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Pirates Morning Report: Lucky Hop Helps Rays Even Series

Final Score: Rays 3 Guardians 1

Why The Rays Won: Freddy Peralta continued his recent spectacular pitching going 6 innings giving up 0 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks. The Rays had 2 out lightening in the bottom of the 4th thanks to a weird hop to score all of their runs. The Rays bullpen was able to get through a shaky 7th inning to hold the Guardians to one run. After the seventh the Guardians never threatened again. The series now moves to Cleveland all tied at a game apiece. If the Guardians are going to make a series of this, they are going to have to find a way to score runs in their own park. In three playoff games so far, they have scored a total of 5 runs. They will have to do better than that in order to get back to Tampa Bay.

Key Moments Of The Game: It was scoreless going into the bottom of the 4th. The inning started with a walk to Junior Caminero. The Rays almost grounded into their 3rd double play in 4 innings but the call at first was overturned. Jonny DeLuca stuck out. Chandler Simpson got an infield hit to short that sent Victor Mesa Jr. to third. Ben Williamson hit a ground ball to third. The ball hit right where the grass ends on the infield. It took a crazy low left hop and went right between the legs of Jose Ramirez. He was charged with an error. The Rays now had runners on 2nd and 3rd. The Rays had not hit a ball over 90 MPH and now led 1-0. Liam Hicks did not waste anytime lacing the first pitch into right center field to drive in two runs to give the Rays a 3-0 lead they never relinquished. All 3 runs were unearned. The Guardians had a threat going in the top of the 7th. Another walk started the inning by Kevin Kelly. Kelly got the next batter to fly out. Steven Kwan singled to left field putting runners on 1st and 2nd. Jose Ramirez flied out to center field. The Rays brought in lefty Ian Seymour to face Chase DeLauter. DeLauter drilled a 1-0 a low inside sinker into the right field corner to score a run. I was a little surprised the Guardians did not try to send Kwan home from first base. Joe Adell struck out on 4 pitches swinging at the last two pitches that were not in the strike zone. The Guardians never got a man on base after that, and the Rays got their much needed split.

Next Game: The NLCS gets back into action tonight with the Dodgers needing a win or they will fall behind 3-0 in the series. The Dodgers’ bats are looking old right now. Will they be able to dig deep and some how get back into this series. The Brewers would love to return last year’s favor and sweep the Dodgers. Stay tuned.

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Pirates Morning Report: Guardians Become Playoff Road Warriors. Brewers Take 2-0 Lead.

Final Score: Guardians 7 Rays 3

Game Summary: The Guardians are becoming playoff road warriors, displaying an impressive resilience and determination that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. They have won 3 consecutive playoff road games. In those 3 games, they have scored a total of 25 runs, an astonishing feat considering this is a team that was ranked 23rd in runs scored during the regular season. The offense cranked out 14 hits, demonstrating their adaptability and skill at the plate, with key contributions from players like Jose Ramirez and Chase Delauter. Delauter, in particular, was instrumental, hitting a crucial home run in the top of the 6th inning that ignited the Cleveland scoring and energized the team. Nathanial Lowe stepped up at a pivotal moment, delivering a big hit in the top of the 8th inning that drove in 2 runs, allowing the Guardians to establish a 4-2 lead and shift the momentum firmly in their favor. They broke the game wide open in the top of the 9th, scoring 3 additional runs that sealed their victory. Meanwhile, the Guardians bullpen continues to amaze, covering 5 innings and only giving up 1 run on 2 hits, while walking 2, which speaks volumes about their effectiveness and depth. The surprising outcome of game 1, with the Guardians displaying such dominance on the road, is a testament to their growth and commitment as they push toward playoff success.

Final Score: Brewers 7 Dodgers 4.

