Archer 'can't wait to experience' home opener

Chris Archer is scheduled to start the Pirates' home opener against the Cardinals. When manager Clint Hurdle announced Pittsburgh's opening series rotation on Saturday, he also gave Archer the nod for the season's first game at PNC Park.

It's time for the Pirates to sign Jameson Taillon to a long-term deal

Contract extensions, including deals for right-handers Aaron Nola (Phillies) and Luis Severino (Yankees), have been a dominant story across Major League Baseball this week. Sooner than later, the Pirates should follow the Phillies and Yankees in inking their own excellent young righty, Jameson Taillon, for the long haul, Kevin Gorman of the Pittsburgh-Tribune Review opines.  Unlike Philly and New York, both of which secured their aces to four-year guarantees worth $40M or more,...

Frazier prepares to thrive as everyday 2B

Adam Frazier is set to be the Pirates' starting second baseman this season. So unless there's an unexpected development, he doesn't have to worry about following his work at second with fly balls in the outfield or grounders at another position. The Bucs hope that kind of consistency will bring out the best in him.

Jameson Taillon to start opening day for Pirates

I don’t suppose this is a big surprise, but it’s good to see it confirmed anyway, seeing as how Taillon has emerged not only as the staff ace but more and more as a team leader. Chris Archer will open the home schedule.

Clint Hurdle has announced that @JTaillon19 will be our Opening Day starter and @ChrisArcher22 will start Opening Day at PNC. ???#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/7TkjEdd7lF

How Much WAR Would Antonio Brown Be Worth As The Pirates’ Shortstop?

A.B. hasn’t burned every bridge in Pittsburgh.

It looks like Antonio Brown’s time as a Pittsburgh Steeler is coming to an end. He’s fighting with teammates and running his mouth, and people have had enough. He’s an incredible talent, but it’s safe to say there are plenty of NFL teams who will not trade for him because of the drama. His NFL prospects are limited.

Meanwhile, in Florida, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers and catchers have begun their spring training. While there is a...

Taillon named Opening Day starter for Pirates

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle announced Saturday that right-hander Jameson Taillon will be the Bucs' Opening Day starter when they take on the Reds in Cincinnati on March 28.

Improved defense a priority for Moran

Colin Moran first focused on improving his mobility, which he hopes will lead to better range at third base as he prepares for his second full season in the Majors.

Who will make the Pirates’ roster?

Believe it or not, the Pirates’ first spring training game comes in just over a week, February 23 against the Phillies. Despite the many free agents still out there, it’s unlikely the Pirates will do anything more than maybe bring in an NRI reliever or two. So it’s a good time to offer up your ideas about the opening day roster. Who will make it? Or who should make it? Make your picks, either who you think will be there or who you want to see, or both.

I’ll start with my list. ...

Brault tweaks delivery in effort to be 5th starter

Last month, Steven Brault joked that he's never experienced the Spring Training that he hears other players talk about -- the relaxed camp where they just prepare for the season. Brault has always had to worry about winning a job. The left-hander is once again competing for a spot on the Pirates' Opening Day roster.

Notes: Two out-of-options Pirates to watch

There are a number of factors the Pirates must consider when filling the holes in their Opening Day roster over the next six weeks. Some of those factors, like performance, are within the players' control. Others aren't. For a few players, their Minor League option status makes the decision even more complicated.

Newman on SS competition: 'I'm ready for it'

The Pirates don't think they saw the real Kevin Newman late last season, and they are excited to watch the highly rated prospect compete for their starting shortstop job in Spring Training.

Talking Infielders & Pitching on The Buccocast

Good for your ears

In the latest episode of The Buccocast, I was lucky enough to have Alex Stumpf of BD and Alex Fast of Pitcher List on to talk about the Pittsburgh Pirates’ infield and pitching staff, respectively.

The Buccocast is a weekly podcast talking all things Pittsburgh Pirates.

You can help chart the podcast’s success...

Bucs camp begins with focus on pitching

Before the Pirates' pitchers and catchers warmed up for their first workout on Wednesday, they gathered to meet with Clint Hurdle. Pittsburgh's manager delivered a quick message, he said, one meant to "reinforce the belief that the game leans heavily upon pitching."

Pirates spring training relievers: Who are these guys?

Relievers are always the most interesting subject at this point because the bullpen is usually where the most jobs are open. This time it’s probably two, unless the Pirates go with eight relievers. Felipe Vázquez, Richard Rodriguez, Kyle Crick, Keone Kela and Nick Kingham (if he’s not starting) are set. The rest is pretty wide open. Figuring out a guy’s chances of spending time with the Pirates is also complicated by opt-out clauses. The list is pretty long, with * denoting...

Musgrove easing into throwing program

When Joe Musgrove had abdominal surgery in October, the Pirates stated that the right-hander would be "on or close to a regular schedule" for Spring Training. That forecast turned out to be true as Pittsburgh's pitchers and catchers officially began their spring workouts on Wednesday.

FanGraphs has five Pirates prospects in its top 100

I’m a little bit late with this, but I thought I’d put up a separate thread for it. Generally, I’m not that big on prospect lists because rankings tend to take on an authoritative air that they don’t really deserve when it’s this subjective. I particularly like FanGraphs, though, partly because I’m impressed by Kiley McDaniel and Eric Longenhagen, and partly because I like their approach of focusing on ceiling. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that such an approach helps several...

Pirates spring training starters: Who are these guys?

The rotation is set with Jameson Taillon, Chris Archer, Trevor Williams, Joe Musgrove and Jordan Lyles. With no options left, Nick Kingham is a lock to make the team as the sixth starter and long reliever. So let’s see who else is in camp.

These “Who are these guys?” segments are all about depth and this is the one that I find the most disquieting. The list here is long, but it’s heavily populated by prospects who aren’t ready yet. If, heaven forbid, enough things go wrong...

Pirates spring training outfielders: Who are these guys?

Time for outfielders. I won’t cover the starting outfield of Starling Marte, Corey Dickerson and Lonnie Chisenhall, nor Gregory Polanco. The Pirates have a mostly interesting list of fringe outfielders this spring. Whether it turns out to be good or not remains to be seen.

Previously:

Catchers
Infielders

Jason Martin (No. 53): Martin had a big first half at Altoona in 2018 before struggling at Indianapolis. Hopefully, he’ll get acclimated there this year; a good start from Martin...

Polanco throwing, hopes for April-May return

When Gregory Polanco underwent shoulder surgery on Sept. 12, the Pirates offered a vague timetable for his recovery that implied he could return as early as mid-April or as late as mid-June. Unsurprisingly, Polanco wants to be back sooner rather than later.

Garth Brooks in spring training with Pittsburgh

Country music legend Garth Brooks is participating in spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates, reporting Monday with the pitchers and catchers.