No one talking about the Pirates... Think they make another playoff push this year and possibly win the division.
Best outfield in baseball, Pedro bounce back year, being at first should take some pressure off his shoulders that he was feeling at third. He needs to find his power again and cut back on the K's.
Walker another solid year at 2nd.
If Harrison can be even close to his production level last year he will be a good option at the hot corner.
Polanco, Marte, and Cutch in the outfield. Don't see too many balls finding gaps against this team.
Mercer is above average at shortstop.
Only major holes are catching with Cervelli. I really wish we could have found a way to sign Martin again but the asking price was WAY too high, especially a guy having his best career year at 31. Think he will regress and 85 million is way too much to gamble with.
Starting pitching is solid.
Cole will have a monster year
Liriano will be solid if he can stay healthy
Burnett back in Pittsburgh, think he also has a very solid year. He killed it for the Pirates 2 years ago and then had a free fall in Philly, but actually pitched better than his numbers suggested. He's still a big strike out guy.
Bullpen is a bity shaky, not sure about Hughes. Holdzkom pitched amazing last year but doesn't have the experience and hasn't pitched a lot of innings. Bastardo and Pimental are shaky. Think we need another solid arm in there.
Melancon is as good as they get at closing games out.
Searage is the best pitching coach in the majors in my opinion. Look at what he's done for Burnett, Volquez, and Liriano. The guy turns everything into gold. Don't forget about a possible Tyler
Glasnow call up in August as well. Guy is FILTHY.
It's really going to come down to Marte and Polanco playing to their abilities, Cervelli being solid enough at catching, and the bullpen being able to hold up. Look for them to make some pitching moves at the all star break when they are only a couple games back in the division.
I think this is the year for them while Cutch is in his prime and he has unbelevable young talent to his left and right, it's time to make some moves
Baseball cannot come soon enough!
30/1 odds seem like a joke for this team.
30/1 5 units
To win the NL 14/1 5 units
BOL
LetsGoBucs