Pirates - .500 & the playoffs

[voncap]

They need 37 wins to break the losing streak and if we assume 88 wins gets them at least the second wild card spot, the Bucco's need 42 wins to make the playoffs.

Going into last night's game the Pirates had 80 games remaining. If you break the schedule down in to 4-20 game segements, the Pirates need to win at least nine games in three of those segements and 10 in on of those segements to break the streak. Reviewing the opponents in each segement and barring a total collaspse, it looks like the chance of the losing streak being broken is highly probable.

The big question is can they make the playoffs? If the Buc's can go 11-9 in each of those 20 game segements, they will definitely make the playoffs and 90 wins likely wins the division. IMO they should go at least 40-40 in the last 80 games, but will that be enough to make the playoffs? Looking at the schedule, it appears the last 10 games of the season could be extremely meaningful to the Pirates and Pirate fans for the first time in a long, long time.

[S Cube]

Nice post Cap. After the break, every game in July is against a team below 500. It is imperative that they come out pf the break ready to go.

[Manfred]

They better get a little better starting pitching. Bedard has been slipping, and Correia isn't that sharp. Time to give Locke, Owens, ?? a look. It will also give the starters as a whole a little more of a rest. If they aren't included in some trade.

[jack daniel]

I see no way they don't finish over .500, barring a monumental blow up like last year, 78 games left and 48 are against sub .500 teams. As for the playoffs, I do think it is doable. The offense is really coming around with McCutchen, Walker, Alvarez, and Jones as consistent contributors and McGehee is showing signs of life. Plus the Pirates catchers have combined for 14 HRs thats a lot, and it should only get better when Marte is called up which I see being next Friday when they return from the break. The rotation has a a great 1-2-3, and Correia is still a solid #5 option, but I think Bedard needs to go. Give Locke or Owens a shot, or even trade for a starter.

[Eaglealum]

Remember Bedard is about where Corejia was two years ago..hasn't really had a full season healthy; I think making the all-star team was the worst thing that could have happened to Correjia last year, never got any down time; This year with the down time and the fact that JMac and Burnett are the last two to pitch before the break and they will probably be 1-2 to start the second half, those two will get close to 7-12 days rest between starts...the second half should be at least.500 if not better....JMO

[voncap]

The first 20 game segement ends after today's game. Regardless of today's results, the Buccos have at least 12 wins in the first segement. Good start to the second half of the season.

Now if they could just get another bat and the Reds would lose, things would really get interesting.

By the way, if you are in the group that believes this team doesn't need to add another bat (power or leadoff) to this lineup, then you weren't watching this weekend. Thank goodness for wild pitches. 1 for 18 with runners in scoring position in the first three games will not beat anyone else in the league other than the Astros.

[voncap]

Second 20 game segement is in the books after last night. Not a good segement. Buccos went 9-11 over the last 20 games. The 4-7 stretch at home against the NL West teams was a killer.

Only 15 more wins to break the losing steak, which is almost a given at this point, but if they still have asperations of making the playoffs they had better find someone who can get a hit with runners in scoring position.

After this west coast trip, they have 12 more series remaining. They will almost need to win at least 9 of those series and not get swept in any if the playoffs are going to be a reality.

[Manfred]

Their tailspin of last year began immediately after a marathon game. Deja vu, all over again, etc.