Results tagged ‘ bradenton fl ’
Searage pleased with pitchers progression
Long gone this season in Bradenton, FL. Are the strings that marked the bottom of the strike zone –a tool used by former Pirates pitching coach Joe Kerrigan.
Ray Searage will still be using the life sized batting dummies during batting sessions this year –but only sparingly.
“If you need a visual to get the ball down, then you need to go back to the minor leagues,” Searage said. “This is the can-do league. This is the majors leagues. Get the ball down. Make it happen. What I’m trying to get them to concentrate on is the execution of the pitch and not so much on how you’re doing it. We can take care of that later if we need to. In the game, you need to focus on executing the pitch — not where your front shoulder is or anything else. Get the ball to where you want it to be”
Searage is pleased with the pitchers, especially Evan Meek, Tyler Yates and Mike Crotta, who he says stood out during their bullpen sessions.
“Yates looks like he could pitch (in a game) tomorrow,” Searge said. “That was the best ‘pen I’ve ever seen out of Meek. Good gosh, it was solid. “Crotta, a young kid, looked sharp.”
“I’m really happy,” Searage said. “Not that I’m going to go out and buy a case of champagne, but I’m very happy with the progression and what transpired during the winter (throwing) program.”
Day two of Pirates spring training: News and notes
- Pirates pitching prospect Luis Heredia spent Tuesday morning watching the major league spring training workouts.
“I like watching the team,” Heredia said. “I like the guys. I feel good. I am excited.”
Heredia threw a long toss session on Tuesday afternoon and is scheduled to throw off the mound on Thursday.
Luis Heredia (front left) with a group of young Bucs in conditioning drills today (picture via @BucsInsider)
- Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports:
Pedro Alvarez put on another bombs-away show during batting practice on Field 3. Alvarez swatted homers and dinged two cars in the parking lot beyond the outfield wall.
- The following players threw bullpen sessions on Tuesday: Charlie Morton, Brian Burres, Fernando Nieve, Chris Resop, Sean Gallagher, Tony Watson, Cesar Valdez, Tyler Yates, Jeff Karstens, Justin Thomas, Brad Lincoln, Chris Leroux, Daniel McCutchen, Ramon Aguero, Daniel Moskos and Bryan Morris.
- Right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart threw a long toss program on Tuesday before the team workouts. Hart had been shut down for 10 days and given a cortisone shot to help reduce inflammation in his surgically-repaired shoulder.
“Everyone that I’ve talked to who had the surgery says it is normal to have this type of issue,” Hart said. “They seem to think that it’s something that 10 days off could really resolve. It sounds really simple to think about, but when you don’t throw for four months and then start cranking it up, there are going to be some times when some tightness starts creeping in.”
Hart remains optimistic that he will be able ready by opening day.
- Left-hander Scott Olsen has thrown off the mound three times, his fourth session is scheduled on Wednesday. It’s reported that he has had no discomfort with his shoulder thus far.
“I’m hoping that everything stays healthy and that we can progress in the right direction,” Olson said. “We haven’t had any setbacks. No issues. It’s early, and we’re taking the proper steps and precautions that we need to take.”
- Right-hander Brad Lincoln has reported to spring training several pounds lighter this year. He spent the offseason going through some tough conditioning work.
Pitching coach Ray Searage has said that he would not be forcing any new mechanical changes on Lincoln moving forward. He also said Lincoln’s mechanics are back to where they need to be.
Pirates andy marte warms up in batting pratice (picture via @RobBiertempfel)
Who better to coach the Pirates catchers than Sangy [Manny Sanguillen] (picture via @RobBiertempfel)
Spring training officialy kicks off: 2/14
- Monday marks the first day of spring training. At Noon ET, the Pirates pitchers and catchers will have their first official workout.
- Pitchers and catchers will undergo physical exams on Monday prior to the first workout.
- Although position players don’t officially start until Saturday, 49 of the 62 are already in camp.
“We were getting rumblings that a bunch of them were going to show up and they did,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “It’s another sign of them taking accountability and responsibility for what’s in front of us.”
- Jose Ascanio is experiencing visa problems leaving Venezuela.He is expected to arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday. There will be 40 of the 41 pitchers and catchers in camp Monday.
- Ross Ohlendorf was one of the 20 pitchers that had a formal workout on Sunday. Ohlendorf is looking to bounce back after a injury plagued season in which he went 1-11.
“I know I can pitch better than I did last season, and I’m excited to show I can pitch better,” Ohlendorf said. He also was impressed with what he had seen of new manager Clint Hurdle, after working with him at mini-camps this winter. “He has a lot of energy, and positive energy, which makes it easy to believe in ourselves,” he said.
- Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune reports that Tyler Yates, who had Tommy John Surgery, is fully recovered and is expected to go through the same throwing program as everyone else at camp.
- Ryan Doumit is aware of the Pirates trying to trade him.
“I’m trying not to think about that because I don’t really care,” Doumit said. “No matter where they put me, I want to be the best I can be. I’m going to go out there and just try to play like I’m capable of playing, and let that speak for itself
- General Manager Neal Huntington indicated a decision is near on whether Joel Hanrahan or Evan Meek will be the closer for the 2011 season. In fact, it may have been made.
“We’ve got to sit down with the people involved and let them know,” Huntington said. “As soon as we do that, we’ll let you guys know. It won’t be something that goes through spring training.”
- Several of the Pirates players tweeted after day one of spring training:
Paul Maholm (@Maholm38): Great first day of spring. Threw a bullpen, fielded a few grounders, bunted, and some sprints. Now can we start games soon.
Tony Sanchez (@TSanchez26): First day of 2011 in the books. The first and last day of feeling 100%.
Joel Harahan (@Hanrahan4457): Day 1 was a success, can we skip to a few games then opening day please?
Daniel McCutchen (@DanielMcCutchen): Good to back at it, day one is in the books.
- Injury updates according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh-Tribune:
Donnie Veal (elbow surgery) won’t be on the fields much this spring.
Kevin Hart (shoulder surgery) is in “no-throw” mode for a while, but Huntington said he still has to chance to be game-ready by the end of spring training.
Tyler Yates (elbow surgery) will compete for a big league bullpen job.
The Buccos take the field on the first day of spring training 2011 (Picture via @BucsInsider)
Maholm, hanny, veras, correia throw first bullpen of camp (Picture via @RobBiertempfel)
Clint Hurdle watches as Andrew McCutchen takes some swings (Picture via @BucsInsider)
** I will be heading down to Bradenton, FL. in exactly two weeks for spring training. So be sure to keep checking back for coverage.
Spring training news and notes: 2/11
- Pirates pitcher Paul Maholm has already arrived at Bradenton, FL. For spring training. He shared a picture on twitter: “It all starts here Monday.”
- Manager Clint Hurdle kicks off his first spring training workout on Monday at noon (Pitchers and catchers are to report on Sunday).
- This year, there are 63 players reporting to big league camp (40-man roster, plus 23 non-roster invites). Those invited include:
40-man: Ramon Aguero, Jose Ascanio, Kevin Correia, Michael Crotta, Joel Hanrahan, Kevin Hart, Jeff Karstens, Chris Leroux, Brad Lincoln, Jeff Locke, Paul Maholm, Daniel McCutchen, James McDonald, Kyle McPherson, Evan Meek, Bryan Morris, Charlie Morton, Daniel Moskos, Ross Ohlendorf, Scott Olsen, Chris Resop, Tony Watson, Aaron Thompson, Ryan Doumit, Chris Snyder, Jason Jaramillo, Pedro Alvarez, Pedro Ciriaco, Steve Pearce, Neil Walker, Ronny Cedeno, Lyle Overbay, Josh Rodriguez, John Bowker, Gorkys Hernandez, Andrew McCutchen, Alex Presley, Matt Diaz, Garrett Jones, Jose Tabata
Non roster invites: Andrew Lambo, Justin Thomas, Fernando Nieve, Josh Fields, Dusty Brown, Eric Fryer, Chase D’Arnaud, Sean Gallagher, Donnie Veal, Andy Marte, Cesar Valdez, Tony Sanchez, Brian Friday, Jose Veras, Joe Beimel, Tyler Yates, Jeff Clement, Rudy Owens, Justin Wilson, Garrett Atkins, Corey Wimberly, Brian Burres, Wyatt Toregas
- According to Jenifer Langosch, beat reporter of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Hurdle’s camp will be much different than John Russell’s. Hurdle specifically noted that there would be an increased focus on shoring up fundamentals and honing pitchers’ pickoff moves.
- During spring training, Hurdle will choose a closer for the Pirates (Joel Hanrahan or Evan Meek) as well as a fifth starter (options include: Charlie Morton, Scott Olsen). Bench players and bullpen will be determined as well.
- Spring training runs through February 24th. The Pirates will kick off spring training games against State College of Florida at 12:05 p.m. ET at McKechnie Field.
- The Pirates will host games against the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros (click here for the full schedule).
Bucco news and notes: 2/7
Now that the superbowl is over we can all focus on our national pastime. Just seven days until pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton, FL. And 21 days until I head down for coverage.
Here are some Bucco news and notes:
- General Manager Neal Huntington told Pirates beat reporter Jenifer Langosch that the pieces are finally in place for the organization to move forward in a positive direction.
