November 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The Delwyn Young experiment at second base is over. The Pirates made it official Tuesday by trading reliever Jesse Chavez to the Tampa Bay Rays for veteran infielder Akinori Iwamura. General manager Neal Huntington gave up a young right-hander - Chavez would have been under the Pirates' control the next five seasons - in exchange for Iwamura, who at $4.85 million will be the team's highest-paid player in 2010. "It's tough to give up a guy like Jesse Chavez," Huntington said. "But it is easier to fill 60 innings out of the bullpen than it is to fill 600 quality plate appearances." Iwamura, 30, could become a free agent after next season. Huntington indicated the team eventually may be ..."
October 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The president of the Class A Florida State League said a plan for the Pirates to plant a minor league team in Bradenton in 2010 is practically a done deal. Thursday, Chuck Murphy said league officials will vote Nov. 10 to allow the Pirates to purchase and uproot the Class A Sarasota Reds. The team will play its home games at McKechnie Field, the Pirates' spring training venue, which is about 20 minutes away from Sarasota. "I don't expect any problems (with the vote)," Murphy said. "Everything should go pretty smooth. Our 2010 schedule is pretty much complete, but I don't think (the move) would affect it very much. Everything is in good shape over there at McKechnie Field." In essence, the ..."
October 27
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Andrew McCutchne's rookie season with the Pirates went about as well as he could have hoped. "There's nothing I would change," McCutchen said Monday. "There are a few things I'll fine-tune this winter and get better at, but as far as how I did during the season, it all was good." The analysts at Baseball America agreed, as they named McCutchen the magazine's major league rookie of the year. "It's a great honor," McCutchen said by phone from his home in Lakeland, Fla. McCutchen, 23, batted .286 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI and 22 stolen bases. He topped National League rookies with 47 extra-base hits and ranked second in multi-hit games, runs, walks and total bases. The Pittsburgh chapter of ..."
October 27
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The Pirates requested outright waivers on reliever Tyler Yates, who then opted for free agency. Yates missed most of last season after having reconstructive elbow surgery. Yates pitched in 87 games after the Pirates acquired him in a trade with Atlanta a week before the start of the 2008 season. This past season, the right-hander worked in 15 games, going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA. He had Tommy John surgery in July - his second such procedure in seven years - and ended the season on the disabled list."
October 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Perry Hill has left the Pirates after one year as the team's first base coach, the team announced today. Hill is recognized as one of the best fielding instructors in baseball, and his departure was not unexpected. Hill has expressed unhappiness that the team traded three-fourths of the infield during the season: Jack Wilson (Seattle), Freddy Sanchez (San Francisco) and Adam LaRoche (Boston). "We made an aggressive attempt to bring Perry back, including exercising his option for the 2010 season and offering to restructure and extend his contract. Despite these efforts, Perry has decided that he does not want to coach," said Pirates general manager Neal Huntington."
October 18
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Perry Hill won't be back with the Pirates next season - and he may not be coaching anywhere in the major leagues. The Pirates announced Saturday that Hill, the renowned first base coach and infield instructor, won't be returning for a second season. General manager Neal Huntington also said the team has exercised Hill's contract option for 2010, which would prohibit him from coaching elsewhere next year without the Pirates' permission. Hill, though, will not be paid if he is not working for the Pirates. "We exercised the option to protect our club's interest," Huntington said. The Pirates also promoted Triple-A pitching coach Ray Searage to the major-league staff yesterday in an unrelated ..."
October 14
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Tuesday, rookie center fielder Andrew McCutchen won the 2009 Clemente Award presented by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. The award is given annually to the Pirates player who best exemplifies the standard of excellence achieved by Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. In essence, it is the Pirates' MVP award, as voted upon by BBWAA members who regularly cover the team. McCutchen netted seven of nine first-place votes. First baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones edged pitcher Ross Ohlendorf by one-half vote for second place. Promoted to the majors in June, McCutchen batted .286 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI and 22 stolen bases. He was the Pirates' first-round draft ..."
October 9
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
columnist Joe Starkey
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Watching that incredible play-in game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, I couldn't help but think of the Pirates. I thought of how a generation of Pittsburgh sports fans has never experienced the unique drama of a high-stakes baseball game involving their team. I thought of how the tight-budget Twins have won five division titles since the turn of the millennium. And I thought of Miguel Angel Sano, the elite Dominican prospect who elected not to sign with Pirates or the mighty New York Yankees but with the Twins, 10 days ago. Somehow, some way, the Twins got the job done. Somehow, some way, the Pirates didn't. According to Sano's agent, Rob Plummer: "The Twins ..."
