As we anxiously await the Bucco game, I would like to note that as good as they have been playing

[The Spin Meister]

their best is yet to come. They are 35-13 in the last 48 games, an amazing clip. They just may get to the World Series this year. But, looking at each position, you should realize they are about three years away from peaking. Cutch is now in his prime and should have five good years left but many are young guys with much improvement ahead.
Polanco is in just his first full year as a starter and went from AA to the bigs in three months....a lot of upside to him.
Marte is in his second yr and is just now showing a comfort level and will get better.
Kang is not only in his first yr in the bigs but his first yr of playing ball in the US! He is learning a new style of ball, a new country, a new language. Should get much better.
Cervelli was a back up and this is his first yr starting..and he seems to like it. He should also get better.
Harrison is in his first yr as a full time starter and should improve.
Alveras is a five yr man but playing his first yr at first base. Hoping as he gets comfortable there he will get his bat back in top form.
Mercer is also in his first full year as a starter.
Cole is hitting his stride, Locke is getting better. Young relievers like Watson, Hughes. Caminero, Bastardo. And some very good young arms in the minors.

The few down sides. AJ retiring, Walker may be gone, should be replaceable. And maybe someday they will have a better bench than they do now than the likes of Hart and Ishikara.

Could be a dominate team for several years so keep the Jolly Roger handy!

 

[fairgambit]

Agree. They're good, and they're getting better. It's a joy to watch this team.

 

[nits74]

Agree. They're good, and they're getting better. It's a joy to watch this team.

And right on cue, here comes Pedro.

 

[fairgambit]

And right on cue, here comes Pedro.

Not a good showing tonight. I did have a concern that the break would cool them off, but they'll get their mojo back.

 

[Woodpecker]

OK, I'll say it: Raise the Jolly Bratwurst!

C'mon Bucco fans, I'm just joking. I hold no illusions that my Brew Crew will win the division. They fought the Phils for worst team in baseball until a couple of weeks ago.

 

[fairgambit]

OK, I'll say it: Raise the Jolly Bratwurst!

C'mon Bucco fans, I'm just joking. I hold no illusions that my Brew Crew will win the division. They fought the Phils for worst team in baseball until a couple of weeks ago.

Milwaukee was playing well going into the All Star Game and they played well last night. The Bucs, on the other hand, looked unmotivated and that was disappointing.

 

[BBHorn86]

Still do.

With the Royals up next followed by the Nationals who blew them away in DC. The Bucs might be left in the dust again by the Cards. They had better get their act together or that series before the break will mean absolutely nothing.

 

[NorCalcLion]

So that was the reasoning for pitching the low end of the staff and losing at least 2 games to Milwaukee . Why not go out to win these games and pitch AJ and Liriano in the first two games

 

[fairgambit]

Still do.
With the Royals up next followed by the Nationals who blew them away in DC. The Bucs might be left in the dust again by the Cards. They had better get their act together or that series before the break will mean absolutely nothing.

I'm not concerned. There's still a lot of season left and the pitching is too good to have any lengthy losing streak. Winning the Division would be great, but I'm content knowing they're nearly a mortal lock for the playoffs. After that, as the Cards and Giants proved last year, anything can happen.

 

[BBHorn86]

You've been more right about this team than I have this year so I hope you are again. That said in mid-July I would stop short of saying they are a mortal lock for the playoffs. Once there anything can happen but not excited about another possible one and done.

 

[fairgambit]

You've been more right about this team than I have this year so I hope you are again. That said in mid-July I would stop short of saying they are a mortal lock for the playoffs. Once there anything can happen but not excited about another possible one and done.

Ah, but this year it will be one and fun. Somewhat related...A friend told me today it's a shame we're in the same division as the Cards and I said the Cards (if they are honest) are saying it's a shame they're in the same division as the Bucs. As well as they're playing, or cheating, or both, they can't shake us. We may not win the division, but we'll be close enough in late September to make the Birds uneasy.

 

[NorCalcLion]

If you are in first place , you don't care what is going on behind you. Do the Pirates have a .500 record in the division ?
The lack of pitching depth behind the top 3 is going to kill them down the stretch,

 

[fairgambit]

If you are in first place , you don't care what is going on behind you. Do the Pirates have a .500 record in the division ?
The lack of pitching depth behind the top 3 is going to kill them down the stretch,

Maybe, but how many teams have quality after their top 2 or 3? I guess I'm too easily pleased, but I keep saying 2 things. The Bucs will make the playoffs and once you are in the playoffs you can win the World Series. Two teams (Cards & Giants) have won the World Series as Wild Cards in the past 4 years. If we don't win the division, we will make it 3 out of 5.