[Opening image (Garrett Jones) credit Justin Aller, Getty Images.]
Some thoughts following the Pirates’ series-opening 11-2 drubbing over the Houston Astros…
1. If the Pirates continue to contend in the NL Central, they absolutely have to take advantage of playing the Astros (32-48) and Chicago Cubs (30-49). Sweeps are preferred; taking 2 out of 3, the bare minimum. It’s funny, because every opponent has probably viewed the Pirates from that perspective over the past 19 years, but heavy is the yoke of the NL Central basement.
McDonald; Image credit blackandgoldworld
2. SP James McDonald wins again, and if there were any justice in the world, he and fellow rotationmate A.J. Burnett would make the All-Star Game NL roster when players inevitably drop out due to injury. McDonald is among the top 10 in the National League in ERA and WHIP, while Burnett has won 8 starts in a row.
3. While the majority of trade rumors will focus on the Pirates acquiring a bat, it would behoove them t...
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July 03, 2012
