Are the Pirates ever going to make the playoffs again?

soundgard

Its been 20 years. I thought Pittsburgh was suppossed to be the city the champions?

jivan

no

illinifan912

not with the cubs in their division lol but i can't see them having the talent to make it.

coinkat

Give the Cubs a chance first-

Mickey71

Yes, they will; but because of the salary disparity in the league...they will not sustain winning frequently.

soundgard

<< <i>Yes, they will; but because of the salary disparity in the league...they will not sustain winning frequently. >>



Pretty much sums it up. Unfortunatly.

JustinsShoebox

I actually think the Cubs have an uphill battle this year. Though, you're going to have problems fighting St. Louis and Milwaukee for sure.

I'm usually a sucker for rooting for underdogs, though - so I hope McCutchen and the rest of the Pirates have a great year!

If they do make it, sorry to say they will loose to the Angels in 4 games in the WS.

Justin

MantleMarisFordBerra

For a little while last year they fell into a rhythm and were doing alright. But after the late innings game against the Braves that ended with a blown call from the home plate ump, the wind kinda left their sails. Maybe this year they can build on their success last year, and with 10 teams now making the playoffs each year ya never know. However what that franchise REALLY needs is for ownership to stop being cheapskates and decide to field an at least semi-competitive team. I'm not betting on that happening, but would love to be wrong.

digicat

They've had a top 5 pick in 7 of the past 10 drafts (top 11 in the other 3), and don't have much to show for it except for a few minor leaguers and Andrew McCutchen.

fiveniner

They have sure used a lot of players the last few years but only few have become semi stars and mostly with other clubs.I would like to see them challange some day but when?

mcadams

Its definitely possible. Look at what the Marlins did... The trick is that you have to have emerging superstars who are still in their rookie contracts. The Marlins won when they had AJ Burnett and Josh Beckett when they were still cheap, but already dominant.

PowderedH2O

Ever? That's a long time. Yes, I think at some point before the end of baseball (or the Pirates) they will make the playoffs again. Hopefully in my lifetime.

GR

I was 4 the last time the os had a winning season...not even the playoffs.

Yankees001

Yes they will. My guess is 2025, they are currently rebuilding. You always start rebuilding by scouting the T-Ball leagues.

Dave

gemint

So they are in first place now (almost). They have the pitching but the offense is suspect. If they could coax Derrek Lee out if semi-retirement, they'd have a legit shot to make the playoffs.

gemint

I'm surprised nobody is talking about the Pirates. I know we have a few fans on these forums. Yes they're now 3 games out but the Reds have been playing out of their minds lately. I think the Bucs will stick around until the end this year. It will be interesting to see if they pick up a bat before the deadline. Does anyone else doubt they will contend into September?

JustinsShoebox

I don't see them catching the Reds, but I think they have a legitimate shot at a WC position, they just need to keep their ground. Adding a bat would be a great idea for them at this juncture.

Justin

Stooge

You are asking if the Pirates will make the playoffs? The first question should be (And this is just because they currently own the longest consecutive streak of losing seasons in MLB @ 18 years I believe) Are the pirates going to have a winning season?

I don't believe so...although they have a good chance at it this year.

Paul.

digicat

On July 31st, the Pirates were 59-44, 15 games over .500.

On September 29, the Pirates are 76-81, 5 games under .500, with just 5 games to go (vs playoff-bound teams).

Instead of competing for the wild card, they're going to have to win 5 straight to avoid their 20th loosing season in a row.

Wow. How did a team go from being a legit contender 2 months ago to being a crater?

mcadams

Some may argue they were never a legit contender. Flash in the pan...

digicat

<< <i>Some may argue they were never a legit contender. Flash in the pan... >>



Since August 1st, they've gone 8-16 vs sub .500 teams like the Astros, Cubs, Padres, and the Mets. Pirates got worked over by enough bad teams that the Pirates turned into one.

Estil

Why not? The Senators just did

Connecticoin

<< <i>Why not? The Senators just did >>



Do you mean the Senators or the Expos? The Expos are still in the playoffs, but the Senators got eliminated by the Browns.

Dboneesq

<< <i>You are asking if the Pirates will make the playoffs? The first question should be (And this is just because they currently own the longest consecutive streak of losing seasons in MLB @ 18 years I believe) Are the pirates going to have a winning season? I don't believe so...although they have a good chance at it this year. Paul. >>


I remember reading this statement by Paul (he made it July 30) and thought it was quite a bold statement, as the Pirates were 58-44 when he made it. They won their next game and went to 59-44 ... but went 20-39 in their next 59 games. You were right Paul, as they finished the season at 79-83.

greencrow

Yes. In 2013.

1985fan

<< <i>Yes. In 2013. >>



I hope for the sake for the people of Pittsburgh they don't follow the pattern they've held the previous two years. Start out hot, get everyone talking about the end of this streak, then fall apart in the second half.

bigred1

Could happen, since I am an Orioles fan and we finally ended our run of futility, good luck

gemint

Fingers still crossed!

gosteelers

70-44 with 48 games to go...possible 4 game lead after tonight, unbelievable!

soundgard

Looking good so far. Best record in baseball. What a story.

mcadams

The Charlie Morton for Nate McLouth trade is now looking like a clear win for the Pirates.

soundgard

I still wouldnt be surprised if cinci wins the division.

mcadams

I'd love to see the Pirates win the Central, but history would suggest that they might not finish strong. I just hope the Cards don't somehow squeeze in. They didn't deserve to win the game in Atlanta last year in the worst infield fly rule call in the history of baseball and should never have advanced in the playoffs. Karma is not on their side. Either Pittsburgh or Cinci or perhaps both.

gosteelers

The Pirates are certainly defying the odds with their lack of offense this year. Their pitching has been so strong, though. They lose one of the most effective closers in baseball and they haven't missed a beat (yet). I would love for the Cards to completely miss the playoffs, but it's not likely. It seems like the only competition for the Pirates/Cards/Reds spots are the D-Backs and they don't really scare anyone.

It seems as if the Braves have had Pittsburgh's number since 1991, so that matchup isn't great for the Pirates, neither are the Dodgers, though. I'm hoping for a division win and a good showing in the playoffs, but I'm not holding out hope for a WS title this year...we'll see!