The Pirates play in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, the NL Central. There are also teams outside of the division that look locked and loaded. The division rival Cubs are expected to contend with new manager Joe Maddon and mega-free agent pick up Jon Lester to bolster the rotation. The Padres have stocked up for a playoff run, picking up Justin and Melvin Upton, Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Craig Kimbrel, etc. The Marlins are expected to make a run with $325 million-man Giancarlo Stanton and company. The Codgers, Gnats, and Cardinals are all stacked from top-to-bottom. Milwaukee was in first place in the NL Central for most of last season. Cincy is expected to contend with a healthy lineup. And you can't discount the World Champion San Fran Giants.
When the Pirates finally broke through to the postseason in 2013, the city erupted as the Buccos bounced Cincy from the Wild Card game and took St Louie to five games in the NLDS. Last year's Wild Card game was a different story as San Fran came to town and gave the Bucs a Giant beatdown, 8-0. All the more reason for the Pirates to take it to the next level, the NL Central title. It's time to stop messing around with the Wild Card and the Pirates know that. That's why they gave LH Franciso Liriano, today's Opening Day starter, the richest free agent contract in Pirates history. It's also the reason they brought back RH AJ Burnett. And why they won the bidding for Korean INF Jung Ho Kang. It's also why the Pirates bullpen will do their best imitation of the Cards' bullpen and bring the heat this season.
Although many fans were grousing that the Pirates could have done more to move up in the NL this season, signed a big-name free agent, or made a trade that would upgrade the roster, the Pirates feel the moves they made are enough to punch their ticket to the top of the NL Central and give them a one-way ride to the World Series.
If the Pirates hope to get over the hump, they'll have to get off to a fast start and take care of business in the division. 28 of their first 38 games are against NL Central rivals. In an 162-game season, you may run a marathon but you need to get out of the gates quickly. The Pirates will also have to learn to win on the road. The Bucs were 37-44 away from PNC Park last year. They need to remember to drive in runners, too. No leaving any Bucs on the pond this season.
The Washington Nationals starting rotation is looked upon as the best in the Majors. St Louie's starters are nothing to sneeze at, either. The Pirates rotation is not considered a strength going into this season. Both Liriano and RH Gerrit Cole missed stretches last year due to injury. Burnett is 38 years old and coming off a season in which he led MLB in walks (96) and losses (18). He also had surgery for a hernia in the offseason. LH Jeff Locke was given a spot in the rotation following a lousy spring. When RH Charlie Morton was put on the DL, it was only then that Manager Clint Hurdle put RH Vance Worley in the rotation.
The relievers boast many new hard throwers as well as LH Tony Watson and RH Mark Melancon, All-Star pitchers last year. If either Watson and/or Melancon regresses, there are many guys in the bullpen packing heat that could take over.
There will be a new face behind the plate as C Francisco Cervelli tries to pick up where Russell Martin left off. He's got some mighty big shoes to fill. Backup Chris Stewart starts the season on the DL. Tony Sanchez will have limited time to prove that his breakout spring wasn't a fluke.
The infield looks loaded. They'll have All-Star Josh Harrison at 3B for a full year. SS Jordy Mercer will look to improve upon his terrific 2nd half from last season. 2B Neil Walker will try to break more Pirates records this season. Let's face it, all eyes will be on 1B Pedro Alvarez. Pedro tries to learn a new position as he also tries to find his home run swing.
The outfield looks like the most talented unit on the team, with the highest upside. LF Starling Marte and RF Gregory Polanco are expected to reach CF Andrew McCutchen's stratosphere soon. The Pirates have so much confidence in Polanco's abilities that they traded away safety net Travis Snider.
Hurdle is calling the Pirates bench the best he's had since he's been in Pittsburgh. Jung and UT Sean Rodriguez are expected to spell the infielders. OF/1B Corey Hart is considered the right-handed bat that will platoon with either Polanco in right or Alvarez at first, should his gimpy knees hold up. OF/1B Andrew Lambo had another bad spring but will be the lone left-hander to pinch hit off the bench
Mrs. Black-N-Gold was really feeling it for this team back at the beginning of Spring Training. She was thinking 93 wins and the NL Central title. As Spring Training progressed, she began to wonder. Like every team, this team has many "ifs" and will need their health to stand up and the question marks to be erased.
Can Pedro find his swing at 1B? Will he be able to throw anyone out if the opportunity presents itself? Can Kang, Rodriguez, Hart and Lambo be counted on from the bench? Can the starting rotation step up? Will Cole take his game to the next level and become the ace? Will the bullpen put the heat on opposing batters? Can Walker stay healthy and prove he deserves a long-term deal? Will the outfield prove that they are the best in baseball? Will Cervelli help fans forget Martin? And, most importantly, did the front office do enough to get this team out of the Wild Card and to the top of the NL Central?
Half way through Spring Training, Mrs. Black-N-Gold was thinking that this team is good for 88 wins and another trip to the Wild Card. But then, something happened. Hurdle started playing his regulars more in Grapefruit League action. And they began to look good. Sure, they still had their moments, that's why it's Spring Training.
Now that the games really matter, Mrs. Black-N-Gold still thinks your Pittsburgh Pirates can win the NL Central crown this season. She's going to split the difference and give them 91 wins. They are going to meet the Chicago White Sox in the World Series and win, bringing their 6th Championship to the Steel City. Mark it down and see you in October. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
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