A relationship between a fan and their team is no different than that between a man and a woman. Just like the last guy I dated, I thought this Pirates' season was the one. Finally, everything was falling into place and we were destined for greatness, or at least a few steps above the mediocrity that I’ve allowed myself to accept for the majority of my life. But I was wrong. Think back to July. The Pirates spent the bulk of the month battling for the division, win after win distancing ... Read More
Cincinnati Reds playoff preview
The Cincinnati Reds cruised to the NL Central Crown after a mid-season dogfight with the Pirates. After trailing the Bucs by one game at the All-Star break, the Reds accelerated to a double-digit lead in the central winning with 10 games to spare. They will enter the postseason with the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the NL, depending on what Washington does to end the season. They have four pitchers that have 12+ wins and all five of their starters have started 30+ games. Only one game was started ... Read More
Pirates clinch loss No. 81 as they are no-hit by Homer Bailey
Everyone knew about the collapse part two. 16 games over .500, only to fall under the mark. The worst collapse in baseball history as pointed out by Jayson Stark. Technically, the Pirates would still be able to avoid it. They just had to win six of their last six games against two teams who have clinched playoff berths. To reference Dumb and Dumber: So you're telling me there's a chance? The most loyal Pirates fans kept the faith, even if they really didn't believe it. Even if the Pirates ... Read More
Atlanta Braves playoff preview
The Atlanta Braves are back in the postseason thanks to a strong second half and the struggles of the Pirates, Cardinals, and Dodgers. They will host the one-game Wild Card Playoff on Oct. 5th against the Cardinals (barring a final week collapse by St. Louis). The pitching staff has been strong as of late with three of the five starters with 10 wins and another (Kris Medlin with nine wins in 11 starts. Kris Medlin – 9 – 1 1.64 ERA 0.92 WHIP 116 K’s Tim Hudson – 16 – 6 3.61 ERA 1.22 WHIP ... Read More
Are The Pittsburgh Pirates Allergic To Winning?
After today’s loss to the New York Mets, there is absolutely no margin for error if the Pittsburgh Pirates hope to end their 19-year losing streak. If the Pirates truly want to crush their fans hearts in style, they should win four games then lose the last two and finish just below the mark. That seems to be how they do things around here. Look at the fact they got to 16 games over .500 and most experts, including myself, thought there was no way in hell even the Pirates could blow such a ... Read More
The Pirates second collapse could be worst season in 19 years
It's happened. It's officially happened. I've remained mum on the situation for the past month or so, but tonight was the nail in the coffin. The Pirates officially are a losing ball club with their loss to the Brewers tonight. .500 was the dream for fans for the better part of two decades and this had to be the year. There were nothing but talks of making the playoffs because .500 was a given. Seriously, 16 games over .500 in late July, how could it not happen? The simple question is who ... Read More
Who Says Cheaters Never Win?
I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “Cheaters Never Win.” Apparently that’s not always the case. Major League Baseball has announced that Melky Cabrera, who is currently serving a 50-game suspension for using a banned substance, will in fact be eligible to win the NL batting title. One player of local interest, Andrew McCutchen, currently trails Cabrera by seven points (.346 to .339) and doesn’t have much longer to make up the ground. If Cabrera wins, he will have done it despite missing ... Read More
Berardi’s baseball update: Second NL wild card is wide open
Updated Playoff Races - 10/17 Every week I will update you on the playoff races going on in the majors along with who those teams will face in the upcoming week. (Take note, All GB are based on loss column ONLY. I don’t believe in the ½ game stat because those are games that can be controlled by a team. AL East The Yankees and Orioles both went 4-2 last week allowing New York to keep a one-game lead. Tampa Bay has fallen off the pace and is five back. 1. NY 83 – 63 -- (Off Day, 3 vs. ... Read More
Pirates snap seven game losing streak, beat Cubs 7-6
After an extremely rough week of baseball, the Pirates were able to snap their seven game losing streak with a win this afternoon. Solid pitching by Wandy Rodriguez and a couple home runs being hit helped the Pirates end their longest losing streak of the season. Rodriguez had another very good start for the Pirates. He allowed three runs (one earned) and struck out four en route to his eleventh victory of the season. Tony Watson and Jared Hughes combined for a scoreless seventh and Jason ... Read More
Can the Orioles keep pace with the Yankees?
With 20 games left in the regular season, the Baltimore Orioles are tied (yes, tied) with the New York Yankees on top of the AL East. A month and a half ago the Yankees held a seven-game advantage over the Orioles and looked to be in cruise control, But Baltimore fought back and have played their best baseball of the season to catch up. Will their inexperience in a pennant race affect their play? Or can they stay hot and take a once sure-thing away from the Yankees. Can players like Nate McLouth ... Read More