PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Does clubhouse chemistry matter? We'll start to find out what it does mean starting in this series against the Blue Jays.
We've heard since the Pirates hot start about the team's clubhouse chemistry. The impact of veterans Andrew McCutchen, Carlos Santana, Rich Hill, Austin Hedges and others. How they've brought leadership and the right mentality to this team.
There is no doubt there is truth to that. It's also true it is easier to push a message and get inexperienced guys to believe and fall in line when you are winning. Why would you not? The leaders say to do something and their words and actions are followed by positive results.
Now is the time we will learn what that means. Have you earned enough trust with players that when you are struggling you will continue to seek or listen to advise? What if it's the veteran leader who is struggling or making mistakes? Does that person's message or example carry the same weight?
Even in locker rooms or clubhouses that hate each other, teams will bond when winning. Pick your favorite championship team and I bet they didn't all get along but usually had enough talent to overcome those relationships. Can the lessor talented team, where most like and respect each other, continue that bond through adversity?
This is the challenge for the Pirates, and its coaching staff, starting Friday night against the Blue Jays.
Making sure they stick to what got them to 20 wins. Learn from mistakes, but not pressing. Still being able to lean on each other without overreacting to four straight losses.
Bucs are facing a good team, Toronto may be in fourth place, but only two wins fewer than the Pirates. How will this mix of veterans and inexperience handle the tough times? That will determine their sustainability and growth throughout a six-month season.
