Author Archives: Jamie Gatlin

About Jamie Gatlin

Junior At Suffolk University. My major is journalism and looking for any opportunities to improve my writing.

Pittsburgh Pirates Surprise Contenders Heading Into The Second Half

Jamie Gatlin | July 12th, 2019

Coming into the season the Pirates were expected to rebuild. In one of the best divisions in baseball, the Pirates were predicted by many to finish fourth. So far, they have battled seemingly never-ending injuries and surpassed expectations. Over the last past two weeks, they faced teams currently in the playoff picture and excelled. With a lot of baseball left, this team is in a good position to succeed in a division still up for grabs. Continue reading →

Christian Vazquez Is A Rising Star

Jamie Gatlin | July 5th, 2019

Entering this season Christian Vazquez was not expected to be an offensive force. Like the Red Sox season however that has not gone as planned. Through Vazquez’s first four years in the majors, he only hit above .250 once. The Red Sox backstop had never driven in more than 35 runs in a season or hit more than five home runs. With the season at the halfway point, Vaquez has not only excelled offensively but been a force with the bat. Continue reading →

Elias Diaz Seizing Opportunity Behind The Plate

Jamie Gatlin| June 25th, 2019

Throughout the 2019 season injuries have hindered the Pittsburgh Pirates. While the injured list has increased young players such as Elias Diaz have shined. The Bucs catcher entered the season, as Francisco Cervelli’s backup, however, Cervelli has been limited to thirty-five games due to concussion issues. When the veteran backstop has been healthy, he has struggled mightily with a .193 average. In his absence, Diaz has been given more playing time than expected and thrived. Continue reading →

Kevin Newman Is Becoming A Key Piece In Pittsburgh

Jamie Gatlin | June 21st, 2019

Coming into the 2019 season Kevin Newman had a lot to prove to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Newman made his MLB debut last year but struggled mightily at the plate. In ninety-one at-bats the former first-round pick hit .209 with little power. While it is not uncommon for rookies to struggle it was not what the Pirates were hoping for with their infield in flux. After an unimpressive spring training camp, the California native entered the season as a bench player. That, however, seems like a distant memory as this season he has been one of the Pirates best players. Continue reading →

Bryan Reynolds Impressing In Rookie Campaign

Jamie Gatlin | June 14th, 2019

Before the season began, Bryan Reynolds was not expected to make a major impact in Pittsburgh until next year. The Pirates were deep in the outfield after adding Lonnie Chisenhall on a one year deal. So far things have not gone as planned as Chisenhall has yet to appear in a game. Injuries, however, have given Reynolds an opportunity and he has shined. The former top prospect has not only been an offensive force but one of the majors best rookies. Continue reading →

David Price Is Stepping Up When Needed Most

Jamie Gatlin | June 4th, 2019

When David Price signed with Boston four years ago he was expected to be the ace to deliver a championship. Price claimed that he had saved all his postseason wins for Boston but failed to meet expectations. His postseason struggles continued in 2016 and injuries limited him the following season. Last year however Price proved his critics wrong. The former number one overall pick was key to the Red Sox postseason run and dominant in the World Series. In 2019 Price has picked up where he left off and arguably been the best Red Sox pitcher. Continue reading →

Josh Bell Off To Historic Start

Jamie Gatlin | May 21st, 2019

When Josh Bell first made his MLB debut three years ago, the expectations were sky high. Bell was supposed to anchor the Pirates lineup for years to come and contributed right away. After hitting a career-high twenty-six home runs in 2017 Bell only hit twelve last year. He was inconsistent at times and failed to be the Pirates power threat on a team in dire need. In the second half, however, Bell improved providing hope for the future. He has carried that success into 2019 in dominating fashion. His start is even more impressive considering the adversity this team has already faced. Continue reading →