This is the first addition of my latest segment, "WHO'S ON THE RISE, which will be an annual article released at the end of April of each season starting this year. I will be looking at the team which has most recently established itself as a new force after a rebuilding effort. This year many teams have stepped up out of their usual cellar positions in the standings, but one has really proven it can actually stay at a top position in their division. It's time for WHO'S ON THE RISE?
WHO'S ON THE RISE? A normal NL Central struggle body is packing a big punch in the normally Astro dominated division. With a 15-9 record over the 1st month of the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have suddenly become a National League force. Their newest off-season acquisition, Nick Johnson, is off to a fast start, holding down the middle of that order with a line of .347/.405/.440/.845 with 9 RBI and no home runs. The man setting Mr. Johnson up, Dan Vick, has been ripping the cover off the ball as well with a hitting line of .364/.446/.443/.889 1 home run and 9 RBI. These two have been a big part of the pirate offense, but the biggest contributor for the Bucs has been their catcher Jason Schexnayder. With 3 home runs, tied for the team lead with 2 other players, and 12 RBI he sports a hitting line of .395/.471/.553/1.024, giving Pittsburgh great production out of the back end of their line up.
On the pitching side, the Pirates have opted to go with the unusual 4 man rotation, however, as usual Tim Alderson, the reigning NL Cy Young award winner, has been dominating any offense that steps up against him. Most notable performances are a 7 inning outing in which he let up just 2 ER against the almighty Houston Astros as well as an outing he took into the 9th with one out left before giving up the RBI hit to Ty Morrison, bringing home Austin Gallagher and ending the night for Alderson who let up 1 ER in 8.2 IP. Alderson is sporting a 1.85 ERA in 43.2 IP with 40 K's and 6 wins, but it is rising star Alfredo Predresa has finally given Alderson something he never had before, some help in the rotation. The third year has thrown a 3.23 ERA in 39 IP onto his plate, giving Pittsburgh something to look forward to after Alderson has done his magic. The bullpen king? Newly signed Peter Moylan is out of the gates firing as the Bucs new closer. With a 1.74 ERA in 10.1 IP and 6 saves, he's been the biggest reason Pittsburgh has kept the lead in close games. Who's on the rise? The Pirates are and it seems to me like they've finally found their booty.
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