"Paul Skenes asserts that the Pirates' season will go to waste unless valuable lessons are not grasped"
Pittsburgh Pirates' Ace Paul Skenes Shines Amidst Struggling Team
Paul Skenes, the 23-year-old ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is having a season that could potentially earn him the Cy Young Award in 2023. Despite the Pirates' struggle to contend for first place in the NL Central and their likely another losing season, Skenes' impressive statistics have not gone unnoticed.
Skenes, who credits the Pirates for helping him navigate 31 starts and 181 2/3 innings, currently holds a 10-10 record. However, this record is unusual for a Cy Young winner, as no starting pitcher has ever won the award with such a record. Skenes' ERA stands at a remarkable 2.03, with 209 strikeouts, and a batting average against of just .199.
In his 11 no-decisions, Skenes has managed an even more impressive ERA of 1.74, a testament to his consistent performance, despite the team's poor offense. Skenes' impact extends beyond the field, as he was seen delivering meals to firefighters and first responders on a rare off day.
Despite the team's struggles, Skenes remains upbeat and committed to the team and community. He is focused on shoring up any potential holes in his game over the winter, preparing for the upcoming season.
The Pirates' future, particularly that of young ace Skenes, is in the hands of General Manager Ben Cherington. Although there have been questions about the possibility of trading Skenes, who may command record-setting numbers in salary arbitration, the club remains committed to him. However, there have been no talks about a possible extension during the season.
Manager Derek Shelton was fired early in the season due to a nightmarish 12-26 start. His replacement, Don Kelly, has steadied the team, but the Pirates have dropped 11 of 12 games in their final home series against the Athletics.
Looking ahead, the Pirates are expected to have a strong rotation in the upcoming season, with Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler leading the charge. However, the club's quickest path to contention may involve parting with some of their young pitching talent to upgrade their woeful offense.
Skenes, despite his relative inexperience, has shown maturity beyond his years, as evidenced by his willingness to have 'tough conversations' with teammates and coaches, as credited by Don Kelly. He believes that the Pirates need to learn from their mistakes and make adjustments to improve for the future.
As the season draws to a close and the Cy Young award announcement approaches on Nov. 20, all eyes will be on Skenes, who is expected to hear his name called. Whether or not he takes home the award, his impact on the Pirates and the sport as a whole is undeniable.
Read also:
- United States tariffs pose a threat to India, necessitating the recruitment of adept negotiators or strategists, similar to those who had influenced Trump's decisions.
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
