Is Ending the Losing Streak all that Matters for the Pirates?

Almost 50 games into the 2012 season the Pirates find themselves with a .500 record and three games back of the division lead. Most of the Pirates faithful would say this is a victory in itself. But with a division that consists of mediocre to downright horrible teams would a .500 record be considered a good season? To almost every Pirates fan at this point, the answer would be yes. This guy however, says no. Call me crazy but the Pirates have a legitimate chance to contend for the division title this season. And yes I realize it has been 19 straight seasons of losing baseball, but that can not last forever.

19 losing seasons or not, going .500 should never be considered an accomplishment. Clint Hurdle is doing a great job of addressing this situation, saying he would not be happy with anything less than the playoffs. If the Pirates players are only out there to end "the streak", Pittsburgh will never see a playoff game again. I believe this Pirates team is looking for bigger and better things. Zoltan.

With the departures of two of the leagues best hitters, Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, there has not been a better chance for the Pirates to win the division in many years. Just take a look around the league and compare the NL Central to other divisions in baseball. Atlanta is 26-24 and finds themselves in last place of the eastern division consisting of five teams. The Yankees and Red Sox are in 2nd and 4th place respectively, both without losing records. And the beat goes on from there.

The Pirates schedule is still loaded with plenty of games against Chicago, Milwaukee and Houston. These three teams combine for a 58-87 record through this point in the season. Their interleague schedule consists of two of the worst AL teams in Minnesota and Kansas City, with their hardest interleague matchup with Detroit to be played at home.

Schedule aside, the Pirates are just playing solid baseball right now. With the 3rd best ERA in the majors, the pitching staff will keep them in almost every ballgame. The offense was horrible for a while but has picked up lately and given the Pirates pitchers some breathing room. Even as the were on pace to set a record low in runs scored, the Bucs have just found ways to win ballgames.

They have three potential all stars this season with Andrew McCutchen (lock), James McDonald and Joel Hanrahan. Pedro Alvarez has been inconsistent but is slowly showing signs of stardom. AJ Burnett was a huge offseason trade and has delivered on and off the field. It has been reported that Burnett is playing a crucial role in the development of James Mcdonald, which is obviously paying off. If the pitching staff can continue to allow just over three runs a game this season, the Pirates have a legitimate chance of winning the division.

Don't get me wrong, breaking the losing streak would be a huge relief, but Bucco Nation can not be satisfied for anything less than late October baseball.

Posted by Rick Bauer