It was nothing but smiles in Bradenton yesterday as the Pirates officially kicked off spring training. But the players and coaching staff have been at Pirate City for a while anyway, so for most it was just another day at the office.
Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes says the pitching staff is loaded.
Skenes says deciding on a rotation will be difficult with so many talented arms.
Right-hander Jared Jones is throwing again after he had elbow surgery last May. Skenes says the Bucs will need him.
Manager Donnie Kelly is excited to begin his first full season as a big league skipper.
Kelly says the Pirates have added a lot of talent, especially on offense, and he’s ready to get them on the field.
Kelly believes the Pirates have the talent to win a lot of games.
The Pirates’ full squad officially reports on Monday. The first exhibition game is on Saturday, the 21st, against the Orioles.
Former Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings has rejoined the team, but not on the field. He’s been hired in the front office as a baseball operations specialist. Stallings retired as a player after last season, when he played for the Rockies and Orioles.
