Pittsurgh has long been a football town, by nature, and unfortunately by default. The Super Bowl won by the Steelers at the end of the 2008 season didn't get wasted on apathetic fans. The recent resurgence of the Penguins as a playoff team has spread the wealth a little beyond Heinz Field, but alas the Pirates have continued to lag behind. Sixteen years in the bottom ranks of the National League have not been kind to Pirates fans. Baseball fans in all cities are prone to early season optimism, but 15 games into the 2009 season has shown that Bucco fans may have something to cheer about after April 30.
Young Talented Pitching Staff Leads the Major Leagues in ERA
Coming into Spring Training the Pirates pitching staff consisted of Paul Maholm and four question marks. Ian Snell, who had a breakout season in 2007 was expected to anchor the staff last year but struggled from the opening bell. Tom Gorzelanny, also expected to make a living in the top half of the rotation for years to come, started the season in Triple A Indianapolis.
The fifth rotation spot was in question up until the last days of Spring Training, eventually going to Jeff Karstens, who was acquired last year from the Yankees in the Xavier Nady deal. Preceeding Karstens in the rotation are Maholm, Snell, Zach Duke, and Ross Ohlendorf respectively. Not a marquis name in this group...yet. Paul Maholm has been nothing short of spectacular in three starts. He is 3-0 with a 2.03 ERA, allowing only six earned runs in 26.2 innings. If he continues working as he has been, the Pirates are not only looking a sending a starting pitcher to the All-Star game, but also having the losing streak-stopper they need at the top of the rotation.
Snell has been serviceable in his three starts. Karstens and Ohlendorf have both contributed sparkling efforts when getting their turn. However, the real story of the year may turn out to be Zach Duke.
Zach Duke Returning to 2005 Form
Duke was anointed the savior of the franchise when he was called to the big leagues mid-season 2005. In 14 second-half starts Zach was 8-2 with an almost laughable 1.81 ERA. Though he has not pitched badly at all times, the following season have not been nearly so successful. Duke appeared in Pittsburgh for the 2009 season leaner, meaner, and sporting a new look (shaved head and goatee.) Zach returned to the Pirates this year as a man and is pitching like one. 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA in the early going is getting fans thinking he is back on the road to fulfilling the potential he showed back in 2005.
Early Production and Timely Hitting are a Reason for Optimism
Beyond early pitching performances, if there is one water mark for optimism, it is that Adam LaRoche producing offense in April. His April struggles have become legendary in Pittsburgh since the first baseman came over from the Braves. So far in 2009 he is batting .304 with 10 RBI's and 10 extra base hits. His uncharacteristic early season production is no doubt fueling the fire. Freddy Sanchez is back to his old self, leading the league in extra base hits. Nate McClouth already has 4 homeruns. Nyjer Morgan is a firestarter at the top of the order.
There is no question that Pirates fans take even a glimmer of hope in April and let it run rampant. But there is something different this year. Something feels different, something looks different. There is more aggression and less reaction. This year the the front office doesn't have to rely on PNC Park alone to sell tickets. Hold your breath Bucco fans, this may be the year the Pirates climb out of the cellar.
Mark St.Amant - My name is Mark and I am pleased to be contributing to Suite 101. I am originally from Brockport, NY but I have lived and worked in ...
