The Pirates are who I thought they were, so I won't let them off the hook!
Before the season I wouldn't have been surprised if they were a game or two above or below .500.
The Pirates ARE three games over .500 just seven days before the trade deadline. That has them at four games back for the second Wild Card in the National League. It's where they were always going to be.
Sure, they've won 10 games in a row. Sure, their outfielders are playing better than any trio in baseball. Sure, the pitching staff has suddenly turned things around.
The Pirates may have gotten to three games over .500 in dramatic fashion, but this is what they were always expected to be. Don't let the theatrics cloud the way you look at them.