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Will the Pirates Stay in Contention?

gemintgemint Posts: 6,101 ✭✭✭✭✭
in Sports Talk
Now that we're nearing the all star break and the Pirates are closing in on first place, I'm surprised nobody has posted anything about them. Being a long time Pirate fan and not expecting them to lose any less than 90 games this year, I'm shocked that they are three games over .500 and a game out of first place. Does anybody think they will still be in contention in September? I don't expect them to get much more than three games over .500. So the only way they will contend is if the leaders play at near .500 ball, similar to when the Astros edged out the Pirates in 1997 with barely a winning record. I hope they continue to surprise me though. It's been fun watching interesting baseball for a change.

Your thoughts?
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Comments

  • mcadamsmcadams Posts: 2,618 ✭✭✭
    It will be interesting to see if they add a bat or two after the all - star game. That will tell you how much management really cares about the team. I like that the Pirates pitching is putting it together this season- albeit mostly just Charlie Morton's miracle delivery change. If you're anywhere near first in late July, and management doesn't start adding resources, then that will suck. I still see the Brewers winning the central, but its anyone's game.
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  • jdip9jdip9 Posts: 1,894 ✭✭✭
    I'd like to see the Pirates make a run at it....but, like mcadams, I think the Brewers are the team to beat, assuming Marcum and Braun hold up.
  • ConnecticoinConnecticoin Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I'd like to see the Pirates make a run at it....but, like mcadams, I think the Brewers are the team to beat, assuming Marcum and Braun hold up. >>



    Same here. Pittburgh fans have seen ZERO return on that beautiful stadium the city/state gave to them. They deserve it.
    *For Sale on BST* *For Sale on Ebay*
  • PowderedH2OPowderedH2O Posts: 2,443 ✭✭
    Well, Barry Bonds is still unsigned...
    Successful dealings with shootybabitt, LarryP, Doctor K, thedutymon, billsgridirongreats, fattymacs, shagrotn77, pclpads, JMDVM, gumbyfan, itzagoner, rexvos, al032184, gregm13, californiacards3, mccardguy1, BigDaddyBowman, bigreddog, bobbyw8469, burke23, detroitfan2, drewsef, jeff8877, markmac, Goldlabels, swartz1, blee1, EarlsWorld, gseaman25, kcballboy, jimrad, leadoff4, weinhold, Mphilking, milbroco, msassin, meteoriteguy, rbeaton and gameusedhoop.
  • BPorter26BPorter26 Posts: 3,499 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As a lifetime Pirate fan, they finally have a manager since Leyland that expects his team to win every time they take the field. I truly believe if the pitching holds up and when they get Alavrez and Doumit back then I believe they can win the central. I hope Littlefield adds something (hitter or pitcher) before the trade deadline.
    "EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY IT SAYS IT RIGHT THERE ON THE WALL" - JACKIE MOON
  • onlyanumberonlyanumber Posts: 2,433
    If they are in contention come late August, Clint Hurdle deserves to be manager of the decade...
    Next MONTH? So he's saying that if he wins, the best-case scenario is that he'll be paying for it two weeks after the auction ends?

    Forget blocking him; find out where he lives and go punch him in the nuts. --WalterSobchak 9/12/12



    image


    Looking for Al Hrabosky and any OPC Dave Campbells (the ESPN guy)
  • digicatdigicat Posts: 8,551 ✭✭
    I think the Pirates should ship Andrew McCutchen over to SF in exchange for the "veteran leadership" of Aaron Rowand. Ya know, for old times sake. image
    My Giants collection want list

    WTB: 2001 Leaf Rookies & Stars Longevity: Ryan Jensen #/25
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>As a lifetime Pirate fan, they finally have a manager since Leyland that expects his team to win every time they take the field. I truly believe if the pitching holds up and when they get Alavrez and Doumit back then I believe they can win the central. I hope Littlefield adds something (hitter or pitcher) before the trade deadline. >>



    Boy do I feel bad for you. I know the Cubs get all the attention as the "lovable losers" but at least they have made the playoffs a few times and just barely missed going to the 2003 World Series. But you haven't even had so much as a winning record in almost 20 years. Perhaps this time will indeed be different?

    BTW, were you around during the 1990-92 years? Or even perhaps the magical 1979 "We Are Family" squad?
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Well, Barry Bonds is still unsigned... >>



    I think the last thing a group of lovable underdogs like the Pirates need is someone who can't keep his swollen head (in more ways than one!) in check. image
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • gemintgemint Posts: 6,101 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>As a lifetime Pirate fan, they finally have a manager since Leyland that expects his team to win every time they take the field. I truly believe if the pitching holds up and when they get Alavrez and Doumit back then I believe they can win the central. I hope Littlefield adds something (hitter or pitcher) before the trade deadline. >>



    Boy do I feel bad for you. I know the Cubs get all the attention as the "lovable losers" but at least they have made the playoffs a few times and just barely missed going to the 2003 World Series. But you haven't even had so much as a winning record in almost 20 years. Perhaps this time will indeed be different?

