Break up the Pirates??

[Fear The Chorizo]

Just looked up the standings and was shocked to see the Pirates sitting just 4 games behind the Brewers tonight...obviously a big part of that was the 5 game sweep before the break, but they've kept on winning since then, winning 10 straight.

 

It will be interesting to see what happens to the Cards following Matheny getting canned - I can see that club fading. But right now the entire NL Central is very competitive, with Cincy playing well since their dreadful start (although that may shift again assuming more of their MLB regulars are dealt for prospects in the next week). I think a competitive Central division is the best shot the Brewers have at actually winning the division - having those teams that play each other the most down the stretch make it tough on each other gives teams with the most depth the best chance. I'd argue the Brewers have the most depth in the division, and forcing a more talented but thinner Cub team to grind out more of these divisional games could pay dividends come late August/September.

[torts]

I can tell you that had the pirates gone .500 over the last 10 they'd be selling, but now that they're back within striking distance the most pirates thing would be to make no trades, and then fall apart in August after missing out on the chance to sell off some players for a rebuild.

[Jopal78]

The Pirates are just an "up and down" team. They were in First Place on May 17th, then were 8 games under .500 on July 8th. Their run differential is +4, they'll probably hover around .500 all year. For the most part, they sold their pieces off before the season started. The only free agents left on their roster are Jody Mercer and Sean Rodriguez.

[torts]

The Pirates are just an "up and down" team. They were in First Place on May 17th, then were 8 games under .500 on July 8th. Their run differential is +4, they'll probably hover around .500 all year. For the most part, they sold their pieces off before the season started. The only free agents left on their roster are Jody Mercer and Sean Rodriguez.

 

if you think the only pieces the pirates would trade are free agents then you dont know Huntington/Nutting and this franchise.

[Jopal78]

if you think the only pieces the pirates would trade are free agents then you dont know Huntington/Nutting and this franchise.

 

You may be right, but with 20 players either pre-arbitration or with multiple years of team control beyond 2018, it would be so cost prohibitive, it doesn't make sense for the other teams to try to pry those players away.

[Dead Simmons]

Not seeing many Pirate games lately, I have no idea how they are winning. But I can guarantee that the Cards are not capable of pulling off a 10 gamer (or a 5 gamer for that matter) A Pirate swoon is not inevitable and shouldn't be counted on.

 

The Cubs will be there for sure. Will the Brewers or Cards? I'm dubious. Chorizo said: It will be interesting to see what happens to the Cards following Matheny getting canned - I can see that club fading.

 

The new guy, Shildts, is proving to be a Matheny knockoff. They won't fade...they will continue to be a .500 team.

 

What about the Brewers? Do you see them getting back to form before September?

[long ball]

Jeez, the Pirates just can't lose. Up 7-1 and still hitting in the 2nd.