come back to his office and make a beeline straight for it. The clubhouse is pretty quiet and the few players left are watching my entrance into Esposito's office with open interest. I ask how it went and he says "the owner is a pretty formidable man", I chuckle and say "yeah". Brian goes on to explain that the decision he made (I noticed he didn't try to shift blame to others here.) was his starter was cruising, our bullpen is ranked 10th out of 15 in the National League, so he wanted Nelson to get a shot at getting out of his jam. It obviously backfired and we lost. I asked what did the owner say, Brian grinned and said "I can only say that if that situation happens again and I don't bring in my best reliever, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be looking for a new job". We finish up the conversation and I go back to my office after checking that the owner is already gone from the building.

Pitching Report - SP Jimmy Nelson (7 IP, 6H, 4ER, 1BB, 9K's) pitched well for six innings, inning seven was a disaster with the pinch hit grand slam being the cherry on top. RP Archie Bradley (1 IP, 1H 0R, 1BB, 0K) came on for a scoreless eighth inning of relief followed by Rich Rodriguez (1IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K) who also threw a scoreless frame in the ninth.

Batting Report - Scoring three runs on seven hits isn't bad, but wasn't enough to offset a grand slam given up. 3B KeBryan Hayes (2/4, 1R) is the only multi-hit player, but RF Myles Straw (1/4 1RBI), 2B Jose Pirela (1/3, 1BB, 1RBI), C Reese McGuire (1/3, 1BB, 1R), LF Andrew Toles (1/4, 1RBI) and CF Billy Hamilton (1/4 1R) all got the three runs in together.

We got the Cubs coming to town for a visit, stay tuned for the details.

[moore4807]

A two win, four loss week. Not much to be optimistic about and we will certainly see some roster changes coming this week. Two of the losses saw grand slams derailing the team and snatching victories from the win column.

Add in one VERY unhappy owner and we have a recipe for job creation, namely mine!

League and Pirates information from the Week of 3/30/20 - 4/5/20