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Pittsburgh Pirates Hot Stove: MLB News & Fantasy Baseball Analysis

 

Pittsburgh Pirates 2014 Team Outlook

The 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates will be out to prove that last season was no fluke. They should carry over the momentum of their first winning season and playoff appearance in 21 years and doing so will most likely put them back in the playoffs.

The Buccos are a team loaded with young talent, both on the major league roster and in the farm system. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Jameson Taillon and his arrival could not come at a better time, especially if AJ Burnett does not come back.

The outfield is already stacked with reigning MVP Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte, who had a breakout year last year. Once you add highly touted prospect Gregory Polanco, you might be looking at the best outfield in the majors. Jose Tabata should fill out the remaining outfield spot. Filling in for a hurt Marte last season, the club should have seen enough to warrant that position for him. Andrew Lambo is also someone you want to keep your eye out for, as he hit 33 home runs last year across all three minor league levels.

The bullpen should be solid again, preserving leads and closing out tight games. If Pedro Alvarez can have a season like he did in 2013, the Pirates will be a force in the National League.

 

The Fantasy Stock of The Pirates is Rising

Andrew McCutchen

The fantasy relevance of the Pirates this upcoming season will definitely be the highest it’s been in a long time. I can’t remember the last time I wanted one or more than one Pittsburgh Pirate on my fantasy team. This year, I can see myself hopefully ending up with a few.

The guy everyone will want on their team is McCutchen (.317 AVG, 21 HR, 84 RBI, .404 OBP, 27 SB) who should be taken no later than third overall behind Mike Trout and Miguel Cabrera. ‘Cutch actually had worse numbers in 2013 than he did in 2012, so I believe he should be closer to 30 HR’s and 100 RBI’s this year. The next Pirates player with the most overall fantasy appeal would be Marte (.280 AVG, 12 HR, 35 RBI, .343 OBP, 41 SB), who can hopefully improve on his impressive numbers from last year. Everyone is expecting big things from Gerrit Cole (117.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 100 K’s, 10 wins) this season. Although it is a small sample size from his first stint in the majors, there is no reason to believe Cole can’t win at least 15 games this year.

Hopefully Francisco Liriano (161 IP, 3.02 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 163 K’s, 16 wins) can put together back to back good seasons for the first time in a long time. If Burnett ops to retire, Liriano would then become the ace of the staff and likely opening day starter. We all know how bad Liriano can be, so for the sake of the Pirates, hopefully he doesn’t revert back to his old self.

Other Pirates who can majorly contribute to you fantasy team are: Pedro Alvarez (.233 AVG, 36 HR, .296 OBP), Jason Grilli (2.70 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 33/35 save opp.), Neil Walker and Burnett (if he comes back).  Of course we don’t know when prospects like Tallion and Polanco will be called up but there is always the possibility of the Pirates making a move between now and opening day that could alter the fantasy impact.

 

2014 Preview - Offseason Moves

rotoballer fantasy baseball advice ike davis

The Pirates have been pretty quiet thus far during the offseason, not making any major moves. There is still time for the Bucs to make something else happen before spring training to improve the roster and hopefully, it addresses the situation at first base. Right now, Gabby Sanchez is first on the depth chart at first but clearly an upgrade would be useful.

Departures:  OF Marlon Byrd, 1B Justin Morneau, 1B Garrett Jones, C Michael McKenry, 1B Alex Dickerson, LHP Kris Johnson

Arrivals: RHP Duke Welker, LF Jaff Decker, C Chris Stewart, SS Clint Barmes, RHP Edinson Volquez, 1B Chris McGuiness

The biggest fantasy relevant departure from last season is not an official departure as of yet but it would be losing AJ Burnett if he decides to call it a career. He was the ace and bulldog of the staff and was that quiet, fiery leader type. Not only will his presence be missed on the mound this year, but it will also be missed in the locker room.

Because of Burnett’s eminent departure, the signing of Edinson Volquez becomes that much more important. All Pirate fans are hoping Volquez can regain the form he had as a Cincinnati Red’s player when he used to beat Pittsburgh often.

Volquez is not expected to replace Burnett but rather help fill the gap. Volquez will be able to relax this year and not have pressure of being in the top tier of the rotation and this should help him pitch better.  The Pirates and fans of the team are also hoping Wandy Rodriguez can stay healthy this year. When he is 100 percent healthy, he can be a solid contributor.

The void left by Burnett should also allow Jeff Locke to continue his progression and he should also be on fantasy manager’s radars in deeper leagues. Locke came out of nowhere last year and found himself on almost every fantasy team after his hot first half of the season.  Hopefully he has been improving this offseason and will be more consistent this year. The biggest key to his success will be limiting the number of walks he gives up.

The Pirates biggest gap right now would be first base and hopefully they can somehow get a left-handed power hitter to fill that spot. Knowing the Pirates and how they operate it would be unlikely if they were to make a move for a better-named player such as Ike Davis for example. Look for the Buccos to try and fill that gap internally to start the season. If it is an issue during the season, perhaps they will make a move around the trade deadline.

Be on the lookout for the in-depth team previews, which will be coming soon!

 




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
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