Author Archives: Matt Bandi
Neil Walker’s disappearing power
On May 20, 2011, Neil Walker was hitting .288/.361/.466 and was in the midst of an encouraging sequel to his strong rookie season of 2010. He had hit six home… Read more
In-game strategy too predictable
With the Pirates leading 1-0 tonight, Rod Barajas led off the seventh inning with a double. On the next pitch, Clint Barmes tried to sacrifice him to third. The bunt… Read more
Pirates offense underperforming, but should improve
Someone asked me on Twitter today what the overall problem with the Pirates offense has been so far in 2012. The answer is pretty simple. Outside of Pedro Alvarez and… Read more
Goldstein: Taillon and Cole among potential number one starters currently in minors
Kevin Goldstein has an interesting article up at both Baseball Prospectus and ESPN Insider today, breaking down what it means to be a true number one starter from a scouting… Read more
Pirates’ stolen base strategy baffling
If you have been following me on Twitter tonight, this may seem a bit repetitive. But I felt this deserved its own post. After Alex Presley was thrown out trying… Read more
Quantifying last night’s sacrifice bunt attempts
Many have criticized Clint Hurdle for the number of sacrifice bunts the Pirates attempted in last night’s 5-4 win over the Rockies. All in all, the Pirates laid down two… Read more
Avert your eyes: The Pirates’ anemic offense
Here are the Pirates’ everyday position players, sorted by 2012 wOBA. Position Player PA wOBA CF Andrew McCutchen 62 .361 1B Garrett Jones/Casey McGehee 33/37 .319/.298 LF Alex Presley 58… Read more