Five teams to watch in MLB’s second half
By Tim Haberin
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jul 11, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) rounds the bases on a game winning two run home run to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourteenth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-5 in fourteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It seems like for most of the season we’ve been talking about the St. Louis Cardinals as if it’s a foregone conclusion they’re going to run away with the NL Central crown. But the Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves only 2.5 games out at the break. The Buccos won 14 of their last 20 contests to bring themselves back near the pinnacle of the divisional mountain.
There’s much to like about Pittsburgh’s club on both sides of the ball. The rotation has been anchored by All-Stars Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett, both sporting ERAs of 2.30 or lower. Burnett’s dominance in what he claims will be his final season has been especially surprising. If they can keep it up, the Pirates will be tough to beat in the second half.
A pair of outfielders have led the way for the offense. Former MVP Andrew McCutchen overcame a slow start to push his numbers back into familiar territory: he is slashing .295/.392/.500 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI. Starling Marte has also been an all-around threat, hitting 13 homers, driving in 49 runs and swiping 16 bags. He missed a few games right before the break, so the Pirates will hope he remains healthy and productive for the stretch run.
The Cards aren’t going anywhere, but it looks like their rivals from Pittsburgh are prepared to give them a serious run for their money in the second half. A playoff berth seems likely one way or another, but don’t be surprised if it comes as a division winner.
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