Jackson, Rays too much for Bucs Mar 26, 2008
Snell and the Pirates will host the Twins at 1:05 p.m. ET at McKechnie Field on Tuesday in what will be the first of three matchups between the two clubs in this final week of Spring Training. Minnesota is slated to start right-hander Kevin Slowey. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Hughes, Yanks happy with latest effort Mar 25, 2008
Hughes allowed seven runs (six earned) under difficult conditions on March 19 against the Pirates, dealing with an estimated 30-mph wind blowing out to left field at Bradenton's McKechnie Field. He had allowed 11 runs (10 earned) combined over his last 6 2/3 innings coming into Monday's start against Philadelphia, but seemed to put those troubles behind him. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Roster clearing up, but not bullpen Mar 24, 2008
Including his 1-2-3 eighth inning in the 8-0 blanking of the New York Yankees yesterday at McKechnie Field, Burnett has not allowed a run or a hit in his past seven appearances. The only run and all three hits he allowed came in his first outing Feb. 29. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Maholm silences Yankees through six Mar 24, 2008
The game: Paul Maholm delivered the pitching, Jose Bautista and Xavier Nady some welcome production in the Pirates' 8-0 rout of the New York Yankees yesterday at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla. Maholm went six smooth, scoreless innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out two. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Burnett helps Pirates slam door on Yankees, 8-0 Mar 24, 2008
Burnett pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning in an 8-0 blanking of the New York Yankees this afternoon at McKechnie Field, striking out Chris Woodward and retiring Jason Brown and Melky Cabrera on grounders to short. He needed only 11 pitches. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Day after, Pettitte's back pain lingers Mar 24, 2008
Speaking at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the new plan is to see if Pettitte can pitch in a Minor League game on Friday in Tampa. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Rays, Pirates rained out in St. Petersburg Mar 24, 2008
As scheduled, the Pirates (8-15) will host the Yankees for the second and final time this spring at McKechnie Field at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. The contest will feature Pirates starter Paul Maholm against the Yankees' Jeff Karstens. (MLB.com -- Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Pirates and Sanchez looking for second opinion Mar 23, 2008
Meanwhile, center fielder Nate McLouth reported to McKechnie Field with strep throat. He received medication and left the ballpark to go to bed. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Sanchez's shoulder 'worse' after Bucs loss Mar 22, 2008
The visibly frustrated Sanchez stood in the McKechnie Field clubhouse expressing great concern over what could be considered a setback in the second baseman's recovery from the right shoulder surgery he had last September. It's been well noted that the recovery process has been lagging and much longer than anticipated for Sanchez. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Bucs make donation to Boys and Girls Clubs Mar 22, 2008
-- A yellow school bus adorned with the Pirates' "P" and the team's pirate head decal sat in front of the McKechnie Field gate on Friday afternoon. After Friday, it will have a home at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Yankees beat Pirates 12-9 in first night game at McKechnie Field Mar 20, 2008
In the first night game at McKechnie Field, Byung-Hyun Kim gave up two late homers to an old nemesis: the New York Yankees ... The first night game at McKechnie Field was originally scheduled for March 7 against Cincinnati but was rained out. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
With pay dispute resolved, Red Sox and A's end threatened boycott and head to Japan Mar 20, 2008
in the first night game at 85-year-old McKechnie Field, Byung-Hyun Kim gave up two late homers to an old nemesis: the New York Yankees. The Pittsburgh reliever was touched up by Nick Green and Chad Moeller in a four-run eighth. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Renovation sheds light on Bucs' spring home Mar 20, 2008
03/19/2008 11:45 PM ET Renovation sheds light on Bucs' home McKechnie Field hosts first night game after 85 spring seasons By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com. Wednesday night's historic game at McKechnie Field was attended by 5,836 fans ... -- With a 7:04 p.m. ET pitch from Matt Morris to Yankees center fielder Brett Gardner under the lights at McKechnie Field on Wednesday, a little bit of Pirates history was made. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates' McCutchen aware of work ahead Mar 20, 2008
