Buccos Report: The First 13

We're 13 games into the 2013 season, and its not really clear what we should think of these Pirates.  They've had highs and lows, to say the least.  Plenty of strengths, and plenty of weaknesses.  It featured being swept by the Dodgers without a fight, a strange series win in Arizona, and an impressive sweep of the rival Cincinnati Reds, including the comeback from being down 5-0 last Sunday.

Positives so far:

Starling Marte-  In his first full season in the Major Leagues, Starling Marte has been tearing it up.  With a .370 batting average so far, a .404 On Base Percentage, 3 doubles, 1 triple, and one home run, he has easily been the Pirates' best player.  He is one of the fastest guys on the team (second possibly to Andrew McCutchen), and can do it all in Right Field.  Its full speed ahead for what looks to be like an excellent season.

The Bullpen-  Some of the Pirates' starting pitchers have gotten it done.  Wandy Rodriguez, and AJ Burnett have done their jobs.  None of the Pirates' other three starters have made it deep into a game, some of them not getting through five innings.  When you don't get many quality starts, you need a strong bullpen to pick up the slack, and they've done just that.  Jeanmar Gomez and Justin Wilson have looked very good in long-relief.  Tony Watson and Jared Hughes have been good, save for a bad outing each (Watson on the 12th vs. CIN, Hughes on the 14th vs. CIN).  Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli have been locking it down at set-up and closer, respectively.

Disappointments so far:

Pedro Alvarez-  Pedro has had a typical Pedro slump so far this year.  He is weighed down by his .073 Average, and zero homers or extra-bases.  We've seen this before.  It could drag on for who knows how long.  When it ends, it could end in dramatic fashion, with Pedro ripping off homer after homer for a while.  Who knows.

Looking ahead

The Pirates have the toughest opening six weeks in all of baseball.  they have come out of the first two weeks within one game of that coveted .500.  This schedule stays tough, but that sweep of Cincinnati is encouraging.  Nothing gets a team rolling like some wins vs. a divisional rival.