Bucs go to upcoming season with clear objective of winning NL Central – MLB News
They might not have anticipated such a disappointing end of the season; but alteration of conditions set off something dreaded and unexpected.
The Pittsburgh Pirates, even though making a seemingly propitious start, were fourth in the National League Central when the season ended. However, that is a mistake that the Bucs do not want to repeat again.
Club’s president Frank Coonelly, while acknowledging that things did not go the way they were looking forward to during the season, they now have a plan which is clear and consistent, promising to make them victors.
"No question the end of the year was disappointing for us. Nobody at PNC Park was happy with the way we ended 2012," Coonelly said. "Fact of the matter is, we put ourselves in position to meet our objective, which is clear and consistent: to win our division. We've made a lot of progress, and have to figure out a way to make those last two months come out better.”
His observation is not quite off the mark. The Bucs have been adding both experience and talented youngsters this offseason to the roster. Recently, they re-signed the reliever Jason Grilli for two years, ensuring that the bullpen remains stronger.
While the fans have their moments of disappointment, the Bucs realize what are at stakes here. They, after all, are coming off a season wherein the first half was majestically dominating, and the second one going abruptly haywire.
Be that as it may, the president offers the fundaments over which the Bucs have to move in the days to come. One of those fundaments, as he pointed out, is to remain mentally strong as well.
"We have a young and maturing roster. We're going to learn from being 16 games over .500, and figure out how to finish it off. We need to be not only physically tough enough, but mentally tough enough as well."
The NL Central generally offers a tremendously competitive environment. But the upcoming season will be tougher given the fact that almost all teams have made some big changes in roster, adding considerable strength and depth.
Tags: