Pirates' Paul Skenes did not hold back when reacting to Derek Shelton firing
Context:
The Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton, a move that did not surprise Paul Skenes, considering the team's poor performance with a 12-26 record. Skenes, a standout pitcher from Louisiana State University, expressed that someone needed to be held accountable for the team's struggles. The Pirates, last in the National League Central, have not reached the postseason since 2015, despite Shelton's efforts since he took over in 2020, accruing a 306-440 record. The team aims to maximize their time with talented players like Skenes and Oneil Cruz before they potentially leave for larger markets. Skenes, who had an outstanding debut season with a 1.96 ERA and several accolades, continues to perform well, but the Pirates must improve further to become postseason contenders.
Dive Deeper:
Derek Shelton, manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 2020, was fired after the team recorded a disappointing 12-26 start to the season, indicating a need for accountability in the face of continued underperformance.
Paul Skenes, who recently joined the Pirates and is not used to losing, wasn't shocked by Shelton's firing, emphasizing the necessity for change given the team's last-place standing in the National League Central.
The Pirates have not made the postseason since 2015, and despite Shelton's tenure, his overall record of 306-440 was insufficient to push the team into contention, leading to his dismissal.
Despite the managerial change, the Pirates aim to utilize the talents of players like Skenes and Oneil Cruz before they hit free agency or are drawn to larger markets, with hopes that this strategy will improve their postseason prospects.
Paul Skenes had a remarkable debut season with a 1.96 ERA, earning accolades like National League Rookie of the Year and All-Star nominations, and continues to be a promising pitcher with a current 2.77 ERA and 47 strikeouts.
The Pirates' management change is seen as a step towards rebuilding and potentially improving their performance to make a playoff push, though it is acknowledged as not an immediate fix for all the team's issues.
Aaliyan Mohammed, who reported on these developments, is an experienced sports journalist with a background covering MLB prospects and college sports, providing insight into the Pirates' situation and expectations moving forward.
The Pittsburgh Pirates fired Derek Shelton on the team's off day on Thursday. They won Don Kelly's first game as the interim manager, but Paul Skenes reacted to the news of Shelton's firing before the game.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't shocked," Skenes said, according to KDKA-FM in Pittsburgh. "At the end of the day, we're (12-26), whatever it is. Someone's gotta be held accountable. Unfortunately, right now, it's him."
The Pirates are last in the National League Central and have not made the postseason since 2015, when they lost in the National League Wild Card. Shelton had been the team's manager since 2020.
He has a 306-440 record since taking over for the Pirates. The Pirates are trying to capitalize on their time with players like Skenes and Oneil Cruz before they hit free agency and potentially leave for bigger markets. Firing Shelton is not going to make them contenders overnight, but it could at least give them a fighting chance to make the postseason.
As for Skenes, who played his final college season at Louisiana State University, he is not accustomed to losing this much. His team at LSU lost just 17 games en route to their National Championship. Skenes debuted last season and was nothing short of spectacular.
He had a 1.96 ERA, won National League Rookie of the Year, finished third in Cy Young Award voting, was an All-Star and received MVP Award votes. This season he has a 2.77 ERA and 47 strikeouts. He looks like he is going to be a dominant pitcher for years to come, but the Pirates have yet to show they can be a postseason team with him.
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