The team comes off of a disappointing two game mini-series with the Atlanta Braves, losing both games, and now three in a row. Scoring only two runs in their last 29 innings, the offense has run into a roadblock.
Aside from some recent success from eight-hole hitter Ronny Cedeno, there isn’t a portion of the lineup that has been productive of late.
Third baseman Pedro Alvarez, who finds himself currently on the DL, has struggled all season, hitting a lowly .208 and striking out 42 times in 125 at-bats. Free-agent Lyle Overbay hasn’t been that much better, hitting .235. Even Neil Walker, who started the season off hot, has been slumping as of late, his average down to .263.
Not to mention star outfielder Andrew McCutchen. While his power numbers have been consistent, I would like to see his average closer to .290 than .250. McCutchen, regardless of where he is in the lineup, is going to be a table setter. Plain and simple.
Considering Clint Hurdle’s background as a hitting coach, one would think that the offense would have more potency. They are ranked 26th in team batting average and are 4th in the MLB in strikeouts. Both of these numbers would suggest a shakeup of the lineup coming on.
By moving Jose Tabata to the leadoff spot and Andrew McCutchen down to the three-hole on Wednesday, Hurlde tried to do just that. It would make no difference as all of the offensive production came from utility man Steve Pearce.
Looking forward to the Chicago series, the Bucco’s will look to find a spark with that newly adjusted lineup.
Chicago, much like the Pirates, has had an up and down season under their new manager Mike Quade. Only separated by a half game in the division, this series should be a good measuring-stick series for both teams.
If the Pirates find success early in the counts, look for them to continue that trend throughout the series.
Game 1: Correia (6-4) vs. Davis (0-2)
Game 2: Maholm (1-7) vs. Wells (1-0)
Game 3: Karstens (3-3) vs. Dempster (3-4)
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