Game Summary: The bad news for the Dodgers among other things is that they could only manage 3 hits for the game, an abysmal performance that left fans wondering how they could turn things around. As good as the Guardians bullpen was, the Brewers bullpen proved to be even better, showcasing their dominance by not allowing a single base runner over the last 5 innings. No runs, no hits, no walks while striking out an impressive 7 batters, a feat that left the Dodgers’ hitters thoroughly frustrated. In the early going, this was a back-and-forth affair that got fans on the edge of their seats. Each team scored a run in the 1st inning, setting a competitive tone. The Dodgers took a brief 2-1 lead in the top of the 3rd, only to see it evaporate when the Brewers responded with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning. This crucial inning saw Jake Bauers possibly have the at-bat of the playoffs, forcing Dodger pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to throw an exhausting 12 pitches before finally drawing a walk. This impressive battle loaded the bases with 2 outs, and the increasing tension in the stadium became palpable. Christian Yelich then stepped up, taking a 1-0 curveball and lacing it into centerfield to drive in 2 vital runs. This stellar hit chased Yamamoto from the mound, who had to throw a staggering 75 pitches just to get through 2 and 2/3 innings, a clear testament to his struggles. The Dodgers retook the lead in the top of the 5th, thanks to another throwing error by the Brewers pitcher Logan Henderson and a timely sacrifice fly. William Contreras, who was on fire with 3 RBIs, hit a monumental home run in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 4-4 and energizing the Brewers’ crowd. The Brewers then scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 6th on a sharp single by Contreras after they intentionally walked Brice Turang to get to him, a questionable strategy by the Dodgers that proved costly. Even though the Brewers added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 8th, it seemed unnecessary with the way their bullpen went into shutdown mode, effectively sealing the game and leaving the Dodgers reeling.

Next Game: Guardians and Rays, Game 2 in Tampa Bay. The Rays will need to come back tonight and I expect they will. I am sure there is no panic by the Rays. The way the Guardians have played in Cleveland the Rays still have a good shot at winning the series. Regardless this was an upset in Game 1. Can Cleveland keep the momentum going? Stay tuned.

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Pirates Morning Report: Brewers Take Game 1

Final Score: Brewers 2 Dodgers 1

Why The Brewers Won: The Brewers were able to keep the Dodgers from getting the big hit. The Brewers’ pitchers managed to get the Dodgers to ground into three double plays. Both big time starters had their issues. Jacob Misiorowski was touched up for one run on five hits while walking three. He could only go four and one-third innings, taking 94 pitches to do so. After getting off to a hot start, Tarik Skubal, who only gave up one hit and struck out six over the first three innings, was touched up for a run in the fourth and fifth innings. Skubal gave up a leadoff home run to Brice Turang in the fourth. Then he really struggled in the fifth. The Brewers scratched out a run in the inning with a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and a single by Luis Lara to make the score 2-1. After a ground out, Skubal gave up a single and a walk to load the bases. He got out of the inning by getting William Contreras to fly out to right field. From that point on, both bullpens took over the game. The Dodgers’ bullpen gave up just one hit and walked two. The Brewers’ bullpen gave up two hits and walked three but kept the Dodgers off the board to preserve the victory in Game One.

Key Moments Of The Game: The Dodgers had lots of traffic on the base paths in the early going but none more so than in the 2nd inning. Shohei Ohtani opened the inning with a four pitch walk and none of the pitches were close. Misiorowski missed on the first two pitches to Teoscar Hernandez. Hernandez worked the count to 3-2. He took the 7th pitch and lined it into right field for a base hit sending Ohtani to second. Max Muncy struck out on 4 pitches. Andy Pages singled to right driving in Ohtani and moving Hernandez to second. Kyle Tucker walked to load the bases. This brought up playoff legend Kike Hernandez in another key situation. He worked the count out to 2-2. He pulled a 90 MPH slider right to the shortstop for a huge inning ending double play. The Dodgers got the leadoff man on base in the next two innings but could do nothing with it. In fact, the Dodgers had only one inning the 7th when they did not have a runner on base. They had 7 hits to go along with 6 walks but could only muster the one run. They did not make the Brewers pay for giving up all of those walks. In the top of the 9th Trevor Megill walked two after two were out but was able to get Mookie Betts to fly out to deep center field to end the game. The Brewers will not be swept this year.

