Lets Go Bucs 2025!

[jeemie]

https://x.com/Steelersdepot/status/1910037418285350982

Only the Pirates...

[Rod & Wire Mill]

Cruz in the field is a danger to himself and others

[R_S]

Holy shit i just watched my first game this season start to finish. Just horrible. Mediocre talent + terrible fundamentals + no hustle does. It's almost impossible to find any optimism with this team.

[jeemie]

So it is almost May.

when does everybody predict that the annual tease will begin, where the Pirates will suddenly string together a bunch of wins and make it look like they could actually compete for a playoff spot?

Only to crash and burn at the end?

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Which franchise is worth more?

The Pirates or the Savannah Bananas?

[MJG75]

Sorry I didn't post earlier but keeping my thoughts and prayers with Kavan Markwood, the young man who toppled over the Clemente Wall during the 2nd game of the Cubs series. He's still at AGH in critical condition as far as I've been able to tell.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnew ... rcna204273

[MJG75]

So it is almost May.

when does everybody predict that the annual tease will begin, where the Pirates will suddenly string together a bunch of wins and make it look like they could actually compete for a playoff spot?

Only to crash and burn at the end?

Their stats are better in 2nd half of April after being horrendous in first half. About or close to league average in most categories. I suppose if they could maintain that they might have a shot at .500 but realistically with this roster that's about the most we can hope for. We buried ourselves too deep. The entire feel of the organization feels rotten. From on field ineptitude to off field idiocy. It's such a shame what has become of this franchise. I'm sticking but less intensely than recent years.

[franco>madden]

To answer Jeemie's query, the Bucs appear to be skipping the teasing part this season and just dove straight into the crashing and burning. Could easily picture them not winning another game in '25, though of course they'll eek out a few.

Bless you Mean Joe for hanging in there, a few of us brave/crazy souls left I guess, though I too haven't made much of an effort to follow this time around. They were just out here in SoCal last week, only a 10- minute drive away at the Big A but I couldn't even muster the enthusiasm to bother going.

By the way awesome avatar photo! Joe & Wilver, man those were the days huh. So grateful I got the chance to see both of those legends in action ...

[jeemie]

Shelton canned.

Now if only the owner could be fired...

[JackLambert58]

I was expecting a separate thread for the firing of Derek Shelton, but it's the Bucs, so...

I'm surprised to learn Shelton was in his sixth season managing the Bucs. Doesn't seem that long. Just looking at the list of managers since Jim Leyland whose last season was 1996:

1997-2000 Gene Lamont
2001-2005 Lloyd McClendon
2005 (interim) Peter Mackanin
2006-2007 Jim Tracy
2008-2010 John Russell
2011-2019 Clint Hurdle
2020-2025 Derek Sheldon
2025-? Don Kelly

Hurdle is obviously the best of the bunch as he had the only winning seasons in that time (2013-15, 18). The rest are trash. 28 losing seasons in the last 32 years, and getting ready to go 29 in 33. The Pirates last won the World Series in my senior year in high school. I turn 63 in November. An absolute garbage organization with an owner who ought to be publicly drawn and quartered for his cheapskate ways and management who couldn't manage a piss-up in a brewery. Good luck, Don Kelly. You're definitely going to need it.

[MJG75]

Great post, Jack. I agree with all of it 100%. My order of favorite Buccos managers is: Chuck Tanner, Danny Murtaugh (he's the greatest of my lifetime), Jimmy Leyland, and Clint Hurdle. Hurdle made a huge difference in transforming the losing culture. Miss him.

Sorry I've been having some health problems but I meant to post about the firing of Shelton and promotion of Donny Kelly. I never was quite sure what I thought of Shelton but it's never a good idea to use the same manager to oversee losing and then to try to oversee winning. Ever since the team said they were trying to win, Shelton was exposed. No fire, players quitting on him and so forth. He was terrible. I already like Don Kelly who won a series vs the Braves and was tossed out in his second game. He has the players backs and they are playing like it.

Now I have no illusions. These are the same players. But if Kelly can get more out of them than Shelton did, then I'm all in.

I get leaving this mess behind. The horrible off season and mess of the off field incidents nearly caused me to call it quits. I'm not there yet. Sticking with my black and gold baseball team even though I hate Nutting with every fibre of my being.

Let's go Bucs!!

[MJG75]

To answer Jeemie's query, the Bucs appear to be skipping the teasing part this season and just dove straight into the crashing and burning. Could easily picture them not winning another game in '25, though of course they'll eek out a few.

