THE BULLPEN

     Well, our Pittsburgh Pirates are enjoying a well-deserved break, following back-to-back walk-off wins in extra innings over NL Central-leading St Louie. Ok, not all of our Buccos are on a break. CF Andrew McCutchen, and RHs AJ Burnett, Gerrit Cole and Mark Melancon are all enjoying the sights and sounds of Cincinnati as they prepare for the All-Star Game tonight. As we all take a breather, let's look back at 3 key players who helped lead the Bucs to the 2nd best record in the NL at 53-35. Then, , tomorrow we'll take a look at 3 players that need to step it up as we head into the 2nd half.

1)AJ Burnett-No doubt about it, AJ, in his return to Pittsburgh for his final season, has been the talk of the town. During the offseason, the talk was whether or not AJ could bounce back from a horrendous season in Philly last year, leading the league in losses as well as other various, not-so-impressive categories. Another question was if he'd be able to mend fences with Manager Clint Hurdle after their dust-up during the 2013 NLCS, when Gerrit Cole was tagged to start Game 5, instead of AJ. Well, those questions and many others have been answered, in spades. Not only has AJ made his first All-Star Game, his numbers have shown drastic improvement across the board. His 7-3 mark doesn't do him justice as lack of run support hindered Batman early in the season. And AJ has been a model citizen, continuing to mentor the youngsters on the staff. He also keeps the locker room loose, giving deserving Buccos teammates a whipped cream pie to the face following a win.

2)Gerrit Cole-As the first 13-game winner in MLB this season at 13-3, the Cole Train is definitely on the right track. There were concerns about Cole following last year's injury-marred season. But a new training regimen, dedicated to maintaining his health, has helped boost the former #1 pick to his first All-Star nod. Cole has taken charge of the pitching staff, leading by example as he puts the brakes on the rare Pirates losing streak. He has the stuff to face a team's best hitter and send him straight back to the bench.

3)Francisco Cervelli-Pirates fans were worried sick when the Bucs lost out on the Russell Martin Sweepstakes. But as quickly as Martin signed with Toronto, the Buccos re-loaded with another former Yankees backstop. There were all kinds of question marks when Frankie C. arrived in Da 'Burgh. Chief among them where the issues regarding his health. Frankie had an injury-riddled career that kept him in the trainer's room more than the lineup. But Frankie has performed like the Energizer Bunny this season with his energy. He's also wound up like a Timex watch in that he "takes a licking and keeps on ticking". Apparently, Frankie rubbed some folks in New York the wrong way with his enthusiastic attitude. Not so in Pittsburgh where everyone from the coaches, to the pitching staff, to his teammates, to the fans all love Frankie C. And with his batting average hovering around .300, it looks like there's more good things to come. Like the song says "That's Amore".

Don't forget to catch Mrs. Black-N-Gold again tomorrow when she gives you 3 Pirates that need to kick their game up a notch if the Pirates are to overtake St Louie for the NL Central title. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!