20 in a Row

On August 2, the Pittsburgh Pirates are 54 and 54 with 54 games remaining. This month is very critical for the Buccos who up until a week ago have been playing well and had created unbelievable interest in a previously weak Pittsburgh baseball market until this season. The fans have been supportive during the bad times but the fans now are loaded with enthusiasm and are anxious for a winning season and a playoff contender. Starting Monday August 8th, the Pirates have some tough baseball to play, in matter of fact 20 games in a row. They have the S.F. Giants away for 3 games, then they play at Milwaukee for 3 , then the Pirates come home to play St. Louis for 3 tilts, 3 more versus the pesky Reds, 4 vs. the Brewers with a make-up game included, and then finish off this 20 games stretch with 4 at the St. Louis Cardinals. Enough said. This is a huge month and hopefully, things fall into place for the Buccos. Can the starting rotation hold up? Does newly acquired Derrek Lee have enough clout to win a few games with the long ball? Could this be the August swoon rather than the June swoon? The fans will find out but I think on a positive note, the Buccos will battle in these 20 games and come of this in good shape. If not, footballs are in the air.