The Pittsburgh Pirates are going to finish with a winning record this year. Let me say that again, The Pittsburgh Pirates are going to finish with a winning record this year. The playoffs would be great and I think if players like Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez and Starling Marte continue to lead the way with solid pitching, the Pirates could absolutely make the playoffs. However, for the Pittsburgh Pirates to avoid the same fate they have faced the past couple years, the Pirates will need to add pop to their lineup. Furthermore, this year at the deadline, the Pirates can’t go out and sign players like: Derrek Lee, Gaby Sanchez and Travis Snider and expect big numbers from over the hill and unproven players.
Raul Ibanez is an ageless wonder, he is Roy Hobbs reborn as he continues to amaze with another solid career, this year with the Seattle Mariners. Ibanez hit .262 with 10 home runs in June, but that wasn’t good enough for the 41-year-old slugger, as Ibanez is now batting .366 with five home runs in July. Time will tell as to how much more Ibanez has left in the tank for this year, but his current tally of 24 home runs and 56 RBI has already shattered expectations for 2013. That being said, the Pittsburgh Pirates should take a serious look at Raul Ibanez.
Cliff Lee is 10-4 on the season as he has found his winning touch again after compiling only six wins the previous season. Lee remains an intriguing trading chip should the Phillies decide to fold their hand and become sellers at the approaching deadline. Lee could come into the Pirates rotation today and be a solid starter.
Hunter Pence is not outstanding at any one aspect of the game, but he is solid at every part of the game. Pence could step into the Pirates right fielder position and give the Bucco’s a very formidable outfield. The Pirates clearly need more power in their lineup, and Pence would be an immediate upgrade over Jose Tabata and Snider. On the season, Pence is hitting .264 with 14 home runs and 49 RBI.
The past is the past and the Pirates faithful will never forget the trials and tribulations this team and city has had to endure. Those trials include, eight 90-loss seasons, two 100-loss seasons and two melt-downs the last two years. However, all of that will become history as the Pittsburgh Pirates will finish, with a winning record this year. Furthermore, if the Pirates add some much needed pop to their lineup, we could see the Pirates playing in October.
