Walking the Plank: Weekly Review: July 8-14: All-Star and Cubs

Chicago Cubs Series Record: 0-3

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Pirates Record and Standings: 44-48, 4th Place NL Central

Trivia Question of the Week: What is the highest amount of HRs that Starling Marte has hit in one season and in what year did it happen? (Answer at the bottom).

Welp.. that went downhill quickly didn't it Bucco fans? The high that the Pirates were riding into the All-Star break was quickly squashed as the Buccos were swept by the Cubs at Wrigley. What an awful week for the Pirates that also included Josh Bell losing in the first round of the HR Derby. Sigh. Here are my 3 big takeaways from this week's games: 

1. Josh Bell is the Man

Josh Bell may not have made it out of the first round of the HR Derby, but what a great All-Star representative he was! I loved the story of Bell analyzing his swing late into the night after the HR Derby to see how he can improve. Here's to hoping he gets another chance again soon!

2. Starting Pitching Must Be Much Better

In order for the Pirates to go anywhere this season or even remain relevant going into August and September, the starting pitching MUST be better. Archer gave a glimpse of hope striking out 10 on Friday, but Lyles was roughed up on Saturday and Trevor has continued to struggle. Musgrove has been the only consistent part of the Pirates starting pitching and Agrazal has pitched pretty well, but it is hard to depend on him. I never thought I would say this, but the Pirates desperately need Brault back because it looks like Jamo will be back in mid-August at earliest. 

3. Another Post All-Star Break Meltdown

Oh no, do not do this to us again Pirates. It looks like we may be in store for another post All-Star break meltdown from this team and this fan base might lose its mind if it happens again. It is a mystery what the Pirates will do at the trading deadline, but this next week will tell a lot. 

Position Player of the Week (Last week: Adam Frazier): Starling Marte. Three home runs with only three games this week will easily win you player of the week. It is a shame Marte was hurt for part of the season because he is currently playing at an All-Star level! 

Pitcher of the Week (Last Week: Chris Stratton): Chris Archer. For the first time in a Pirate uniform, Archer showed us all why we were so excited when the Pirates traded for him as he struck out 10 in 6 innings against the Cubs on Friday. In order for the Pirates to compete for a playoff spot, Archer HAS to pitch like this the rest of the season.

Moment of the Week (Last Week: Bell's 3-HR Night vs. Cubs): Marte 3-Run Game Tying HR in the 8th Inning on Friday vs. Cubs. What an absolute bomb this was by Starling Marte! Sadly, the Pirates could not hold on to win this game as Crick quickly gave back the winning run, but it was an amazing moment while it lasted. 

Who Walks the Plank (Last Week: Clint Hurdle): Jordan Lyles. Lyles was exceeding expectations to start the season and it was unrealistic to think he could keep up that pace, but 0.2 IP and 7 ER against a divisional foe will make you walk the plank faster than anyone ever has. Every your swim, Mr. Lyles. 

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Trivia Answer: 20 HRs and in 2018! Marte currently has 15 HRs this season and is on pace to eclipse his career best! 

Upcoming Games: Away: 3 Game Series vs. Cardinals, Home: 3 Game Series vs. Phillies

Record Prediction (Last Week: 2-1.. welp, that did not turn out well): The Pirates have a tough stretch of games this week traveling to St Louis and then hosting Bryce Harper and the Phillies. This is a huge week for the Pirates as the trade deadline is approaching and it is still uncertain if the Pirates will be buyers, sellers, or stay put. The Pirates may have gotten swept by the Cubs, but I refuse myself to lose a little optimism; I predict the Pirates bounce back and take 2 out of 3 in both series.

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think in the comments below. Try to stay positive Pirate fans and Lets Go Bucs!!

-Aaron, TGYK