Pirates Power Rankings: Buccos in Free Fall

The Pirates haven’t won a single game since the last time Pittsburgh Baseball Now ran a power rankings article, entering a seven game free fall. They now sit in last place in the National League Central division, suffering a 1-9 skid since the trade deadline.

While five games out of the last wild card spot isn’t an insurmountable hole to dig their way out of, Pittsburgh’s postseason dreams are on life support… especially with their next two series against teams currently holding a winning record.

Jared Jones made his first minor league rehab start last week after spending more than a month on the Injured List, meaning the Buccos’ rotation will soon receive a much-needed boost, but it might end up too little, too late. Here’s a look at what the various power rankings said about Pittsburgh’s downward spiral.

• MLB.com treated the Pirates with kid gloves despite their miserable week, only demoting them one spot to No. 18… although they did note that it might be time for the club to shift their focus to next season.
• CBS Sports dropped the Pirates five spots to No. 21, saying “it was fun while it lasted” regarding their playoff hopes.
• USA Today bumped the Pirates down two spots to No. 20, pointing out that Paul Skenes has looked human in his last three starts: that said, a 3.16 ERA is still nothing to sneeze at.
• Bleacher Report moved the Pirates three spots to No. 21, asking if they’ll shut Skenes down to keep him healthy once firmly out of the playoff picture.