Let's start with some good news. Thus far in 2011 The Pirates have scored 3.72 runs per game (14th in the National League). They have allowed 4.34 runs per game (10th in the National League). How is that good news? Well, last year they scored 3.62 runs per game (last in the National League) and they allowed 5.35 runs per game (last in the National League). That's a reduction of a run allowed per game, which is huge, and a modest improvement in offense.
But what about the collapse? What happened? It wasn't obvious to me, amidst the wailing about the dreadful offense of the Pirates. What happened was the pitching fell apart in August and September. (Actually runs allowed per game could be a product of suddenly awful defense, but I don't think so.) The offense was putrid, but it had been all along.
|
Month |
R/G |
RA/G |
|
April |
3.37 |
4.26 |
|
May |
4.15 |
3.50 |
|
June |
3.93 |
3.56 |
|
July |
3.92 |
3.77 |
|
August |
3.77 |
5.57 |
|
September |
3.15 |
5.15 |
The questions are, "What can be done? What should be done?" I don't see an immediate solution in the minors. Am I wrong? What trades could be made?
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