" They're No. 1: Brad Lincoln will take the next big step in his recovery from right elbow surgery when he takes the mound to pitch in a Pirates Minor League game against the Red Sox down in Fort Myers, Fla., on Thursday. Lincoln, who had reconstructive surgery last April, estimated himself to currently be 85 percent healthy. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2006 Draft, Lincoln has been throwing bullpen sessions and batting practice in recent weeks at Pirate City. Class of '07: Participating in his... (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates drop night game to Yankees at McKechnie Mar 20, 2008
Spring Synopsis: Pirates drop night game at McKechnie Thursday, March 20, 2008 By Paul Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The game: The Pirates lost to the New York Yankees, 12-9, in the first night game in the 85-year history of McKechnie Field. Reviews on playing under the McKechnie lights were a bit mixed. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Morgan/McLouth competition may not be either / or situation Mar 20, 2008
The Yankees won the first night game at McKechnie Field, 12-9. BRADENTON, Fla. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Pirates lose to Yankees Mar 20, 2008
-- The Pirates lost to the New York Yankees, 12-9, tonight in the first night game in the 85-year history of McKechnie Field. Reviews on playing under the McKechnie lights were a bit mixed. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Pirates' Sanchez to make debut in field Mar 20, 2008
The game is the first night game in the 85-year history of McKechnie Field. The first night game was to have been played March 7 against Cincinnati but was rained out. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Hughes 'close' despite recent struggles Mar 20, 2008
The first night game played in the history of McKechnie Field, Wednesday's 12-9 Yankees win, will be remembered more for high winds that convinced the 20 flagpoles beyond center field to whip decidedly left. "For the most part, I seem to get roughed up every Spring Training," said Hughes, who surrendered three home runs in his first two innings. (MLB.com -- NY Yankees Yankees)
Sanchez's Bucs field debut delayed a day Mar 19, 2008
Sanchez will take full infield practice -- which will include turning double plays, taking ground balls and backhanding grounders -- at McKechnie Field on Tuesday while the team travels to Sarasota to face the Reds. Sanchez has already extended his throwing to a distance of 120 feet and has reported less soreness in his right shoulder in recent days. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates' Van Benschoten optioned to Triple-A Mar 19, 2008
"I've just got to go throw strikes and show them that I can be here," Van Benschoten said before leaving the McKechnie Field clubhouse Tuesday morning. The Pirates are somewhat fortunate that they had the ability to option Van Benschoten to the Minors this season. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Maholm solid, Pirates win 8-4 Mar 19, 2008
Today: The Pirates play the New York Yankees in Bradenton at 7:05 p.m., marking the first night game in the 85-year history of McKechnie Field. What was to have been the first night game at McKechnie against Cincinnati was rained out March 7. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
First night game at McKechnie Field rekindles Yankee-bashing memories Mar 19, 2008
-- The first night game in the 85-year history of McKechnie Field tonight matches the Pirates against the New York Yankees -- who will be without one-time designated hitter Billy Crystal. Despite Crystal's departure from his brief fling with pro baseball -- the Yankees released the 60-year-old comedian Friday -- the game figures to attract interest. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Votto keeps things close in loss Mar 19, 2008
Up next for the Pirates: The Pirates will play the first official night game at McKechnie Field on Wednesday when they host the Yankees at 7:05 p.m. The previously scheduled nightcap was rained out back on March 7. After delaying his return one more day, Freddy Sanchez is expected to take the field on Wednesday for the first time this spring. (MLB.com -- Cincinnati Reds)
Snell to start Opening Day for Pirates Mar 18, 2008
Neither Snell, nor Gorzelanny were available for comment on Monday because both had already left McKechnie Field by the time the postgame announcement was made. However, each had said over the weekend that earning the Opening Day start was inconsequential. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Mailbag: Burnett overlooked? Mar 18, 2008
What can you tell us about McKechnie Field and the features of the ballpark ... In case you need more convincing, here's a little bit of information on McKechnie Field: The park is one of the oldest used in Spring Training, having opened in 1923. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Jays' Burnett perfecting changeup this spring Mar 18, 2008
Against the Pirates on Monday at McKechnie Field, Burnett took the mound as a three-pitch pitcher, with his curveball absent from the arsenal. In four-plus innings, Burnett's pitch count rose steadily to 78, including 48 strikes, and he was on the hook for four runs on four hits with four walks. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Ryan playing through the pain Mar 18, 2008
