Pitching-This was definitely the Pirates strong point last season. But A.J. Burnett departed to the cross-state rival Philadelphia Sillies. The Pirates replaced A.J. with RH Edinson Volquez. Volquez hasn't been the same since his All-Star season of 2008, when he went 17-6 with a 3.21 ERA. Last season, he had the highest ERA among eligible NL starters. He's not the only question mark in the starting rotation. Can LH Francisco Liriano repeat last year's NL Comeback Player of the Year performance? Frankie has never put together back-to-back solid seasons but may be motivated to do so considering it's his walk year. Can LH Wandy Rodriguez return to health and his innings-eating form? Will RH Gerrit Cole build upon his fantastic rookie season? Does RH Charlie Morton figure out how to get left handed hitters out and live up to his contract extension? Right now, we hope the answer to these questions is a resounding "Yes". We're looking at a starting rotation of Liriano, Morton, Rodriguez, Cole and Volquez. If anyone should suffer an injury or falter, Taillon isn't the only one waiting in the wings at Triple-A. Then there is the Pirates bullpen. Dubbed the "Shark Tank" last season, these guys feasted on hitters when the Pirates had a lead. The bullpen is anchored by closer Jason Grilli (also in the final year of his contract) and 8th-inning man Mark Melancon. The 1-2 lefty punch of Tony Watson and Justin Wilson return. With RH Bryan Morris assured of making the team, there are still question marks with Jeanmar Gomez, Vin Mazzaro and Stolmy Pimentel. Someone could be released or traded before the final roster is set.
Catcher-The ever-reliable Russell Martin returns for what may be his final season in Pittsburgh. In the offseason, the Pirates acquired light-hitting backstop Chris Stewart to back up Frenchy. However, Stewart begins the season on the DL with a knee. This could be to the Bucs benefit as they'll have Tony Sanchez start the year in Pittsburgh behind Martin. It's a good chance for the kid to soak up as much of Martin's knowledge as he can to get him ready to take over next season. When Stewart is healthy, it's back to Indy for Sanchez where he can play every day. Last season, Martin didn't light up the league with his bat but still managed to come through in the clutch when called upon. And he continues to be one of the best defensive catchers in the game. Stewart is also a defensive gem so imagine the games this pair will call when they get together. And, of course, thou shalt not run on Frenchy!
1B-This position is a BIG question mark for the Pirates. It looks like Gaby Sanchez will get the majority of the starts at first even though he has been horrible against RHs the past few seasons. Andrew Lambo did nothing to win the job in spring training and was sent down to Indy. Non-roster invitee, left-handed hitting Travis Ishikawa will spell Sanchez at first. Although Ishy had a terrific spring, if he were that good, he wouldn't have been a non-roster invitee in the first place. Maybe Lambo can get his head on straight and make it back to the 'Burgh. Or, maybe, GM Neal Huntington will land that ever-elusive everyday first baseman that this team so desperately needs. Until that happens, keep your fingers crossed.
2B-The Pittsburgh Kid, Neil Walker is back to man the bag for the Bucs. Walker had an up and down season last year that was riddled with injuries. If healthy, he has the potential to hit 20 homers and be an offensive weapon for this team. The problem is, some people think he should only be used against RHs. Walker is a switch hitter that works best from the left side of the plate. It makes you wonder if he should be a platoon player. This is the knock on Walker. He's worked this spring on his right handed hitting and I know I've seen him hit lefties. Give the Kid a chance, and he'll show you what he can do.
SS-Jordy Mercer will be the starting, everyday shortstop for the first time in his career. He has the potential for double-digit homers but his defense is suspect. The Pirates are keeping Clint Barmes around as an extra infielder and to help Mercer along with the transition. If Mercer can improve the glovework, his bat should help a lineup that looks woefully deficient in other spots.
3B-All-Star Pedro Alvarez mans the hot corner for the Pirates. Sometimes it's an adventure watching him, both in the field and with the bat. He had a good spring and will try to translate that to a good start for the season, something he, typically does not do. Pedro tied for the NL lead with 36 home runs last year and will work to improve upon that. He's also trying to cut down on the strikeouts and get on base more. He's a big swinger so he'll never go under 3-digits in strikeouts, if he can cut it down to about 150-175, the Pirates will take it.
LF-With the announcement of his contract extension this week, the Pirates look to have Starling Marte as a fixture in left field for years to come. He is looked at as an above-average defensive player with bouts of mental errors. He also is a free swinger in the leadoff spot. If he can stay healthy (not get as many HBPs, perhaps) and work on taking some walks, his on-base percentage can see a definite uptick. He also has the potential for at least 20 home runs. I look for a breakout year and plenty of Marte Partay this season.
CF-Home of the reigning NL MVP. Andrew McCutchen won the award in a down year for him. Look for him to put up bigger and better numbers this year and win back-to-back MVPs.
RF-Another big question mark for the Bucs but only until Polanco gets seasoned at Triple-A. Jose Tabata and Travis Snider will continue to try to hold off Polanco's arrival. While I can't wait to see this stud in front of the Clemente Wall, if he has an extended stay at Indy, that means Snider and Tabata are doing something right.
The bench continues to be a weakness that is ignored by Huntington. There aren't hitters off the bench that can strike fear into an opposing pitching staff. Barmes has been getting some work around the diamond so he can backup more than the shortstop position. Fan favorite Josh Harrison will return. He has some versatility and has been known to get a big hit or two off the bench. Just, please, don't put him in the outfield unless it's a dire emergency.
Manager Clint Hurdle and GM Huntington are in the final year of their contracts. Although the Pirates are expected to pick up both of their options, they have yet to do so. The ship seems to, finally, be righted after all these years. Don't rock the boat by dragging your feet on these deals, Nutting.
Many pundits expect the Pirates to come crashing back to earth this season. The NL Central-winning Cardinals improved too much and the Bucs didn't do enough. Sports Illustrated has them finishing 3rd in the Central behind St Louie & Cincy and 8th overall in the NL. You need to be a top 5 team to reach the postseason. SI says they're good for 83 wins. While I do bleed black-n-gold, I just don't see the Pirates raising the Jolly Roger 94 times like last season. However, I think they can do better than 83. I have the Bucs at 88 wins, battling for a wildcard spot. Like last year, I'd love to see Hurdle and the Bucs prove me wrong and eclipse this mark. While it is a marathon and not a sprint, it is vital to get off to a strong start. Except for 2 games on April 29-30 against Baltimore, the Pirates will face their division rivals the first month of the season. They should capitalize in their first series when they play the Scrubs and work to take as many series as possible. Beating their division opponents consistently is key to winning the division. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
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