(Source) Defensive shifting isn’t a new thing, as any good Ted Williams fan could tell you, but they are becoming more common with the increase in technology on the scouting front. In fact, noted defensive statistician John Dewan reports — via the 2015 Bill James Handbook — that there were 2,464 shifts in Major League Baseball in 2010 and that number rose to 13,296 last season. It’s working, too, as Dewan notes that shifts saved 195 runs in 2014.

The last two years the Pirates have teased fans with October baseball. The teams that used to dominate the central have had some down years and with the addition of a second wild card slot, Pittsburgh has benefited. This Pirates offseason however did not resemble that of other perennial contenders. The A’s made move, the Dodgers made moves, the Nationals made moves. The freaking Cubs added the best pitcher out there to join a young core riddled with potential.

And what did the Pirates do? Nothing, they’re going to go with the shift.

This idea that pitching and defense wins championships is only going to create false hope and leave our balls blue come October. Hell, the way this division improved we might be lucky enough to have that abdominal pain by August. Get me some masher who can discreetly juice up and lets start launching balls into the Allegheny.

There is a certain juicer third baseman training with a Pirate legend that could certainly fill a void…