Tonight marks the beginning of what could truly be called the first "critical" series of the 2012 season for the Pirates when the Cardinals arrive at PNC Park for a three game set. Sweep the Cards, and the Bucs regain hold on a Wild Card spot and remain in the post-season mix. Get swept by the Cards, and the season pretty much becomes: Can they Pirates break the 19 year losing seasons streak?
The Pirates excellent play throughout June and July gave everyone what is starting to look like a misplaced sense of a pennant contender, and how fun was that? In fact, if someone told you on Opening day that the team would finish 82-80, every one of us would have signed on for that and not asked any questions. What is a shame is that if the team does finish at exactly 82-80, that means that they played their final forty games at 14-26, and such a poor finish will be viewed, not without justification, as a big disappointment.
However, in trying to put a positive spin on things, we all need to remember that in 2010, a mere two seasons ago, this team went 57-105 and they were a truly awful team. And for those who want to pin everything bad on Clint Hurdle (and he is not above criticism, to be sure), I have two words for you: John Russell.
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