Hitting coach Andy Haines has become a popular target for fan frustration amid plenty of Pirates struggles: losses in 12 of 13 after Sunday's shutout — their 10th, tied for an MLB high — plus ranking 28th in runs (72) and 29th in OPS (.626) this month.
None of this is meant to defend Haines — the results have not been good enough — but the problem could be larger in scope.
The adjustment in strategy actually traces back to this offseason, when general manager Ben Cherington said the Pirates wanted to improve their on-base numbers. In a vacuum, it's not dumb. Have to get on base to score. The issue has been how that strategy has played out for the Pirates, in a couple different ways.
