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I still don't think they have the pitching, but this offense can be pretty good all season long.  They have a lot of guys capable of driving in runs. I think you have 4 guys that could hit 20 home runs, not sure if they will but I wouldn't be shocked if it happened.

This is the Pirates best start since 1992.

Pitching will be an issue.  They absolutely can not have an extended DL stint for Taillon, Nova, or Vasquez (Rivero).  This goes back to why I was so disappointed in the Cole trade.  If you put this roster alongside a starting rotation that features 3 guys that will put you in a position to win for often than not, then 85+ wins is more than an expectation.  Not only that but it also would bump one of your rotation guys into the bullpen to strengthen it.  I get that he wasn't going to resign but I really think with him this is a playoff contending roster.  If they used the $5.5 million salary dump for Hudson and brought in a reliable 3rd basemen, that would put them right there with Dbacks, Mets, Brewers, and Cardinals for what I think may be the wildcard race.  I just don't think the ownership was comfortable spending money for a wild card race.  As a fan, it is just frustrating because we all know just getting into the playoffs gives you a chance.     

If Kingham and Glasnow, big if, they can provide help this year, that would be huge.

crfball wrote:86 wins, heard it here first

I'll be a whisker more optimistic, but with a few qualifiers.
IF they can... stay relatively healthy,...stay off PED's,...stay off drugs/dope/booze,...avoid spouse abuse/domestic violence,...be content with individual playing time...
Then, I can see 92 W's, and a Wildcard spot.

12HankQB wrote:If Kingham and Glasnow, big if, they can provide help this year, that would be huge.

Ignore the Glasnow part....he needs taken out behind the barn.

I really really like optimists. Seriously. I'm just more of a realist.

Ya know, I think the Yankees and Padres are on to something. You want to make baseball more entertaining, add boxing into the mix like hockey. Every time there is a play to be reviewed, two players go at it. Expand the roster to 41 just for the extra punching power...

I don’t really think that was entirely Glasnow’s fault.  Start off the inning with a strikeout and the guy still gets on. 

But it seems Javy Baez has inherited Billy Hamilton’s powers of becoming the best player in baseball when he plays the Pirates.