The Next Games: The American League Championship Series gets underway with the Rays and Guardians going at it. The Dodgers and the Brewers will be the first game starting at 5:00. It will be interesting to see how the Guardians’ pitching staff will hold up in the ALCS. World Series hero Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be going for the Dodgers this afternoon. The Brewers have won 3 of their 4 playoff games by one run. The other win was a tense 3-1 victory against the Padres that took a home run-robbing catch to preserve the win. If they pull this out today, their confidence should be at an all-time high. Stay tuned.

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Pirates Morning Report: Right Field

The Pirates were ranked 18th in right field, a position that proved to be a challenging one for the team this season. Esmerlyn Valdez had 259 plate appearances in right field, an opportunity that allowed him to showcase his skills and potential. This was followed by Ryan O’Hearn, who contributed to the team with 175 plate appearances. Despite experiencing a very poor final 44 games for Valdez at the plate, he finished the season with a commendable slash line of .232/.345/.510, leading to an OPS+ of 130, which was notably impressive and second only to the standout performance of Oneil Cruz. Ryan O’Hearn also had a respectable offensive output, ending the season with a solid slash line of .265/.330/.440, resulting in an OPS+ of 108, which reflects his contribution to the team’s overall performance. However, where both players fell short was on defense. Neither player excelled defensively, as both were below average fielders, with O’Hearn struggling the most, recording -5 in defensive runs saved, while Valdez was slightly better at -3. O’Hearn’s defensive struggles extended to first base, where he recorded a negative 2, which, while not as severe, still suggests room for improvement. Looking ahead, Valdez will turn 23 next season, and with the experience and lessons learned from this past year, there is hope that he will develop further and refine his skills, both offensively and defensively, to become a more well-rounded player for the Pirates.

Valdez should be the full-time right fielder for 2027, bringing his skills and experience to bolster the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities. O’Hearn should be the starting first baseman, as he can provide stability and power at the plate, effectively replacing Spencer Horwitz, who should be traded to allow for fresh talent acquisition that could further enhance the team’s dynamics. This past season, the Pirate outfield ranked 15th overall, which is quite an impressive leap from 2025, when they found themselves struggling at 27th place. This improvement showcases the development of the players, as well as strategic adjustments made by the coaching staff. However, while the progress is commendable, the team still has a glaring need for a big-time center fielder who can handle the pressure of the position and elevate the overall performance of the outfield. Given their trajectory, I would be surprised if we see such a necessary addition before the start of the 2027 season.

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Pirates Morning Report: We Are Down To The Final Four.

The Championship Series begins tonight with the Brewers facing off against the Dodgers, marking a key moment in the postseason that fans and players alike have eagerly awaited. Although I have not seen much of the playoffs up to this point, I did manage to catch the Guardians’ impressive 2-0 victory over the White Sox, which capped off a thrilling comeback after being down 2-0 in the series. The White Sox, a team known for their tendency to strike out frequently, truly took things to new heights last night by striking out an astonishing 21 times, shattering the postseason record for strikeouts in a game. There were 99 pitches thrown that ended either as a strike or a ball being put in play. Out of those, the White Sox only managed to take 20 called strikes. They swung at 23 pitches that were out of the zone. They swung at 56 pitches that were actually in the strike zone, yet still managed to miss consistently. They simply could not make contact with what the Guardians’ pitchers were delivering. The White Sox only put a total of 9 balls in play throughout the game, and of that total, only one – a fly out – was from a pitch that was swung at outside of the strike zone. The remaining 22 consisted of foul balls or swings and misses. In a particularly frustrating top of the 6th inning, they loaded the bases but failed to convert that opportunity into runs. There were 5 White Sox players who had 2 or more plate appearances yet did not manage to put a ball in play all night long, which underlines the dominance of the Guardians’ pitching staff. This performance ranks as one of the most dominant pitching efforts in the history of baseball, defying expectations that the Guardians’ pitching staff would be worn out after extensive use, especially given their substantial leads in games 3 and 4. Perhaps the notion that pitchers are fragile is a myth after all. The Guardians’ staff can now say they proved their endurance in such a critical moment.