Ryan's appearance against Pittsburgh at McKechnie Field marked just his second Grapefruit League outing of the spring. He first pitched Friday afternoon, throwing a perfect first inning on the road against Tampa Bay. (MLB.com -- Toronto Blue Jays)
Snyder strong again in Red Sox loss Mar 18, 2008
Up next for the Pirates: The Pirates and Blue Jays will face each other for the third time in less than a week, as Pittsburgh hosts Toronto at 1:05 p.m. ET at McKechnie Field on Monday. The St. Patrick's Day contest will feature a matchup of Pirates left-hander Zach Duke and Blue Jays right-hander A.J. Burnett. (MLB.com -- Boston Red Sox)
Learning curve for Okajima Mar 17, 2008
"Right now, I'm trying to stick with the American style," he said through his translator after pitching two scoreless innings in a 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field yesterday. "I'm trying to forget everything I did in Japan.". (Boston Globe)
Snell, Bucs reach long-term agreement Mar 17, 2008
"It's a big accomplishment for me," Snell said at a makeshift press conference just to 000022D7 the side of right field at McKechnie Field. "I wanted to stay in Pittsburgh. Hopefully, it's a long stay. I want to stay and build winning seasons right now.". (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
On Deck: Mar. 17 - 23 Mar 16, 2008
The New York Yankees visit McKechnie Field for a rare televised spring game. Did you know: Pirates prospect Steve Pearce leads the team with three home runs and nine RBIs this spring, the latter tying him for 16th in the majors this spring. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
MLB Insiders - Pittsburgh Pirates Mar 15, 2008
" -- Former Pirates reliever and current alumni relations director Kent Tekulve on 85-year-old McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla., the club's spring home for 40 years, hosting its first night game this spring. Related Stories -by Mar 10, 2008 -by Mar 7, 2008 -by Mar 5, 2008 Story Tools SUBSCRIBE NOW Subscribe today and get instant access with a Total Access Pass.Plus 56 issues of Sports Illustrated ($39.95 value) is included as part of your annual subscription. NEW! Free Email Newsletter Don't... (Pittsburgh, TheInsiders.com)
Bucs moving Pearce from first to right field Mar 15, 2008
Each had been sent down to Minor League camp and was out of the McKechnie Field clubhouse within minutes. So when Pearce was ushered into the room where general manager Neal Huntington, farm director Kyle Stark and Russell sat, it only seemed logical. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Bucs notes: Sanchez closer to returning Mar 15, 2008
On deck: The Pirates will host the Phillies at 1:05 p.m. ET on Monday at McKechnie Field in the team's final Spring Training game before their only day off. Monday's afternoon affair will give the club its first look at Byung-Hyun Kim, the 29-year-old reliever that the club signed as a free agent on Feb. 24. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pirates lose to Cincinnati, Minnesota Mar 15, 2008
-- The Pirates lost two games today, losing to Cincinnati, 5-0, at McKechnie Field and 4-1 to Minnesota in Fort Myers ... The game was played under overcast skies and history -- of sorts -- was made at 85-year-old McKechnie Field. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Spring Training Synopsis: Pirates beat Yankees, 5-3 Mar 15, 2008
Fun in the sun: Pirates third base coach Tony Beasley walked out of the McKechnie Field early yesterday morning with the sun just peaking above the horizon. He mentioned to a bystander that it was "a beautiful morning.". (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Spring Synopsis: Pirates split squad games end in losses Mar 15, 2008
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Pirates right hander Evan Meek delivers pitch against the Reds at McKechnie Field in Bradenton yesterday ... For the first time in the 85-year history of McKechnie Field, baseball was played under the lights. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Notes: Baker's start cut short Mar 9, 2008
Wind havoc: It was a blustery day at McKechnie Field on Saturday during the Twins' 8-4 victory, with wind gusts reaching 20-25 mph at the start of the game. That made for quite a few entertaining defensive plays in the field. (MLB.com -- Minnesota Twins)
Notes: Maholm continues solid spring Mar 9, 2008
Bucs bits: Country singer Jason Aldean, who is in Florida for his current cross-country tour, tagged along with first baseman Adam LaRoche prior to Saturday's game at McKechnie Field. In addition to spending some time in the Pirates clubhouse, Aldean took some cuts in the batting cage while the Bucs took batting practice. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
LaRoche, off to .400 start, homers again Mar 9, 2008
The game: Adam LaRoche and Ryan Doumit hit back-to-back home runs, but the Pirates fell to the Minnesota Twins, 8-4, yesterday at McKechnie Field. For LaRoche, his two-run shot inside the right foul pole off left-hander Brian Duensing's fastball in the fourth inning was his second home run of the spring, and his 1-for-3 day left his average at. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
