Are the pirates a guaranteed lock for the playoffs?

[da55bums]

Yes the pirates have gotten Justin Morneau but will he be the same player as he was in 2006 like Liriano was with the twins? Still think the cardinals are stronger? I don't know about that right now. I change my standings now...
1. Pirates-adding Morneau,Buck,and Byrd theirs no way their going to struggle now right?
2. Cardinals-because they have experience
3. Reds-the reds will be a Wild Card as long if Joey Votto's healthy.
4. Cubs-They're done-hopes for possibly finishing third place next year if they can add some more talent.
5. Brewers-done for this season but they'll be back, they have a solid group of young players, Jean Segura has a bright future ahead of him, and if Hart and Braun are healthy next year-yes this team can win.

wow, the Pirates are going for it...like it..

 

[Darkstone42]

Morneau doesn't have to be the player he was in 2006. The player he's been in 2013 has been sufficiently productive to contribute significantly to this offense. And he's exactly the type of hitter we've been missing.

 

[evolver115]

Magic number is down to six

 

[redseat]

I wouldn't say "guaranteed lock", but it would take a collapse of epic proportions for them to not at least get the 2nd wild card slot.

Red Sox did it... Why can't the Pirates? Though I don't see them collapsing like that

 

[soxfan1468927]

Red Sox did it... Why can't the Pirates? Though I don't see them collapsing like that

When that was written, the Pirates had an 11-game lead over the Diamondbacks (the next closest team on the outside of the playoff picture looking in) with 50 games to go.

In 2011, with 50 games to go, the Red Sox had an 8-game lead over the next closest team on the outside looking in, the Angels. They did have a 10-game lead over the team that eventually overtook them, the Rays.

At this point however, the Pirates have a 7.5 game lead with 12 games to play over the closest team, the Nationals, who are on the outside looking for that second wild card spot. In 2011 the Red Sox had just a 4-game lead.

 

[redseat]

When that was written, the Pirates had an 11-game lead over the Diamondbacks (the next closest team on the outside of the playoff picture looking in) with 50 games to go.

In 2011, with 50 games to go, the Red Sox had an 8-game lead over the next closest team on the outside looking in, the Angels. They did have a 10-game lead over the team that eventually overtook them, the Rays.

At this point however, the Pirates have a 7.5 game lead with 12 games to play over the closest team, the Nationals, who are on the outside looking for that second wild card spot. In 2011 the Red Sox had just a 4-game lead.

Still, it was an epic collapse by the Red Sox anyway you look at it

 

[da55bums]

to answer the question......yes

 

[navamind]

How the Pirates Built a Playoff Team | FanGraphs Baseball