“Most Obvious Fall Guy Of All Time” – Pirates Fans Slam Franchise For Firing Derek Shelton

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Nitish Kumar Singh

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Derek Shelton
Derek Shelton (Photo via Imagn Images)

The Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton.

The five-time World Series champions have parted ways with Shelton after a challenging six-season tenure. 

Shelton’s firing, announced following a disappointing start to the current season (12-26), came after the team’s struggles in recent years. At the time of his dismissal, he had a last-place standing in the NL Central. 

Shelton, who was appointed ahead of the 2020 MLB season, compiled a record of 306 wins and 440 losses. His winning percentage stood to a mere .410.

His tenure as the Pirates’ manager has been marked by struggles and a lack of progress. In his first season, during the shortened COVID-19 campaign of 2020, the team finished with an MLB-worst record of 19 wins. 

Over the next five seasons, the Pirates consistently underperformed, failing to finish higher than fourth place in the NL Central and ultimately sitting last in the division.

Despite efforts to develop talent, the team did not see significant improvement, and clear star players were scarce.

However, soon after his firing news got an official nod from the team, MLB fans on social media trashed the now-former coach. 

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MLB Fans Trashed Pirates For Firing Derek Shelton

Derek Shelton (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The arrival of talented young pitcher Paul Skenes in 2024 has fans buzzing with excitement. He’s one of the top prospects in baseball, and soon, the highly regarded prospect, Bubba Chandler, is expected to join the team as well. 

Together, they could be part of a new wave of talent that revitalizes the Pirates.

Though fans on the internet went on to call out the Pirates for firing Shelton for his underwhelming record at the Pirates camp.

“Derek Shelton might be the most obvious fall guy of all time,” a fan wrote.

“How are you going to fire a manager when ownership spent zero dollars in the off season,” another one commented.

“First manager down, who’s next?” a third one wrote.

“Everyone getting fired but cashman and Boone,” another one added.

“Ownership gave them no chance but it was time for him to go,” a user wrote.

Now, with Don Kelly stepping in as the new manager, there’s a fresh opportunity to turn things around. But it won’t be easy, especially since the team had a quiet offseason and didn’t bring in many new players.

Kelly will need support from the front office to help create a competitive team and make the most of the promise that Skenes and Chandler represent.

For Pirates fans, it’s a time to stay hopeful and supportive as the team navigates these changes. With new talent on the way, there’s a chance for a brighter future!

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