Let's Go Bucs

On July 25, 2011, the Pittsburgh Pirates were 53 and 47 at the 100 game mark and atop the National League Central Division. Fans were talking about the Pirates turn-around and people were flocking to baseball games. Then the Buccos took a free fall the last 62 games going 19 and 43 to have a final record of 72 and 90. 72 wins more than surpassed the 57 win total of 2010. Attendance was up in large numbers. People are still talking baseball 10 days after the season has ended. This is great for the Buccos. Neil Walker had a 163 hits in 159 games with 83 RBI's. Andrew McCutchen had 148 hits in 158 games with a team leading 23 home runs and 89 RBI's. Next in home runs was Garrett Jones with only 16 round trippers. The Pirates need a player that can hit 30 home runs and have 100 RBI's. Is this Derrek Lee? Maybe and the Pirate brass should sign Lee to a 2 year deal if possible. The pitching staff was solid up to the 100 game plateau but during the final 62 tilts, the Bucco ERA was a dismal 5.09. Another alarming statistic was the number of strikeouts by Pirate hitters. They amassed a franchise record of 1308 batters striking out. This is an 8.08 average per game. That means out of either the 27 or 24 outs each game, 8 were by strikeout. You need to put the bat on the ball. Overall, this team can get better under Clint Hurdle. After 19 long seasons under .500, with some correct baseball moves and acquisitions, with Pedro Alvarez playing to his potential, the Buccos can get over.500 and contend for a division title. Let's go Bucs.