ESPN Gives the Pirates Good Press

Jayson Stark in his latest chat:


Mike (Pittsburgh): Jayson, thoughts on the Pirates thus far?

Jayson Stark: It's great to see a team that plays that hard, and they've done that since Day One of spring training. And Joe Kerrigan has done an amazing job with their pitching. They lead the league in ERA and rotation ERA. But this is another team without enough impact bats, I think. This is the most depth they've had in a decade. But I don't see enough upside in that lineup -- not until Pedro Alvarez arrives, anyway.



Jerry Crasnick:


Brandon (Boca Raton, FL): I know it's still early, but it looks like the Pirates have finally found some legit starting pitching...do you think they can develop into a contender within the next 2-3 years, especially with the impending arrival of McCutchen, Alvarez and Tabata to the lineup?

Jerry Crasnick: Brandon, They have to be encouraged with the impact that new pitching coach Joe Kerrigan has had on that staff. Maholm is legit, Ohlendorf and Snell have always had very good stuff, and Zach Duke's mechanics really got messed up under the old regime. With McCutchen and Alvarez on the way, the Pirates actually have some things to get excited about. What a novel concept!