Ernie Banks “Mr. Cub” used to say with a gleam in his eye; “let’s play two.” As gorgeous as the weather started out for the Pittsburgh Pirates 2015 home opener on Monday afternoon that might not have seemed like such a bad idea.
Part of the pregame ceremonies featured Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen and 2nd baseman Neil Walker receiving their 2014 NL Silver Slugger awards. The Pirates entered their home opener with a 2-4 record after having been swept by the Cincy Reds in their 2015 opening series at Cincinnati. They then traveled to Milwaukee and took two out of three from their decades old nemesis, the Milwaukee Brewers.
The first inning of the home opener was almost as uneventful as the weather. Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole began the game in usual workman-like fashion retiring the Tigers in order.
The same could not be said for Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez in the bottom of the first because the Pirates All-Star 3rd baseman Josh Harrison homered on the first pitch.
Although the Pirates were swept by the NL Central Division leading Cincy Reds, one series does not make a season. 1st baseman Pedro Alvarez, seems to be more relaxed both at the plate and defensively having been switched from the “hot corner” to 1st base.
Although the Pirates stumbled out of the gate, there should be no reason for concern. If the Bucs remain healthy, dodge major slumps on offense and avoid midseason pitching slumps, for all intents and purposes the Pirates should almost be a sure bet to win the NL Central Division.
If they fail to take the division, Pittsburgh should be a lock for a ML wildcard slot.
In the real estate business the words for success have will probably always be, location, location, location, location. In the world of Major League Baseball, the words of dominance will always be, pitching, pitching and more pitching.
I know that the aforementioned analysis may be over used and undervalued but without good pitching, your ball club had better have damn, damn, damn good hitting. The Pirates have damn good pitching, damn good hitting and the best outfield in baseball.
The Bu’s are going to have a few losing streaks and a few winning streaks but it is balance, real balance that will propel the team to the next level and keep them there for years to come. Oh, that’s if ownership does not cut the purse strings too short. Pirate skipper Clint Hurdle said a little while back that at this stage in Pirates baseball history; “it’s good to be a Pirate.”
I along with most people would not know how good that it feels to be a Pirate, but I am sure a ton of folks would love to know how it feels. However, it feels good to cover the Pirates in 2015 as it has for the last several years.
A few games after the 2006 PNC Park opener, the press box was so empty that you could have sent messages by carrier pigeon and no one would have gotten pooped on.
The laboratory of Neil Huntington and Clint Hurdle seems to have come up with the formula for winning. They also have compassion and understanding when it comes to the total well-being of their players, body mind and spirit.
Last year just before the All-Star break I asked 3rd baseman Josh Harrison what it was like to play for Clint Hurdle. He said; “it was great playing for him because he is a great man.” Right now at this very minute, it must be great to be a Pittsburgh Pirate.
Oh by the way, the Pirates squeaked by the 6-0 Detroit Tigers by the score of 5-4 on opening day 2015 at PNC Park. I wish that they could have played two.
Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412.583.6741