Another player that the Pirates have been patient with is Brandon Moss. The outfielder struggled to stay above the Mendoza line. Now Moss is batting .259 and has been a key contributor in some of the recent Bucco victories.
As for the team, isn't it refreshing to see the Pirates beating up a team that they should? The Washington Nationals is just what the team needed to get back near .500. Losing this series to the Nationals would have just about sealed the season. But the Battlin' Bucs have shown they will not give up, even after an eight-game losing streak that dumped them in last place. When the Pirates return home from Chicago, it's very possible they could be at .500. After all, it is near Memorial Day, when the Pirates begin to excite fans with their competitive play.
By Jim Spezialetti