Pirates In Three Horse Race For 2nd Wild Card Spot

THIS was the Logo the Last time the Pirates
Made the Playoffs

The Pirates had the night off, and it was enjoyable to just be able to enjoy the evening without cursing at the TV, radio, or computer screen.  Luckily if you follow us on Twitter (@BnGBlitz) you will see many humorous comments during the game...especially if the Pirates are stinking up the joint.  As I was getting prepared for the podcast today, I was looking at the NL Wild Card Standings.  I couldn't help but notice that the Pirates are one of 3 teams in a race for the new 2nd Wild Card spot. 

First, praise the Lord (or @PiratesJesus) for this second wild card spot.  The Braves, who have about as good of a chance as the Pirates do of winning their division are locking down the #1 Wild Card spot without budging.  That leaves the Cardinals, Pirates, and Dodgers looking at the 2nd spot.  The Cardinals currently own that spot, with the Pirates and Dodgers only 1.5 games behind.  The Arizona Diamondbacks are the next in line while being 6 games back.  Quite a distance to make up with only a month of baseball left.

Its hard to believe there is only a month left, but can you believe there is only a month left and the Pirates are still being talked about?!  NO ONE saw this coming, and I for one am glad.  I'm glad that Pittsburgh fans like me are torn about what to watch...the Pirates or the Steelers.  I'm glad the Pirates are still hanging on by a thread with their bad play, but they are only 1.5 games back of possibly getting into the playoffs.  These final few series become CRUCIAL.  3 vs the Cubs, 3 @ the Reds, 4 @ the Cubs, then home for the Brew Crew.  I will outline all of this on the podcast, but its just nice to not be writing the same articles about how the Pirates have blown another season and the losing streak continues.  The chance of a lifetime is right in front of the good ol' Buccos...the question is will they play well enough to get to where they want to go?   I hope AJ Burnett puts all that doubt to rest tonight as he takes the bump against the dreaded Chicago Cubs.