The Pirates Win Again, but Does it Matter?

The Pirates defeated the Reds today in a Spring Training match up in Bradenton, FL, by a score of 2-1. For those of us keeping track, this makes the Pirates 5-1 thus far. Though Spring Training has no direct bearing on the regular season, it is very nice to see the Bucs pitch so well in the early going. Zach Duke started today and pitched 2 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and 0 walks. After Daniel McCutchen gave up 1 run, 3 hits and a walk in his two innings, 5 Pirates relievers allowed the Reds a combined 3 hits and a walk in 5 scoreless innings. Jason Jaramillo, who is competing for the backup catcher job, threw out two would-be base stealers. The offense didn't do much, aside from scoring the eventual winning run in the 8th, but not much offense was needed today. The Pirates take on the Netherlands World Baseball Classic team tomorrow.


As a Pirate fan, I can't help but cling to every morsel of good news that comes my way. Now I know that the Pirate's impressive Spring Training record thus far doesn't really mean anything, but I felt compelled nonetheless to do a little research on the matter. I compared Spring Training records versus regular season records for all teams over the last six years with the hope of spotting a trend. Granted a strong Spring start does not guarantee a strong Spring finish, so winning percentages could certainly change.

From 2003 through 2008, 91 teams had winning records in Spring Training. Of those 91, 53 would go on to post winning records in the subsequent regular season. That equates to 58%. Focusing only on the Grapefruit League, in which the Pirates play, the percentage improves to 61%. Also, in 2003, Kansas City had the best record in Spring Training and they ended up with a winning record for that year, which is quite rare for the Royals. Just last year, Tampa Bay had the best Spring record and they went to the World Series. However, only half of the past 6 World Champions had winning Springs the same year. Even the Pirates had 2 winning Springs over the past 6 years, and we know how many winning seasons followed. While this little experiment has proven inconclusive, it certainly does appear true that, more often than not, winning teams start winning before the games count.


In other news, the Post-Gazette reported today that outfield prospect Jose Tabata has some sort of shoulder injury. An MRI is scheduled and more information should be available tomorrow. My fingers are crossed.