Pittsburgh Pirates: Pitchers and Catchers Report, Spring Training Begins

Pitchers and catchers have reported.  All position players are expected to be in Bradenton by Friday, February 19th.  Although many of them have already arrived.  John Jaso and Andrew McCutchen were some of the notable over achievers that arrived early.

Pirates Pitching Coach Ray Searage was seen smiling ear to ear.  Jeff Locke has been in camp for weeks.

Locke told Dan Zigrilli that “It’s that fun time of year…everybody has the itch. It’s like the first day of school”.  

New Pirates starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong was the topic on Rob Biertempfel’s mind.  Vogelsong knows Searage from his days in the Pirates farm system.

“I’ve always enjoyed talking to him and being around him,” Vogelsong told Biertempfel. “We crossed paths many times since then, and I always made it a point to say hi to him. I’m excited to work with him. His track record with turning some guys around is amazing.”  Check out the whole story on the Tribune-Review.

Vogelsong is on the minds of many ever since he was signed. His position in the rotation has also been a hot topic.  Will he keep his spot when the much touted prospects arrive?  Will he out pitch Jeff Locke?  How long will both Locke and Vogelsong be in the starting rotation?  A lot of stock is put in Searage’s ability to help give Volgelsong a renaissance year.  With Searage seen smiling from ear to ear and the 38 year old, Vogelsong singing his new pitching coach’s praises.  We’re off to a good start.

The first spring training game will be March 2 versus the Detroit Tigers. The broadcast schedule for Pirates Spring Training games has been released.  If you are among the lucky few going to Bradenton to partake in the festivities you should also read the epic article Tim Williams wrote about things to do in Bradenton.