On July 21st last season, Pittsburgh was tied with Milwaukee for first place in the NL Central with a 51-45 record. After that day, the Pirates finished 21-45. Forget about missing the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Pirates may for once just like to finish the season .500 or better. The Pirates haven’t made the playoffs since 1992 which, yes, was the last time the team won at least as many games as it lost. If the team fails to break the .500 barrier this season it will be 20 years since the team was able to do so (that’s staggering). Much crazier things have happened, but the Pirates will probably make it 20 straight losing seasons in 2012. Continue reading →