When looking at the unofficial first half of the Pirates’ 2012 season, there are many surprises. Journeyman Jason Grilli has been lights out this year and is thriving in his role as a setup man by striking out hitters at a remarkable pace. Many knew Andrew McCutchen was going to be a star, but 18 homers and .360 at the break couldn’t have been on anyone’s radar. A.J. Burnett came over from the Yankees after three disappointing seasons there only to revitalize his career in Pittsburgh going 10-2 in the first half. While all of those are factors to the Pirates being 11 games over .500, the biggest surprise may be the emergence of James McDonald.
Many thought that McDonald would have a breakout season this year, but McDonald has exceeded all of those expectations. With a 9-3 record and a 2.37 ERA going into the All-Star break, McDonald said that confidence is the biggest change between this year and last year.
“The difference is my attitude and mentality on the mound,” McDonald said. “Some guidance I’ve gotten from players has also helped me become better. It’s nothing with the pitch repertoire the stuff was always the same. It’s more of a mental thing. Strike one, strike two and get after them.”
Rod Barajas is one of the teammates that has helped out McDonald and while he didn’t see much of him before this season, he is happy with the progression he’s made.
“Before this season, I didn’t know much about James,” Barajas said. “In spring training though, we got to work together and I saw how good his stuff was. Between A.J. and I working with him, you can see the change in confidence that he has this year.”
A.J. of course is referring to Burnett. While Barajas has helped McDonald out a lot this year, he told me that a big part of his success is Burnett.
“A.J. has been a big help to me. He notices things when I’m on my mound and my mound presence he’s helped me with that,” McDonald said. “He has taught me how to attack hitters. When he talks to me and tells me ‘Don’t be afraid of your stuff. You can get anybody out.’ It’s the confidence that guys put it in me and I can finally believe in myself. I do have decent pitches that I can get anyone out and I shouldn’t be afraid. The confidence I have allows me to believe in myself now and that means a lot.”
McDonald has used the tutelage of Burnett to make him a better person on and off the field. After Saturday’s game, Burnett and McDonald walked off the field along with Josh Harrison and Pedro Alvarez during Daughtry’s post game concert. The crowd started applauding for McDonald as Burnett motioned for them to stand and cheer. He looked at McDonald and told him to acknowledge them and that this is real.
As part of their All-Star break, McDonald said besides a cookout at Burnett’s house, the two were planning on going fishing.
“No he’s pretty good,” McDonald said with a smile when I asked if he returned the favor in teaching Burnett about fishing. “I didn’t have to teach him anything with that.”
Not only is McDonald confident about his stuff this year, but when it comes to his team being in first place with a 48-37 record at the break, McDonald said it’s no surprise to him.
“It’s not hard to believe. Coming in I believed we had a good team,” McDonald said. “When everyone doubted our offense at the beginning of the season, our guys stood behind them. We knew that they were going to start hitting and it was only a matter of time. Now you guys see the final product. We aren’t surprised with how we are performing now.”
Over the better part of two decades, the Pirates have been the kid in high school that was bullied routinely. McDonald said this year is different and he and his teammates have a chip on their shoulder each day.
“Everybody looks at Pittsburgh as a team they can come in and beat,” McDonald said. “I feel like all of us have a chip on our shoulder to let guys know we’re competitors and here to compete. I want to be that guy that shows others teams that we are for real. That we have quality players here. We’re going to be good for awhile.”
While McDonald notices that the city is enjoying the team’s success this year, he said seeing the way his teammates react is the best part.
“You notice it, but it’s better when you’re around your teammates and see how they are,” McDonald said. “We’re happy and having fun. That’s the biggest thing I’m noticing. Everyone is coming to the ballpark having fun and having a good time.”
The record helps out with the attitude around the park as well.
“I’m coming to the ballpark, having a good time,” McDonald said. “It’s better that we’re winning a bunch of games. Winning always makes it fun.”
Photo Credits: Getty Images
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