First night game at McKechnie rained out Mar 8, 2008
The first scheduled night game at McKechnie Field didn t fare any better than the first at Wrigley Field in 1988. High winds, lightning and bad weather in the area Friday caused the Pittsburgh Pirates to cancel their game against the Cincinnati Reds, in what would have been the first night contest since McKechnie Field opened in 1923. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Pirates rally twice for 13-8 win Mar 8, 2008
The Reds and Pirates were scheduled to play the second half of the split-squad doubleheader Friday night at the Pirates McKechnie Field in Bradenton, but it was rained out. It was to have been the first game under the lights at the 85-year-old park. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Rain spoils McKechnie Field's night debut Mar 8, 2008
The Official Site of The Pittsburgh Pirates: News: Rain puts out McKechnie Field's lights ... 03/07/2008 8:30 PM ET Rain puts out McKechnie Field's lights Inaugural night game cancelled due to threatening weather By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com ... -- The lights came on at McKechnie Field on Friday night. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Mets inquire about Nady, but little to it Mar 8, 2008
but the nightcap in neighboring Bradenton -- the first night game in McKechnie Field's 85-year history -- was canceled by rain ... Today: The Pirates' Matt Morris makes his second spring start against the Minnesota Twins' Scott Baker, 1:05 p.m. at McKechnie Field. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Pirates not discarding Duffy Mar 8, 2008
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette The grounds crew pulls the tarp over the infield last night at McKechnie Field. The Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds were going to play the first night game in the 85-year history of spring-training baseball in Bradenton, Fla. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Sanchez paces Pirates, 13-8, but nightcap rained out Mar 8, 2008
- Freddy Sanchez had three hits and two RBIs in the Pirates' 13-8 romp past the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium, but the nightcap of the day-night doubleheader - which would have been the first game under lights at Bradenton's McKechnie Field - was rained out ... Tomorrow, the Pirates' Matt Morris will start against the Minnesota Twins' Scott Baker, 1:05 p.m. at McKechnie Field. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Pirates notes: Marte impresses in debut Mar 7, 2008
With thunderstorms looming after the conclusion of Thursday's game, president Frank Coonelly lent his hand to the McKechnie Field grounds crew, assisting them in pulling the tarp to cover the infield ... On deck: For the first time in the 40 years that the Pirates have made McKechnie Field their home, the team will play host to a night game on Friday. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pearce rips third homer of spring Mar 7, 2008
followed by an evening nightcap back home at McKechnie Field. John Van Benschoten is scheduled to start the early contest against Cincinnati's Johnny Cueto at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Pirates will then send Paul Maholm to the mound against Reds right-hander Bronson Arroyo at 7:05. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
McKechnie Field to hold first night game Mar 7, 2008
McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla ... -- Turn on the lights, the party's over at McKechnie Field. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Duke pitches with punch Mar 7, 2008
Yesterday, in the Pirates' 8-7 upending of the Toronto Blue Jays at McKechnie Field, it is safe to say Duke made a large leap in that direction: In three scoreless innings, he allowed one hit -- a Rod Barajas double -- walked none, struck out two and, most impressive, threw 27 of 36 pitches for strikes. That included seven consecutive strikes out of the chute and, by the time he was done, a back-door curveball that froze Vernon Wells for strike three and a fastball he blew by Sal Fasano's bat... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Gorzelanny chased, Duke rebounds in Pirates' 8-7 win Mar 7, 2008
-- Tom Gorzelanny disappointed, Zach Duke dazzled and Andrew McCutchen delivered in the bottom of the ninth inning to bring the Pirates' 8-7 victory against the Toronto Blue Jays this afternoon at McKechnie Field. Gorzelanny, making his second outing since being briefly shut down by left shoulder soreness, fell two outs short of his scheduled two innings and was charged with five runs in 1 1/3 innings, allowing two hits, two walks and a hit batsman. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Spring Synopsis: Management sends message to early cuts Mar 7, 2008
