Shelton’s players are optimistic the franchise’s transformation from reclamation project to contender is not far behind. “But I think also, on the flip side of that, that’s the only way to learn.”There have been lessons aplenty to absorb. “We’re getting closer to having that group of players that we’ve either acquired or developed in (the clubhouse),” he said. BY THE NUMBERSThe Pirates saw a significant jump in home runs this season, hitting 158 after managing a major-league-worst 124 in 2021. The Pirates averaged 15,524 fans at PNC Park, the lowest in the 21-year history of one of baseball’s jewels.

Source: The Star October 07, 2022 07:27 UTC