Coming off a World Championship in 2015, the 2016 version of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks practically dead on alike. All the starters on offense return, all the rotation returns, and the bullpen is thought to be at least a bit better now. Could we see a repeat? One would think they could be the NL favorite, but with that comes the target on the back that everyone will be shooting for. Expect stiff competition from the NL Central and an improved NL as a whole.

Catcher
Edwin Oliveira had a season ending injury in late September and missed the playoffs. For the 2015 season, he went .309 with 6 HR and 67 RBI with a 52/20 BB/K ratio. He hit leadoff most of the year for the team and played his position well. With the departure of Javi Herrera at the trade deadline last year, the Pirates acquired Cody Collet to fill the backup role from Oakland. Collet did a decent job in his spot and is expected to do the same this year. As for the future, Russell Cockerham, the 5.0 spec, filled in for Oliveira during the last month of the season and into the playoffs, guiding the staff well and posting a .325 average during the season, along with 15 steals and an OBP of .411. During the playoffs, his numbers took a bit of a dip, but he still cranked out 7 steals. After a little more seasoning, the 23 year old will be ready for the everyday catching duties. The catcher spot is bright now and in the future.

First Base
Todd Bearden once again held down the first base position. He posted a .315 average with 10 HR and 63 RBI, making his first NL All Star team. He was among the league leaders in average and doubles, hitting out of the two hole for the powerful Pittsburgh offense. He is backed up by Steven Davis, a utility infielder with a good contact bat and great defensive skills. As for the future at the position, no 1B exhists in the minors for the Pirates, but with Bearden at age 27, this poses no immediate concern. Worst case scenerio, Russell Cockerham, the star catcher spec, also plays first and could enter the position with little problem. Expect this to eventually become a target to be filled by the Pirates.

Second Base
Generally regarded as the weak offensive position last year on the team, it was split by Alejandro Machado and Omar Quintanilla. Both return this year, but in reserve roles. Donald Karl, a slugging 3B in the minors, was taught the second base position and played it well. During the September callups, Karl hit .281 with 5 HR and 14 RBI but where Karl really made his mark was during the Pirates run to the title, when during the playoffs Karl hit .278 with 7 HR and 12 RBI in only 54 at bats. Assuming no setbacks, Karl will enter opening day as the second baseman for the Pirates. His primary backup will be Omar Quintanilla, a veteran that has been with the Pirates for a long time. He proves a good glove and good contact and speed off the bench. As for the future, a number of second baseman patrol the minors for the Pirates, but none have established themselves as the man to focus on. Once again, however, with Karl only 25 years old, this is not a point of major concern.

Shortstop
The reigning NL Rookie of the Year mans the Shortstop position for the Pirates. Erubiel Valverde hit .305 with 17 HR and 94 RBI in his inaugural Major League season. Valverde also has shown good patience at the plate. His backup falls to the aforementioned Omar Quintanilla. The future, no spec is tabbed for the shortstop position, but continuing the pattern, with Valverde only 25 years old, this is not a point for concern.

Third Base
Solid player Christopher Shrout returns again for the title defense. He hit .295 with 16 HR and 94 RBI last year, good numbers for the switch hitter. Backed up by Steven Davis, third base is no worry for the Pirates. The future is like the other infield positions, with no firm tabbed spec but with Shrout completing the leagues most talented young infield at the age of 25, there is no concern at the present time for the future of the position.

Outfield
The 2015 Most Valuable Player for the National League calls right field in PNC Park home. Bill Goering was dubbed with this honor after hitting .320 with 33 HR and 127 RBI even after being sat down the entire month of September. Steven Riddick missed the All Star Game for the first time last year, but still posted great numbers (24 HR, 83 RBI) and the ageless wonder returns again for his encore. Tony Alvarez, thought to be gone after being unable to work an extension last year, signed for less than he was asking for and comes back to the team where it all began for him. Last year, he hit .306 with 18 HR and 93 RBI, not bad for the 36 year old centerfielder. The future looks strong. Ready and willing to step in should Mr. Alvarez decline is Nobuyori Matsusuke, who was acquired from San Diego two years ago. Matsusuke was thought to have been damaged goods, but has recovered his stroke. The 5.0 CF is ready to patrol the outfield for what would think would be a long time. Ronaldo Montano, the 20 year old LF also shows signs of promise. Speedster Robert Gully could also possibly have a future in this outfield with some development.

Starting Pitching
The exact rotation returns intact. A healthy Zimmerman, Williams, Rivera, Jackson, and Hughes come back. Newcomer Timothy Vest pitched brilliantly during September callups and may actually get a look as well. If they stay healthy, expect good things. Babe Ruth III, Felipe Benitez round out the decent looking future in the rotation.

Relief Pitching
Gone is Franklyn German, banished to the minors. Jason Michaels Jr is the anchor of this pen now. Bill Button, Tommy Matheny, John Restrepo, Cory Stuart, Urso Canaveral and Bill Carolina stand to get the most looks at in the pen with Michaels. The future looks good, however. Three 5.0 relief pitchers patrol the minors. Last year first round draft pick John Cargile has stormed up to AAA and posted good numbers. Rigo Casares, acquired in the Javi Herrera trade, shows good numbers at AA and Gilbert Pierre still shows potential in A ball, among others.

The Pirates roster is almost practically the same exact roster that won the 2015 World Championship. Can they bring the title back to Pittsburgh for a two-peat? Only time will tell.