At the time that this column is written, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 6 games into the 2016 season. Their won-loss record is 4-2 having lost two very winnable games in Cincinnati against the Reds and the bats of the Pirates seem to be leaning toward the graveyard shift as opposed to the bright lights of primetime.
In 2015 the Pirates opened the season in Cincinnati and promptly lost all three games. This year they opened the season at the friendly confines of PNC Park where they promptly swept the St. Louis Cardinals. However if it were not for the grand salami, “martay partay” grand slam heroics of Pirates left fielder Starling Marte, the Reds would have used the same broom that the Pirates used to sweep the Redbirds to sweep the Pirates and what early season divisional momentum that the Bucs had under the rug.
The Pirates cannot afford to experience an early season, midseason or late season slump or let down. Pittsburgh is competing in a division that may arguably be the best and toughest division in major league baseball.
In case a few of you may have forgotten; The NL Central Division sent not 1, not 2 but 3 teams to the MLB post season in 2015.
This is a no excuse year. In order for the Pirates to advance to the big Kahuna, in 2016, Pittsburgh cannot be pacified and grateful just to qualify for the post season, the Pirates have to win, win, the division crown.
Pittsburgh is a lot stronger defensively and looks to be more consistent offensively with the offseason acquisitions of 1st baseman John Jaso, (whew finally rid of the Pedro Alvarez nightmare) and 3rd baseman/infielder David Freese (putting to rest the worries over 3rd base) because of the injury to Pirates 3rd baseman, Jung Ho Kang.
However, I am in total admiration of Pirate manager Clint Hurdle adapting his strategy and his ball club to create scenarios that may optimize “small ball” by being more aggressive on the base pads, although the results might not always be what he envisions.
The Pirates will really be forced to manufacture runs on their next trip where the first pitcher that they could possibly face in the first game in Detroit is a Tasmanian devil disguised as a MLB pitcher, Justin Verlander.
Competing and staying relevant in the NL Central Division is going to be a formidable task for the Pirates and the all of the other competitors within their division. There will be no easy games and automatic wins and padding division leads when faced with possibly playing a division “pushover.” This division is armed and dangerous.
Pittsburgh cannot afford to “sleep” anyone.
The Pirates must approach each and every game, whether performing or managing as if the post season were already in play. Strategies that may work in October must be implemented now. Teams cannot wait to try squeeze plays and double steals in late September, they must tweak and perfect now what will get them to the Promised Land. There is no room for fear because where there is no risk, there can certainly be no reward.
Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412.583.6741
Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe
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