Pirates Make Trade, But Continue To Struggle

The Pittsburgh Pirates continued where they left off in Game 1 in the 3 game set with the Chicago Cubs as they lost 5-1 on Tuesday Night making it 2 losses in a row.  ALOT of Pirates fans on Twitter and Facebook are screaming mad that the team isn't playing better than what they were, and its a simple solution: This is what happens when you don't outscore people.  The Pirates have been relying on the longball and getting quality production from their superstars when it matters.  Well, the bats have certainly cooled down, and guys like Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Garrett Jones have really started to follow the team hitting trend and become cold as ice.  You can't seriously think that McCutchen could keep up his .484 Batting Average in the month of July for the rest of the season did you??  Even with a few bad games, "Cutch" is still batting .370.  The Pirates have a day game today to wrap up their homestand, as well as their series with the Cubs.  This game could go a long way to helping the Pirates get over these last few hideous outings and start to think BIG PICTURE.  One series is not going to sink this team, but if you string several together (especially with how well the Reds are playing) then you might find yourself in a hole you can't get out of. 

With the feeling that the Pirates are going to be players at the trade deadline, Neil Huntington made a move yesterday.  He traded 3 minor league prospects to the Houston Astros for Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and some cash-money.  Again, Pirates fans hit to Twitter last night declaring that the Pirates didn't need pitching, but needed a bat in the lineup.  If you ask me, they need both.  James McDonald has been shaky as ever the last 3 starts (even though he put together 4 good innings last night, but I'm pretty sure baseball is played in 9 innings and not 4), and you never know what you are going to get from starters like Bedard and Correia.  I think bringing in Rodriguez is a GREAT move.  If you've watched this guy carve up the Pirates like I have in his career, then you should be looking forward to him doing the same for the Buccos down the stretch.  With AJ Burnett pitching well, Karstens getting back to being where he is, Rodriguez could be that other 3rd RELIABLE starter that the rotation needs.  Clint Hurdle hinted to giving some starters a start off giving them more rest, and Rodriquez will really help providing stability during that time.  Will they add a bat to the lineup before the trade deadline comes in less than a week?  They better because the bats need more consistent production on a day to day basis.  Lets just hope the team they have now can actually put together a quality win before they hop on a plane to Houston...Lets GO BUCS!