Sports
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Pirates Expected to Pursue Third Base Option Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Pirates are performing well in the MLB but need to enhance their offense, particularly at third base. As the trade deadline approaches, upgrading this position is seen as a top priority for the team.
(Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images)
While the Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the better teams in Major League Baseball to start the season, and it's tough to be upset about anything that they've done, it's also fair to mention that Pittsburgh still needs to improve on the offensive side of the baseball.
Pitching-wise, the Pirates are just as good as any team in the league. If anything were to happen over the next few years regarding winning a World Series or something of that nature, it'll be because of what they do on the mound. I'm not worried in the slightest about how this staff looks in the short and long term.
However, there are questions about what the Pirates are going to do at the trade deadline regarding the third base position. When recently examining that, some believe that upgrading the position will be the biggest need for this roster and a primary target.
“It’s a good question, Dean, and the answer is the Pirates are just going to play the hot hand. Right now, that’s Nick Yorke, who even after an 0-for-6 performance on Monday night is still hitting .289 with a .773 OPS. Nick Gonzales will get some chances and could take over if Yorke starts to slump.
“Jared Triolo will get time at the hot corner once he returns from a knee injury, though that still could be a little ways away. As for the possibility of a trade, I think that third base will be one of the primary targets for the Pirates if they are in position to buy at the deadline. Yorke, Gonzales and Triolo are all probably best served as utility guys instead of everyday players. Adding someone with more upside could go a long way, and I think they’ll explore that possibility when the time comes,” Danny Demilio wrote.
As Demilio touched on, much of this will come down to whether the Pirates are still in position to be searching for a playoff spot. The Pirates have obviously played very well at the start of the campaign, but it's only April 14, so there's still a lot that has to happen.
Q&A
What are the Pittsburgh Pirates' needs ahead of the MLB trade deadline?
The Pirates need to improve their offensive capabilities, with a specific focus on upgrading the third base position.
How is the Pittsburgh Pirates' pitching staff performing this season?
The Pirates' pitching staff is considered among the best in the league, contributing positively to the team's overall performance.
Why is third base a priority for the Pirates at the trade deadline?
Upgrading third base is viewed as the biggest need for the Pirates' roster to enhance their offensive strength as they aim for success this season.
