Out of the Gate

It never seems that Pirates ever really come busting out of the gate when the season starts.There could be many many reasons for that, but this season they may have to really try to be competent to start the season or the could get buried.

For one it is no secret that the club did not play well on the road last season. There were long stretches of losses on the road that seemed to pile up like cars on the Parkway East during rush hour. In the first month the club is on the road for 15 games. They start the season on the road against two divisional opponents nonetheless. Adding to the road weariness, is a return trip down to Florida and then a trip out west against Colorado in the first month.

Adding to the need for coming out strong is the fact that the club is going to face entire division, except the weak link in Houston, in the first month. Divisional games are of all importance, obviously, as they play the main role in the standings. If the Pirates ever expect to escape the basement, they will have to play better against the Cardinals, Reds, Cubs, and Brewers.

It will be important for the club to come out strong for a myriad of reasons, but the most of which is that there will be some important games to start the season. If the intend on surprising some teams, it will be best to jump on other teams early, when they may not be as well prepared, and build some sort of foundation for the season.