What happened? What's to be done about it?

by Roberto on Sep 22, 2011 8:56 PM EDT

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?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

We

could be patient. Let the talent trickle up the minors. Keep being active looking for good deals, both on the free agent market or trade market, but don’t panic and make a move that will cripple the future.

It may take until 2014, but the talent level the Pirates have at the ML level and on the farm system is slowly, but steadily improving.

Da'Sean Butler - A Mountaineer Legend

by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Sep 22, 2011 11:04 PM EDT reply actions

OT

Charlie’s band FOX Japan is playing a benefit at 1-2-3 on Sunday night, probab;y be on stage 8-8:30. Goldneck and I plan to attend. What else do you have going on that could be more important? Law school? Pffft.

You will know us by the trail of the dead.

Also because we’ll be the oldest guys there, almost certainly, after we make it back from Fan Depreciation Day.*

*—Barring two-hour rain delays.

by bucdaddy on Sep 23, 2011 12:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Lucky bastards!

Give my best to my friend ’Neck, willya?

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Sep 23, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

What,

you can’t make it here by Sunday night? You won’t need directions to Mo’town, just listen for the wailing and gnashing of teeth after LSU demolishes the local heroes.

by bucdaddy on Sep 23, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Half a season of good pitching (May, June, July) and half a season of bad pitching (April, August, September). Which is the true talent level? Numbers prior to 2011 for our starters would argue that it’s closer to the bad than the good. We need more talented players, and I’m not super picky how we acquire them.

by Thunder on Sep 22, 2011 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

Trust the pitchers

Thanks for the breakdown. Most of the pitchers far exceeded their previous maximum in IP, and to some extent I think they are just wearing down. I’ll take the current 6-8 starters (less Maholm) for next year and expect a reasonable performance in 2012. With Cole by late 2012 a possibility. I’ll focus on the drop of 1 run per game rather than August-September ERAs.

They need to address lack of production at 1B, lack of power in OF and decisions at C, as you all have explained in great detail in other posts. A rebound by Pedro will help the R/G immensely, and if he fizzles then the whole process is set back a few years. Would like to see them acquire a young 1B who is blocked at current team (Robinson ? can’t recall others), as mentioned in other threads.

by josepagan on Sep 23, 2011 8:56 AM EDT reply actions

We need a stick

Pitchers will generally get beat down mentally if they think they have to spin a shutout.

Starters have thrown 78 quality starts this season with very few of them coming in the last 6 weeks or so.

We were winning in late June with Pressley getting on, stealing 2nd and finding a way home. 1-0 leads give a pitcher a lot.

We simply need more offense and if we have to trade prospects for a stick we can control or resign Lee or a comonation of the 2, we simply need to do it.

by Tintin049 on Sep 23, 2011 12:14 PM EDT reply actions

You're right - we need someone who can handle a stick.

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Sep 23, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions

i nominate Jada Fire

and shes also good at going the other way.

by white angus on Sep 23, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions

What can be done? What should be done?

Lower the pitcher’s mound at PNC another 5 inches until Lars arrives.

by lambert58 on Sep 23, 2011 2:05 PM EDT reply actions

He pitches too!

The man is a wonder.

Viva Clemente!

by Roberto on Sep 23, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually I was thinking the current bats could use the lower mound. But when Lars arrives, the problem is solved. Then we can raise it back up—or not. He would likely pitch from center field anyway.

by lambert58 on Sep 23, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Definately an IP thing

Not only wearing down but breaking down too. 2/5 of the rotation was out for the season before the end of August. Morton and McDonald both are in no mans land in terms of IP for a season.

In reality they should have started the influx of AAA pitchers in early August but hey we thought we were still in it.

by eyeofhorus777 on Sep 25, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions