Three observations from the Pirates' 6-2 loss to the Yankees here today at LECOM Park: 

• Gregory Soto really brings it, man. Averaged 97 with the sinker and 98 with the two fastballs he threw this afternoon. What stood out to me, though, was he went to the sweeper four times among the 17 pitches he threw and had really good movement with it. Struck out two batters with the pitch, which he only turned to on a 5% basis last year. Hitters could never get wood on it, either. I think it might be wise for him to turn to that more, especially when looking to finish off hitters. Another weapon for a guy expected to serve as a high-leverage arm.

• Oneil Cruz wasted no time here today, singling into center on the first pitch he saw from Ryan Yarbrough. He ended up swiping second base, too, displaying some of the things that can make him valuable, especially at the top of a lineup. With that said, he also struck out twice. He has to do more of the former on a consistent basis. Or at least have competitive at-bats more often. He just needs to provide a stronger presence in that batter's box for this lineup to truly find success. 

• Two hits today for Nick Gonzales. As I said after that opener in Sarasota on Saturday, he needs to hit consistently this spring. But he also needs to find ways to simply get on base. He had one at-bat in particular today where he laid off some pitches out of the zone and found himself in a 3-0 count. Got a fastball down the pipe and sent it into left for a single. Whether it's a walk or a hit, the team benefits from him standing on first base. And whether he's in a starting role or coming off the bench, he'll need to produce.