The Pirates have not gotten off to the hottest start this year with a losing record of 20-22 as of May 23. Many feel that the offense has been the main reason for most of their losses.

On the flip side, the pitching for the Pirates has been pretty consistent especially with A.J. Burnett and Gerrit Cole. They are both at the top of their game and are doing their best to keep the games at bay for their offense. Unfortunately, they have not been able to keep up with Burnett’s and Cole’s dominance. But there is also another major problem that has hindered the team’s overall success.

As of March 16, 2015, Jayson Stark, a senior writer for ESPN, claimed that the “Pittsburgh Pirates could have baseball’s best outfield.” But as of right now, he would probably like to take back his statement for the time being.

Most of the Pirates’ losses seemed to be winnable games but just could not put the components together, the fielding being one of them.

Starling Marte, the left fielder for the Pirates, and has been under the most of the spotlight for being lazy. When listening to the broadcast on the radio, one of the announcers described his play using the word “nonchalant.”

Against the Minnesota Twins, Marte did the same thing except this time it was literally the difference of score when the Pirates lost later that night. The bases were loaded with Joe Mauer, the Twins’ first baseman, and he singled a ball to left field. But instead of only one or two runs scoring, the bases cleared with all three runs scoring. Why? Marte jogged up to the ball, and by the time he threw the ball it was too late.

The other fielders are guilty of similar stories during the season. They will come back during the course of season as they show signs of a promising season in some spots. The offense of the Pirates’ as well as the defense will have to improve and run more smoothly to reach their expectations. That would be to win the World Series. It will certainly take work to get out of the slow start to get to that goal but it is certainly attainable.

The first two games against the New York Mets have shown what they are capable of showcasing Cole, Burnett, and an all together better team. Hopefully, the Pirates can come back from a slow start as they did last year.