The Pirates’ have one more chance to finish the first month of the season better than .500 in the standings. They’re 12-12 after the conclusion of a two-game set with the Royals. Which is probably much better than what was expected headed into the season -- of course, they were 7-17 at the 24-game mark of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
But things are clicking for Derek Shelton’s Pirates. Beyond the wins, the team has found a consistent identity. One that’s based on their ability to string together hits, play solid defense and follow a surprisingly stingy bullpen to success in the early going.
The Pirates have been defiant in the face of historically low expectations. But is there a chance that the bloom might come off the rose at any point soon?
It’s important to note that all of this success is being had without Ke’Bryan Hayes, a rookie who still might arguably be their best player. Adam Frazier, Bryan Reynolds and Colin Moran have been the steadying presence in their lineup thus far. But that’s a pretty heavy burden to place on just three guys. And it would be completely normal for this group to go into stretches where they’re not reaching base twice a game the way they’re doing now.
Phillip Evans and Erik Gonzalez have already contributed more than what was expected at the start of the year. Although he showed signs of turning the corner Wednesday, Evans has been in a funk of late, and it’s a question as to whether he deserves to keep getting chances at the top of the order.
JT Brubaker and Tyler Anderson have anchored a volatile starting rotation. This duo has been lights out, but neither pitcher has the track record to inspire much confidence that their success is sustainable -- though it looks like it certainly can be.
And finally, their most successful unit, the bullpen, has been on a pace that’s as realistically sustainable as Kevin Newman’s .606 spring batting average.
Any fan of the Pirates should be enjoying this while it lasts. The question is, when, if ever, might the other shoe drop?
YOUR TURN: How long do you expect the Pirates to maintain the success they’ve found in April?