Bless you Mean Joe for hanging in there, a few of us brave/crazy souls left I guess, though I too haven't made much of an effort to follow this time around. They were just out here in SoCal last week, only a 10- minute drive away at the Big A but I couldn't even muster the enthusiasm to bother going.

By the way awesome avatar photo! Joe & Wilver, man those were the days huh. So grateful I got the chance to see both of those legends in action ...

Thanks a lot, Franco. Sorry i haven't been posting as much. I've had a little bit of health issues recently plus I have to admit my enthusiasm has been dampened down with the off season lack of effort plus the off field mess with the bricks and 21 in RF.

It's been tough to stick this year but I'm glad they finally made the change at manager. I like Don Kelly. The best managers can get more out of the players than they normally are able to, and can make the right lineup and bullpen moves. So far I really like what Donnie has done and absolutely love that he got tossed in his 2nd game as manager. I don't expect much this year in terms of playoff action, we are buried too deep now plus the Cruz injury, but I think its possible we play some better ball and make things a little more exciting. We have one of the toughest schedules in MLB and its about to get even tougher here but let's see what we have.

Let's go Bucs!!

[Stlcrtn1974]

Reynolds batting like absolute garbage tonight. This team needs some hitters in the worst way.

[MJG75]

2 more tough losses with great starts by Skenes and Keller. Doesn't seem to matter, and never will if you go 0 for 13 with RISP. Reynolds is in one of the worst slumps he's ever been in. He's slipped below the Mendoza line and seems to only get hits at in the early innings, rarely when we need it most. Don't know what they can do because either moving him down the order or sitting him for a while will just further expose their lack of depth. Bae comes up and I thought finally, but he's just as bad at this level as before despite typically performing well at the minors.

Their problems are many and systematic. I still enjoy the occasional win but man they are tough to watch and follow right now. Let's see if we can salvage one in NY. Let's go Bucs!!

[Stlcrtn1974]

Honestly, I'd send Reynolds to Indianapolis for a few games, let him get his MOJO back. Baseball is such a mental game, if you didn't play you wouldn't understand.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Baseball seriously needs to consider relegation/promotion arrangements with AAA.

[MJG75]

Congratulations to Cutch for his 240th HR in a Buccos uniform which ties him with the Great Roberto Clemente at 3rd on Buccos all time HR list! Way to go, Cutch!

Also I'm fricking loving Donny Kelly! He has the guys playing much better baseball.

[Stlcrtn1974]

Another wasted pitching gem by Skenes, and another game being shut out. They are so hard to watch.

[Gonzo]

when i thought this team couldn’t sink any lower …. they did. this year is an abomination on several levels. i think we all knew what Nutting is but with Skenes the general public is starting to get a look at the crime being committed on Pirates fans by this owner

[Ice]

Three game sweep of the cross state Phillies and 6-4 in the last 10... this team has looked better since the manager change. Actually got to watch all three games, and they were all fun. Can't ask for much more at this point.

[Stlcrtn1974]

Three game sweep of the cross state Phillies and 6-4 in the last 10... this team has looked better since the manager change. Actually got to watch all three games, and they were all fun. Can't ask for much more at this point.

Unfortunately, emotions only get you so far in sports. The Pirates lack offensive talent. The bad part about this is they only need 2 to 3 hitters to be a playoff team.

[Ice]

Three game sweep of the cross state Phillies and 6-4 in the last 10... this team has looked better since the manager change. Actually got to watch all three games, and they were all fun. Can't ask for much more at this point.

Unfortunately, emotions only get you so far in sports. The Pirates lack offensive talent. The bad part about this is they only need 2 to 3 hitters to be a playoff team.

The stats of the staff (it's most talked about nationally with Skenes, obviously, but it's really most of the starters) vs. the wins and losses are remarkable. Not sure I've ever seen anything quite like it.

[Stlcrtn1974]

Three game sweep of the cross state Phillies and 6-4 in the last 10... this team has looked better since the manager change. Actually got to watch all three games, and they were all fun. Can't ask for much more at this point.

Unfortunately, emotions only get you so far in sports. The Pirates lack offensive talent. The bad part about this is they only need 2 to 3 hitters to be a playoff team.

The stats of the staff (it's most talked about nationally with Skenes, obviously, but it's really most of the starters) vs. the wins and losses are remarkable. Not sure I've ever seen anything quite like it.

