Shocking Start for Pirates Continues

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Donnie Roberts II. Follow him on Twitter @OnTo74

It’s June 13th. Today, the Pirates start a nine-game division stand against the Chicago Cubs. Why is this important? They are protecting their first-place lead. If you had asked me a month ago about the Pirates being in first place, I would have laughed. But it’s the reality, a very comfortable reality. And this is how they have proved me and most people wrong. 

First, the Pirates bullpen have overperformed all expectations. They rank 11th in the entire Major League and third in the National League in ERA. They boast a 3.78 ERA behind All-Star David Bednar and Co. There have been many surprises from Colin Holderman, Dauri Moreta, Jose Hernandez, and Yohan Ramirez, and not one of those pitchers owns an ERA over 3.00. 

Mitch Keller (8-2) is having a breakout year. He owns a 3.41 ERA, 101 strikeouts, and a 1.11 whip. He pitched a complete game shutout against the Rockies. And he’s taking charge of the starting rotation, which has been mostly strong through the last two and a half months. 

The two big stars have been great in their own ways too. Bryan Reynolds played like an MVP in April, sparking this team with a red-hot start. Although he hasn’t had the same success in May and June, he has still been the best player on this team – and certainly the most consistent. Ke’Bryan Hayes has been exceptional on defense. He is the best defensive third baseman in all of baseball and should win the Gold Glove Award, if he keeps it up. He hasn’t been the most consistent offensively, but he is on fire so far in June and hopefully he can stay that way. 

The younger guys have played a huge role, too. Ji-Hwan Bae is tied for fifth in stolen bases in all of baseball. Rodolfo Castro and Tucupita Marcano have provided an offensive lift while platooning second base. And Jack Suwinski provides power that can shift momentum at any point. 

Lastly, the veterans have been the key to the Pirates success. Rich Hill has been an asset to the starting rotation. Carlos Santana has performed as advertised. Austin Hedges has been a defensive guru. And finally, Andrew McCutchen seems to represent the life of this team. 

The craziest part about all of this:  ONeil Cruz will be coming back in August, if healthy. Along with him coming back plus the expected call ups of the system’s top prospects, the Pirates can make a legitimate playoff push. There is still a long way to go, but you should be bullish about this team.