Craig Breslow Stresses Importance of Adding Quality No. 2 Starter to Strengthen Pitching Rotation for Next Season
In a recent statement, CEO Craig Breslow emphasized the importance of securing a reliable No. 2 starting pitcher to complement Garrett Crochet in the team’s pitching rotation for the upcoming season. Breslow outlined that adding depth to the rotation is crucial for the team's long-term success and competitiveness, particularly as they aim to contend at a high level in the next campaign.
The organization has already placed significant faith in Garrett Crochet, whose talent and potential as a cornerstone of the pitching staff have been evident. However, Breslow made it clear that, in order to take the pressure off Crochet and ensure a balanced, formidable rotation, acquiring a top-tier No. 2 starter is a priority.
"We believe in Garrett's abilities, but to reach our full potential as a team, we need to add a quality arm to support him in the rotation," Breslow explained. "It’s crucial that we continue to build depth and ensure that we have the necessary pitching strength throughout the season. We are focused on finding the right fit to complement our current roster."
With the team looking to improve upon previous seasons, Breslow’s statement underscores the front office’s proactive approach in shaping a competitive team that can go the distance. The addition of a No. 2 starter would not only bolster the pitching rotation but also provide more stability, particularly in the middle of the season when fatigue and injuries can often affect performance.
The search for the right starting pitcher is expected to be a focal point for the front office in the coming months, as the team aims to make strategic moves that will position them for success. With the backing of a solid rotation, the team is hopeful that they can improve their chances in the postseason and put themselves in a position to compete for a championship.
Steelers' Broderick Jones addresses tackling Aaron Rodgers in loss to Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't hide that he was less-than-pleased about being taken to the ground by left tackle Broderick Jones. His Steelers teammate tackled him as he celebrated a 68-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the club's 33-31 loss at the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 16.
While speaking with reporters on Monday, Jones insisted that he and Rodgers are just fine with each other following what occurred in Cincinnati.
Broderick Jones and Aaron Rodgers can now joke about ill-advised TD celebration
"We’re still joking about it," Jones said about Rodgers' reaction to a hit the 41-year-old didn't expect to endure during the Bengals game, per Chris Ward of Steelers Now. "Yeah, he was a little mad, but it’s all right. You know, it’s football. It gets intense. It’s still no love lost. It’s just the energy that he brings and that I bring. He told me, don’t lose the fire and I told him the same. We shall see [this coming Sunday] after he throws another touchdown, I might tackle him again."
Jones was criticized for his in-game performances as a blocker throughout September. NFL analyst Sam Monson of the "Check the Mic" podcast noted, however, that Rodgers' ability to slide in the pocket helped Jones produce a solid outing versus the Bengals (h/t Jeremy Pike of Steelers Depot).
Broderick Jones discusses matchup against Micah Parsons
Much will be discussed throughout the week about what this Sunday's game between the 4-2 Steelers and the Green Bay Packers (4-1-1) will mean to Rodgers, who played for Green Bay from 2005 through the 2022 season. Jones will understandably have other things on his mind heading into the "Sunday Night Football" showdown, as he and other members of the Pittsburgh offensive line will be responsible for blocking Packers star pass-rusher Micah Parsons during that game.
Parsons tallied three sacks in Green Bay's 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.
"He’s just relentless," Jones said about Parsons, according to Tim Benz of the Tribune-Review. "He doesn’t stop like most people in the league. It sets him apart because he has a motor about him. He has a deep bag of tools. He has finesse to his game. The Packers do a good job of moving him around — from the inside to the outside to lining up at linebacker. We’ve got a lot of film to break down."
As of Tuesday morning, ESPN BET had the Steelers as 3.5-point home underdogs against the Packers. How Jones and others protect Rodgers throughout the game will likely determine if Pittsburgh can earn an upset victory in front of a primetime audience.
