The Pirates are off to a 2-5 start coming home to PNC Park for the opener against the New York Yankees on Friday.
While that isn’t the record you want to star the season, Joe Starkey says there are some things he’s liking so far.
1. Sending David Bednar down to Minor leagues
“At least they didn’t wait any longer,” said Starkey. He applauds the Pirates reacting quickly to optioning the closer to Triple-A Indianapolis.
“It gave them a chance to move on and reconfigure their bullpen,” said Starkey.
Bob Pompeani said “it had to be done.” Especially after starting the season 0-2 with an ERA of 27.00.
2. The way the bullpen played during Wednesday afternoon’s win in Tampa
Starkey liked the way Ryan Borucki and Dennis Santana played in relief of Paul Skenes on Wednesday.
Caleb Ferguson has also been pitching well to begin the season.
3. Acquiring Alexander Canario from the Mets for cash
While it doesn’t make up for the lack of moves from General Manager Ben Cherington in the offseason, Starkey says this is the type of player the Pirates need to bring in.
“A promising prospect who just didn’t have anywhere to go in his last organization, I say good move, at least to find out,” said Starkey.
Pomp says the Canario is 24 and highly regarded but blocked in the organizations he has been in. He adds Canario should be playing in left field because the team doesn’t have anything to lose.
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4. Oneil Cruz
“I think a lot of the sins of the offseason could be wiped out if he turns out to be a star,” said Starkey.
Cruz had two great at bats on Wednesday afternoon, including a home run.
He has a .922 OPS so far, nearly as many walks as strikeouts, five stolen bases.
Starkey says it doesn’t matter how Cruz plays in the field, as long as he can hit.
But producer Austin says his bat may win you some games, but defenses mistakes could also cost the Pirates some games.
Starkey responded by saying, “then just put him at DH.”
5. Paul Skenes living up to the hype
“I think, and this is not hyperbole, I think this is just straight-forward, reasonable thinking, we could be looking at the greatest season ever by a Pirates pitcher, we could be looking at the Cy Young Award winner.”
“He’s going to give you a chance to win every single game he’s out there,” said Pompeani.
Skenes is 1-0 to start the season with a 1.46 ERA. On Wednesday he allowed two singles over seven innings and one unearned run, and he doesn’t’ even think he pitched well.
“And, he’s just ramping up,” said Starkey.