1992 Pirates vs. 2012 Pirates

I've been promising this piece for a while now, and the time has finally come where I compare the 1992 Pittsburgh Pirates to the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates.  Statistics don't lie, and I think you'll see some drastic differences and some similarities between the two ball clubs.  Here are the team statistics below, and please remember that the '92 team finished the season 96-66, and the 2012 team has only played a little over 100 games. (As always, our statistics are courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com) 

1992 Pittsburgh Pirates
Batting Ave - .255
HRs - 106
OBP - .324
Slugging - .381
Strike Outs - 872

ERA - 3.35
Complete Games - 20
Saves - 43
HR Given Up - 101
Walks - 455

2012 Pittsburgh Pirates (Through 104 Games)
Batting Ave - .245
HRs - 118
OBP - .301
Slugging - .407
Strikeouts - 860

ERA - 3.61
Complete Games - 2
Saves - 39
HR Given Up - 96
Walks - 323

There are a couple of things that jump out to me as I look at these statistics.  First is the number of HRs and Strikeouts in the batting categories.  The 2012 team has almost as many strikeouts in 104 games that the 1992 team had in 162.  The 2012 team has already surpassed the HR total for the 1992 team, and lets not forget that the 1992 team had Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, and Andy Van Slyke on the team. 

I guess it comes down to two major differences.  The 2012 team could hit the long ball better than the 1992 team, but the 1992 team had much better pitching.  I know there is more of an emphasis on pitch count now, but the 1992 team had 20 complete games.  The 2012 team would be lucky if they get to double digits.  There are comparisons and contrasts to be drawn from looking at the statistics, but one thing is for sure...there is no reason not to think that this 2012 Pirates team can't contend like the 1992 team did.  It starts tonight as they travel into Cincinnati to face the Reds!  LETS GO BUCS!