PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Earlier this season, CBS Sports baseball columnist, Danny Knobler told the Fan Morning Show that the Pirates hitting would not be good this season, and the team would suffer because of it.

Monday he admitted that he should have believed Neal Huntington when he said the team would pick up their hitting.

Andrew McCutchen is obviously the top reason the Pirates’ offense has been better. Danny is somewhat surprised that McCutchen is even seeing pitches that he can hit, but is not surprised that the NL’s leading hitter will make pitchers pay for making a mistake.

As far as the speculation on a potential trade for Justin Upton, Danny tells us that he thinks it will be hard for the Pirates to make a move. He doesn’t doubt that the Pirates should try to trade for Upton, but he doesn’t think the Pirates will be willing to give up what the Diamondbacks are asking for in return.

Danny tells us that he thinks the Pirates have a realistic chance to make the playoffs, but he doesn’t think it to be the likely scenario.

For the entire interview, click below: