Morning Rundown Week in Review: Pirates sign Yasmani Grandal, what to watch in Spring Training, Bubba Chandler breakdown
A look back at what went on at Bucs on Deck last week.
Last week, we marked the return of baseball as pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training, with hitters officially joining them within the coming day.
There’s been plenty going on this past week. Here’shere's a look back at a few of the things that happened.
Heading into camp, the Pirates made a free agent signing, bringing in catcher Yasmani Grandal on a one-year deal.
He’s not quite the player he once was, but he will get a chance to bounce back with the Pirates this season.
Grandal joins a catcher group featuring former first-overall pick Henry Davis, Ali Sanchez, and Jason Delay. He has a career 112 wRC+ in over 1200 career games but has posted an 80 or less mark in each of the last two seasons.
NolaJeffy made an excellent observation early in the week, talking about how the NL Central has been trending in a very specific direction as of late and how that impacts the Pittsburgh Pirates.
With pitchers and catchers reporting and starting their workouts, I reviewed some of the things I am watching for this Spring.
How the back end of the rotation shapes up is among the biggest things to watch, as a trio of former top prospects are vying for a spot on the major league roster out of camp.
Bubba Chandler hit his stride down the stretch last year, finishing the season in Altoona with a single start with Double-A Altoona. He pitched five shutout innings, striking out eight batters against a solid Harrisburg lineup.
I look back at that start as a primer for the upcoming season, showing what makes Chandler such a good young pitcher.
It was a whirlwind of a first day in Bradenton, with rumors flying all over the place and an interesting quote from Derek Shelton on the catcher position.
The Pirates also made a signing, bringing in Josh Fleming on a split major-league deal.
https://triblive.com/sports/shock-value-pirates-rapid-response-saved-ernie-withers-inspired-him-to-pay-it-forward/
Nice little read and reminder here. As someone who helps educate folks and CPR/AED response, love to see how such a scary event has turned into a positive educational opportunity for the Bradenton community. Take some time to educate yourself on the basics, no need to pay for a real certification if you dont want, just throw on a youtube video so you are prepared if tragedy happens
CSN has returned! Everything is right with the universe now.