(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Are the Pittsburgh Pirates a comeback team or not? There are some clear indications of progress. But disappointments seem to match gains. On the whole, the verdict is one of a team that has made some headway, but still as a long way to go.

Five Reasons to Be Optimistic About the Pirates Chances.

1. Runs scored are basically even with runs allowed, halfway through the season, suggesting the potential for a .500-ish won-loss percentage.

2. The Pirates went 8-7 in Interleague play this year, and notwithstanding the recent Florida series, are playing well outside their division.

3. Zach Duke has joined Paul Maholm as an above-average pitcher. Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens are legitimate fourth and fifth starters, unlike Tom Gorzelanny and Matt Morris of last year. Help may be on the way in the form of Charlie Morton and/or Virgil Vasquez.

4. The Pirates have 46 quality starts, nine more than their wins, ranking fourth in the National League.

5. Ian Snell has apparently rediscovered himself in the minors, striking out 17 in one game. Admittedly, these are the minors, but we got a glimpse of the man who used to be able to strike out 10 or so in the majors.

Five Reasons to be Pessimistic:

1. The Pirates no longer have the majors' most offensively productive outfield,  having traded Jason Bay, Nate McLouth. Xavier Nady and Nyjer Morgan.

2. The Pirates aren't anywhere near .500, because they've lost too many close games, partly the result of one, above.

3. Pitching is still uneven; most starters alternate between great outings and lousy ones.

4. The Pirates are doing poorly mainly against teams of the National League Central, against whom they play the most games, and for whom a Pirates loss automatically counts as a gain in the standings (vis-a-vis the Pirates, that is).

5. Morale has suffered because of all the player trading, and no one knows when it will stop.

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