Pirates Power Rankings: Offense Waking Up?

The Pittsburgh Pirates showed signs of life at the plate on Sunday, scoring five runs for the first time in ten days as they claimed a series win over the Colorado Rockies. With seven more games in this homestand and a three game slate against the 12-22 Los Angeles Angels awaiting them this week, the Pirates—who now sit in the cellar of the National League Central at 16-19—have an opportunity to get back to their early season winning ways. Admittedly, three games against the A’s last week provided much the same opportunity… and the Pirates ended up falling in a sweep.

The club retained some good will among national pundits during the early days of their cold spell, but such free passes for poor results are long gone at this point. Here’s a look at what the various power rankings have to say about the Buccos as another week begins.

• MLB.com dropped the Pirates five spots to No. 25, pointing out just how long ago their early season hot streak feels today.
• CBS Sports kept them at No. 23 and noted that despite the Rockies’ pitiful 3-16 record on the road, Pittsburgh’s weekend series (and their upcoming slate with the Angels) gives them an excellent chance to get back on their feet. 
• Bleacher Report demoted the Pirates to the same No. 23 spot despite complimenting them for getting back on track with a series win over the Rockies.
• USA Today dropped the Pirates one spot to No. 22, asking when the club will finally decide to bring Paul Skenes into the big league fold.
• FOX Sports, which only ranks the top ten clubs, did not deem the Pirates fit for the upper echelons of Major League Baseball.