Pirates first to 50 wins

[mancini79]

OK, who predicted at the beginning of the season that the Bucs would be the first to 50 wins? This is more surprising than the Angels and Dodgers playing sub .500 ball.

[m0nkey]

Pedro Alvarez has been a monster this month

[Bashbrothers]

They will most definitely end up as the second wild card.  Really excited to probably  in the playoffs.

[Brandon]

I remember the Braves/Pirates 1992 series. Good times

[The Dude]

It's been great seeing them play this well, hopefully they can sustain it and make the playoffs this year.

[Bashbrothers]

The best thing the Pirates have going for them is no one is close to the second wild card.  Even if they regress they look like they are set.

[gotbeer]

Didn't they start off well last year also? 

[sneaky_flute]

i'd like to see them succeed but it's been the same story for the last few years. they look like they're in it for half the season and then completely fall apart.

[fan_since79]

They have a better team this year. I don't think they're going to fall apart.

[mancini79]

In the last 10 years, the White Sox didn't make the playoffs after winning 50+ games but they were 2nd in the division to the Tigers.

In 2003 the Mariners missed the playoffs. In 2002 both the Mariners and Dodgers failed to play in the fall classic. But with the current playoff system, all of those teams would have at least made it to the 1 game wild card game.

 

So the Pirates would have to have an epic collapse. I think they are a lock for a 1st round exit in the playoffs.

[AngelsAndRamsFan]

Didn't they start off well last year also? 

Yes, but not this well. Last year at this time, they were only 41-35. This year, they're 50-30. 

[fan_since79]

Russell Martin walk-off single in the 14th inning. Pirates win their 9th in a row.

 

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/06/30/russell-martin-helps-pirates-walk-off-in-14th-for-ninth-consecutive-win/

[AZMike]

In the last 10 years, the White Sox didn't make the playoffs after winning 50+ games but they were 2nd in the division to the Tigers.

In 2003 the Mariners missed the playoffs. In 2002 both the Mariners and Dodgers failed to play in the fall classic. But with the current playoff system, all of those teams would have at least made it to the 1 game wild card game.

 

So the Pirates would have to have an epic collapse. I think they are a lock for a 1st round exit in the playoffs.

The current format is moronic. 

 

They need to either make it a three game set (all games hosted at the home park of the first wildcard) or go back to one wildcard only with a more balanced (if not completely balanced) schedule overall. The Cardinals getting into the playoffs last year after being 6 games back of the Braves was a complete joke.

[Angel Oracle]

Pirates have a good balance of youth and experience, and of pitching, defense, and hitting.

The past two seasons have no doubt caused them to grow a lot as a team. 

[DEATHRACERCHEVY]

I'm glad for them, but I won't hold my breathe. Until they win 82 games, I'll hold my applause.

[STLCardinalsFan]

The Cardinals had to get cold at the wrong time....

 

Sigh,,,,

 

Oh well still more then 1/2 the season to go. We need to pick it up!

[fan_since79]

Here's why the Pirates have the best record in baseball.

 

Pitching stats as of July 2nd:

 

ERA  3.13 (best in the majors)

WHIP  1.19 (tied for 2nd in MLB)

BAA  .221 (best in MLB)

Saves  32 (#1 in MLB)

Bullpen Holds  50 (#1 in MLB)

Fewest Runs Allowed in the majors, 275

 

 

 

[Angel Oracle]

Pitching wins championships.