They're Rockin in Pittsburgh

They're for real.  The Pittsburgh Pirates are rocking PNC Park, winning two in a row over St. Louis to regain sole possession of first place.  They're at worst mathematically certain to have their first winning season since they opened that park.  At best--well, the Bucs could be going all the way, all the way, all the way this year.

This past week they added three veteran players including two power hitters who were already having good years.  And these guys couldn't wait to get to Pittsburgh--the most recent acquisition, Justin Morneau, rushed to join the club for tonight's game, just hours after he was acquired.  In his first game for the Pirates, former Met Joe Buck hit a home run in a victory.  Catcher Marlon Byrd contributed to Saturday's victory with a key hit.

So it's not just that veteran talent was added--it's guys who are excited to suddenly be on a real contender so close to the playoffs.  And even though they were acquired partly for the stretch run, it's the depth needed for playoffs teams that made this a buoyant move.

For Pittsburgh fans it's a great time and a needed distraction, for the Steelers show signs of being not very good this year, and even posting their first losing season in awhile.  Winning the NL Central is going to be tough for the Pirates, though.  It may well come down to the end of season series in St. Louis.  Though they've pretty much owned the Cards this year (10-5), they aren't the greatest road team.  Still, they're likely to make the playoffs anyway--and that's magic time.