It’s easy to overlook the work that JT Brubaker has done since making his major league debut back in 2020. If anything, he’s been consistent, as he is one of 76 pitchers since 2020 to throw at least 300 innings, leading the Pirates in that span as well.
While he hasn’t posted the most eye popping of numbers, he’s posted some fairly strong metrics as well – 3.96 xFIP, 23.3 K%, and 11.8 SwStr%.
Even more impressive, is that he’s in camp and gearing up for what he’s hoping will be his best season yet, as he tries to incorporate his changeup more than previous seasons, which would give a different look to hitters.
The Pirates are set to have numerous of their pitching prospects set to begin the season in Indianapolis this year. Even though they look like the obvious intention is to be more competitive this year, it is hard to see a scenario where they are going to be held back once they are deemed ‘ready’.
So, where would that leave Brubaker? As the Pirates start to bring up some of the prospects, it would be nice to have some reliable arms still around that you know what you are going to get.
Then again, you are going to have to make room for the prospects, which could impact Brubaker. Vince Velasquez and Rich Hill were brought in on one year deals, so they could be the easy answer to make space.
The Pirates could take advantage of Brubaker about to enter arbitration, along with the fact he’s proven to be a reliable back-end of the rotation starter, and trade him while his value is high, especially if he plays well this season.
Or they can hang on to him, and have him round out a rotation that will have several young pitchers in it as they find their footing at the Major League level.
Regardless, Brubaker can end up being a very valuable piece for the organization, whether it be with the Pirates, or as a trade piece.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
**Pirates DVR: Braeden Ogle Returns, Caleb Smith, Blake Cederlind Live BP
**Termarr Johnson Returns to Minor League Camp The first cut of the spring was brought on by a minor injury
**Pirates Discussion: Build Up For The Season
**Pirates Prospects Daily: Mitch Keller Gets Nod First Spring Game… Opening Day? In case you missed it from yesterday, Mitch Keller will be starting the spring opener…today.
Song of the Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuIAcZ_BS64
TODAY’S LINEUP
Lineups for Spring Training will be posted at the bottom of this article each day. Today’s scheduled pitchers are listed at the bottom. Game is at 1:05 PM
Good morning.
We play baseball today!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Zbz60wGgQ6
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 25, 2023
Pitchers following Keller: Roansy Contreras, David Bednar, Jarlin Garcia, Chase De Jong, Duane Underwood Jr., Daniel Zamora and Rob Zastryzny.
Anthony began writing over 10 years ago, starting a personal blog to cover the 2011 MLB draft, where the Pirates selected first overall. After bouncing around many websites covering hockey, he refocused his attention to baseball, his first love when it comes to sports. He eventually found himself here at Pirates Prospects in late 2021, where he covers the team’s four full season minor league affiliates.
Two and a half hour baseball!! Just like 50 years ago.
And watching Blake Sabol hit and catch for the Giants I have to wonder what the hell the Pirates were thinking in not protecting him?
With Perez signed to a $2.5 million contract it is hard to see how the giants keep him on the 26 man roster. Which still doesn’t mean he will return to Pittsburgh
We’ll see. But the Giants organization knows what they’re doing and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Sabol make the roster. He can hit.
Well first game scouting report, need better lhp relief, and not impressed with corner outfielders lefties or righties. Also like to see some younger harder throwing relief pitchers from the system. Struck out 16 times today but walked 8 times. 2:48 minutes time of the game is nice too see.
Zamora LH – soft tosser, small stature, 80 mph curve is his best pitch. He’d have to have pinpoint command. Maxxed out 89 FB.
Wow Gonzales, you couldn’t look worse.
I agree with Walker that there should be more SBs but the effect of the new base size at 1B should be neutralized by also shortening the distances of throws.
Zas LH reliever: decent curve ball, big spread from 80 – 93 mph.
Two poor throws by Cal. No foot speed.
I don’t know how he makes the 26.
Davis just keeps his shoulder in place and accepts getting hit by the curve, that is really on him.
hbp
nice elbow guard
Ok now we’ve seen Smith-njibja arm. Weak.
First chance for Peggy and he can’t make the 70′ throw to Endy…..his woes start right where they left off.
we´re not playing any games against the NL Central???
Grapefruits and Cacti don’t mix
more thumbs down from me
https://www.mlb.com/news/more-interleague-games-on-balanced-schedule
I like the stirrups on chavez young
why on earth did they spend so much money on underwood, stephenson and de jong through arbitration?
Joe is a well spoken dude
And is not a fan of the clock at all
I dont think any of these dudes like it and all of them were told if they don´t say nice things about it on camera, then they will be fined
They’re professionals who have honed their skills along with the mental approach needed to be their best. And now a ticking clock interrupts all of that skill and craft.
the game was never meant to be played like an nba jam video game
The average baseball game in the 1960’s and 1970’s took 2 hours and 30 minutes. So the pitch clock is making it more traditional. The last forty years there has been a lot of huffing and adjustments between every pitch that was just boring.
Plus, traditionalists got their shift ban, so call it even.
I think shifts should stay. It’s dumb mandating two on each side of second. But MLB wants more offense.
I agree, but I’ve heard traditionalists say they don’t like shifts.
Old men complaining about the pitch clock while knocking the NBA is only going to reinforce MLB’s thinking that it’s a good idea. (I’m old too, so not a knock on anyone in particular.)
why do they think they are going to convert NBA fans away?
It’s not about converting but connecting with the short attention span generations. Now if they’d just shorten their commercial breaks.
just make a different game
its getting close to the point where people who want to watch “baseball” would support watching a different league
Love a real game day! On the Brubaker topic, it surprises me to see so much negatively about JTB. His numbers last year were roughly similar to Charlie Morton’s seventh season, when we cast him off (but I’m sure yinz all knew better, huh) Much better than Charlie’s third season… By miles! JT has a good career trajectory right now and seems ready for a break out.
Agreed! While you’re at it, look at Verlander a first four seasons and compare to Keller. Yes. Do it. He struck out 7.5 per 9 before his breakout. A lot of fans seem to think stars never have to struggle a bit. That’s just not how it works.
Endy the first sub in, nice
Bullpen in mid-season form
Been saying it all offseason, this is a bad bullpen, mainly because they don’t strike anybody out, bunch of contact arms.
Let the LH reliever competition begin. I want to see them all!
Scouting report: tops out at 92 FB but he’s got good offspeed stuff. Knows how to pitch, moves the ball around.
The Pitch Clock is wonderful!
this pitch clock is stupid
who is asking for this? the janitor who cleans the popcorn after the game?
Yep not a fan either.
I don’t like the thought of the pitch clock, but to be honest I also am very tired of relief pitchers taking 30 seconds to mentally prepare for each pitch and for batters taking 30 seconds to adjust all parts of their armor and blindly stare at their bats for 30 seconds before they enter the batters box.
I get the game is hard but at some point I think players who can ‘grip and rip it’ need to be rewarded. They need to be able to recall a scouting report or get prepared in a few seconds, that is how the game should be played.
this commissioner just needs to go start his on XFL league with vince mcmahon
can take all the stats nerds a statcast cameras with him
good riddance to all this crap
Neither is Garcia
Our closer getting clobbered
Bednar making Keller look good.
Understatement of the year: After the first HR, Walker (who I really like as a broadcaster) reassured us that “it’s still early.”
no moar Burbaker plz
Suwinski, new stance, same results against left-handers.
19 swings 30 rbi’s last year ,the rest of his swings 8 rbi’s.
Zach and Rudy were buddies last year so he threw Rudy a cookie
Castro, 1 pitch, grand slam, I’m ok with that.
There’s our starting 2B man on Opening Day!! Grand Slam!
best second baseman in the NL central
I like India a lot.
Ex-Pirate on the mound….Zach Thompson
Santana! Nice stretch and pick.
That’s an E-9 on Joe
That Andujar throw……??? What has he been doing for 10 days?
Andujar has a weak arm, two horrible throws supposedly towards the catcher.
really liking the pitch clock, the game moves along without so much dead time.
Yeah it made a noticeable difference at minor league games last year
Plus this one in the win column for Rob M
I’m a bit surprised about how much faster the game feels.
It’s the lack of making contact lol not the clock!
Hedges hitting 5th? Funny. Didn’t take long for Shelton antics.
That lineup is full of opening day players, on the first day of spring training, nice.
Santana 1B, Bae 2B, Cruz, Castro 3B, Andujar LF, Jack CF, Joe RF, Hedges C is our starters.