We are finally back to best of 7 baseball with the Dodgers facing the Brewers tonight in Milwaukee, where the atmosphere is sure to be electric as fans rally behind the Brewers. The Rays and Guardians will open on Monday night with a matchup that has been highly anticipated, stirring excitement among baseball enthusiasts. I am hoping the Brewers and the Rays, two teams that have shown incredible resilience and talent throughout the season, make it to the World Series. I honestly feel that both series are toss ups, as each game could swing in any direction depending on the performance of key players. The Rays would seem to have a big advantage over the Guardians with a well-rested pitching staff, which could prove crucial in a seven-game series where fatigue can take its toll on pitchers. This is a 7 game series, where every decision counts, and maybe Cleveland will just figure to rest most of their pitchers for game 1 and just hope for the best, a gamble that could backfire or pay off handsomely. This would be almost like a game one forfeit, but the Guardians might consider it if they think they have a stronger chance in the later games. I am sure the Guardians would not admit this strategy openly, but it would not be a bad tactical move if they believe in their bullpen’s strength. I will be watching all of these games intensely since I am done traveling until Christmas. It should be a great week of baseball, filled with memorable moments, stunning plays, and perhaps a few surprises that keep us all on the edge of our seats.

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Pirates Morning Report: Center field

The Pirates had the 14th ranked center fielder in the league, which shows they certainly had room for improvement in this critical position. Oneil Cruz had 381 plate appearances at center field during the season, showcasing his ability to be a primary player for the team. Jake Mangum contributed with 251 plate appearances, filling in as needed. Cruz’s bat emerged as a significant asset. He posted an impressive slash line of .280/.368/.486, demonstrating both his power and on-base capabilities. His skill at the plate culminated in an OPS+ of 131, marking him as the best offensive performer among Pirates’ players this season. Conversely, Mangum struggled notably during the latter half of the season, particularly after the All-Star break, where he slashed a disappointing .238/.295/.335. Ultimately, his OPS+ for the season settled at 90, which is 10% below the league average, which is a clear indicator of his challenges at the plate. Furthermore, in terms of defense, he is not particularly distinguished, with a defensive runs saved metric of -3 in center field. Although he showed some competence compared to Cruz, who finished with a -7 in defensive runs saved—an improvement over the staggering -14 he recorded in 2025—both players still fall short of being reliable defensive assets. Center field is recognized as one of the most vital defensive positions on the team, often requiring a combination of speed, agility, and baseball intelligence. Therefore, the Pirates’ decision to play two players who are below average in this critical spot raises questions about their strategic approach and commitment to enhancing their overall defensive capabilities.

In my view, Cruz should be moved to the corner position of right field, where he can utilize his considerable skills more effectively. He also has the most value at the moment on the trade market, making it essential for the management to capitalize on this opportunity. If he was on the Tampa Bay Rays, one of the most strategic teams in the league, he would likely be playing somewhere else in 2027, emphasizing how teams recognize talent like his. On the other hand, I am not too sure that Mangum should even be on the team next year, considering the recent performance analysis. In 479 plate appearances, he only walked 25 times, indicative of a concerning inability to draw walks and extend at-bats. In order for him to really be an asset, he needs to have better command of the strike zone, honing his plate discipline to become a more complete player. Even though he looks like the prototypical leadoff hitter with his speed and agility, he does not perform well in that critical role. He led off the game 35 times this year but managed to hit only .233, walking 3 times and getting hit by the pitch twice, which reflects a lack of impact in those situations. He led off an inning 115 times this season, batting a disappointing .204 and getting on base at a mere rate of .287, showcasing how ineffective he has been in generating scoring opportunities. I know he is noted for his hustle and drive; however, that can only take you so far in a league that demands excellence. It’s not even like he is that young, as he will be entering his age 31 season, a time when most players should be at their peak. Mangum needs to improve his game dramatically or he should be seriously considering looking for a new job outside of professional baseball. This all boils down to one critical truth: the Pirates need a solid major league center fielder to enhance their roster and competitive edge. At the moment, they do not have one, which is a significant concern for their long-term success in the league.

