If you’ve ever listened to North Shore Nine, there are two things you will know about me. First, I can barely speak coherent sentences, let alone write a blog. Second, I hate most things. Naturally, North Shore Nine (DiNardo) decided to fire the blog back up and told me to participate. 

I stewed over how I can add any sort of value to this blog, but then I realized that there are a select few people I don’t hate. It’s few and far between, but in my 30 years on this lovely planet, a small amount of Pittsburgh Pirates have put a twinkle in my eye. Without further ado, I introduce my series of Not Very Good Pirates I Didn’t Hate. That was a mouthful.

I can’t think of a better way to start than the fella who should be honored to share a name with yours truly. Seriously, being Kirby Yates’ brother takes the silver medal here. Tyler Yates spent 2 seasons with the Pirates – and let’s be frank – he kind of stunk. That didn’t matter to 15 year old me. In a time that the number of Tyler’s in Major League Baseball was as large as Mike Tomlin’s coaching tree, I attached myself to the guy who had as much control as Bob Huggins behind the wheel. 

Was Yates absolutely terrible? No. The Pirates have employed much worse. There’s a good chance the word “intriguing” would’ve been tossed his way if it were 2023 rather than 2008. He did manage a 0.5 fWAR in 2008. 2009 was a disaster. We don’t have to talk about that. Let’s just enjoy the good times. 

Can I share any fond memories of Yates as a Bucco? Not really. He was good for roughly two weeks in 2008. He threw a scoreless inning on opening day against the Braves in the worst baseball game to ever be played. Aside from that, the man threw hard and was blessed with a great name. For that, I salute you Mr. Yates.