16 Comments

Pirates lose the opener 5-3 to the Twins. Nice game today for Pitchers Jones, Stratton, Hernandez and hitters Olivares, Davis, Celestino, CSN.

Expand full comment

Can we nickname him The Bear.

Expand full comment

This is ‘Merica, you can give him any nickname you want. I already started calling Skenes and Chandler , Maverick and Ice Man.

Expand full comment

Sorry redneck Otani already has a kick ass nickname

Expand full comment

Redneck Ohtani was phenomenal when Bubba was hitting, but it lacks authenticity now. I will say, it’s a bit premature to anoint him Ice Man. QP might have something to say about it.

Expand full comment

That’s fair! I just loved it so much I can’t let it go.

Expand full comment

Mlodzinski's intensity and competitiveness stands out to me. On paper he might look like a starter, but in person you can tell he has closer mentality. The combination of that might make him a solid 6th and 7th inning guy.

Expand full comment

If Mlodzinski can start, on this ballclub he needs to start.

Expand full comment

He’s already a Reliever. Virtually impossible for a reversal. Almost every RP was a SP at some point as a professional.

Expand full comment

I hope the strikeouts increase, but as long as he's coming in clean, (bases empty) I think he'll be a solid inning eater to shorten games.

Expand full comment

Yeah seems to me to be a classic setup guy who could possibly handle the top of the lineup with some big league experience. Don't think that I would use him as a fireman though. He just doesn't have the pure stuff at this point to get out of jams consistently.

Expand full comment

I like the way the Pirates used him last year and it lessened the nervousness that comes with being a SP. He broke into MLB and now if needed, I think he could be a 3/4 inning Bullpen Starter as well as a RP. It may be something the Pirates consider with Jared Jones at the beginning of 2024, then allow him to start games by June or July and open the door for Braxton Ashcraft beginning his MLB career the same way in the second half of 2024. And, all 3 of those kids can be SP's/8th or 9th inning guys as they mature.

The more talented pitchers we get seen, the better our chances are of making solid trades for needed position players/hitters for the future. Pitching is the Gold Standard and every team perks up when pitchers can be included in the mix.

Expand full comment

I think the Pirates system is stacked with pitchers that could be 3 to 5 inning pitchers. It really makes you think of different possible ways on how to use a pitching staff.

Expand full comment

I am a bit worried that his success last year was smoke in mirrors, im hoping a higher K rate this year will make up for that

Expand full comment

Strikeouts are for Facists. Ground balls are much more democratic. So says Crash Davis.

Expand full comment

Hold the ball like an egg.

Expand full comment