Pirates Back on Track After Back to Back Astros Wins?

Alex Presley Showed His Worth vs. the Astros

You might want to read this post before you start ordering those playoff tickets.  First, let me say that there is no one more excited than me that the Pirates stopped stinking up the MLB scene.  After being bottom feeders for the past 19 years, its about time the Pirates became relevant.  Relevant is the perfect word to describe this 2012 team.  They are a solid team with a good young core of players, but still TONS of holes in their lineup on an almost nightly basis.  Combine that with very questionable managerial decisions and you have a team that is relevant.  Other words might be used to describe teams like the Reds, Cardinals, Dodgers, or even the Baltimore Orioles.  Words like - contenders, front runners, and division leaders come to mind.  The Pirates wouldn't fall in any of those categories, but we can cling to being the relevant team.  Better than irrelevant, right?  The Pirates are competitive and do require teams best effort when they play the Buccos, but this team is a good way away from truly contending. 

Last night was no exception.  Thanks to @BnGBlitz Twitter friends (@BuccosforLife) for keeping me updated on the game as I wasn't able to watch / listen till about the 6th inning.  Nonetheless, it was the unlikely participants in the Pirates uniforms that gave the team production.  3 of Twitters biggest punching bags for Pirates fans contributed last night in one way or another: C-Rod Barajas, SS- Clint Barmes, and OF- Alex Presley.  Alex Presley had himself one heck of a night as he goes 2-3 with a Triple, RBI, and scoring 3 runs (one of which was on a Clint Barmes squeeze play).  Clint Barmes was solid at the plate as well, and well Rod Barajas...he actually got to score a run.  Sidenote - Barajas looks like he is pulling a wagon when he runs...no speed whatsoever, but I now realize why Clint Hurdle is so high on the guy.  He has phenomenal speed, throws out would-be base stealers, and is a one of the best hitting catchers on the roster.  If you think any of that was true you haven't watched a Pirates game all year and don't follow the team...which means you are on the wrong website!

All of that out of the way, the Pirates have a tough road to hoe in front of them.  Sure, starting tomorrow night they have a 3 game home stand with the Cubs before traveling to Cincinnati for a 3 night party with the Reds.  Following that?  4 @ Chicago (Cubs), 3 vs Brewers, and 3 @ Astros.  They need to take 2 of 3 from the Cubs, if not take the series sweep.  After that, its important to stay afloat by taking one against the Reds and then actually dominate lesser competition the rest of the way.  If they can do that, we might be talking about a relevant team being in the thick of the playoff race.