    BTW, were you around during the 1990-92 years? Or even perhaps the magical 1979 "We Are Family" squad? >>



    I know this wasn't directed to me but I am old enough to remember the Lumber and Lightening/We are Family 70s as well as the breif resurection in the early 90s. However, it's been so long since they've been good that I forgot what it felt like. Who knows if this success will last, but I'll enjoy it while it does. I broke down and bought a month of MLB.tv so I can catch some of the games. I would have bought the season pass if I was fully sold that they are not a fluke. 18 years of losing will do that to a fan.
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  • BPorter26BPorter26 Posts: 3,499 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>BTW, were you around during the 1990-92 years? Or even perhaps the magical 1979 "We Are Family" squad? >>



    I was 9 when the Bucs won in 79 and in my early 20's in th 90's. They are only 1 game out, all I can do is believe and hope for the best. When your team hasn't had a winning record in 19 years, you get a little excited and believe this is the year when they are playing well this late in the season.
    "EVERYBODY LOVE EVERYBODY IT SAYS IT RIGHT THERE ON THE WALL" - JACKIE MOON
  • GarabaldiGarabaldi Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭
    It would be nice to see the Pirates stay in contention. The Twins do it in the AL, why not the Pirates in the NL. Hard not to root for them against a team like the Phillies who spend alot.
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>It would be nice to see the Pirates stay in contention. The Twins do it in the AL, why not the Pirates in the NL. Hard not to root for them against a team like the Phillies who spend alot. >>



    Who spend a lot? Eh, let he (team) that is without sin (eh, $$$) cast the first stone image
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • jdip9jdip9 Posts: 1,894 ✭✭✭
    Lol, Estil...you beat me to it.
  • DialjDialj Posts: 1,636 ✭✭
    Hey Bobby, look at it this way; the streak can't last forever. Time for a change and maybe this is the season.
    "A full mind is an empty bat." Ty Cobb

    Currently collecting 1934 Butterfinger, 1969 Nabisco, 1991 Topps Desert Shield (in PSA 9 or 10), and 1990 Donruss Learning Series (in PSA 10).
  • GarabaldiGarabaldi Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>It would be nice to see the Pirates stay in contention. The Twins do it in the AL, why not the Pirates in the NL. Hard not to root for them against a team like the Phillies who spend alot. >>



    Who spend a lot? Eh, let he (team) that is without sin (eh, $$$) cast the first stone image >>



    I was just taking a shot at StevieK
  • greencrowgreencrow Posts: 867
    NO
  • bigred1bigred1 Posts: 667
    looks like reality is setting in, too bad, was a nice story. Will not write them off totally yet, but does not look good.
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭✭
    Don't forget folks there's still 44 games to go. Still, they are 12 behind in the division and 13 behind in the wild card. So don't give up on them just yet--it's not over till you're mathematically out.
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • Mickey71Mickey71 Posts: 4,252 ✭✭✭✭
    NO
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭✭
    Well, they're mathematically out now.
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • gemintgemint Posts: 6,101 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's been a while since I posted here. From the last time I posted I've since cancelled my MLB subscription and returned to living In the 70s. To add insult to injury, I turned my attention to football only to watch my usually reliable football team get shredded in week one by our arch rivals. Maybe I need to turn my attention to knitting or badminton. image
    https://ebay.com/sch/gemint/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
  • bigred1bigred1 Posts: 667
    At least you had fun for a while, Orioles have been below 500 since second week with no hope, enjoyed the Ravens though, nice win, but long season.
  • EstilEstil Posts: 7,058 ✭✭✭✭
    And with their 82nd loss, they're also assured of yet another losing season. Better luck next year.
    WISHLIST
    D's: 54S,53P,50P,49S,45D+S,44S,43D,41S,40D+S,39D+S,38D+S,37D+S,36S,35D+S,all 16-34's
    Q's: 52S,47S,46S,40S,39S,38S,37D+S,36D+S,35D,34D,32D+S
    74T: 37,38,47,151,193,241,435,570,610,654,655 97 Finest silver: 115,135,139,145,310
    73T:31,55,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,80,152,165,189,213,235,237,257,341,344,377,379,390,422,433,453,480,497,545,554,563,580,606,613,630
    95 Ultra GM Sets: Golden Prospects,HR Kings,On-Base Leaders,Power Plus,RBI Kings,Rising Stars
  • ernie11ernie11 Posts: 1,945 ✭✭✭✭✭
    And did I read it right, it was a record 19th losing season in a row? They've become the St. Louis Browns of the 21st century.
  • DboneesqDboneesq Posts: 18,219 ✭✭
    Wow ... I do feel for you Pirate fans. At least they were in first place as late as July 20. This year does seem like a big improvement over last season. Hard to believe ... my daughter will be going to college next year and the Pirates last winning season was before she was born.
    STAY HEALTHY!

    Doug

    Liquidating my collection for the 3rd and final time. Time for others to enjoy what I have enjoyed over the last several decades. Money could be put to better use.
  • mcadamsmcadams Posts: 2,618 ✭✭✭
    Ever since Barry Bonds was unable to throw out Sid Bream at home plate on a soft grounder to left field that decided the 92 NLCS, that franchise has been cursed. It is the curse of Sid.
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    Always buying Bobby Cox inserts. PM me.
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