Pirates are looking to finish what they start
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH
Clint Hurdle’s 2012 mantra for the Pittsburgh Pirates comes with its own T-shirt. And it’s the latest fashion staple in the team’s clubhouse.
The black-and-gold shirts emblazoned with the words “finish” can be found inside just about every locker, a fabric reminder of what it will take for the franchise to break out of a nearly 20-year funk.
The Pirates were on the cusp of contention last year but a 53-47 start ended with a 19-43 finish to send the club to its 19th straight losing season.
It was a painful way to end a promising season.
Yet the ever optimistic Hurdle decided to turn a sore subject into a teaching point for one of baseball’s youngest teams. Sprinkling the roster with a handful of veterans didn’t hurt either.
“It’s a good place to start,” said outfielder Nate McLouth, who returned to Pittsburgh after spending three-plus seasons in Atlanta. “I think these guys know what’s ahead of them.”
So do the guys the Pirates acquired in the offseason. Injured right-hander A.J. Burnett has won two World Series. Catcher Rod Barajas, infielder Casey McGehee and shortstop Clint Barmes all have postseason experience. McLouth and pitcher Erik Bedard have been in pennant races.
“It’s just something you’ve got to go through,” McLouth said.
The Pirates took a step forward last summer, moving into first place in late July before a series of injuries — then injuries to the callups — and the mental grind of playing meaningful games caught up to them.
“It wasn’t the way we wanted it to go at the end, but we have spent the offseason thinking about what happened,” center fielder Andrew McCutchen said. “We’re going to be a better team because of it.”
It’s the next phase for a franchise eager to show a loyal but skeptical fan base last year’s success was not a mirage.