THE BULLPEN

Happy Hoka Hey Day! According to Pirates’ assistant GM Kyle Stark, “it’s a good day to die”. Today, my belief that the Pirates will ever field a competitive, winning team under this regime has died. When I purchased tickets to this Sunday’s game against the Reds back at the beginning of August, I was hoping they’d be battling it out for the NL Central title. Boy, was I ever naïve! I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that they’d fall this far for the second season in a row. No team in MLB history has been 16 games over .500 at the 2/3 point of the season and finished under .500. Until now. Owner Bob Nutting and team president Frank Coonelly had promised accountability for this franchise. Until now. Coonelly announced GM Neal Huntington, Kyle Stark, head of player development (or lack thereof), Greg Smith, head of scouting and manager Clint Hurdle would all be retained despite this collapse of historic proportions. The Pirates need to finish 6-1 for a winning record. At 6-18 for the month, that’s not likely. Where’s the accountability Bob?  The only thing Bob Nutting is accountable for is his money. Shame on Nutting!