BRADENTON, Fla. -- Before the Pirates' pitchers and catchers warmed up for their first workout on Wednesday, they gathered to meet with Clint Hurdle. Pittsburgh's manager delivered a quick message, he said, one meant to "reinforce the belief that the game leans heavily upon pitching."
The Pirates will certainly lean heavily upon pitching this season, counting on their talented rotation and bullpen to help them contend in the loaded National League Central. Hurdle said this year's team reminds him of Pittsburgh's 2013 club, a group that found success through stellar run prevention. General manager Neal Huntington agreed.
"We like this young core.