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2007 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions

Check out our 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions!

Last season, the Pittsburgh Pirates were 30-60 at the All-Star break. Supposedly they had problems with flies in their dugout, and I wouldn’t be surprised because they stunk. During their horrendous start, the Pirates were 9-27 in one-run games. That’s enough frustration to pull all your hair out. The second half of the season is what has the Pirates optimistic heading into 2007. They were a MLB-best 15-4 in one-run games after the All-Star break and finished with a 37-35 record in the second half.

I’m not so convinced that Pittsburgh’s second half play will so easily carry over. It helped the Pirates out that every other team in the Central struggled in the second half last year. The bottom line is that Pittsburgh has a very young, inexperienced starting rotation which we can take advantage of going against right out of the gates. Pittsburgh’s top four starters only have 134 career major league starts between them. After Zach Duke and Ian Snell, the Pirated are in some serious trouble. Pittsburgh’s biggest bright spot last season was left handed closer Mike Gonzalez who was a perfect 24-for-24 in save opportunities. But the Pirates dealt him away for Adam LaRoche. Not a well thought out move in my opinion. Gonzalez was a huge reason why Pittsburgh improved so greatly in one-run games in the second half and guys who can shut the door on teams are not a dime a dozen. Pittsburgh feels Solomon Torres can get the job done, but I’m not so quick to think so. LaRoche will be the only other 30 homerun guy on this team along with Jason Bay, but in my opinion 30 homeruns and 90 RBI’s doesn’t replace 24 saves. This team doesn’t need one thing. It needs lots of things. But I would think that pitching would be priority in rebuilding a team. Look how well it panned out for the Bucs bringing in Sean Casey last season. Until, the Pirates focus on pitching and defense, they can bring as many Adam LaRoche’ s in as they want and it will make no difference.

Get ready to go against the Pirates this season, even in their home ball park. Pittsburgh was just 34-47 at home last season and just 30-50 in the Central. The value will be much better for going against these guys in their home park as opposed to the road so that’s what we’ll look to do. At least three of Pittsburgh’s starters will have double digit losses. Will really pick on guys like Gorzelanny, Maholm, and Chacon by going against them frequently. Pittsburgh will not be able to get out of the bottom feeder category until it can improve its everyday lineup and get some reliable starting pitching. Spending mega money may be the only way for the Pirates to get out of this trap.

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