The 1993-2012 All Losing Streak Team
If you’re as big of a fan of the Pirates as I am, you get lots of joy thinking back on the players of the past. Unfortunately, the bulk of players during my fandom played during the infamous two decade losing streak from 1993-2012. But just because the team as a whole was unsuccessful doesn’t mean there weren't some individual players who came through Pittsburgh that had success.
I’ve always wondered what might have been if we could’ve gotten all the good players during those tough times together on one team, would the streak have been broken sooner? So let’s do it. But to make it interesting, I’m instituting a few rules.
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- The entirety of their Pirates career needs to have occurred during the streak. This would disqualify players like Andrew McCutchen or Andy Van Slyke, who played for our Buccos outside the losing streak years.
- I will select only one season from their Pirates career during the streak and the year can not be used for another player. For example, I can’t choose 1995 Al Martin and 1995 Orlando Merced.
- No position swapping, this isnt the Gold Gloves where three CFs all get the award. They must have played the bulk of games at the position they were selected.
Without further ado, I give you the definitive 1993-2012 All Losing Streak Pirates Starting 9.
1 C Jason Kendall, 2000, .320 AVG, 14 HRs, 58 RBIs
Kendall didn't always bat leadoff, but the irregularity of having a catcher in the leadoff spot was too enticing to pass up. His offense made you overlook his subpar defensive capabilities. He was tough (just ask Gary Sheffield), overcame a gruesome ankle injury the season prior, and packed a chaw with the best of them. 2003 CF Kenny Lofton was also a choice I considered for leadoff, but his short time in black and gold that season gives Kendall the nod.
2 SS Jack Wilson, 2004, .308 AVG, 11 HRs, 59 RBIs
This was a magical year for Jumpin Jack Flash. The leather was always there, but this year his bat really came alive, earning him his sole Silver Slugger award and his lone All Star appearance. With Jay Bell disqualified, there really wasn’t much competition at this position. I know modern baseball sabermetric enthusiasts want the best hitter in this spot, but sabermetrics can suck it. I like a guy who can lay down a good bunt in this spot and Jack Wilson can certainly do that.
3 CF Brian Giles, 1999, .315 AVG, 39 HRs, 115 RBIs
I know! I know! Brian Giles was a Left Fielder! Not true in 1999 and his early Pirates days. In 99, the lefty slugger spent the majority of his games patrolling Center Field. It was his first and arguably best offensive season with the Buccos. With 39 bombs, it was hard not to choose this seeing as 30 home run seasons were not very plentiful during the losing streak. Also seeing as this was a season spent commanding Center Field, it allowed me some much needed flexibility (not financial).
4 LF Jason Bay, 2005, .308 AVG, 32 HRs, 101 RBIs
The sole Canadian on this list, Jason Bay had an incredible campaign in 2005 after winning Rookie of the Year the season before. His 2006 is arguably slightly better, however I’m not choosing it solely for his Home Run Derby performance in his home ballpark. Plus, he swiped 21 bags in 2005 compared to just 11 in 2006. Some would argue to swap Giles and Bay in the batting order, as the cleanup is more for the power bat. I would argue Bay protecting Giles creates a much deadlier combo. And it also allows me that “flexibility” transition, which is far more important.
5 3B Aramis Ramirez, 2001, .300 AVG, 34 HRs, 112 RBIs
The hot corner. Ram Ram’s (yeah I just made that nickname up) numbers were too good to pass on. Not to mention there was not much competition for him on either side of his Pirates career minus one utility guy (more on that later). He was young and the talent was obvious. And he could've contended for other years had he stuck around PNC Park longer than he did.
6 RF Reggie Sanders, 2003, .285 AVG, 31 HRs, 85 RBIs
I knew we were primed for a fun first half of the season in 2003. That year we signed Kenny Lofton (great hitting streak that year), Randall Simon (the sausage beater), and Reginald (I think?) Sanders. They got traded, but Reggie stayed the whole year. Right Field has always been a revolving door for the Buccos but Reggie held it down nicely in 2003. He put up impressive numbers but also looked really cool doing it in the Black and Gold.
7 1B Kevin Young, 1998, .270 AVG, 27 HRs, 108 RBIs
KY. Need I say more? Yeah, I probably should. I think his 97 season is better, but he played in far fewer games. KY was a very good defensive First Baseman. He was a big target with decent power. Considering the era he played in, it’s easy to see how he snuck between the cracks of the bat against someone like Big Mac in 98. But don’t sleep on KY.
8 2B Freddy Sanchez, 2007, .304 AVG, 42 doubles, 81 RBIs
How could I not select a season in which a Pirate won the batting title?! This isn’t about selecting Freddy’s best season. It’s about compiling the best team during the losing streak. And while his 2006 mostly playing Third Base NL Batting Title was something to marvel at, his
2007 primarily Second Base stint was nothing to scoff at either. While Freddy didn't often put the ball over the fence, he was a gap shot guy racking up two baggers. He could very easily get the leftovers that the big boys in front of him don’t cash in. And he also gets on base a lot to let the guys at the top of the order get some rib eyes. Who else you got at second base? (1997 Tony Womack is the only argument I’ll entertain)
9 SP Paul Skenes, 2002.
Okay I’m kidding. But let’s not act like a brand new baby boy God blessed with a canon right arm isn’t a realistic choice. I think he goes out and gets you six quality even if he can’t walk.
For real this time. This was probably the hardest for obvious reasons.
9 SP Denny Neagle, 1995, 13-8 W-L, 3.43 ERA, 209.2 IP
Like I said this was very difficult to find, and a VERY big reason why the streak even existed. But I settled on Denny. His name reminds me of the breakfast joint. Really solid year on a bad team. There’s a few pitchers who I would’ve taken but favored offensive players (I’m looking at you 04 Ollie and 05 Duke). I also felt like this was 2000s heavy and wanted to toss in a little more 90s to even it out.
There it is, decades of players and wonderful moments but light on wins. Just think if this collective could have all played during the same year. They could’ve vanquished those dark years far sooner than 2013.
