Second Half

As Pirate fans remember, last year the Pirates were in first place in late July, making moves at the trading deadline, and then completely fell off the planet to not even finish .500.  Now a lot of that had to do with injuries to people like Alex Presley, and especially to Derek Lee right after he was acquired. What can we expect this year in the second half?

First off, do not fear an implosion like last year.  There are several reasons for this.  First and not to be forgotten in the stats is that sometimes teams have to learn how to play in big important games.  The Pirates got a taste last year.  I expect that is vastly important although impossible to calculate.  Second, last year the pitching staff was destined to fall apart.  Kevin  Correia especially was ready to explode and he did.  This year's staff is much more on target.  Last year we were not striking guys out, but still getting them out at an amazingly high rate, a rate you knew would normalize to our detriment.  This year those numbers are more normal mostly because we are striking guys out.  We also have arms in reserve should something go wrong with one of them.  Rudy Owens is ready to go in Triple A and Brad Lincoln is in the bullpen ready to go.  Charlie Morton is on the DL and ought to be back at some point.  So, we ought to be able to keep up the pitching.

Second, we are just a much better team.  I know not a lot changed other than Burnett and Bedard, but those two changes are enormously important.  Also, this year we are playing with Pedro.  Pedro is not setting the world on fire, but he is consistently providing a power threat.  He is second on the team in homers and RBIs.  No small thing despite his still pathetic average, which is climbing.  Add in a power hitting catcher that we did not have last year, and the team is in a much better position offensively.  This of course goes without mentioning the obvious improvement in McCutchen and Walker who both are having excellent years.  More than making up for the fall of in Tabata.  Our bench is also better with some power on it as well.

Third, expect a deal.  I think one thing the Pirates showed last year and in this off season is that they will make deals to better the team.  Nothing splashy, but probably effective.  Last year the moves were solid, but just failed.  Lee actually played great while he was with the team, a bean ball to the hand just limited that to a handful of games.  Ludwick was a bust, but the numbers supported the deal.  Sometimes people just don't play well.  Expect the Pirates to end up with something to help out somewhere.  Probably a corner outfielder again, or a short stop if the right deal comes along.  I expect that Pirates are looking for both.

The Pirates may not make the playoffs or win the division.  A one game lead is not a very secure lead.  And while some players have room to get better (like Pedro), others might fall off some (like McCutchen).  Injuries can always happen.  But it is hard to imagine a situation that would make the Pirates fall under .500.  This is the year the streak ends.  Enjoy the second half.  It is going to be a doozy.