The 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates: Same Old Story

The Pittsburgh Pirates came into the 2008 season with the hope that it may finally mark the end of a 15-year losing streak.

History was made, but it was for the worse. The Pirates went into the All-Star break five games out of .500; by the end of the season, they had posted a 67-95 record. The 16th consecutive losing season for the Buccos marked the longest all-time consecutive losing streak for any major league sport.

But the 2008 season did have some memorable moments. Nate McLouth, who wasn't even a certainty for the 40-man roster in spring training, was an All-Star, and he finished the season with no errors. Along with Nate's great achievements came the best offense that the Pirates have seen since Barry Bonds was on the team in 1992. Those were about the only highlights that the season had to offer. 

The most disappointing time for Pirates fans was when All-Star Jason Bay and veteran Xavier Nady were traded to the Red Sox and Yankees, respectively. It was shortly after the trade deadline that Pirates fans realized that the season was over.

McLouth continued to shine, but even "Nate the Great" could not save the season with the lack of productivity in all areas of the team.

As the Pirates look forward to next season, they will probably lose All-Star Shortstop Jack Wilson, a fan-favorite as well as a team veteran. The 2009 season is in no way promising for Pirates success, and they have to live up to a lot of success in a town where football, and most recently hockey, have taken over. 

The Pirates do have some acceptable excuses, one being the $29 million dollar salary, one of baseball's lowest payrolls. Alex Rodriguez is being paid a record $275 million over the next 10 years; that's almost more the the Pirates' whole team's yearly salary.

Though it is a scary situation in Pittsburgh, with a few good decisions and some key personnel changes, this team can start climbing back to where they were in the 1970s, when they were world series champions.

-NB-