10 Potential Implications of the Pittsburgh Pirates Not Making the Playoffs

As the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their descent down the standings during this second half swoon, fans have to wonder if this is just repeat of last season's collapse.

Sitting 1.5 games out of the last wild card spot and 10 games behind the NL Central-leading Cincinnati Reds, the Pirates are going to have to make a strong September push to reach the playoffs.

If they miss out on the playoffs for the 19th consecutive season, the city of Pittsburgh will start to wonder if they are just cursed to never see the light of postseason baseball again.

Here is a look at 10 potential implications of the Pittsburgh Pirates collapsing down the stretch and missing the playoffs.

Disappointment of Fanbase

It has been two long decades since Pittsburgh Pirates' fans were lucky enough to see their team make it to the playoffs.

This year has presented the Steel City with its best shot in a long time at seeing playoff baseball and falling short of that goal will be a crushing blow for Pirates faithful.

The fans have been coming out in record numbers this season to see the Pirates play and it has created a playoff-like atmosphere for games.

The Pirates hold their own destiny this season, and failure to make the playoffs would only disappoint Pirates fans who have been suffering for 20 years.

Andrew McCutchen Loses MVP Race

Andrew McCutchen has been the frontrunner in the National League MVP race for the majority of the summer, but his play has taken a hit since the beginning of August and the race now seems to be fairly open.

With the likes of Ryan Braun and Buster Posey pushing hard for MVP looks, McCutchen is going to need to perform well in September and the Pirates are going to need to win games.

A major aspect of McCutchen's MVP candidacy is how he has led the lowly Pirates from the cellar to the thick of the wild card race. The success of the team is a major factor in whether or not McCutchen gets the award.

The MVP race is ultimately going to come down to whoever makes the biggest impact on the playoff race, and McCutchen won't win the award if the Pirates don't make the postseason.

Clint Hurdle on the Hot Seat

Nobody can deny that Clint Hurdle has been phenomenal for this young Pirates team since his hiring, but there have been times this season where his decisions have cost the team games.

While his effect on the clubhouse has been vital to the success of the team, his managing of the bullpen and the team's overall horrendous play on the base-paths has been a direct result of Hurdle's managing.

A September collapse and a disappointing start to next season could mean the firing of Hurdle and there certainly will be some rumblings this offseason if the Pirates stumble down the stretch.  

Neal Huntington's Seat Gets a Little Hotter

While not quite to the extent of Clint Hurdle, Neal Huntington could be in a little hot water this offseason if the Pirates fail to make the playoffs.

There's no doubt Huntington has been a significant upgrade over former GM Dave Littlefield. His job improving the talent on the major league level and in the farm system has been impressive for the most part.

Huntington has had his detractors though, and his inability to pull off a big deal at the trade deadline and the failings of some high draft picks have caused some concern among fans.

While his job should be safe for the next couple of years, Neal Huntington's seat could get a little hotter if the Pirates don't make it to the playoffs.

Gerrit Cole Starts 2013 in Pirates Rotation

The pitching rotation has been shaky during the second half of the season and there are several holes in the staff.

There was some discussion over whether the Pirates should call up Gerrit Cole for the September run or not. While Cole has been outstanding at every level during his first professional season, the Pirates made the right decision in not calling him up.

However, there is no denying that Cole has the combination of poise and electric stuff to succeed currently at the major league level.

If Cole can impress in Spring Training and the right opportunities open up, he could secure himself a spot in the Opening Day rotation.

Clint Barmes Gets Released

With the emergence of Brock Holt, Clint Barmes could see significantly less time in the starting lineup over the course of September and there is a good chance he could get released this offseason.

While he has provided excellent defense at a premium position, simply put Barmes has been downright atrocious at the plate this season.

With the likes of Holt, Jordy Mercer, and Chase D'Arnaud vying for a middle infield spot and Neil Walker a stalwart at second base, Clint Barmes could be on his way out this offseason.

PNC Park Misses out on Playoff Baseball

PNC Park is one of the greatest stadium's in all of sports from an aesthetic perspective there has always been something missing from the ballpark.

Never once has PNC Park had the luxury of sporting some playoff baseball and the 2012 season has provided the best opportunity its ever had.

Half of Pittsburgh is clamoring for the Pirates to reach the postseason just so the rest of the nation will get a look at their beautiful stadium.

Without a postseason push from the Pirates, PNC Park will continue to go unnoticed for the glorious baseball experience it is.

Second Consecutive Year of Failure Down the Stretch

In 2011, the Pirates were in first-place as late as July 25th before they went 16-40 over the next 56 games to finish fourth in the NL Central.

This season the Pirates were in first-place on July 18th with a 51-40 record. Now they have dropped out of the wild card lead and are a full 10 games behind the first-place Cincinnati Reds.

Another playoff failure will mean that the Pirates will have stumbled down the stretch for the second consecutive season.

While this is certainly more enjoyable than the summers in the cellar that Pirates fans are accustomed to, these second half collapses are starting to wear out people's patience.

Miss Taking Advantage of the Year of the Underdog Team

The 2012 season has seen the rising of surprise playoff contenders and the failure of baseball's powerhouse teams.

While the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies will be watching the playoffs on TV, underdogs like the Baltimore Orioles, Oakland Athletics, and Washington Nationals have been captivating the baseball world with their surprising play.

If the Pirates miss out on the playoffs, they will be missing on an opportunity to be a part of the small market movement into the ranks of baseball's elite.

Pressure Escalates for 2013 Team

After two years of competitive play, the 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates will have a lot of expectations on their shoulders.

Fans will be expecting at the very least a playoff appearance next season if they miss out in 2012. 

The Pirates have a solid nucleus of players and an MVP candidate in Andrew McCutchen, so a missed postseason berth this year will result in heightened pressure on next year's team to perform to an even higher level.