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Coming into 2012, Philadelphia had improved its season win total for five consecutive years, hitting their peak of 102 wins last season. The Phillies would need to win 57 more games to reach the 103 wins needed to keep the streak alive, and presently have but 59 games left on their schedule. I'm thinking Philadelphia won't be able to go 57-2 down the stretch, so we can kiss the streak goodbye.
The other is less certain, but getting more probable every day. The Pirates have won 60 games with 58 remaining to play. That means that they only need to win 21 more to snap their record 19 straight losing seasons. They can go 21-37, .362 ball the rest of the way and still be a .500 club. In that they have been playing .570 ball so far in 2012, a collapse of that magnitude seems unlikely.
In previous seasons I have invited the board members to offer guesses as to what day the Pirates would lose # 82 and sustain their losing seasons streak. In the spirit of fair play, I now solicit guesses as to what day Pittsburgh will win # 81 and vanquish the streak. If they win their next 22 in a row they will win #81 on August 22 against the Brewers at home. I think that is asking too much. After rigorous oraculating, I look for the big win on September 12th against the Reds in Cincinnati.
I'll contact the City Data administration about arranging one of those 5 grand giveaways for the poster who comes the closest to the exact day. I'm sure that they will get into the spirit of it.
In the case of the Pirates, I'd say they definitely have a shot at finally finishing with at least .500. You have to tip your cap to them. Their fans have agonized for years and, just once, they could use something positive. Just stay tuned. My Astros may not be contending, but hey, the Pirates have something going on right now. They should rejoice.
In the case of the Phillies, there's no way they'll top last year's win total. Just what has happened to these guys? They were a model team for some time, and people again picked them this year to be the team to beat. Strong drafting (thanks largely to Ed Wade) and good acquisitions in recent years, and they've been the tops of the league. Now, they're in last place in what happens to be a very good division.
In the case of the Phillies, there's no way they'll top last year's win total. Just what has happened to these guys? They were a model team for some time, and people again picked them this year to be the team to beat. Strong drafting (thanks largely to Ed Wade) and good acquisitions in recent years, and they've been the tops of the league. Now, they're in last place in what happens to be a very good division.
Almost everything possible went wrong.
C Carlos Ruiz 4-6 weeks on the DL
1B Ryan Howard 3 months on the DL
2B Chase Utley 3 months on the DL
3B Placido Polanco 2 weeks on the DL
SP Roy Halladay 6 weeks on the DL
SP Cliff Lee 3 weeks on the DL
All teams face injuries, but that's basically every key player.
C Carlos Ruiz 4-6 weeks on the DL
1B Ryan Howard 3 months on the DL
2B Chase Utley 3 months on the DL
3B Placido Polanco 2 weeks on the DL
SP Roy Halladay 6 weeks on the DL
SP Cliff Lee 3 weeks on the DL
All teams face injuries, but that's basically every key player.
Yes, it's a lot of players, but some of those lengths on the DL aren't that long. Lee and Polanco were only on for a matter of weeks. Plus, even with most of their stars back, they're still under performing. I think they just reached their peak and are starting to drop off. They will be back though. I could see them making some big acquisitions in the off season.
Pirates are 1-2 since I began the countdown, .333 ball....hey, maybe they can finish below .500.
Last year I noted that Pittsburgh's greatest mistake was not scheduling more games against Houston. That has been even more critical this season as the Pirates are 9-2 against the Astros with six more games to play.
What will happen to the Pittsburgh next year when Houston moves to the AL West and is no longer available to be the Pirates' punching bag?
The Phils sell out streak ended at 252 games last night
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