It seems so simple: a pitcher throws a pitch, and a batter either looks at it or swings. But, in reality, it’s much more complicated than that. It’s this game of cat-and-mouse game between a pitcher, catcher and hitter that determines success, wins and so much more. So you wanna be a pitcher? The pitcher has the most control in an at-bat — after all, the ball is in his hand. He dictates the pitch, and he relies on a variety of different things to determine what he should throw. “The ... Read More
Archives for June 2016
Pirates split series vs Mariners as Pittsburgh’s offense awakens
A day after the frustrated Pittsburgh Pirates could do no right, smiles were aplenty as they beat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 Wednesday night. The Pirates were able to capitalize off Mariners starter Wade Miley, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list after recovering from a shoulder injury. Miley (6-4) didn't make it to the fifth inning as he had already allowed five runs on seven hits through four innings while also throwing 74 pitches. See also: Niese's miscues ... Read More
Antonio Brown nominated for ESPY award for best NFL player
Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was recently nominated for the 2016 ESPY Award for Best NFL Player — and he’s a pretty deserving recipient. In 2015, Brown was tied for the league-lead in receptions (136) and was second in receiving yards (1,834) — and he did all that without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for all or part of five games of the season. And, through six seasons, the star wideout has more catches (526) than any other NFL wide receiver in that same period. He’s also only ... Read More
Niese’s miscues costly in Pirates’ loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates' reaction to Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners can best be summarized by something simple: a hung head. Pittsburgh starter Jon Niese hung his head after Seattle's Nelson Cruz hit a towering home run, the 19th homer the Pirates starter surrendered this season. Cruz's ball stayed just fair, flirting with the left field foul pole and giving Cruz 20 home runs for the eighth consecutive ... Read More
Which prospects could help the Pirates out this year?
Chad Kuhl's first career at-bat Sunday probably won't be memorable. He struck out, as pitchers often do at the plate. But it wasn't a typical strikeout. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie fouled off five pitches and took another two for balls before he failed to connect with the eighth pitch he saw. In doing so, Kuhl drove Los Angeles Dodgers' ace Clayton Kershaw's pitch count up to 37 on the night and 21 in the second inning. Kuhl then helped set the stage for fellow rookie Adam ... Read More
Riverhounds: Why is there no consistency on defense?
This season, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ biggest problem seems to be finding the back of their opponent's net. But there's another big problem that the team faces, and it has to do with the starting lineup. Under former head coach Mark Steffens, there was some consistency with his starting eleven. Now, under head coach Dave Brandt, the lineup seems to change almost constantly. Since Brandt has been the head coach, only once have the Riverhounds (2-8-3) had the same goalkeeper in ... Read More
No Pirates on NL All-Star final ballot update
On the final NL All-Star ballot update, there are a lot of familiar faces in the top-5 at their position. It's just that none of them happen to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In fact, only two Pirates are even close to the top-5: outfielders Starling Marte (No. 8) and Andrew McCutchen (No. 9). And both players are more than a million votes away from being one of the All-Star Game's three starting outfielders — with only a few days before ballots close. McCutchen, who has been an All-Star ... Read More
Pirates could benefit from National League adopting DH
Light your torches. Grab your pitch forks. Call Bob Walk. Because I'm going to make a statement that might shake baseball's purists to their core: The Pittsburgh Pirates would benefit from the National League adding the designated hitter. I can hear the screams from where I am in Missouri. Now, keep in mind this isn't an avocation for the NL to adopt a DH. Pitchers hitting adds another layer of depth and strategy to the game, which would disappear if everyone had a DH. Not to mention it ... Read More
Harrison demands Goodell’s presence at PED meeting
On the field, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison is known for taking no prisoners. Apparently, off the field, he’s the same way. The NFL sent letters to three active NFL players linked to PEDs in an Al-Jazeera America documentary, and, as one of the players named, Harrison fired back. In an Instagram post, Harrison wrote that he’d speak to the NFL about the PED allegations — on a couple of conditions. @NFL I look forward to speaking with you. Goodnight A photo posted by ... Read More
Liriano’s inconsistencies continue in Pirates’ loss
Up 4-0 in Monday's game, it appeared the Pittsburgh Pirates were well on their way to a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But before anyone could say, “Get out the brooms,” the Pirates gave up the lead and lost the game 5-4. The Pirates got the Dodgers on the ropes early when Los Angeles pitcher Scott Kazmir struggled through a 40-pitch first inning. Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte started the scoring with an RBI single. Right fielder Sean Rodriguez added to the tally by drawing a ... Read More