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Pirates Morning Report: Left Field

The Pirates had the 13th ranked left fielder in baseball, reflecting both the highs and lows of their roster for the season. Bryan Reynolds emerged as the team’s standout player, achieving the most plate appearances at that position by a wide margin, which underscored his importance to their offensive lineup. His replacements, who totaled about 210 appearances, likely brought down the overall performance at left field, Reynolds himself experienced one of his better all-around years. He did lead all of baseball in doubles, showcasing his ability to hit for extra bases. His slash line was solid if not spectacular, resting at .261/.365/.424, which indicates a promising on-base percentage despite not being a home run threat. For the second straight year, he failed to hit 20 homers, a goal that had become somewhat of a benchmark for many power hitters in the league. Yet, where Reynolds truly shone was in his defensive contributions. In left field, he had a defensive runs saved total of +9, marking this as by far his best year defensively. In previous seasons, he had often been classified as a negative fielder or merely at league average. Additionally, he achieved his best Wins Above Replacement (WAR) number of 3.8 since 2021, reflecting his overall value to the team as both a hitter and fielder. Such advancements in both offense and defense are crucial for the Pirates as they seek to enhance their competitive standing in the league.

The Pirates could do a lot worse than playing Bryan Reynolds in left field. He also had a nice year as the DH with an OPS of .775. I am not too sure if Reynolds would bring back that much anymore on the trade market. He is signed through the 2030 season with a club option in 2031. If the Pirates have any thoughts of trading Reynolds, the sooner the better. Otherwise, while Reynolds is never going to carry a club to a playoff spot, he is about as consistent and solid as any player on this team. He should remain a Pirate and play left field and DH.

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Pirates Morning Report: Shortstop

The combination of three Pirate shortstops ranked 18th at that position out of 30 teams, in terms of defense and offensive production. Konnor Griffin seems to be the heir apparent at this position, showcasing a blend of promising skills and potential. He is the primary reason they are as high as they are in the rankings. The other two, Jared Triolo and Jacob Gonzalez, really could not hit consistently, making it challenging for the team to rely on them in crucial moments of games. Specifically, Gonzalez is a below-average fielder at shortstop, which raises concerns about the team’s defensive capabilities. It is always fascinating how the Pirates think strategically in terms of player placement and development. Despite being an average fielder at 1st and 3rd base, they chose to place him at shortstop, where his defensive runs saved statistic sits at an alarming -4. This decision is perplexing, especially considering he never played shortstop for the White Sox, leading one to wonder how they arrive at such unconventional strategies. Although he did play shortstop in the minors, he had never stepped onto the field in that position at the MLB level until he joined the Pirates. Compounding the issue, both Gonzalez and Triolo’s OPS+ stats are significantly below league average, with figures of 75 and 68 respectively, This certainly casts doubt on their contributions to the Pirates’ lineup. This raises the question of how the team intends to rectify these performance issues moving forward.

Konnor Griffin will be and should be the main shortstop for the Pirates next year. He was a 2.1 WAR player in 80 games. For a full season, that would be close to 4.0. He has an excellent glove, every bit as good as Triolo. Both have defensive runs saved of 4 at the position. Griffin is only going to be 21 next April. Hopefully, he is over the injury problems and can go for a complete season. Presumably, we have seen the last of Jacob Gonzalez. I know he fits the perfect Pirate prototype: can’t field, can’t hit, so let’s play him every day. If he is one of the bench players next year, this team is in trouble. Jared Triolo has also shown he cannot hit. Over his 4-year career in 1,393 plate appearances, he has a slash line of .237/.317/.335 for a lifetime OPS+ of 80. There is no question he is a great glove at all 4 infield positions. If the Pirates can add more slug at other positions, then I still think Triolo will be an asset. I really do not know that the Pirates are capable of doing that. The good news is that Konnor Griffin looks like the real deal.

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Pirates Morning Report: Third Base

The Pirates had the 23rd ranked third baseman in baseball this year, a position that contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance. Nick Gonzales had the most plate appearances at that position, which highlights the team’s reliance on him despite some glaring issues. Gonzales had his best year at the plate with a commendable slash line of .303/.367/.388, showcasing his ability to make consistent contact and get on base. However, his lack of power severely limited his potential, leading to an OPS+ of 107, which means he is just 7% above a league average hitter. This highlights the need for an improved power hitter at that position. Where Gonzales falters is in the field, a crucial aspect of his position. He was the worst fielding third baseman in the league, marked by a disappointing defensive runs saved of -15, which contributed to the team’s defensive struggles. He made 11 of his 15 errors at third base, a statistic that raises concerns about his defensive consistency and reliability. This is another corner infield position that has very poor fielding skills that the bat does not quite make up for. The Pirates do have Ryan O’Hearn, who can play first base, providing some flexibility, but they have no one that would be an adequate replacement at third base for the moment. If they are not going to sign Brandon Lowe during the off-season, that should be the Pirates’ number one priority, as solidifying the third base position is essential for improving both the batting lineup and the overall defensive integrity of the team moving forward.

As far as Gonzales is concerned, a move to second base would not only be good for him but also significantly benefit the team. He is only just a little below league average there at a -2 defensive runs saved, which indicates that while there is room for improvement, he shows potential to excel in this position. As a versatile player, Gonzales would be a great candidate to DH once in a while, allowing him to contribute offensively while minimizing the strain of fielding. Over the last three years, Nick Gonzales has made slow but steady progress as a hitter, showcasing flashes of brilliance that suggest he could develop into a reliable presence in the lineup. Injuries may be another factor that has slowed him down somewhat, causing intermittent setbacks in his development, but he has remained resilient and focused on improvement. Regardless of the challenges he has faced, he should definitely be on the team next year. Hopefully, he will never touch third base again, allowing him to fully embrace his role at second base where he can thrive.

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Pirates Morning Report: Second Base

The Pirates had the 2nd best second baseman in baseball, only behind Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers. Of course, Brandon Lowe was responsible for that ranking. Brandon Lowe had a spectacular offensive season by Pirate standards, with a slash line of .260/.331/.493 for an OPS+ of 121. Defense was supposedly his Achilles’ heel, but it wasn’t this year. He was an outstanding +13 in defensive runs saved, by far the best defensive player the Pirates had this season. The only other complaint about Lowe was that he had trouble staying on the field. From 2022 to 2024, he never played in more than 109 games in a season, and in 2022, he appeared in only 65 games. However, he seems to have solved that problem, as in 2025, he played in 134 games, and this year with the Pirates, he played in 150 games. Coming off the year Lowe had, should the Pirates make a real effort to sign him to a long-term deal? Let’s take a dive in.

The first question to answer is whether the Pirates should make Lowe a qualifying offer. I believe it would be around 23 million dollars. The answer is an emphatic yes. First, there is about a zero chance that he would accept it. This would allow the Pirates to receive compensation when he signs with somebody else. Lowe will be heading into his age 33 season, turning 33 right in the middle of the 2027 season. He is approaching his declining years. Despite the fact that he has essentially stayed healthy the last 2 years, it is far from a guarantee that he will remain on the field for the next 3 or 4 years. The real question is what he will bring on the open market. There is a lot of negative history concerning teams signing free agents in their 30s. One of the big negatives for the Pirates is that Tremar Johnson, the so called second baseman of the future, did not have a very good year in AAA, and then seriously injured his knee. I am sure Lowe is looking for a 4-year deal. If he were to settle for a 3-year deal, I think 90 million or 30 million a year would be something the Pirates could manage. There always seems to be somebody willing to overpay these players. So, let’s assume that the Pirates are unable to keep Lowe, which I think is a pretty good assumption. I think this would put Nick Gonzales back at second base. He is close to league average when he plays second. At third base, he is horrible. To me, signing Brandon Lowe is a difficult call despite a lot of people clamoring for him to be signed. I think he will probably get a 4 or even 5-year deal, which the Pirates cannot afford. There are other younger players that the Pirates will need to sign. Who knows what the new labor agreement will eventually bring, but it won’t be so different that the Pirates would have a better chance to sign Lowe.