October 7
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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"Can you imagine getting drafted (by the Detroit Lions) and going 8-10 years with that? You don't know anything else. I couldn't imagine it." - Then-Steelers linebacker Larry Foote, on Dec. 21 of last season. It wouldn't be fair to call that a Foote-in-the-mouth moment, because the man had no idea he'd be playing for the Lions this season. Plus, Foote's opinion of the team likely has improved, even if it can't possibly match that of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who seems determined to turn the Lions into the 1985 Chicago Bears before the week is out. At his news conference Tuesday, in advance of Sunday's game in Detroit, Tomlin said the Steelers have to "sharpen our sword for this battle." ..."
October 6
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
columnist Dejan Kovacevic
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It was the 14th of August on a pleasant afternoon in Altoona, and Neal Huntington was at an Eat'n Park, picking at lunch while clicking at a laptop to keep up with his Pirates. These were just pixels on a screen, the real team several states away at Wrigley Field, but there was no diminishing the reality about to hit the team's general manager. With one run, then four, then 14 by the end of the second inning, those cyber-Cubs sprinted around the cyber-bases. And suffice it to say Huntington was not about to order a Smiley cookie. "Oh," he recalled thinking. "This is going to be bad." He never could have processed how bad. That game, memorably, ended up 17-2, but it would become just a ..."
October 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The Pirates' Neil Walker, Robinzon Diaz, Ronny Cedeno and Luis Cruz will play winter ball. "Around the industry, guys don't want to play winter ball anymore," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Even guys in Double-A and Triple-A, it's hard to get them to play. I think they're missing a big step in their development." Walker will play in Venezuela. "First game is Friday," he said. • Starting pitcher Kevin Hart was shut down due to a strained oblique muscle. "It's not an Evan Meek-type (injury) where it feels like someone is sticking a knife and running it through the ribcage," Huntington said. In spring training, Hart and Daniel McCutchen will battle for the fifth spot in the rotation."
October 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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With a late-season surge, and a little help from Mother Nature, the Pirates made sure they did not become the eighth club in franchise history to lose 100 games in a season. After Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs was rained out, the Pirates needed to win just one of their final three games to avoid triple-digit defeats. They did that Friday with a 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. "It wasn't looking too good a few days ago," left fielder Lastings Milledge said. "We all knew about the 100-loss thing. We pulled together - not only (to avoid) 100 losses, but just to finish strong in the last week and a half. We came through with it." The massive roster upheaval contributed to the ..."
October 5
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The Pirates closed out the 2009 season Sunday with a 6-0 loss against the Cincinnati Reds. By dropping their final two games, the Pirates finished 62-99. It's their fewest victories since 2001 (62-100) and the seventh time in the past 10 seasons the Pirates have won fewer than 70 games. The Pirates were blanked for the 17th time, the most in the majors. The Reds manufactured single runs in the first and third innings. Each time, Drew Stubbs singled and was brought home by Brandon Phillips - first on a double, the next time on a ground out. Right-hander Jeff Karstens (4-6) started on short rest and worked 2 1/3 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits. The Pirates went 0 for 13 with ..."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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If the Pirates are going to succeed with home-grown players, they must produce breakthrough seasons at an above-average rate. That seems to have been the case this season. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones generated Rookie of the Year buzz. Ross Ohlendorf rolled up 11 wins and a 3.92 ERA. Jesse Chavez and Evan Meek were solid in the bullpen. Last year, Paul Maholm, Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth emerged. In 2010, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Brad Lincoln are expected to arrive. "I think we're a little bit ahead of the curve, as far as guys coming up and establishing themselves at this level," manager John Russell said. "For most clubs, it's about a player and a half a year — one ..."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Zach Duke struggled in his final start of the season Saturday, as the Pirates lost, 8-4, against the Cincinnati Reds. Duke (11-16), who leads the National League in losses, worked five innings and gave up five runs on six hits. The left-hander walked five, one shy of his career high, and struck out two. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Johnny Cueto (11-11). Andrew McCutchen walked and scored on Andy LaRoche's double. The Reds tied it in the second went ahead with one run in the third and three in the fourth."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The current Pirates ownership will likely never have pockets deep enough to sign a superstar free agent. And management will avoid the type of "Band-Aid" imports — Jeromy Burnitz, Derek Bell, George Hendrick — that tend to end up as flops. Yet, that does not mean the Pirates will not spend in the free-agent market this offseason. And general manager Neal Huntington said the team's shopping list might include more than just backups and bit players. "We're going to be a little bit more aggressive in exploring that mid-tier market this year," Huntington said. "Not making any promises, but we'll explore it. Maybe there is a guy who can step in (as an everyday player) and help this club ..."