Shots Across the Bow: Slowing them down

Sunday, 17 February 2013 18:16

Written by Bill Brink

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates have four days left at Pirate City before transitioning to McKechnie Field for the intrasquad game Friday. Grapefruit League play starts Saturday. When it does, the Pirates have their first chance to address a glaring problem from 2012: Opponents swiping bases at will.

In today’s Post-Gazette: What the pitching staff needs to adjust to control the running game.

Rod Barajas struggled with his throws last year, but the organization’s commitment to pitch quality swung too far out of balance, and the pitchers often neglected to hold the runners on base. Clint Hurdle said he wants to see consistent focus in that area, and the pitchers know they can improve.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re executing pitches, number one,” Hurdle said. “But then there’s also a variety of ways, and we’re going to have reps out here and we’re going to simulate game conditions to the best of our ability when they’re not in games by putting runners on, by having side sessions with runners on base, with throw-overs, with release times, with slide steps.”