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2014 NL Central Preview And Predictions
By Dan Hughes
Mar 3, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder
Andrew McCutchen(22) misses a fly ball during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
4) Pittsburgh Pirates: 78-84
1- Why will this team exceed expectations?
From Rum Bunter staff: Because the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff is better than everyone thinks.
2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?
Because the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching staff isn’t as good as everyone thinks.
3- Look for the team to make (this trade)
No trades until after the trade deadline when the #FirstPlaceBucs need a backup shortstop due to veteran Clint Barmes needed an emergency appendectomy.
4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect)
Gregory Polanco, Jameson Taillon, Andrew Lambo, Tony Sanchez…oh I better stop. The Pirates are loaded with talent throughout their system. The upper levels are full of skilled players, but there is only one Polanco who was the hands down MVP during the winter season crushing pitchers on a nightly basis. Polanco will get the call in mid-June to join the team as its right fielder.
Taillon is another prototypical Pirates fuzz-throwing donkey who needs some seasoning in Triple-A Indianapolis before busting on the scene to help the Pirates during another stretch run.
Lambo will be working on his defensive game. The power numbers were off the charts last season for Beezy who crushed 33 bombs over two levels.
Tony Sanchez is the second best catcher on the team and will spend his days catching the deep talent pool at Triple-A. The team has Chris Stewart backing up Russell Martin and feels Sanchez should play every day in order to stay sharp.
Also keep an eye on Tyler Glasnow. Just look at what the 6’7″ right hander put up video game numbers in the low levels, striking out 164 hitters in 111.1 innings while giving up just 54 hits. The talent is deep and wide in the Bucs system, it’s impossible to finger just one prospect that will emerge.