I know that I have been a bit quiet of late about the Pirates - somebody actually told me that they don't always read The Grandstander because they don't want to read about the Pirates all the time; can you imagine such a thing? - so a few opinions at the All-Star Break.
- Eleven games over .500 and in first place at the Break. Did you in your wildest dreams imagine such a thing on Opening Day? Be honest now, because I sure didn't?
- What can you say about Andrew McCutchen? 18 home runs, 60 RBI's and a .362 average. Haven't seen a season like this since Barry Bonds was winning MVP Awards at Three Rivers Stadium.
- In his blog today, Bob Smizik stated today that you Cutch will probably not maintain this severe assault on NL pitching, but, the scary thing is, he just might!
- Pedro Alvarez also seems to be coming around. Perhaps we may have to endure some more of those fallow periods he has had, but when he does hit, wow! As it is, he has 16 HR and 50 RBI's. Project those numbers out for the rest of the year and I'll take 'em, even with the strikeouts and the sub-.250 BA.
- Pedro's two two-run RBI singles he had in back-to-back games last week might have been more impressive than any of his home runs this season.
- That 8-7 walk-off (Drew Sutton!!!!) win over Houston on Tuesday had to be the highlight of the season so far. When was the last time you saw such pure, unadulterated joy on a professional playing field in any sport?
- And since Bob Smizik - and The Grandstander - wrote of cause for concern over the declining numbers for Neil Walker around Memorial Day, Pine Richland's Neil Walker has responded, capped by that 5-for-5 day yesterday that boosted his average to .291.
- One of the more encouraging signs from the past two weeks as we look ahead to the second half were the two strong performances by Jeff Karstens.
- I can't say for sure if the Pirates will make the playoffs, but I would be shocked - SHOCKED - to see any kind of implosion similar to what befell last year's team. Having anchors like James McDonald and A.J. Burnett, and now maybe Karstens, will prevent any long losing streaks.
- What does GM Neal do at the trading deadline. Another pitcher? A strong hitter for the corner outfield? Or does someone come up from Indy (Starling Marte, Rudy Owens?) to fill those needs? Lots of speculation in the next three weeks. My own guess is that Neal will look for a pitcher first with "a bat" second.
- McCutchen's participation in the Home Run Derby tonight is a mixed blessing. I will be compelled to watch and root strongly for him, but will also have to endure the old, tired, and worn out act of Chris Berman.
- Finally, the Zoltan signal that has become the team's rallying point is silly, immature, and goofy, and I love it! the fact that it sprung up internally from within the clubhouse, and not manufactured by some front office PR flack, is what makes this fun and meaningful for the team. It serves the purpose of past seasons' Green Weenies, Stargell Stars, and "We Are Family" anthems. If the team goes deep into the post season this year, Zoltan will surely be commercialized and over-done next year, but for now, let's enjoy it!! Right, Andrew?