“We’ve talked a lot about where we’ve been,” general manager Neal Huntington said. “I feel stronger about our plan. I feel stronger about our vision. I feel stronger about our execution than I’ve ever felt. I stand in front of you more excited about our season than I have ever in the three other times I’ve stood here. We’re beginning to now talk about the Major League team.”
- Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez, who arrived at spring training early, caught his first bullpen this season on Monday. He said on twitter, “First time catching pens today since Nov. It’s like riding a bike. Caught Jeff Locke and Hunter Strickland, both looked pretty damn sharp.”
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Have you ever wondered what those semi trucks that are heading down to spring training are full of? Well, MLB Network’s Monday edition of Hot Stove revealed some of the items that the Phillies sent to sunny Florida.
15 cases of gum (regular and sugarless)
12 cases of sunflower seeds
20 coolers
Half a pallet of powerade mix
250 batting practice tops
300 helmets
250 pairs of shorts
450 pirates of socks
600 pairs of pants
600 hats
200 fleeces
1200 bats
2000 shirts
10,000 cups
15,000 baseballs
150 pairs of gloves
Baseball vs Football
Only nine days until pitchers and catchers report to Bradenton, FL. for spring training. During Friday night’s edition of Hot Stove they compared Baseball to Football. With the season so close to starting, it’s only fitting to list why our National Pastime really is the better sport.
- First off, there is no equivalent that football has to ‘take me out to the ball game’.
- Major leaguers can play long enough careers to actually play alongside their sons.
- You can be a star in baseball despite being 47 years old (Ask Jamie Moyer).
- Drew Brees grew up a baseball fan, memorizing the stats of Ted Williams. It’s the reason he wears Teddy Ballgames No. 9 for the Saints.
- MLB’s All-Star game, the mid summer classic, is played in mid-season and the teams actually play defense.
- In baseball, both teams have the chance to score in overtime.
- Jackie Robinson day is unique to baseball. There is no equivalent in football.
- The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum tops anything football has.
- There is no such thing as old timers games in football.
- Fathers taking their sons to the warmth of the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues has become a right of passage and getting to the ballpark hours early to catch a glimpse of batting practice feels like heaven.
- Football has no answer to cheering from the bleachers at Wrigley and Fenway.
- Who wants their favorite rivalry to only come around once or twice a year? In baseball, great matchups like Red Sox, Yankees could happen up to 25 times a year.
- Are there any words in the English language that can warm you up on a cold day quicker than, ‘pitchers and catchers report soon’?
Pirates invite five more to spring training
The Pirates gave non-roster spring training invites to Tony Sanchez, Brian Friday, Andrew Lambo, Eric Fryer and Chase D’Arnaud according to Rob Biertempfel of the Trib on Tuesday.
There are currently 61 players invited to spring training in Bradenton, FL., the 40-man roster plus 21 non-roster invites.
The non-roster list includes: Justin Thomas, Fernando Nieve, Josh Fields, Dusty Brown, Sean Gallagher, Donnie Veal, Andy Marte, Cesar Valdez, Tyler Yates, Jeff Clement, Rudy Owens, Justin Wilson, Garrett Atkins, Brian Burres and Corey Wimberly.
Day one of Pirates mini camp
Some notes from day of of the Pirates mini camp:
- Evan Meek is noticeably trimmer this year, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Trib.
- Steve Pearce took grounders at first base on Monday and seems to have recovered fully after suffering a knee injury in August.
- The Pirates players had three hour drills on Monday. It also marks the first time many of the players have had practice with new manger Clint Hurdle.
“It was a good day,” Hurdle said. “It was efficient. We were able to get on the field, move them around a little bit, work on some technique and play a little defense. There was some on-field hitting. It’s good to get back on the field and hear the crack of the bat and the smack of the ball in the mitt.”
Manager Clint Hurdle preached the basics during day one of the Pirates mini camp. He focused on: preparation, planning and execution.
“Many good men have gone before me,” Hurdle said at the Pirates’ weeklong voluntary minicamp at Pirate City. “And we are not going to be teaching a whole lot of revolutionary ideas. We just have to get better at the basic fundamentals of the game.”
Early morning work outs, followed by motivational messages by Hurdle –something that he believes is very important.
During batting practice, Hurdle was heard telling Second baseman Neil Walker, First baseman Lyle Overbay and Steve Pearce, “championship teams make good outs, make your at-bats count, every one of them.”
- As I’ve discussed before, the Bucs currently do not have any left-handed relievers with any major league experience. Daniel Moskos, who is in attendance at the mini camp, has a chance to make the big league staff. The 24-year-old, and former first round pick in the 2007 draft, combined to go 3-6 with a 4.14 ERA with Double-A and Triple-A last season. Moskos picked up 22 saves in 58.2 innings pitched, striking out 61 while walking 36.
