Pitt Stop in First Place

By: Mike Wagenman

Almost four months into the MLB season, there is an unfamiliar face atop the National League Central: the Pirates. That's right, the Pittsburgh Pirates, that is not a typo. At 50-44, the Bucs sit ½ game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers in the division. This is the latest date that the Pirates have been in first place since July 17^th, 1997, 14 years ago. Can anyone even name five players on Pittsburgh's active roster? Didn't think so.

So, how are the Pirates reeling off win after win with a bunch of minor leaguers, young pitchers, and Andrew McCutchen? Confidence, says closer Joel Hanrahan. “We feel like we're not even playing that good yet, we just keep finding ways to win. We can even be better,” he said Sunday. Pittsburgh even had three All-Stars this year, as Hanrahan, starting pitcher Kevin Correia, and center fielder Andrew McCutchen were all given the call to play in Arizona. That marks the first time the team has had three All-Stars since 1990.

Nobody expected much of anything from the usual bottomfeeders of the league this year, and why should they have? The Pirates have not made the playoffs since 1992 and have not won a pennant or a World Series since 1979. And plus, at season's beginning, who was their “big money” player? The guy who was going put the team on his back when they were going through a rough time? The Pirates were lacking a player of that caliber; a CC Sabathia, Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Pujols, or Roy Halladay type player. And then, as if anyone gave the Buccos a chance to begin with, they have had nine players, including four opening day starters and last year's lone All-Star (reliever Evan Meek), land on the disabled list. Of their nine replacements for those who were injured, all of them began the 2011 season in the minor leagues, and seven of the nine have made their major league debut for Pittsburgh this season. But, they just keep on doing the little things and winning baseball games. Plus, Andrew McCutchen has stepped up to be their clutch player. Most of all, the pitching has been superb, which has kept Pittsburgh on top of the NL Central.

The Pirates rank eighth in the majors in pitching, with a 3.40 team ERA. They have been led by their young starters, who go deep into games and keep those games within reach for their offense. Their low ERA and high total of decisions is proof of that. Kevin Correia already has 11 wins, Jeff Karstens is 8-4 with a 2.34 ERA, and although Paul Maholm's record is a lowly 6-9, his 3.06 ERA is second lowest on the team among the five starters. Even no-named rookie's having winning records for Pittsburgh. James McDonald is 5-4 and Charlie Morton is 8-5 with a 3.62 ERA.

The bullpen has been spectacular this season as well. Rookie Chris Leroux has yet to give up a run in his 5 appearances, and Daniel McCutchen has a 2.23 ERA in 48.1 innings pitched. Tony Watson, Jose Veras, and Chris Resop all have an ERA under 3.50, including Watson's 2.40 ERA. Also, Joe Beimel has become the lefty specialist. This all leads up to the flame-throwing closer, Joel Hanrahan, who is 27/28 in save opportunities and sports a 1.27 ERA plus a 99 MPH heater. So far this year, it has been a tall task to string together a few runs against the Pirates.

Through the disastrous seasons over the past 19 years in Pittsburgh, through all the youth and inexperience, and through all the injuries, the Pirates find themselves contending for a playoff spot. And, for once, they are “buyers” instead of “sellers” at the trading deadline. Their top priority is to try to acquire a quality bat to help out Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen in the middle of the lineup. If rookies such as shortstop Chase d'Arnaud, catcher Michael McKenry, and third baseman Josh Harrison can continue their consistent play, and Jose Tabata and the other injured players can work their way back into the lineup, the Pirates have a great chance to keep winning and even earn their first playoff birth in 19 years.

Joel Hanrahan