MLB News: 5 Things the Pittsburgh Pirates Need to Tell Fans

With the Milwaukee Brewers running away with the NL Central and the Pirates seven games under .500, it's looking more and more like the Pirates will once again turn in a losing season. That would make it 19 consecutive losing season.

However, all is not lost—at least not in my opinion.

I see a handful of positive strides being taken throughout the organization. However, before I get ahead of myself and begin praising Neal Huntington as the next Billy Beane, I need to see a few things from the 2011 Pittsburgh Pirates.

5. What Is the Status of the Shortstop Position?

How long has there been a void at the Pirates' shortstop position? Jack Wilson? Jay Bell?

Whatever it may be, current and recent Pirates' shortstops have failed to carry any weight offensively. What was once a nontraditional power position is now turning into a top of the order hitter, expected to drive in runs.

Platooning mainly between Ronny Cedeno, Brandon Wood and Chase d'Arnaud this season, Manager Clint Hurdle can't be happy with the lack of consistency at the position. This year's Pirates shortstops are hitting a mediocre .253 and have only accounted for three total home runs—the least of any position on the team.

This fan is tired of management providing a "servicable" shortstop for the time being while we're grooming young shortstops in the minors. If d'Arnaud is the guy the front office sees as their future shortstop, they should start getting him at-bats as soon as he is healthy. He needs to get as many reps as he can at the MLB level if he has any chance of succeeding.

If the Pirates can continue to solidify their nucleus of young players up the middle—Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker—then the future is bright for the Buccos.

4. Who Will Emerge from the Corner Position Battle?

How do the Pirates plan to configure their corner outfields and infields for the future?

I don't expect the Pirates to re-sign Derek Lee or Ryan Ludwick, but those decisions aren't nearly as important as figuring out who is going to be playing right field, first base and third base come 2012.

The extension signed by left fielder Jose Tabata solidifies his spot in left field next to All-Star Andrew McCutchen. Right field however, has been a mystery for the Pirates. Garret Jones, though showing signs of getting it together as of late (.310 AVG in Aug.), still has yet to prove he can play every day either in the outfield or at first base. He simply isn't a good enough hitter to warrant his bat in the lineup every day, especially against left-handed pitching where Jones struggles mightily—.164 AVG in 59 at-bats.

Matt Diaz who was billed as the "lefty-specialist" has been underwhelming and lets face it, he'll never be more than a role player. He can get the job on any given day, but I think he's already seen his better playing years.

I liked seeing Alex Presley in the lineup when Tabata was on the DL. He provides good speed at the top of the order and another, much-needed, left-handed bat in the Pirates' lineup. He'll put pressure on the defense with his speed and with the Pirates unable to corral an expensive power-hitter, runs are going to have to be scored other ways than the long ball. Presley could help the Pirates do that.

Regardless of who's in the outfield, nothing can replace the lack of production the Pirates perennially get from their first and third baseman, which leads to my next question...

3. Is Pedro Alvarez the Real Deal?

I hate to do it, but this question must be asked: Is Pedro Alvarez the real deal?

The 2008 second overall pick has been a disappointment thus far at the major league level. Like any other business, if someone can't get the job done then the organization will find someone who can and Alvarez was not getting the job done.

Alvarez has only played in 56 games in 2011 and is batting just a shade under the Mendoza Line at .196. What's even more discouraging is that even when he was playing, he wasn't hitting for any power. In 194 at-bats, Alvarez had only 11 XBH and three of those were home runs.

Hopefully Alvarez finishes his season at the AAA level on a positive note, getting his eye back and confidence ready for next spring training. The Pirates need this guy to be successful.

2. Will the Bullpen Rebound After a Poor Second Half?

One of the biggest assets to the Pirates during the first half of the season was their outstanding bullpen. 

Combining for 268 IP and a 3.16 ERA before the ASG, the Pirates bullpen was among the best in the National League.

However, much like the rest of the team in the second half, the bullpen has fallen down a notch. Their second half 4.13 ERA reminds fans of a more traditional Pirates bullpen with their likelihood of blowing late inning leads and giving up a multitude of walks. 

Relievers Chris Resop, Daniel McCutchen and Tony Watson need to finish the year strong. Personally, I like each of them for their own, respective versatility in various situations. The more "types" of guys you have at the back end of your bullpen, the better off you'll be.

If the Pirates bullpen cannot start to fill in the wholes, they can expect some offseason activity by the front office.

1. How Will the Starting Rotation Handle Adversity?

Nothing has been more surprisingly pleasant this year than watching the Pirates' starting pitchers go out and more or less compete every night. It hasn't all been pretty, but how can you not acknowledge the progress the staff has made?

Jeff Karstens is having a career year. Both of his nine wins and 3.12 ERA are career-bests. He may not be an overpowering force, but Karstens does as good a job as anyone moving the batter's eye level with different velocities and locations. It's why he's had such great success.

Younger Charlie Morton has been great, too. With a re-worked delivery, Morton has become a ground ball machine, able to now throw a highly effective, heavy sinker. As long as Morton doesn't elevate the ball and works on his secondary breaking pitches, his growth should continue. I think he could be a very good pitcher in a few short years.

Karstens and Morton aren't even the top of the rotation guys, but they've probably had the most success player-development wise.

With as much young pitching talent the Pirates have been acquiring the last few years via the draft and international signings, some or all of the Pirates' rotation will change. If the Pirates are able to use a few of those pieces such as Brad Lincoln, Ross Ohlendorf or Charlie Morton to get a proven bat in the lineup, they might prove to be even more valuable.

It's good to have the problem of too much pitching and I anxiously look forward to seeing how this rotation finishes off their season.

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