Is Zoltan watching over the Pirates?

[Buccos13]

Like I said in the chat, don't look now, but the Pirates are just two games below .500. And could it all be because the Bucs started following...Zoltan?

For those of you that don't know (I sure didn't), Zoltan is a fictional character from the 2000 comedy film Dude, Where's my Car?. When characters in the movie would reference Zoltan, they would form a Z with their hands. Watch this short clip from the movie to understand what I mean:



Somehow within the last two weeks, it has become a major trend in the Pirate clubhouse. And since it has, the Pirates have been playing great baseball. "We just started doing it, we've been raking ever since," said A.J. Burnett.

It really got out of control after Rod Barajas' walk-off home run against the Nationals earlier this week, with 20 or so of his teammates standing at home plate forming the sign.

Z1.jpg

It's even made its way to the Pirates' broadcast booth, with announcers Steve Blass and Greg Brown wrapping themselves in bubble wrap and hailing Zoltan.

Z2.jpg

Here's a picture of Josh Harrison making the Z after his own walk off hit this afternoon:

z3.jpg



Obviously this is just fun by the guys, but what it shows to me is the chemistry and unity that can be found in this clubhouse. Clint Hurdle brought that with him when he took over last season, and this year's Pirates look like guys who have fun every night.