Fansided

New York Yankees, MLB teams needing a second-half surge

By SJ Tuohy

Jul 18, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts (14) tags out Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) attempting to steal second base during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts (14) tags out Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) attempting to steal second base during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 6, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI triple against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) hits an RBI triple against the Philadelphia Phillies during the eighth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Pirates

Sticking in the division, it’s hard to believe the electric Pirates are second to last in the NL Central, but at 49-46 that is exactly where they are.

The good: The Pirates are THIRD in the league in on base percentage (OBP). I’ve seen money ball, isn’t that supposed to equate to more wins? The bad: No one pitcher in the Pirates usual rotation has a sub .300 OBP against the opposition.

Not even Andrew McCutchen’s unbelievable stats at the plate — .324 with 17 home runs, 61 RBI’s and 57 runs scored — can carry the Pirates to the playoffs by himself. He is going to need some help, especially from the mound. The Pirates will be in the market for some bullpen help before the July 31st trade deadline, and hopefully the All-Star break gave starting pitcher Francisco Liriano a bit more recovery time. The Pirates are going to need wins from him; his current 1-7 record is not going to cut it.

Pittsburgh has a good opportunity to gain some ground and pick up a few wins this weekend in their series against the Colorado Rockies.

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