“Whether it is about left-handed pitching or right-handed pitching, you have to go out there and compete for a spot,” Moskos said. “You are always having to compete. You can either thrive on it or shy away from it. Yes, there are lefty spots open, but nothing is going to be handed to anyone. You have to earn it.”
- Charlie Morton chatted with Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette on Monday.
On minicamp: “I think the whole idea is for everybody to come in and get accustomed to the new faces. Just really carry on what we’ve been doing the offseason; in terms of getting stronger and getting in shape. I think it’s good for team chemistry, especially when it changes.
On Clint Hurdle: “He’s been pretty outgoing, talking to us, making us feel comfortable.”
Jose Tabata at Pirates mini camp (via @BucsInsider)
Lyle Overbay brakes the first bat at the mini camp. “Aw, I got all of it, too” (Via @RobBiertempfel)
Manager Clint Hurdle, second baseman Neil Walker and first baseman Lyle Overbay during batting pratice (via @RobBiertempfel)
“You wear helmets during BP. Always. Every time. That’s non-negotiable. I’m old-school.” -Clint Hurdle
Pirates and Clint Hurdle at mini camp (Via @Colin_Dunlap)
Clint Hurdle chatting with Neil Walker, Matt Diaz and Lyle Overbay (Via @BucsInsider)
Hart set to throw during mini camp
The five-day mini camp taking place in Bradenton, FL., is focused on strength and conditioning this year. But for right-hand pitcher Kevin Hart, he is the exception to the “no throwing” this week.
Hart, who missed the entire 2010 season due to a torn labrum, will have his first bullpen session on Wednesday. Hart will throw no more than 20 fastballs to test his shoulder.
“You get anxious, especially after sitting here and watching games for all of last season,” Hart said Monday. “I want to make sure I’m healthy and 100 percent. As far as being ready to go mentally, I feel like I’m as ready as I can be.”
“If everything goes perfect, no setbacks or anything in the next few weeks, I should be ready to go at the start of spring training,” Hart said.
Hart is no longer a candidate for a starting role going into the 2011 season. He was informed, if healthy, he will become a reliever for the Bucs.
“You get anxious, especially after sitting here and watching games for all of last season,” Hart said Monday. “I want to make sure I’m healthy and 100 percent. As far as being ready to go mentally, I feel like I’m as ready as I can be.”
Details on Pirates mini-camp
Pirates’ management and players are arriving to Pirates City in Bradenton, Fl., on Sunday for a five day min-camp that begins on Monday.
This year, the mini-camp is focused more on strength and conditioning, rather than just pitching like years in the past.
“We want to begin the baseball thought process and the (team) thought process,” Huntington said. “We want the focus to be on that, moreso than, ‘I’ve got to go down there and throw a 20-pitch pen.’ When we get to spring training, then it’s time to flip the switch and be ready to compete from day one.”
It also marks the first time many of the players have worked with new manager Clint Hurdle.
The Players will train in the am, and their afternoons and evenings will be for meetings and other informational gatherings.
“We want it to be more of a conditioning and team-building type camp than a pitching camp,” general manager Neal Huntington said. “It’s a chance to get to know people and put names with faces. And it’s not just for the players; it’s for our staff, our trainers, our strength group, our front office.”
Those scheduled to attend include:
Pitchers – Michael Crotta, Joel Hanrahan, Kevin Hart, Jeff Karstens, Brad Lincoln, Jeff Locke, Daniel McCutchen, James McDonald, Kyle McPherson, Evan Meek, Bryan Morris, Charlie Morton, Daniel Moskos, Ross Ohlendorf, Chris Resop, Aaron Thompson, Tony Watson
Catchers – Jason Jaramillo, Tony Sanchez
Infielders – Pedro Ciriaco, Lyle Overbay, Steve Pearce, Josh Rodriguez, Neil Walker
Outfielders – Matt Diaz, Gorkys Hernandez, Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, Alex Presley, Jose Tabata
Non Roster invites – Dusty Brown, Brian Burres, Josh Fields, Fernando Nieve, Justin Thomas, Cesar Valdez, Corey Wimberly
* Pedro Alvarez and Chris Leroux opted out of attending the mini-camp due to prior commitments.
** Note: Both Paul Maholm, Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit are not attending.
“In a perfect world, we’d have everybody (attend),” Huntington said. “That’s the goal. Short of that, no, I’m not happy with the turnout.”
“The players who choose not to come in, that’s their prerogative,” Huntington said. “The guys who are there, there’s no doubt in my mind it’s an advantage for them. We’re appreciative of their willingness to take five days during their offseason to come to Florida and show their commitment to us.”
Kristy Robinson
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