Pittsburgh Pirates Midseason Update

Pittsburgh Pirates: Season So Far

After a dismal 2007 MLB season, the Pittsburgh Pirates totally retooled their organization. With a new president, GM, and manager installed at the top, a transition period was expected before the Pittsburgh Pirates begin their climb back to their historic greatness. Turning back the clock on 15-straight losing seasons is not an easy task for manager John Russell, but the Pittsburgh Pirates have put in a much better season than expected, even with a record just below .500.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Midseason Moves

The Pittsburgh Pirates kept their roster the same as opening day, staying out of the free agent and trade markets. The strategy for the Pittsburgh Pirates is to develop their young players instead of throwing away prospects for quick veteran fixes. The Pittsburgh Pirates have dug deep into their minor league system, bringing up numerous young pitchers like John Van Benschoten, T.J. Beam, and Romulo Sanchez. The development of such young talent will be key to the success of the Pittsburgh Pirates for years to come.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Offense

Heavy-hitting LF Jason Bay is the centerpiece of the Pittsburgh Pirates offense. With a big bat that has already knocked 18 homeruns out of the park, Jason Bay must continue swinging for the fences to keep the Pittsburgh Pirates on track. In addition to the homers, Jason Bay is also a strategic batter who can make careful hits inside the park just as well as he can go yard. Jason Bay is also skilled at stealing bases, making him one of the most complete players in the MLB.

At the top of the Pittsburgh Pirates batting order, CF Nate McLouth is another complete player. With 19 homeruns, Nate McLouth also leads the Pittsburgh Pirates in hits and RBIs. RF Xavier Nady fought through some minor injuries and still blasted out 12 homers and finished second in RBIs. 1B Adam LaRoche is also constantly facing off with the injury bug but still manages to be a fantastic hitter in all aspects. The Pittsburgh Pirates have a talented offense, but their defense and pitching staff have let them down so far.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Defense

The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the 2008 MLB season expecting to have two solid starters in Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny, but both struggled coming out of the gate. Tom Gorzenlanny won 13 games in the 2007 season but could not get the same magic and was placed in the minors. Ian Snell still leads the Pittsburgh Pirates starting rotation but has fallen to a 3-7 record, thanks to poor relief pitching as much as his own shortcomings. With their two aces coming up short, the Pittsburgh Pirates will look to younger pitchers to step up.

Young LHP Zach Duke has talent that can make him a superstar, the only problem is putting the talent together in a consistent package. LHP Paul Maholm started slowly but reached the All-Star break with four-straight wins. With a powerful arm, Paul Maholm leads the Pittsburgh Pirates in strikeouts. Closer Damaso Marte has stepped up to replace an injured Matt Capps and has yet to blow a save. The Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff is young and talented but must mature before becoming a solid unit.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Standings

The Pittsburgh Pirates rebuilding process is not helped any by playing in the tough NL Central. The division title may be out of reach of the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the gangbusters Chicago Cubs up by more than 13 games at the All-Star break. The Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds are a few games above the Pittsburgh Pirates, but anything can happen in the second half of the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates are above the cellar-dwelling Houston Astros, however, and will look to open that gap wider in the second half of the 2008 MLB season.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates are loaded with young talent, and with the changes at the top of the organization, future seasons look bright. With such a large deficit to overcome, the Pittsburgh Pirates will look to get north of .500 first and foremost. Breaking the 15-year losing streak is the top priority and will be key to giving the Pittsburgh Pirates momentum in the future. Anything can happen in the MLB, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have the talent to shock many teams in the 2008 MLB season.