Its Been A Wild Ride, But The Wheels Have Fallen Off



That About Sums It Up...


We all saw it coming.  Anyone who didn't either wasn't watching, or was simply is so naive that they didn't want to think this baseball team that was SO good for so long could collapse like they have.  I look back at last season.  The Pirates were the young, up-and-coming team that was hot out the gates and then stalled out midway through the last leg of the season.  This season the Pirates entered the season with SOME expectations, but not many would say contending for a division or Wild Card would consist of their expectations.  Most would just say that ending the losing streak would suffice.  Nonetheless, when the Pirates were at one time 16-games over the .500 mark ending the streak became null and void.  Winning was at the forefront, and I think a part of us actually believed this team was going to last the marathon that is a full MLB season.  It wasn't meant to be. 

Just as last season went down in flames, this season has done the same.  However, this 2012 team has extended the drama in the 'Burgh much longer than the 2011 version did.  Games last year in September were absolutely meaningless, but this year they've had meaningful games.  Thats all that fans of a team that have suffered through 19 years of losing can ask for.  If this trend continues maybe next year will be the year they can actually put together a full season and be competitive till the last day of the season in early October.

I know what you might be thinking..."there is still alot of season left".  Not for this team and this coaching staff.  Keep strutting Rod Barajas out there like a show pony who needs to be put out of his misery.  Keep sending out players with little or no upside on a "hunch" and see what happens.  Be happy sitting back and not changing anything until its too late to realize this team needs work.  Mr. Hurdle, I'm talking to you!  This team has been swept by the Padres, Brewers, and the Cubs in the past month and I for one see that as a sign that the season is over.  There is no coming back from this.  They will have to shock the hell out of me by sweeping a team themselves, but we know that isn't going to happen.  Am I happy about this? No.  I will say one thing though "Thank You" to all the fans and players.  Its been a fun summer watching the Buccos compete again.  Lets just hope next year is a little better...