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Jeff Locke Pitches Three Shutout Innings in Spring Opener Win

Published on February 23, 2013 by in Features1, Game Recaps

Final: Pirates 3, Rays 2 (box)

WP: Jeff Locke (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP: J.D. Martin (0-1, 4.50 ERA)
SV: Brooks Brown (1, 0.00 ERA)

50x50_t470Jeff Locke started for the Bucs and pitched three scoreless innings. He struck out one, walked one, and didn’t allow a hit.

50x50_t470Starling Marte went 1 for 2 with a single and a stolen base in the fourth inning. He eventually scored on an RBI groundout by Garrett Jones.

50x50_t470Chris Leroux, Bryan Morris, Mike Zagurski, Duke Welker, and Brooks Brown each pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Vin Mazzero gave up two runs on two hits and a walk.

50x50_t470The Pirates play the Atlanta Braves tomorrow at 1:05 ET. James McDonald will get the nod on the hill for the Bucs with closer Jason Grilli, Jared Hughes, Justin Wilson, Tony Watson, Jonathan Sanchez, and Ryan Reid all schedule to pitch as well.

 
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Pirates agree to extension with Clint Hurdle

Published on February 18, 2013 by in Features1

 

I don’t think there are too many fans out there who really care for Clint Hurdle all that much, at least not fans who read this site, but it’s hard to argue against this move.

The Pirates have actually been playoff contenders pretty deep into both seasons Hurdle has been at the helm and have improved under him both seasons. Sure, there were epic collapses both years. Sure, there were countless sacrifice bunts. Sure, there were way too many dumb stolen base attempts. Sure, there are hundreds of dollars worth of bubble gum expenses. But in the end, wins and losses are what count, and the Pirates have won more games under Hurdle than previous managers have been able to.

 
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Francisco Liriano Deal Officially Done

Published on February 8, 2013 by in Features1, Transactions

For real this time.

 

It’s gotten to the point where I won’t believe Francisco Liriano is actually a Pirate until I see him in uniform. Still no word yet on the terms of the contract, but I would assume there is some language in there protecting the Pirates if he were forced to miss any time due to his broken right arm.

 
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Report: Pirates Close to Deal with Jonathan Sanchez

Published on February 4, 2013 by in Features1, Rumors

 

It looks like the Pirates have found their contingency plan to Francisco Liriano in LHP Jonathan Sanchez.

Pirates fans will most likely remember Sanchez as the piece the Neal Huntington wanted from San Francisco in the Freddy Sanchez trade, but the Giants refused to part with him. That was in 2009 when a then 26-year old Sanchez was making a name for himself, thanks to tossing a no-hitter on July 10th. He would go on to post a 3.07 ERA in 33 starts the next year and looked like he was entering his prime.

But then things fell apart for Sanchez last season when he combined to go 1-9 with a 8.07 ERA over 64 2/3 innings.

If the deal, is in fact, a minor league deal, I don’t fault the Pirates for at least giving him a look. For four years between 2008 and 2011, Sanchez was an effective starting pitcher. He is now 30 years old and the Pirates find themselves in a very low-risk situation if they can sign him.

 
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Pirates Reach Revised Deal with Francisco Liriano

Published on January 21, 2013 by in Features1, Transactions

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported today that the Pirates and Francisco Liriano have agreed to terms on a two-year contract. Again.

Liriano and the Bucs agreed to a deal worth $12.75 million over two years earlier in December, but we found out it was being delayed when news broke that Liriano had broken his non-throwing arm.

The new deal still allows Liriano to make the agreed-upon $12.75 million over the two years unless he misses time in 2013 due to that specific injury. This is a very rare instance where a Major League contract is not fully guaranteed. So to recap, if Liriano doesn’t go on the disabled list this season due to the right arm injury, he will make the full amount of the contract. If he does, he makes less.

Liriano posted a 5.34 ERA over 156 2/3 innings last season between the Twins and White Sox. If healthy, he is expected to start the season on the Pirates’ rotation along with A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez, James McDonald, and most likely Jeff Karstens, with Jeff Locke and Kyle McPherson competing for a spot as well.

 
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Pirates, Gaby Sanchez Avoid Arbitration; Agree to Terms

Published on January 18, 2013 by in Features1, Transactions

 

Gaby Sanchez hit .241/.323/.397 with four home runs in 130 plate appearances after being acquired at last season’s trade deadline from Miami.

 
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