Pittsburgh Pirates: It is time for a change on the bench
By David Hill
Another Pittsburgh Pirates season is set to end in disappointment. It is time to make a change.
In theory, this was to be the year for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They were a surprising buyer at the trade deadline last season, adding Chris Archer and Keone Kala with an eye towards the 2019 season. The Pirates finished over .500 for the first time since 2015, and with the Cubs essentially sitting out free agency, and the Brewers unable to substantially upgrade their rotation, Pittsburgh appeared to have a chance to return to the playoffs.
And then, the second half of the season happened. After going into the All Star Break with a 44-45 record, within striking distance of the NL Central, before imploding thus far in the second half. Their loss on Friday night left the Pirates in uncharted territory during Clint Hurdle‘s tenure.
That'll do it. Pirates lose, 6-2. They are 48-67, 19 games below .500 for the first time in Clint Hurdle's tenure as manager. They've lost 22 of 26 since the All-Star break.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) August 10, 2019
Hurdle has been relatively successful during his time in Pittsburgh. Over his nine seasons, he has managed the franchise to a 714-695-1 record, making the postseason three times. He also found success in Colorado, leading the Rockies to their only World Series appearance in franchise history.
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However, it is time for a change. The Pirates have not made an appearance in the postseason since that 2015 season, a streak that shows no signs of ending soon. Pittsburgh has looked listless on the field, completely unmotivated and uninterested as they play out the string.
While the overall talent on the diamond may not be amongst the best in the game, it still falls on the manager to get the most out of the players he has. It is there that Hurdle is failing, this second half collapse placed entirely at his feet.
In reality, the changes should not stop with Hurdle. The coaching staff, and the entire front office need to go. It is time for a new voice and a new direction in Pittsburgh. However, the changes have to start somewhere, and that start will likely begin with the manager.
Next. Pirates say goodbye to Jung Ho Kang. dark
It is time for changes with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After the disappointment of this year, the same voices cannot return for 2020.