Outside of games being played its been an amazing 10 days for a Pirates fan, Pedro Alvarez returned to the lineup and Neal Huntington trades Low A Ball 1B Aaron Baker for 1B Derrek Lee(Orioles) and picks up Ryan Ludwick(OF) from the Padres for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
I'll be honest, Ludwick and Lee aren't Beltran, Upton, or Pence. But lets be real, it would've costed the Pirates too much to trade to get those players. We be talking about losing James Taillon(P), or Starling Marte(OF). You can't risk your entire future to get studs right now. Next year may be a different story with Coles(P) will be playing Low or High A ball. Plus Beltran didn't want to waive his no trade clause to come to the Pirates.
Its obvious Pedro is struggling a little at the plate. He also didn't start that great when he was called last season. Be patient with him, his bat will start to catch fire as August progresses. Pedro isn't a flash in the pan and to be frank, he's a stud young player. Plus he has "protection" in the lineup in Ludwick, Lee, and Andrew McCutchen. You even have a decent bat in Ryan Doumit to return in a few weeks.
2 weeks ago, Pedro was killing the ball in AAA and everyone wanted him to play in MLB. Now he returns and faces 7 great pitchers and struggles, and everyone wants him sent back. Since his return he's 4-29 1HR 4 RBI's 13K's. Its not impressive BUT its better than his start last June/July.
The Pirates are 54-52 4.5 games behind the first place Brewers. Losing streaks like this was bound to happen. They happen to all teams. No reason to jump a cliff just yet. Just remember the Pirates was close to 25-30 games out of first. On top of that the Pirates are close to matching last years win total for the entire season. This team with the lineup before the additions of Lee and Ludwick was realistically a 82-83 win team now I'd say they're an 85-86 win team.
I'm glad the Pirates made some moves. It shows some commitment to winning. And on top of that, Huntington really didn't give up much to acquire Lee and Ludwick.
Sorry about the rambling, but people totally needs to relax and enjoy the ride. Remember it could be worse, we lived it the past 18 years. And it appears that better days are ahead.
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