PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – They played in one of the most amazing World Series of all-time, what the current Pirates think of opening the season against the AL champion New York Yankees?
“The lights are bright when the Yankees are here, so I’m in," said Pirates reliever Colin Holderman. "I enjoy the big moment. I like pitching against these guys. I’m excited to do it and get it done early.”
Some of those feeling about the Yankees could be when Holderman pitched in New York, for the Mets. He said they used to butt head against each other and he’s excited every time he plays against them.
New York swept it’s opening series against the Brewers including homering on the first three pitches of game two of the series, but lost two of three against Arizona. Yankees come into the series the MLB leaders in home runs with 22 with a few of their hitters using the new ‘Torpedo’ bats.
“They are really talented,” said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “Obviously they are the defending American League champions. They’ve added to that lineup. They’ve had guys that have had another year of experience. You have to be able to execute to them or they can score runs quickly.”
The Pirates faced one of the biggest free agent signings in Max Fried on Friday afternoon, but Jack Suwinski said he tries to keep it the game against any team they play. Similar thoughts from Jared Triolo with a reminder these teams see each other a couple of times in Spring Training and they just left playing the Rays in the Yankees Spring Training ballpark.
“It’s just another team to me,” said new Pirates reliever Justin Lawrence. “They are doing their thing over there. The Yankees are the Yankees. I have no issue with whoever we play on Opening Day.”
“Every guy in this locker room can step up to those guys over there.”
Since 2008, the Pirates have won nine of the last 19 matchups. Bucs won two of three last year to end the season at Yankee Stadium.