Beep Beep Beep goes the Wrecking Ball Truck

Wishful thinking Brian.  Seriously wishful thinking.  On the afternoon following the final page of a woefully troubling chapter in an even more woefully troubling book, we can look back at a forgettable season that, sadly and ironically, won't be forgotten any time soon.  One only had to catch the highlights, well, lowlights, from yesterday's 4-0 loss to the seemingly perennially playoff bound Atlanta Braves to get a summation of the Buccos epic second half collapse.  No runs scored, opposing runners stealing bases, game ends on a called strike three with runners on base - the 11th K of the game.  How fitting that this sad sack team finishes on a whimper, with a bat resting on Jose Tabata's shoulder.  In what should have been a critical 6 game homestand, the Bucs' offense, with renewed listlessness, managed a total of 12 meager runs, scoring 3 or less 5 times, while getting shutout twice and no-hit once.  What a great ending by a team implored by it's manager to "Finish!"  The only finish that the 2012 Pirates managed this week was the finishing of their fanbase's suffering through the merciful arrival of Out #27 of Game #162. 

Today's news brought us quips from owner Bob Nutting vowing that this injustice will not go unnoticed, while coyly no-commenting on the job statuses of his so-called Single Best Management Team in Baseball.  The gallery of Nutting critics is scoffing right now, as the vibe seems to be that nuttin's gonna change. (yes, all pun intended.).  "We're reviewing all sorts of options..."  Hmmm, really?

Tomorrow's post: breaking down what went right, what went wrong, and what needs to happen for 2013.