History lesson: the last time the Pittsburgh Pirates had a winning season, in 1992, I was three years old.
It's 2011. I'm 22 now.
It's too painful to try to build up some enthusiasm and excitement at the start of each Pirates season, knowing full well that they'll be out of the race by the All-Star Break. But maybe, just maybe, this year will be different.
For starters, I have ZERO expectations for this year's edition of the Buccos. Therefore, I cannot possibly be disappointed or distraught if (or should it be when?) they finish dead last in the NL Central.
That being said, I am mildly excited about the addition of manager Clint Hurdle. As the manager of the Colorado Rockies, his instructional prowess helped turn Matt Holliday and Troy Tulowitzki into bona fide superstars at the plate. Last season, as the hitting coach for the American League champion Texas Rangers, he contributed to the hitting success of AL MVP Josh Hamilton, and gave rookie Mitch Moreland the tutelage and the confidence needed to become an everyday first baseman at the Major League level. There's no doubt that his instruction will prove to be an enormous help for the club's young stars, such as Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen, and Jose Tabata.
Another bright spot has to be the "Core Four" of Alvarez, McCutchen, Tabata, and Neil Walker. McCutchen is undoubtedly the most polished of the bunch, and is already regarded as one of the premier center fielders in the game. Watch for him to take the next step to elite status in his second full season.
Alvarez is considered to be the crown jewel of the young quartet. The number two overall pick in 2008, the former Vanderbilt Commodore showed flashes of his prodigious power, highlighted by a walk-off 3-run home run in a ten inning affair with the Rockies on August 8th. Not surprisingly, he also showed his strikeout vulenability in his 4 months in the Bigs. Expect Pedro to benefit the most from Hurdle's tutelage, and don't be shocked to see him surpass the 30 home run mark in his first full season.
Tabata and Walker were also nice additions to the Pirates last season, providing two consistent bats at the top of the order. The expectation is for Tabata, only 21, to develop some power as time progresses, but don't expect a marked increase this season. However, if he contributes as he did last season, there will be no complaints from Pirates fans or front office. Walker, a Pine-Richland grad, proved to be a true surprise, playing only his second season ever as a second baseman, and providing a consistent bat from both sides of the plate. With his confidence at an all-time high, look for Walker to build upon a solid rookie campaign.
The trouble, however, lies with the pitching. While the back end of the bullpen appears to be locked down by Evan Meek and Joel Hanrahan, there are still a myriad of questions in middle relief, and especially the starting rotation. Other than James McDonald, who was a pleasant surprise after being acquired from the L.A. Dodgers at the Trade Deadline, the rotation has four guys (Paul Maholm, Kevin Correia, Ross Ohlendorf, and Charlie Morton) who would be hard-pressed to make any other rotation in the Majors.
So, in conclusion, I will live as a Pirates fan, uttering only one phrase in relation to the team: show me Jameson Taillon and Stetson Allie, then we'll talk.
What I'm listening to: Ben Rector -- The Beat. I just saw him open for Matt Wertz (another Ried-and-React favorite) at Club Cafe on Wednesday. Great sound. It's even better live.
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