Pirates All-Star Picks Give Team A Boost
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Monday's announcement of four Pirates selected to play in the MLB All-Star Game carried not only history, but a good sign for the future of the ball club.
For the first time in 75 years, the club is sending two starting pitchers to the game. A.J. Burnett and Gerrit Cole, the oldest and youngest pitchers on the Pirates' roster, are both headed to the game for the first time in their professional careers.
Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle emphasized that the selection is not only a milestone for Burnett and Cole but also helps the club itself.
"When two-fifths of your rotation ends up in the All-Star Game, it bodes well for your organization and everyone who was a part of it," said Hurdle. "At the end of the day they both deserve the credit for putting the skill set out on the mound and earning the opportunity."
Burnett and Cole have 15 years separating their careers, and Hurdle said Burnett's 17 seasons in the league will lead to a different reaction than two-season league player Cole.
"There will be more excitement for the kid (Cole) doing it his second full season going than the guy who has 17 years going (Burnett)," said Hurdle. "I don't think A.J. ever gave it a thought. He was focused on making his next start and showing the pitch efficiency that he's shown."
The All-Stars' teammates also feel the team will benefit from the selections.
"It's funny, A.J. on his way out and Gerrit on his way in," said pitcher Jeff Locke. "It's an honor to be a part of this ball club when guys are getting the recognition in the league that they should be getting."
Citing the Pirates' success the last 40 games, compared to the first 40, Locke says it only makes sense that Burnett and Cole were top All-Star picks.
"If this game really does matter, then you should take those guys. Baseball would be doing it wrong if they didn't."
Most of the Pirates' success may be in the history books, but Hurdle said that's turning around quickly.
"We're doing some cool things here," said Hurdle. "Most of the good stuff was black and white, and in our own way, we've started to put some color on the walls. It's been done by individuals, but it always helps the collective group effort."
The Pirates have won eight of their last 10 games, but face their most challenging opponent, the Cardinals, in this weekend's home series before the All-Star break.
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