Pittsburgh Pirates: 5 Keys to Success After the All-Star Break

The Pittsburgh Pirates now sit at 48-43, after playing one game after the All-Star break.

Behind a pitching staff ranked in the top ten around the league in several major categories, the current Pirates are trying to revive a long-overdue franchise.

The Pirates are not the most talented team, but a new attitude brought on by new manager Clint Hurdle has this year's team believing they can beat anyone.

With the playoffs now a realistic goal in 2011, the Pirates need to seek ways to improve as the second half of the season rolls along.

Here are five keys to second half success for the Pirates:

Get Healthy

The Pittsburgh Pirates have not been a healthy team despite their unexpected success.

Jose Tabata, Pedro Alvarez, Evan Meek, Ronny Cedeno, Joe Beimel and Ryan Doumit have had stints on the disabled list. Meek, Doumit and Tabata are still battling back from those injuries.

Chris Snyder was also lost for the season after having back surgery.

In order for the Pirates to continue to be successful this season they must get healthy and stay healthy.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Pirates could be buyers.

However, with the rash of injuries, their best way of improving could be from within.

Add a Power Bat at the Trade Deadline

The Pittsburgh Pirates are loaded with speed, but lack pop in the middle of their lineup.

With Pedro Alvarez still working his way back to Pittsburgh, and struggling when he was playing everyday, the Pirates may need to look at external options.

Perhaps the best option, realistically, is Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer was an all-star this season after hitting .298 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI.

Cuddyer would add a veteran presence to the locker room, and would provide some consistency in the middle of the order. He could also be acquired for a reasonable price.

Other external options could include Josh Willingham or Carlos Pena.

Solidify the Bullpen

If the Pittsburgh Pirates want to be a playoff contender, the bullpen will need to continue to close out games.

The Pirates have gotten great efforts from Jose Veras, Daniel McCutchen and 2011 NL All-Star closer Joel Hanrahan.

However, coming down the stretch that could change. Veras is not a typical set-up man, and really should be pitching the seventh inning. The same goes for McCutchen.

In order to solidify the bullpen, the Pirates could chase a big name at the deadline such as Mike Adams but that appears unlikely.

The Pirates could make a move to acquire a reliever for a cheaper price than the San Diego Padres would command for Adams.

Other lesser options include moving Brad Lincoln to the bullpen, or moving oft-injured starting pitcher Ross Ohlendorf to the bullpen once he is healthy.

Use the Starting Rotation Efficiently

Before the All-Star break, the Pittsburgh Pirates' coaching staff decided to lessen the workload of the starting rotation.

Each starter would skip a start and receive over a week's worth of rest. This was necessary because of the heavy workload forced upon the Pirates' rotation.

Of all of the starters, Paul Maholm is probably the most suited to be a workhorse. Other than that, Kevin Correia is the only one I would trust to shoulder that type of load.

Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, and James McDonald have all done an excellent job this season, but all are on pace to throw more innings in a season than they ever have before.

A major part of the Pirates' pitching success this season has been it's ability to stay healthy.

In order for that success to maintain itself through September the Pirates coaching staff must make sure no one is stretched to far beyond their limits.

Continue to Believe

Besides the obvious difference in pitching statistics this season, the most important change for the Pittsburgh Pirates has been their attitude. Thanks in large part to Clint Hurdle, Ray Searage and teh rest of the Pirates coaching staff.

Clint Hurdle has not been affected by the Pirates bleak recent history in the least. He insists on winning now, and doesn't consider any excuse valid for losses.

The bottom line is the Pirates' players truly believe this is their season.

Most people are saying why? The Pirates' players are saying why not?

This change in attitude is half the battle for the Pirates. In past seasons, they were bad and seemed to accept the fact. This year, thanks to Hurdle's coaching regime, winning is the only accepted outcome.

As the season wears on and eventually winds down, that attitude will be needed to pull the Pirates through the thick and the thin.