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The question seemed to take Andrew McCutchen by surprise. McCutchen, the Pirates' top draft pick in 2005, played well enough this summer to rank among the top Rookie of the Year candidates. In a season marked by roster upheaval — including trades that were unpopular among fans and players — McCutchen was a welcome addition. So, what must McCutchen do to improve in 2010? "I don't think I should change a thing, really," McCutchen said after a moment's reflection. "I'm pretty pleased with how I've done so far, so there's nothing I need to change." McCutchen has a point. Next season should be more about improvement than change — not only for McCutchen, but for the Pirates' entire system from ..."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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If the Pirates are going to succeed with home-grown players, they must produce breakthrough seasons at an above-average rate. That seems to have been the case this season. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones generated Rookie of the Year buzz. Ross Ohlendorf rolled up 11 wins and a 3.92 ERA. Jesse Chavez and Evan Meek were solid in the bullpen. Last year, Paul Maholm, Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth emerged. In 2010, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Brad Lincoln are expected to arrive."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Zach Duke struggled in his final start of the season Saturday, as the Pirates lost, 8-4, against the Cincinnati Reds. Duke (11-16), who leads the National League in losses, worked five innings and gave up five runs on six hits. The left-hander walked five, one shy of his career high, and struck out two. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Johnny Cueto (11-11). Andrew McCutchen walked and scored on Andy LaRoche's double. The Reds tied it in the second went ahead with one run in the third and three in the fourth. In the sixth inning, Delwyn Young hit a three-run homer to pull the Pirates within 5-4. It was Young's first home run since Aug. 18."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The current Pirates ownership will likely never have pockets deep enough to sign a superstar free agent. And management will avoid the type of "Band-Aid" imports — Jeromy Burnitz, Derek Bell, George Hendrick — that tend to end up as flops. Yet, that does not mean the Pirates will not spend in the free-agent market this offseason. And general manager Neal Huntington said the team's shopping list might include more than just backups and bit players. "We're going to be a little bit more aggressive in exploring that mid-tier market this year," Huntington said. "Not making any promises, but we'll explore it. Maybe there is a guy who can step in (as an everyday player) and help this club ..."
October 4
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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The question seemed to take Andrew McCutchen by surprise. McCutchen, the Pirates' top draft pick in 2005, played well enough this summer to rank among the top Rookie of the Year candidates. In a season marked by roster upheaval — including trades that were unpopular among fans and players — McCutchen was a welcome addition. So, what must McCutchen do to improve in 2010? "I don't think I should change a thing, really," McCutchen said after a moment's reflection. "I'm pretty pleased with how I've done so far, so there's nothing I need to change.""
October 3
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Friday, Dr. James Andrews performed arthroscopic surgery to repair the labrum in Jose Ascanio's right shoulder. General manager Neal Huntington said there is no timetable for when Ascanio will get back on the mound or if he will be ready for the start of spring training. • Jeff Karstens will start Sunday's season finale against Cincinnati. Karstens threw 61 pitches in five innings Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs, so he'll try to get through two or three tomorrow, then turn it over to the bullpen. • Manager John Russell wanted righty Kevin Hart to start tomorrow, but Hart is bothered by what appears to be a strained rib cage. "He could probably pitch with it, but we're not going to push ..."
October 3
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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Daniel McCutchen picked up his first major-league victory Friday, as the Pirates nipped the Cincinnati Reds, 3-1. The rookie right-hander worked 6.1 innings and allowed one run on four hits. McCutchen walked two and struck out five. McCutchen (1-2) was winless in his first five starts after being called up Aug. 31 from Triple-A Indianapolis. The Pirates have won five of their past six games and improved to 62-97. With two games left in the season, they cannot lose 100 games. Reds right-hander Justin Lehr (5-3) began the third inning by walking Daniel McCutchen on five pitches. Andrew McCutchen doubled to center, moving Daniel McCutchen to third. Andy LaRoche shot a single down the third ..."
October 3
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
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When Thursday night's game against the Chicago Cubs was rained out, it cost Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm a chance to finish the season on a positive note. Maholm had allowed three hits through three innings and was working with a 3-0 lead. But the thunderstorm that hunkered down over Wrigley Field prevented the teams from playing five innings, so all the statistics were washed away. "We were on a roll, and it would have been good to come out of there winning three out of four," Maholm said Friday. "Personally, I would've liked to have finished at .500 and get the 200 innings, but it wasn't in the cards." A year ago, Maholm led the Pirates starters' with nine victories, a 3.71 ERA and 206.1 ..."