This is simple, really: Great starting pitching is akin to great quarterbacking in the sense that if you have it, you have a chance. You’re close, by any reasonable estimation. You have done the hard part.

Unfortunately, the Pirates have been unable to manage the easy part, which is forming even an average offensive team. General manager Ben Cherington has mangled that mission beyond belief, so if he’s still the guy in charge this offseason, you can forget everything below.

Cherington needs to go. That is step No. 1 for owner Bob Nutting. The Pirates must bring in a Jim Rutherford-type closer to finish this endless rebuilding job, somebody who can wheel and deal his way into some productive bats to complement the pitching. The Pirates don’t need Juan Soto. They just need some professiona

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