EVEN PITTSBURGH PIRATES FANS SHOULD BE THANKFUL

Happy belated Thanksgiving, everyone! Today is Cyber Monday that people across America spend time finishing their shopping on the internet. Here at garyldibertonsports.blogspot.com I’m thankful for you my devoted readers!

Without those of you who read the site, and interact with me on social media my site would suck. Instead, I get to write about my favorite sports teams and people actually care enough about what I say to read my nonsense. So, thank you, Pittsburgh sports fans

When it comes to the Pittsburgh Pirates as a team, there is plenty to be thankful for as well. I know, that may seem crazy. But it’s true!

Now, I get it, being a Pirate fan is hard. I was old enough to drink legally when the team had their first winning season in my lifetime. But, while the 20 consecutive losing seasons beat a lot of people down and still muddies their view of the franchise, they are on a good track right now. For that, be thankful!

After racking up 20 consecutive losing seasons, the team has had a winning record in four of the past six seasons. This includes making the postseason three times. And now they are set up to compete for a postseason spot in 2019.

After going 82-79 last season, the Bucs return one of the best bullpens in the National League anchored by arguably the best backend duo in the league in Keone Kela and Felipe Vazquez. They also return what should be a strong starting rotation featuring budding ace Jameson Taillon, near perennial All-Star Chris Archer, and a pair of pitchers coming off the best seasons of their careers in Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove. One of the top prospects in all of baseball, Mitch Keller, is knocking on the door of the Majors as well.

While the Pirate lineup is not the best, there are still reasons to be thankful. Jung Ho Kang is a slugger at third base and back in the black and gold, Starling Marte is one of the best two-way players in the NL, and Gregory Polanco appears to have finally put it all together as a hitter.

Corey Dickerson won a Gold Glove, Francisco Cervelli might be the most underrated catcher in the NL and is a cool freakin’ dude, and Josh Bell has all the untapped potential in the world. While the lineup is not great, when combined the Pirate pitching staff, it is good enough to make the postseason. GM Neal Huntington is likely not done adding to the 2019 lineup, either. For that, be thankful!

Finally, there is the gem that is PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates play at the absolute best ballpark in America. Few things in the world can rival PNC Park on a warm summer night, especially when the Pirates are competing for the postseason as the should be in 2019.

The view of Pittsburgh from PNC Park is second to none. Be thankful, Pirate fans, for the most beautiful ballpark in America. It truly is a prized jewel.