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Much-improved Bucs feeling competitive

Shortly after he was hired as the club’s general manager in September 2007, general manager Neal Huntington completed a thorough organizational assessment, after which he came to one concerning conclusion — the team didn’t have nearly enough depth.


Over the next two seasons, the latter of which ended Sunday, Huntington went about addressing — albeit often in a publicly unpopular manner — that lack of depth. The roster turnover this year alone has been both jarring and startling, though Huntington has, unquestionably, improved the overall organizational depth.

Regardless, that still leaves Pirates fans stirring, with one lingering question: Does any of this put Pittsburgh closer to winning again?


Click here to read the full article – By Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com


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October 5, 2009 Posted by GameSetMatch | MLB, Pirates News, Pittsburgh Pirates | , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Vazquez cleared to play if knee allows

At his own request, utility infielder Ramon Vazquez had an MRI done on his right knee on Monday in hopes of identifying the source of some recent pain.


The MRI revealed no surgical problems, and Vazquez has been cleared to play to tolerance. General manager Neal Huntington said that Vazquez’s symptoms and level of discomfort will dictate how much he plays as the Pirates finish out the season.

Vazquez said that the knee has been sore and bothering him while he runs for a while now. On Friday, though, it also began aching when he braced himself after hitting a foul ball during one of his four plate appearances. That was what most concerned Vazquez.


Click here to read the full article – By Jenifer Langosch of MLB,com


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September 22, 2009 Posted by GameSetMatch | MLB, Pirates News, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ramon Vazquez | , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Pirates to hold “Roberto Clemente Day of Giving” on Friday

The “Day of Giving” is designed to give fans a chance to give back to the community in a variety of ways, as well as recognize some of the organization’s players for their committment to giving back.

Paul Maholm will be recognized in a pregame on-field ceremony as the team’s Roberto Clemente Award nominee. Each club has selected one of its players to receive the team award, which recognizes both on-field success and off-the-field efforts in the community. Maholm has dedicated extensive time this season to working with the Gilda’s Club of Western Pennsylvania.

Minor League players in the Pirates’ farm system are also each required to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours each season to community work as part of the Pirates Community Commitment Program. The organization will hand out an award to one player from each Minor League affiliate who has especially been dedicated to this program. Those award recipients include: Larry Broadway (Indianapolis), Jason Delaney (Altoona), Josue Peley (West Va.), Jared Keel (Lynchburg), Mike Williams (State College), Bradley Clapp (GCL) and Gavi Nivar (Dominican Summer League).


Click here to read the full article – By Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com


Pittsburgh Pirates T-Shirts
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Pittsburgh Pirates Official 2007 On-Field Dedication T-Shirt

Pittsburgh Pirates Official 2007 On-Field Dedication T-Shirt
Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Majestic ProStyle T-Shirt

Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Majestic ProStyle T-Shirt
Roberto Clemente Pirates MLB Prostyle Player T-shirt

Roberto Clemente Pirates MLB Prostyle Player T-shirt

September 17, 2009 Posted by GameSetMatch | MLB, Pirates Apparel, Pirates News | , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Pirates hope to find comfort on road

After a disappointing 1-5 homestand, the Pirates head back out on the road, which has not been much friendlier all season.

Since going 5-5 on a 10-game road trip back in May, the Pirates have won just eight of the team’s past 42 games away from PNC Park. In 18 road games since the All-Star break, the Pirates have only two victories.

Yes, it’s been that rough as of late.


Click here to read the full article – By Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com


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September 11, 2009 Posted by GameSetMatch | MLB, Pirates News | , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Agent: Doumit not benched for sulking

Matt Sosnick, an agent for Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit, said that his client was not benched last week for “dogging it” or sulking the over team’s multiple trades of veteran players for prospects.

Doumit was pulled in the fifth inning of the Pirates’ 8-6 loss Friday against the Brewers, and he was held out of the lineup in the team’s 7-3 loss on Saturday. While neither Doumit nor manager John Russell would publicly discuss the matter other than for Russell to say, “That’s between Ryan and myself,” general manager Neal Huntington confirmed that Doumit was benched for a “disciplinary issue.”

Click here to read the full article – By Ed Eagle of MLB.com


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September 2, 2009 Posted by GameSetMatch | MLB, Pirates News, Pittsburgh Pirates | , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Vasquez back in new role for Pirates

Virgil Vasquez finds himself in a new role as he begins his second stint with the Pirates this season. With Pittsburgh already set with a six-man rotation, Vasquez is now a member of the bullpen.


“I have a different mentality,” Vasquez said. “You change your routine and you change your preparation. But the game’s the same.”

Manager John Russell said the Pirates will keep Vasquez out of the rotation for the time being, but added that he could make a spot start down the line if he is needed. Vasquez made his first ‘pen appearance in Tuesday’s 11-5 loss, giving up two earned runs via a two-run homer in the seventh inning but striking out two.


Click here to read the full article – By Steve Gartner of MLB.com


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September 2, 2009 Posted by GameSetMatch | MLB, Pirates News | , , , , , , | No Comments Yet