Who knew? The Pittsburgh Pirates may have finally found themselves on a winning record path, the last since 1992. They have shown offensively that they can score runs, and defensively that they can field their positions, and their pitching staff is playing like no-body's business. I would have liked to see people in Vegas calling this, the Pirates possibly heading to the post season. They have started to build a great franchise team, with youthful talent, and not to mention great prospects in Gerrit Cole and Starling Marte. This may finally be the team that the Pittsburgh Pirate faithful have all been waiting for.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (54-41), have set their sights on an above .500 season this year, 
and are eyeing a post season march. This is unprecedented, and every Pirate fan has a right to get excited. The Buccos might just be back. Offensively, we have had our share of big contributors this season, and opposing pitchers have awoken a sleeping giant in Andrew McCutchen. Let's compare McCutchen's numbers from last season to this year so far. Last season he hit .259 with 21 homers, and 88 RBIs. This year, he has pounded the baseball with a .376 average, 22 homers, and 66 RBIs already. I would like to know what made him turn up the heat, but I don't really care. He is a superstar, and that is just fine with me.
Quick stats:
Average: .376
OBP: .429
Homers: 22
Slugging: .642
RBI's:66
Stolen Bases: 14
In addition, whether the popular majority agrees with me or not, Pedro Alvarez has become an asset to this rejuvenated Pirate ball club. I wouldn't call him a star just yet, but he is starting to live up the his potential that was set before him when he was drafted 
in 2008 at 2nd overall. I believe everybody can agree that his average leaves a lot to be desired, only batting .229, but he has hit 21 homers, and has 58 RBIs. He has some room to grow, but he reminds me of an up and coming Frank Thomas. No doubt Thomas could hit for average better, but Alvarez could post power numbers like Thomas if he bulks up some. I see Pedro as a across between Thomas and Adam Dunn. Which I won't complain about if he can post 30 homer years every season.
Quick Stats:
Average: .229
OBP: .298
Homers: 21
Slugging: .497
RBI's: 58
Stolen Bases: 0
Pirate pitching. Those two words are synonymous with horrible thoughts that have 
struck the Pittsburgh hopeful for years. We haven't had a good pitching staff in a long time, but this year is very different. A once unknown, regular everyday pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers has become a dynamite player on our pitching roster this year, that man, James McDonald. Last year, he had small signs of greatness, but his year has been his breakout as a Pirate. He went 9-9 with a 4.21 ERA last season, but this year is running strong at 10-3 with a 2.93 ERA. He still has a lot to learn about control on his pitches, but he has been the best starting pitcher for the Pirates this year. In addition, A.J. Burnett is the biggest feel good story of the year, playing extremely well in the Pirates system. Not to mention Jeff Karstens starting to play like we want him to.
Quick Stats:
ERA: 2.86
Strikeouts: 58
Record: 4-2
Base-on-balls: 13
Opponent Batting Average: .230
WHIP: 1.09
Joel Hanrahan has been the best closer Pittsburgh has seen in a long time
Quick Stats:
ERA: 2.11
Strikeouts: 42
Record: 4-0, 28 Saves
Base-on-balls: 20
Opponent Batting Average: .165
WHIP: 1.10
In conclusion, the Pirates have set themselves up to succeed, but have to maintain their positive attitude, and winning teamwork. This team has the fundamentals to be a major success, and they are proving it by being 13 games above .500. They ave a long way to go, but I can't wait to watch and see.