The Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen

The Pirates have the reigning National League MVP patrolling their outfield, they also a few other very important parts to their team. They did in fact lose Justin Morneau to free agency when he signed with the Colorado Rockies, and AJ Burnett when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Nonetheless the Pirates have a very good core of young players that look to compete in 2014.

The power comes from Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez who proved to be a terrifying duo in 2013. Starling Marte is also emerging as a great talent in the outfield. The Pirates may not have the strongest lineup in the league, but the top of it is stronger than many in the National League. Here is how the Pirates may stack up in 2014.

1. R Jose Tabata RF 119 OPS+
2. S. Neil Walker 2B 115 OPS+
3. R. Andrew McCutchen CF 158 OPS+
4. L. Pedro Alvarez 3B 116 OPS+
5. R. Starling Marte LF 122 OPS+
6. R. Russel Martin C 100 OPS+
7. R. Gaby Sanchez 1B 117 OPS+
8. R. Clint Barmes SS  58 OPS+

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The pitching rotation for the Pirates seems to always perform no matter who is in it. The Pirates always pick up someone and they do phenomenal. They got Francisco Liriano and he performed great, also with AJ Burnett, and plenty other players. This year it may be Edison Volquez, but young gun Garret Cole will be in the rotation and ready to play. Here is how the roation may look in 2014.

1. L. Francisco Liriano  117 ERA+
2. R. Garret Cole  109 ERA+
3. L. Jeff Locke  100 ERA+
4. R. Edison Volquez  60 ERA+
5. L. Wandy Rodriguez  99 ERA+

The bullpen was stripped of Joel Hanrahan last season and Jason Grilli emerged as a great closer. Additionally Mark Melancon came through as a stellar set up man. The bullpen for the Pirates is composed of several other decent arms which combat their half decent rotation.