BRADENTON, Fla. — For a true understanding of how the Pirates revitalize pitcher after pitcher, cue up film of a bullpen session and crank the volume. There’s the sound of the ball hitting the glove, then a series of shouts and nonsensical phrases after nearly every pitch.
Thump. “Cowabunga!”
Thump. “Yippee-ki-yay!”
Thump. “Any smoother and I’d put you on a bagel!”
Seated on a folding chair behind the catcher, wearing his own catcher’s mask, is Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage, dispensing his telltale positive reinforcement. The bullpen is his laboratory; it’s also the stage for his comedy.