This Week Inside the Bucs

A lot of news going on this week around the Pirates, let's take some time to catch up.

Sean Burnett was the man on the hill today as the Bucs beat the Tigers, 3-1. Adam LaRoche hit his first homerun of the spring. A day before, it was Ian Snell who was dazzling opposing hitters as the Pirates beat the Phillies, 5-1.

We all know Andrew McCutchen is having a great spring, but that doesn't change the fact that he will open the season in the minors, and the organization believes he still has much to work on.

Neil Walker and Brian Bixler, both of whom were having strong major league camps, were sent to the Minor League portion of Spring Training today. Bixler hopes to make fans forget about losing Brent Lillibridge when he likely opens the season at AAA and Walker will continue his transition to third base at AA Altoona.

Right-hander Brian Rogers was optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis while Nick Green, a veteran infielder, was reassigned to the minor-league camp along with right-hander Jesse Chavez, infielder/outfielder Mike Edwards and outfielder Chris Aguila.



There are a lot of things for fans to do at PNC Park when the Buccos are in town, but starting this year, none of those activities will include the ability to smoke in the park. Anywhere in the Park, that is.

Ryan Doumit thinks he can still be a big part of this organization, but can he stay healthy enough to follow through on those beliefs?

What do the Pirates need to do to win this year, well many things, many of which are covered by the Stats Geek, a personal favorite of Bucco Wire.

In case you missed it, Tommy Gorz gave up beer for lent, and in turn, has been giving up runs. Plenty of them, to be exact.