Pitchers and catchers officially report to Bradenton, Florida today for the start of Pirates spring training, but many of them have been there already for weeks and are eager to get started.
Manager Donnie Kelly is ready to go, too!
The Bucs finished last in home runs in the major leagues last season, and Kelly says they’ve addressed that in the offseason, with the additions of Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe, and some young talent from within the Pirates’ system.
General manager Ben Cherington says the front office has spent the last three months looking for bats on the free agent and trade market, and they’ve found some. But even with the agreement to add slugger Marcell Ozuna, he feels there’s more out there.
Cherington says with the new depth the Pirates have, some players who usually play in the field might have to adjust playing DH a little more to keep their bodies strong.
Kelly and Cherington spoke on a Grapefruit League conference call and both addressed the Andrew McCutchen situation. Cherington said he doesn’t know what McCutchen’s future holds, but he’s not quite ready to say goodbye, telling reporters, “The Pirates will never… completely shut the door, on Andrew McCutchen.”
Kelly said McCutchen would always be a Pirate, but as of now, he’s “not sure exactly where this goes.”
The Pirates’ full squad, although already in Bradenton, officially reports on Monday. Position players who will play in the World baseball Classic are due in training camps today. Pitchers reported on Monday.
The Pirates have engaged in trade talks with the Mets for one of their young corner infielders this offseason, but that pursuit just got more complicated as the Mets announced yesterday that shortstop Francisco Lindor may need wrist surgery. The recovery period would be six weeks, making it in time for the start of the season if he has it soon.
MLB
The Detroit Tigers brought pitcher Justin Verlander home yesterday, signing the veteran to a one-year deal to play his 21st MLB season. It’s a $13 million deal for the soon-to-be 43-year-old who spent the first twelve years of his career as a Tiger.
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