There is always a point in the Pirates season when reality kicks in and they become the "same ole" Bucs. Whether it is after 20 games or 100, Pirate fans are always pessimistic as to how the Bucs will finish, and deservingly so. But has Clint Hurdle and Neil Huntington finally put a team together that will compete for a division title? The answer is yes.
Let's be honest, the Pirates major league roster is not loaded with perennial all-stars compared to the Yankees or Red Sox. In fact, they do not have a single player that has been to more than one all star game. But having all-stars doesn't necessarily win division titles. And let's face it, the Central division isn't loaded with much talent anymore. After the exits of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, Andrew McCutchen is starting to challenge Ryan Braun for the top player in the division.
The arrivals of AJ Burnett and Erik Bedard have given the Pirates much needed pitching depth. Add the budding star James Mcdonald to the mix and the Bucs have arguably the best rotation in the Central division. The bullpen continues to pitch lights out, and the Pirates have become nearly unbeatable when leading after 7 innings.
But the most important factor for the Bucs in their pursuit for their first division title in 20 years is the weak schedule they have remaining. Luck was on our side when we drew Minnesota and Kansas City, the two worst teams in the AL, for interleague play this season. Not to mention the 20 or so games remaining against Chicago and Houston. Milwaukee is on the decline, and the Pirates have fared well against Cincy and St Louis in the past few years.
It will still be a long and hard road for the Bucs, but they are definitely a contender right now.
Let's be honest, the Pirates major league roster is not loaded with perennial all-stars compared to the Yankees or Red Sox. In fact, they do not have a single player that has been to more than one all star game. But having all-stars doesn't necessarily win division titles. And let's face it, the Central division isn't loaded with much talent anymore. After the exits of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, Andrew McCutchen is starting to challenge Ryan Braun for the top player in the division.
The arrivals of AJ Burnett and Erik Bedard have given the Pirates much needed pitching depth. Add the budding star James Mcdonald to the mix and the Bucs have arguably the best rotation in the Central division. The bullpen continues to pitch lights out, and the Pirates have become nearly unbeatable when leading after 7 innings.
But the most important factor for the Bucs in their pursuit for their first division title in 20 years is the weak schedule they have remaining. Luck was on our side when we drew Minnesota and Kansas City, the two worst teams in the AL, for interleague play this season. Not to mention the 20 or so games remaining against Chicago and Houston. Milwaukee is on the decline, and the Pirates have fared well against Cincy and St Louis in the past few years.
It will still be a long and hard road for the Bucs, but they are definitely a contender right now.
Written by Rick Bauer
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