Sean

I don't know that you have to necessarily...

make the playoffs for it to be a clear step forward this season.

If the team came up, let's say, a game or two shy of the postseason, but we're in the mid-80s, would you consider that a successful season, Austin?

I would if I'm a Pirates fan, even though there'd be some disappointment that you didn't get in the playoffs because it's such a toss-up in baseball.

Once you get in, anything can happen.

So 84 wins and missing the wild card by two games.

Well, you did say playoffs or bust.

To me, bust would correlate to a failure.

Which I think is getting a little bit too high of expectations for a team that hasn't even threatened.

Yes, I think above 500 and competing for the playoffs is probably the expectation I would have.

I don't think that they're a team that you look at and say they should be in the playoffs, if you're being honest.

Because even in their own division, I would say at best they have to slot in as the number three team.

If you dismiss the Brewers, you've not followed recent history.

They continue, no matter what players they lose in a given offseason...

to contend and make the playoffs.

And as you mentioned, the Cubs are clearly more talented on paper than the Pirates.

So I think it's realistic to say they're the third best team in the division.

I don't think you should necessarily look at it and say they have to be in the playoffs, but you have to get a major step forward.

And for me, more than the wins and losses, you need to see those young players or those foundational pieces clearly be better this year.

Austin, I keep thinking of Lindsey Vonn, and I know it's different because obviously with Crosby, there is that other season with the NHL, but she knew the risk she was taking with what, did she have a torn ACL?