Could this be the year?

Last year the Pittsburgh Pirates almost made history. No team has ever gone to the payoffs with a 57 win season which the Pirates were attempting. In the beginning of last season they were in 1st in the division and actually looking very well, which is uncommon for them. They did something they have never done before by selling out PNC Park consecutive nights. The bucco buzz in Pittsburgh was going wild. Everybody loved every second of their winning. I think Pittsburgh fan base is one of the best if not the best around. We sick behind our teams through thick and thin and when their doing good it is insanity. This wining only last till about the All-Star break unfortunately. This was devastating watching them lose game after game. This year though is looking very promising and if the Pirates can put together a full season I believe you will see them late in the playoffs.
The Pirates have had a very good off season with signing prospects, and they still are not done. General Manager Neil Huntington did his job quite well. While declining their options for Cedeno, Doumit, Maholm, and Chris Synder they had to pay a lot in buy outs, which I hope doesn't hurt the budget to much so we can sign more people, because people want the money now-and-days.They already have a great minor league team with some real good talent. Currently they front office is talking with Yankee A.J Burrnet. This could be huge for them if they get him. Some say he's past his prime but he is over a 50% win rate and he pitched for the Yankees the past couple years which is pretty impressive. They have also signed free agents Clint Barnes, to play at short, Casey McGehee, to compete against Garret Jones at first base, Rod Barajas, to play catcher, and lefty Erick Bedard, to make the rotation complete. Rod Barajis could be one of the most important pick-ups because the Pirates have struggled behind the plate with keeping a solid all around player, usually not being able to hit. If he can stay healthy and have a decent batting average and OBP that will be clutch. He got $4 million for 2012 and has a $3.5 million option for 2013. The have signed Nate Mclouth which I am excited for, I am a fan of him and think he does good in Pittsburgh. They signed him for a one year 1.75 million dollar deal. Pedro Alverez will be staying at third and is hoping to stay healthy. He was hurt half the season last year and was very poor BA. He will hurt the team greatly if he has another season like that.
I am exited for this season though and can't wait to be back in one of the greatest stadiums in the MLB. The pitchers and catchers report to spring training Saturday and the rest of the team on the 26th. Feels like the off season went so quick, which I am not complaining about. I just really hope we can put together a full season and be a contender come October. Mccutchen will be a leader of the team again and have another solid season we are hoping for. He is a key player on the roster, if not the best on team, and when he performs well I feel as if the whole team does, they feed off his energy. Our pitching rotation has gotten better and if we get Burrnet will be even better. Staying healthy and being consistent is the key for this season, as well as our new players to step up and play well. This season may be the one the Pirates are no longer considered bad and will be the great team they can be. Lets Go Buccos!