Thursday, February 16, 2012

Pittsburgh Pirates 2012 Preview

If contending for half a season got you to the playoffs the Pirates would have been lock in 2011, but unfortunately for them a baseball season is 162 games.  Last year they went out and made some moves that should have put them over the top but that didn't work out.  Now those 2 month rentals are gone the team will again have to rely on its great young core to compete.  Andrew McCutchen will look to build on his All Star year and lead this team.  The pitching staff did have some good surprises last year in Charlie Morton and James McDonald both had very good years.  They did add some veteran help this year and this should at least make them a player in the NL Central.  Let's take a look at how the Pirates will look come Opening Day.
Starting Rotation- Morton and McDonald both have the stuff to be the ace of the staff, but expect to see new addition Erik Bedard also to get some attention here.  Jeff Karstens and Kevin Correia will round out the rotation, and if the four returners pitch like they did last year the team should have a shot to win a lot of ball games.  Bedard is an interesting pitcher and the Pirates hope they get the guy that showed a lot of promise before struggling in Seattle.
Bullpen- All Star Joel Hanrahan will be the closer and the way he put out fires last year should be back in the Mid Summer Classic again.  Daniel McCutchen and Evan Meek will be a pair of the guys who will help the set the table for Hanrahan.  Chris Resop, Jason Grilli and Tony Watson will round out the rest of the 'pen, with Grilli possibly seeing some long relief appearances.
Catcher- Newly signed Rod Barajas will be the starter behind the dish and will add some offense to the lineup.  Jose Morales will be the guy that sees the field when Barajas needs a day off.
Infield- Pirate fans are still waiting for Pedro Alvarez to show all his promise and hopefully that year will be now, if not look for Casey McGehee to play at third.  Garrett Jones will be at first and if he produces like last year will be a solid fit.  Neil Walker coming off a season in which he only missed 3 games, will be the second baseman and look to build on a solid year.  Shortstop will go to Clint Barmes who looks to have a great first year in Pittsburgh.  Look for Chase d'Arnaud to be a utility man and for McGehee to also see some time at first base.
Outfield- Andrew McCutchen will be in CF and will continue to be the leader this team needs.  Left field should go to Pirate returner Nate McLouth but could get some competition from youngster Alex Presley, no not Elvis.  Right fielder Jose Tabata will look to hit the field full time this year and could do big things.
Lineup-
1. Nate McLouth- Should provide a good spark.
2. Neil Walker- Will be in the lineup as much as possible.
3. Andrew McCutchen- Another All Star year, guarantee it!
4. Rod Barajas- Plenty of pop still left in his belt.
5. Garrett Jones- Could get to 20 HR's.
6. Pedro Alvarez- Will he show us why he was a #1 pick?
7. Jose Tabata- Typical contact hitter.
8. Clint Barmes- Veteran who could slide up in the lineup.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

Clint Hurdle has his work cut out for him this year yet again but with the division being more wide open then it has been in the past, this could be his year.  We think that they are still a couple years away from the top of the Central, but they will be relevant for the whole season and should get to .500.  Hopefully for the fans this will be the year they end the 19 year streak of losing season.  Best of luck in 2012 Pirates Fans!


-Buddy

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