Pirates

[voncap]

The Buccos are four games from the halfway point, and are a game above .500. Barring a sweep by Toronto, the PBC should get to the halfway point at least .500 or possibly above.

Is this the year the streak is broken?

The bullpen has been outstanding, and if the starting pitching holds up and the offense gets healthy and starts to produce, this could be the year.

Also, as of today they are only four games out of first place. After July 3, they have around 54 games (35 home, 19 away) remaining against Central Division teams. Their current record against divisional opponents is 16-10. Granted they have trips to Philly, Atlanta, SF, and LA yet, but with this many games against divisional opponents does anyone think they have a chance to win the division?

I am keeping my excitement in check, but unless they go on one of those 7-10 game losing streaks that they have been known to do in the past few years, I think this team has a good shot at finishing above .500.

[dad2sons]

I agree. I thnk the ownership has some decisions to make. Do they go for the playoffs or still build for the future. The big talk now is about Maholm and what to so with him. They have to decide to pick up his option for next year or deal him. A lot of talk about the arms in the minors, but keeping him would send a major message to the league that they are serious about doing the right thing with their players!! I would take Maholm and how he is pitching now over anybody in the minors!! Do they made a deal for a big bat at third (Ramirez, Cubs) or behind the plate (?) and make a serious run at the playoffs?? We'll see.

[jack daniel]

If the pitching keeps up, the offense starts to perform, Meek comes off the DL and is the Meek of 2010, and they get Doumit and Alvarez back off the DL and they hit like they can its not out of the realm of possibility that this team could sneak up there and steal the Central. Its a very winnable division, its June 28th and the Bucs are alone in 3rd place one game back of 2nd and three back of 1st.

[davesandstorm]

Guaranteed a winning mark at the All-Star break!

[jack daniel]

Reinstated Alvarez off the DL today, then optioned him to Indy. He needs to get things figured out and quick down there, if their going to stay in the NL Central race they need his bat ASAP.

[voncap]

You are spot on JD. Alvarez's bat (hitting not k-ing) will be a big factor in determing whether they can stay in the divisional race.

Some more offensive production from whomever is at first base will be needed also. If the FO is going to be a buyer at the trade deadline, I can see first base being the position that can use the upgrade the most.

The other thing that has to happen is the pitching staff has to stay healthy. So far other than Ohlendorf, they have been able to avoid any injuries to the staff, and IMO that has been a huge key to the first half success.

[jack daniel]

Voncap I agree 100% they need to go out and add a first baseman, Overbay has been pretty poor this year. Honestly at this point I would wait until Tabata comes off the DL then just release Overbay play Tabata in left, Presley in right, and Jones at first until they find a better answer for first base. Or even consider playing Alvarez at first whenever he comes back up to the big club. And the pitching has certainly been the key, and they also need to get the Charlie Morton of April-early June back if they want to stay in the race.

[davesandstorm]

Overbay hasn't been all that impressive defensively either. They always tout him as such a great fielder, but yet it seems like every time I watch he's unable to handle the pick at first on a tough throw.

[davesandstorm]

Oh look right on cue.

[jack daniel]

That throw by Chase was rushed today, but verbay should have had it.