I am the Program Director at 1410 WING ESPN Radio in Dayton, Ohio...also host of Dayton Sports Scene weekdays at 5p! Find me on Twitter @ESPNMark!
Any faith in the Pirates?
by Mark Neal,posted Jul 18 2012 4:04PM
As it sits today, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in 1st place in the NL Central...but can they stay there? From the beginning, I felt the Cardinals would win the Central, with or without Albert Pujols. Injuries have derailed that some, and with the Brewers dealing with their own player losses, the Pirates have filled that void.
An organization with a vast history, the Pirates have been a doormat of late. For 20 years, they have been at the bottom of, not just the National League, but in Major League Baseball. While this team may be flawed, can they hold on and make the playoffs? They have had some of the best pitching of any team this season, but have gotten by on just enough offense. To contend for more than a few wins, they need to add pieces, namely in the lineup.
Andrew McCutcheon may end up being the NL MVP in 2012, but he wont get anotehr pitch to hit if they can't get better talent around him. he has been the offense, surrounded by the Walker's, Tabata's, and McKendry's of the world. Aside from McCutcheon, a no name offense with no threats at all.
I have said all season, "it's the Pirates, they won't be there in the end!" I still believe that, and the cream will rise to the top of the NL Central. The Pirates better add a few more guys, or the Bucos could be stucko on the outside looking in come playoff time.
