Pittsburgh Pirates Hot Takes That’s Amore

It has been hard to find time to write my weekly Pittsburgh Pirates hot takes.  However after watching some of the games, these hot takes get me fired up!

The starting rotation is fine but it needs help. Yes the Pittsburgh Pirates are in the middle of a series with the worst team in baseball.  Jon Niese pitched fine last night but he is still allowing too many home runs.  Juan Nicasio was mediocre against a team like the Braves.  Pittsburgh should have won both of them games easily.  Francisco Liriano went 7 strong last night and this helped to give the bull pen a break.  Against the Cubs we saw the rotation struggle (other than Cole) and Chicago is team we will have to beat come post-season.

The bullpen is struggling and help is needed. Watson and Melancon have both been the high point of the bullpen and Neftlai Feliz has been good too.  Ryan Vogelsong has struggled as well as Caminero.  If the Pittsburgh Pirates finish the season with the current bullpen, it could be a long season.  Pittsburgh has a tremendous offense but the pitching has been so bad that these games are closer than they need to be.

Juan Ho Kang has been a huge impact on the team.  Kang has already hit 5 homeruns and knocked in 10 RBI’s.  Kang’s impact has been seen both offensively and defensively.  A high scoring offense just the boost it needed.  I’m excited to see how the season goes for Kang.

Clint Hurdle has the best bench a manager could want. With Freese available for the infield, Joyce in the outfield and not to mention Rodriguez this is the most depth the Pittsburgh Pirates has had in years.  The everyday players are solid and when you add these guys to the mix, anything can happen for this team.  I absolutely love everything about this year and this team. 

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• Pittsburgh Pirates Sign Pitcher Vince Velasquez
• Pittsburgh Pirates News: Bucs Sign LHP Reliever Jarlin Garcia

Cervelli resigning is huge for the future.  Francisco Cervelli and the Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a 3 year deal for 31 million dollars. The entire infield and outfield will be signed until at least 2018 minus John Jaso (2017).  This means that the same guys could be the starters next year.  If we add in Glasnow, Taillon down the road, boy this team will be tough.

The series continues tonight against the Braves.  Most would think the Pirates can win tonight and take the series.  Jeff Locke will be making the start for the Pirates.  With the return of Starling Marte that should help boost the offense even more.   Liriano pitched a great game last night but the offense just struggled.

Let’s Go Bucs!!