A National Perspective on the Pirates
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) -- Baseball America executive editor Jim Callis recently joined the Post-Gazette's Gene Collier and 93.7 The Fan's John Phillips on "The Post-Gazette Roundtable" with PG sports editor Jerry Micco to give a national perspective on what has been a surprisingly successful first half of the 2011 campaign for your Pittsburgh Pirates.
Jim squares the Pirates' compelling start against what were low expectations by himself and his peers at the beginning of the year, and he gives his prediction as to how long the Bucs can hang around in the NL Central race. He gives his take on how important it is for Pedro Alvarez and company to get healthy again, compared with trying to add some pop to the offense at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, and how important it is for GM Neal Huntington's sake the Pirates to win immediately, not just long-term.
Speaking of which, Jim talks about what might--or might not--be available to the Bucs at the deadline, including infielder Carlos Pena; in addition, he tries to explain the poor state of Pena's current team, the Chicago Cubs.
"The Post-Gazette Roundtable" can be heard Saturday mornings at 6 A.M. on 93-7 The Fan.