I think of the unneeded pressure it puts on the pitching staff, needing to be almost perfect to get a win. I'm looking forward to Chandler coming up. Next year should be this teams breakout year, if they get a few true hitters.

[Ice]

Unfortunately, emotions only get you so far in sports. The Pirates lack offensive talent. The bad part about this is they only need 2 to 3 hitters to be a playoff team.

The stats of the staff (it's most talked about nationally with Skenes, obviously, but it's really most of the starters) vs. the wins and losses are remarkable. Not sure I've ever seen anything quite like it.

I think of the unneeded pressure it puts on the pitching staff, needing to be almost perfect to get a win. I'm looking forward to Chandler coming up. Next year should be this teams breakout year, if they get a few true hitters.

Would be a 68 China>Eleven to my ears. This team is more likeable than the football team.

[Stlcrtn1974]

The stats of the staff (it's most talked about nationally with Skenes, obviously, but it's really most of the starters) vs. the wins and losses are remarkable. Not sure I've ever seen anything quite like it.

I think of the unneeded pressure it puts on the pitching staff, needing to be almost perfect to get a win. I'm looking forward to Chandler coming up. Next year should be this teams breakout year, if they get a few true hitters.

Would be a 68 China>Eleven to my ears. This team is more likeable than the football team.

The amazing thing about the Pirates is that the hard part is done putting together the pitching they have. This could be a generational pitching staff, just need some bats which is easy, but will cost money. Will they pull the trigger or sign more Tommy Pham washed up players.

[MJG75]

Three game sweep of the cross state Phillies and 6-4 in the last 10... this team has looked better since the manager change. Actually got to watch all three games, and they were all fun. Can't ask for much more at this point.

Unfortunately, emotions only get you so far in sports. The Pirates lack offensive talent. The bad part about this is they only need 2 to 3 hitters to be a playoff team.

The stats of the staff (it's most talked about nationally with Skenes, obviously, but it's really most of the starters) vs. the wins and losses are remarkable. Not sure I've ever seen anything quite like it.

It truly is mind boggling. The team overall is much better to watch than it was under Shelton. There is no hope but they are mostly playing like there is. It is more frustrating because I believe they have a rotation and with Bednar back to form that could compete not only for a division crown but possibly World Series. But have nothing resembling that on the offensive side of the ball. It is so frustrating because they are so close to being able to at least compete for a wild card spot, yet so far away with how poorly they hit. Last night was a nice win v the hated Brewers!! Nicky G had himself a night going 5 for 5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI, though he did commit a couple of baserunning mistakes. Let's go Bucs!

[Ice]

This Brewers series has been a blast, and I totally agree about the feeling, effort and general vibe of this crew since the management change. It's been fun Pittsburgh sports to watch, and thanks to a combination of Paul Skenes, MLBN and Extra Innings, I've actually gotten to see more games than I thought I'd be able to.

[Gonzo]

cbssports.com halfway grades

Pittsburgh Pirates: F
On the positive side, Paul Skenes is predictably a Cy Young contender, and franchise legend Andrew McCutchen is enjoying a productive age-38 campaign. In the end, though, this is a last-place team that's on pace for XX losses. As such, the Buccos are at risk of clocking their third 100-loss season in the last five years. Bob Nutting, who refuses to invest in the team at adequate levels, remains the leading culprit for what's become of the organization.

[jeemie]

Don't look now, but the Pirates may be gearing up for their annual midsummer tease...

[MJG75]

Don't look now, but the Pirates may be gearing up for their annual midsummer tease...

They can't really tease us because even if they play a little over. 500 ball the rest of the way, they will still likely fall short of an overall .500 record. Which is I think this team's ceiling. They are going nowhere this year. Dug too deep a hole in the first month and a half. Kelly has them playing better and we are on a serious roll right now.

Despite how bleak things seem, I thoroughly enjoyed the Mets devastation especially because so many of their fans invade PNC. Gave them a bad weekend and I loved every minute. The worst offensive team didn't just beat them, we demolished them. 30-4 total runs in the series. Now we are probably selling large at the deadline so that will likely set us back and we may still flirt with the 100 loss cellar. I dread Cherington making these moves. Ugh.

Still, love it when we play well. I take my joy with the Bucs while I can and I am still enjoying watching Cutch play in what might be his final year. We have some watchable players, Skenes, Reynolds, Gonzalez, and others. And I do think Kelly has some good ideas that he's slowly working in, such as their new approach at the plate which is starting to show some dividends. Let's go Bucs! Sweep the Catds and go for win #6 in the current streak!