FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Following the '08 Pirates I am not sure whether I'm at a ballpark or a dog track... The Bucs are like dogs at the race track chasing the bone. It seems like the .500 milestone has been within reach numerous times this season. They get so close then magically the rug pulls right underneath their feet and they start to lose big and often. And that "rug" has been nothing more than the starting pitching. I'm sure you are as surprised as I am. I figured, as did 90% of most baseball people, that the Pirates would have been one of the best starting rotations in the league. If you told me that Zach Duke would be a respected 4-4 and have a team leading 4.10 era, that would leave me to believe that the Pirates would be standing in the top 5 in starting pitching...Never would I think dead last.

For those who read my blogs you know that I am a harsh critic of the Pirates;However, I think its time to give some credit, where credit is due. Manager John Russell should be nominated for Manager of the Year in my book. This team looked horrific defensively and pitch poorly at the start of this season. The Pirates were on the brink of having the worst season in team history. But Russell somehow turned it around. And what about Nate? Seriously, his swing and approach remind me alot of Donny Baseball (Don Mattingly). Nate is all heart, and believe it or not, all talent. He may be undersized and lack true centerfield speed, but his talent has landed him a guaranteed All-Star, possible Gold Glove, and in my opinion, the best All-Around Centerfielder in the National League this year. Only second in the league to Rangers Hamilton (another great story). Xavier Nady & JBay have had All-Star seasons thus far. But due to their intro-verted personalities they lose out on some national attention. I had dinner with Nady and his newly wed wife a day after last season, and he is an all around great guy. Not to forget about a good friend of mine Ryan Doumit. Take away the 3 1/2 weeks he missed due to injury, and this guy could easily be in the top 5 in almost every offensive category. Also, not to mention the best offensive catcher in the league. If the Pirates starting pitching improves to a mediocre level, this team has a legitimate shot at the Wild Card. Sounds crazy, but if Gorzo and Snell return to form, Duke maintains, and Maholm eliminates a few of his blowups, there isn't a team they can't compete with.

The next 15 games that spam over 2 1/2 weeks are crucial and are against some of the best teams in the AL. The Orioles, White Sox, Jays, Yankees, & Rays are all .500 and above. When the Yankees are the worst team out of the next 5 teams you play, you are up for a True Test for a young team. Also, the Pirates are horrible in recent years against A.L. teams in Interleague play. If we can finish this stretch with just losing 2 or 3 games more than we won, then I call that a success. Lets cross our fingers and support our Pirates as they seriously walk through the Dark Valley of the Shadow of Death...Well in the Baseball World it is!