2014 Pittsburgh Pirates

[HafDawg2003]

1) R E. Cruz SS
2) R T. Alvarez CF
3) L S. Riddick LF
4) R B. Goering RF
5) L L. Broadway 1B
6) R A. Beltre 3B
7) R E. Oliveira C
8) L O. Quintanilla 2B

Catcher
Depth at catcher remains for the 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates, with Edwin Oliveria getting the starting nod. Massive power comes off the bench in Javi Herrera. The two 2.5 star catchers figure to be keeping the spot warm for 21 year old stud prospect Russell Cockerham, who just recently has been promoted to AA and figures to be the future.

First Base
A position that saw, along others, Ryan Howard, Walter Young, and Tito Coronado has now gotten a much needed face lift. The Pirates signed Larry Broadway to a one year deal, adding stability at a position that last year saw none. Backing him up is 2012 and 2013 Gold Glove award winner Paul Konerko, who still has decent pop in his bat. The youth movement at first base is headed by Todd Bearden, who is expected to either this year or next claim the position.

Second Base
Where departed Jesus Medrano added speed and discipline to the lineup last year, seven year veteran Omar Quintanilla steps in to start the year at the position. He projects out to be a cheaper version of Medrano. Should he falter, the team would be in the market to acquire a more viable full time player at the position. He is backed up by Maicier Izturis. The future looks bright, however, with two good prospects in the wings in younger brother Joaquin Quintanilla and 20 year old Charles Fabela.

Shortstop
Two time (including 2013) All Star Enrique Cruz is at short. Acquired via a trade with Boston during the season last year, Enrique hit .306 with 52 Steals for this lineup, a stable presence at the top of the lineup. Always on the tradin block due to his $11 Million Salary, he has no immediate replacement, being backed up by Maicer Izturis. The future just got a little brighter however. This spring training saw massive improvement for AAA prospect 22 year old Daniel Addis. The 2.0 spec seems to be developing quickly, hitting .304 after being drafted and placed directly into AAA, along with marked improvement in Florida in March, causing some to wonder if the SS position really could be shored up.

Third Base
Four time All Star Adrian Beltre returns on a one year deal to the team he's spent the majority of his career with. Even with being injured for a month or so, he managed 22 homers and 85 RBI while hitting .286. Whats most exciting, however, is the future at the third base position. 23 year old AAA spec Christopher Shrout is putting up great numbers, last year splitting time between AA and AAA. He is without a doubt a franchise player who will lead the Pirates realtively soon.

Outfield
Five year veteran and five time All Star Steven Riddick returns with a new contract, ensuring the star of 4 more years with the team. Riddick slipped in the second half last year, but still put up impressive numbers. Tag team OF partner Bill Goering, a three time All Star himself, anchors the other corner outfield spot. He gives big time power numbers but also dropped off in the second half last year, part of the reason the Pirates went from first in August to fourth in October. They are joined by newcomer Tony Alvarez, who figures to bring solid numbers and defense to a spot that has been lacking since the trade of Mariano Zeno early last year. Vince Faison and Scott Maust provide solid backup. The future looks increasingly better in the outfield, especially from this time last year. The acquisitions of Ronaldo Montano, an 18 year old entering AA this season as a 3.5 spec who can play gold glove corner OF, has a great bat and figures to contribute greatly. Nobuyori Matsusuke, a 5.0 spec who was injured last year, returns healthy and makes his Pirates debut in AA as well. The 23 year old OF has good power and speed, along with great discipline and amazing defensive skills. The outfield position looks bright for the Pirates now and in the future.

Rotation
A year that saw the trading of the number one and two starters for the team is now leading into a year of dividends paid for those moves. Returning cornerstones of the past in Bob Zimmerman and Chin-Hui Tsao are back, adding veteran leadership to what figures to be a youthful rotation. 25 year old Brian Rivera, acquired along with the aforementioned Enrique Cruz from Boston, has great stuff and figures to build on the progress he made near the end of last season. 28 year old Jared Hughes, who until last year was in the pen, also made significant progress near the end of 2013. He hopes to increase his consistency. Possibly the biggest surprise of the 2013 season was the emergence of 26 year old Michael Williams, going 3-4 with a 3.41 ERA in 15 games last year, 8 being starts. As for the future, another strong showing in this area for the Pirates. The concensus number four prospect in the game, Babe Ruth, III was acquired from Texas near the deadline. The 21 year old just earned a promotion to AA. 24 year old Keith Easley, 21 year old Richard Hidalgo Jr. and 21 year old Gregory Moscato add more depth to what is a deep future rotation.

Relief Pitching
The oldest part of the team. Old Reliable Franklyn German returns in the closer role for his fifth season with the club. He posed a 5-3 record with a 3.03 ERA and 22 saves last year. He is joined in returning by Cory Stuart, who had a great year last year, Urso Canaveral, a breakout 29 year old, and mouthwatering youngster and current All Star 24 year old Jason Michaels Jr. New additions bring former Cy Young winner Johan Santana, Kris Keller, and Gerardo Demiras. Other veterans signed or returning are Landon Jacobsen, James Morehead, Zach Duke, Michael Nicholas, Bret Prinz, and Jose Valdez. The future at the position is a rare question mark for this team, with only Michaels Jr being under 27. Look for the team to upgrade the bullpen if the right deal comes along.

Synposis
With the best rated farm system and solid major league talent, the Pirates are expected to challenge the reigning World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals. Stiff competition in the rest of their own division looms as well. All in all, expect good things to come from the Steel City this year, with the pieces in place for a title run, and the ability to make moves at the deadline if need be.

[Stonedrie2]

Wow, nice. Good team, we have similar offenses, though i think i could take yours .. wish i could say the same about your pitching.

[albbla2000mu]

85 win team.....not bad, but dont have pitching to compete with Cards I do believe.

[Stonedrie2]

I think he'll win the NL Central with closer to 95 wins.

[Halladay_is_God]

94 wins for the Wild Card

[HafDawg2003]

I'm thrilled about the young nucleus, and the ability to compete with it.