PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There seems to be a feeling of optimism about the Pirates this year. Not of being a World Series contender, but at least belief this team could compete in the NL Central.
The lineup is definitely better with Oneil Cruz back, there is depth to the bullpen and a few young pitchers to be excited about. If you are excited about the Pirates, you won’t find any friends nationally.
Not only do national writers or websites not think the Pirates can win the National League Central, most think they will finish in the basement. A sample of the predictions
ESPN
-Pirates-last place
-Cubs win division
Fox Sports
-Pirates fourth place
-Reds win division
CBS Sports (6 writers)
-RJ Anders, Mike Axisa, Kate Feldman pick the Pirates in last place
-Dayn Perry, Stephen Pianovich, Matt Snyder pick the Pirates in 4th place
-5 of 6 have Cubs winning the division, with Cardinals as the other choice
Sporting News
-Pirates-last place
-Cubs, Reds & Cardinals tied for 1st
Baseball America
-Pirates-last place
-Cubs win division
The Athletic
-Pirates-last place
-Cubs win division
New York Post
-Pirates-last place
-Cardinals win division
Yahoo Sports
-Pirates-last place
-Cardinals win division
The season opens on Thursday afternoon in Miami, listen to the game on 93.7 The Fan.