Pittsburgh Sports In Review for 2013
Oct 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Jason Grilli reacts after recording the final out in the National League wild card playoff baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Where to start with the Pittsburgh Pirates? This is a team that in 2012 could not close the deal when they were in position to break the longest losing streak in sports. Now, a year later, Pirates fans can rejoice as the streak is over. While the season still ended with a loss, the fact that it was in the playoffs is huge.
In years past, the Pirates would completely flounder in the offseason, however the acquisition of Mark Melancon proved to be vital as he was a reliable setup man after an unsuccessful season in Boston. Trading to get Marlon Byrd at the end of August was huge and he was an instant success.
In addition, the transition from Joel Hanrahan to Jason Grilli at the closer position was relatively seamless. Yes, Grilli got injured, but the bullpen stepped it up this season. Russell Martin also falls into this category. His pitch framing was huge and he was clutch at the plate all season. Many fans thought the Pirates overpaid, however this deal may have been a steal.
Talking to bullpen coach Euclides Rojas in April, he told me that the arms were fresher and would not run out of gas as they had last season. I was hesitant to believe this, but the bullpen was much more consistent than it was last season.
In addition, Pedro Alvarez become a more polished player this season and showed he can hit the ball to the left side while improving his defense. In addition, Andrew McCutchen had an MVP season and was much more sure of himself on the basepaths.
Fans also saw Charlie Morton revive his career after another roadblock, while enjoying their first glimpse of Gerrit Cole. Morton was rewarded with an extension, and Cole was rewarded by starting the deciding game of the NLCS instead of veteran ace A.J. Burnett.
There were plenty of moments which ranged from win No. 82, to Russell Martin holding the ball up after a victory against the Cubs that just minutes later resulted in a playoff berth. I think I still hear the word “Cueto” in my ear after all of these months.
The job Clint Hurdle has done in three short years has been remarkable, the front office making smart signings and the coaching staff bringing the team together have made the city bleed baseball once again.
As the offseason continues, fans now have a new sense of hope as proven by the increase in season ticket sales. A half-empty PNC Park is a thing of the past now all because the fans now believe in this team and that is what I take from this season.