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Just an unbelievable first half going 26-26 on saves with a 1.34 era. Consistently 96-99 MPH fastball and a very nice slider to back up the fastball. Watching David Ortiz buckle and swing at a slider in the dirt to end the game was priceless when the Red Sox were in town.
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It’s hard to choose what has been better from Walker this season, his hitting or defense? Along with his high RBI total, Walker has played in 86 of the 88 games with only 4 errors. Walker has a .991 FPCT and turned 59 double plays. He is definitely the leader of the infield.
Comeback Player: Charlie Morton
After a brutal 2010 campaign, Charlie has rebounded with a great first half to his 2011 season. Nobody expected the production and I’m sure Management is extremely pleased of what they have gotten out of Charlie. 7-5 with a 3.80 era and 2 complete games…1 of them a shutout. Hope for Charlie to continue this well into the second half.
Surprise Player: Jeff Karstens
From AAA pitcher to reliever to being thrown into the starting rotation, Karstens has done a magnificent job so far. Top 10 in the league in era. If he was a flashier pitcher, hit 94 or 95 with his fastball, he would definitely be an All-Star. Karstens has arguably turned into the leader of the staff and will need to be just as good in the second half.
MVP: Andrew McCutchen
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No debate about this one. “Cutch” has been everything the Pirates could hope for and more so far this season. McCutchen is hitting .294 with 14 hr and 54 rbi. Without McCutchen the Pirates would have zero chance at a division title…Give the man a long-term contract!
Disappointment: Lyle Overbay
Along with the good comes the bad and Lyle Overbay has been the team’s biggest disappointment this season. Year and year out the Pirates search for a left handed power hitter and Overbay was thought to be the guy this year. Overbay has not been able to handle the Clemente wall in Right Field, tallying only 6 home runs. A recent scout labeled Overbay as a singles hitter at this point in his career.
Written By: Adam Nyswaner
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