Here is the continuation of my preview of the 2012 NL Central. I had actually wrote the bulk of this about three weeks ago. Didn't publish it until now (obviously). What can I say for myself, besides the fact that I'm lazy?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a rich history. One of the original sixteen baseball franchises, they have won five World Series--more than twenty-two other MLB clubs. Their last postseason series victory was a world championship in 1979. They made the postseason in 1990, 1991, and 1992, failing to advance past the first round each time.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a rich history. One of the original sixteen baseball franchises, they have won five World Series--more than twenty-two other MLB clubs. Their last postseason series victory was a world championship in 1979. They made the postseason in 1990, 1991, and 1992, failing to advance past the first round each time.
The Pirates, with nineteen sub par seasons, hold the North American record for the most consecutive losing seasons. (Think about how that streak probably started: longest streak in Pirates history, longest streak in baseball, longest streak of a US professional team (which was the same as longest streak in baseball, since the Phillies held it I believe), longest streak of a North American team.... what team holds the world record?)
THE (RECENT) PAST:
I don't think there has been any recent dust ups or feuds between the Cardinals and Pirates. In 2009, the Cards played the Pirates so often in early in the season that my sister and I learned their entire roster-- something I bet Pirates fans can't claim. When the Cardinals and Pirates met again late summer, all the players we knew (and loved, in the case of Freddy Sanchez) had been traded. Such is the life of a Pirates fan, I guess. They can't get to attached because the ownership has no clue where to steer the organization. They make "five year plans," only to discard them in two years for a plan completely different in philosophy.
THIS YEAR:
On July 15 and July 18 last season the Pirates were in first place and fans showed up to beautiful PNC Park to root them on. The Pirates probably won't reach first place this year, but they can definitely finish ahead of the Cubs and Astros again. Who knows, maybe they'll have a winning season in the process-- they will need to win 10 more games than last year to accomplish this feat.
This year, the Pirates are all about changing their image and finishing the season strong They added two starting pitchers who have had success in the major leagues. Erik Bedard is a left-hander with a career 3.70 ERA, which is pretty decent considering he pitched in the American League. Right hander A.J. Burnett helped the Yankees win their 27th championship in 2009 before completely frustrating Yankee fans and ownership in 2010 and 2011. Pittsburgh's most exciting player is center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
The Pirates are 2 games under .500 right now, good enough for 4th place in the division. Their offense wasn't too hot in early April, but their pitching has been pretty good.
This year, the Pirates are all about changing their image and finishing the season strong They added two starting pitchers who have had success in the major leagues. Erik Bedard is a left-hander with a career 3.70 ERA, which is pretty decent considering he pitched in the American League. Right hander A.J. Burnett helped the Yankees win their 27th championship in 2009 before completely frustrating Yankee fans and ownership in 2010 and 2011. Pittsburgh's most exciting player is center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
The Pirates are 2 games under .500 right now, good enough for 4th place in the division. Their offense wasn't too hot in early April, but their pitching has been pretty good.
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