The game: Tom Gorzelanny made an early exit, but top prospects Steve Pearce and Andrew McCutchen rallied the Pirates past the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-7, yesterday at McKechnie Field. Gorzelanny, making his second outing since that early left shoulder soreness, fell two outs short of his scheduled two-inning start and was charged with five runs. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Notes: Burnett heads to the bullpen Mar 6, 2008
The festivities are scheduled from 10 a.m. ET to 1 p.m., and will take place in front of McKechnie Field ... Making the start for the Pirates in the 1:05 p.m. ET game at McKechnie Field will be Tom Gorzelanny. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Chat wrap: Frank Coonelly Mar 6, 2008
scubevol: Are you happy with the renovations at Pirate City and McKechnie Field. Coonelly: I couldn't be more pleased with the renovations made to Pirate City and McKechnie Field ... McKechnie Field looks more beautiful than ever and will host the first night game in its history this Friday night against the Reds. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
The bench: A lot of ifs, more than a few maybes Mar 6, 2008
The triple was a drive off the center-field fence yesterday in the seventh inning of the 4-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers at McKechnie Field. "Both Josh and Luis are doing things that you look for in a utility player," manager John Russell said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Snell unsettled in Pirates' 4-1 loss to Tigers Mar 6, 2008
Pitching the day after the Pirates approached him about a long-term contract, his three innings this afternoon included a run, four hits, two walks and a wild pitch in what wound up a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers at McKechnie Field. "I was rushing myself a little bit," Snell said. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Spring Synopsis: Roles of Burnett, Dumatrait clarified Mar 6, 2008
Taking the mound the day after the Pirates approached him about a long-term contract, his three long-term innings -- 59 total pitches -- included a run, four hits, two walks and a wild pitch in the 4-1 loss yesterday to the Detroit Tigers at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla ... In the past, many players chose to drive their own vehicles to road games, and all of them did so when commuting across Bradenton between Pirate City and McKechnie Field. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Bucs notes: Mientkiewicz shows versatility Mar 5, 2008
The Official Site of The Pittsburgh Pirates: News: Notes: Mientkiewicz shows versatility. 03/04/2008 4:20 PM ET Notes: Mientkiewicz shows versatility Ve 00001F7A teran plays multiple positions in effort to earn roster spot By Maureen Mullen / Special to MLB.com. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Notes: Maholm better than line Mar 3, 2008
The Pirates had their first home sellout of the spring, with 5,827 fans filling McKechnie Field on Sunday. Up next: The Pirates return to action on Monday for their third game against the Phillies already this spring. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Gorzelanny's shoulder feeling fine Mar 3, 2008
It came three days later than originally expected, but Gorzelanny took the mound at McKechnie Field on Sunday in his first start of the spring. The interest wasn't so much in what his line score would read afterward. (MLB.com -- Pittsburgh Pirates)
Gorzelanny's debut brings sigh of relief Mar 3, 2008
After two erratic pitches and a brief pause to collect himself, Gorzelanny, making his spring debut after being delayed by left shoulder soreness, delivered a quality first inning yesterday in the 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at McKechnie Field. He got Ben Zobrist to ground out to short, Eric Hinske to chop a comebacker and B.J. Upton to pop up to left. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Spring Synopsis: Hidden positives in Maholm's loss Mar 3, 2008
The game: Paul Maholm's spring debut, overshadowed by Tom Gorzelanny's healthy return, figured prominently in the Pirates' 7-5 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Fla. But that does not mean his line -- three runs, five hits in two innings -- was reflective of how he pitched. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Pirates cut two catchers from spring roster Mar 3, 2008
Two other injury updates: Outfielder Nate McLouth described his tight right hamstring as "a ton better" after taking morning batting practice at McKechnie Field. And reliever Damaso Marte will not make his scheduled spring debut in a B-game tomorrow because he still feels weak from the fever he had two weeks ago. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Day One of Year Last Mar 2, 2008
GETTING WARM: The Rays will travel to Bradenton Sunday to take on the Pirates at McKechnie Field. Schedule to toe the rubber for the visitors are Jeff Niemann, Jae Kuk Ryu, Scott Munter, Kurt Birkins and Wade Davis The game will be broadcast on the Rays flagship station, 1250-AM WHNZ. Monday it is on to Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland against the Tigers with Matt Garza, Jake McGee, James Houser, Grant Balfour and Chad Orvella going to the hill. (Tampa Bay, TheInsiders.com)