Pittsburgh Pirates 2012 season was their 20th consecutive disappointing season. This franchise has not had a winning season in over 20 years. In 2012 they were close posting a 79-83 record. They had many ups, and downs during this season, and they definitely played competitive baseball for the whole season. They had a chance at making a playoff push but collapsed in the later part of the season. Going into 2013 they still have star Andrew Mccutchen, whom every season keeps improving his numbers. If he continues this improvement he can definitely win MVP in the 2013 season. The Pirates are looking to have their first winning season since 1992, in 2013.
Pirates Hitting
The Pirates is led by potential MVP Andrew Mccutchen. This guy does everything, he hits for power, average, and has speed. Last season Mccutchen batted .327 with 31HR and 20 SB. Every season since he has been in the league his numbers have increased. In 2013 it wouldn’t surprise me if Mccutchen can become a 30-30 guy, he is that talented. After Mccutchen the Pirates lineup has power in the middle led by Garrett Jones, and Pedro Alarez. They improved at catcher adding Russell Martin from the New York Yankees. Russell is clutch and can hit for average even though he didn’t in 2012 batting .211. Watch out for Neil Walker who can put up monster numbers. In 2012 Walker had multiple injuries, but in 2013 he is healthy. Walker can get on base so Mccutchen can drive him in.
Pirates Projected Lineup
1. Starling Marte LF
2. Neil Walker 2B
3. Andrew Mccutchen CF
4. Garret Jones 1B
5. Pedro Alverez 3B
6. Russell Martin C
7. Travis Snyder RF
8. Clint Barmes SS
9. Pitcher
Pirates Pitching
The Pirates pitching staff is lead by multiple veterans. The ace of the staff is AJ Burnett. Burnett in 2012 had a 3.51 ERA compiling 16 wins, in a bounce back season from his 2011 year to forget on the New York Yankees. Burnett is known to have great stuff, but he is very inconsistent and sometimes very wild. The Pirates hope he can repeat 2012 but its Burnett so nobody knows. Next they have free agent signing Francisco Liriano, who was once an ace on the Twins. Since being hurt he has not performed nearly as well. Liriano has incredible pitches and when healthy can be one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Their number 3 pitcher Wandy Rodriguez had a solid year in 2012 and is a very solid number 3 pitcher for any team in the MLB. After Wandy it goes downhill. For the final 2 spots they have Jeff Karstens, James McDonald, and Jeff Locke. For the Pirates to be over .500 they need two of these guys to perform well.
Pirates Starting Rotation
1. AJ Burnett
2. Francisco Liriano
3. Wandy Rodriguez
4. James McDonald
5. Jeff Locke
As for the Pirates relief pitching they lost closer Joel Hanrahan to the Boston Red Sox’s. Joel in 2012 had 36 saves with a 2.72 ERA. This will be very difficult to replace. This season in 2013 the Pirates look to Jason Grilli to close. In 2012 Grilli had 2 saves and a 2.9 ERA. The bullpen and the Pirates season can come down to how well Grilli can close games. If Grilli puts up Hanrahan numbers the Pirates have a good chance of going over .500 this season. Besides Grilli the Pirates have multiple lefties coming out of the bullpen which can help the team play matchups late in games. The other main guys in the pen are Jeff Karstens who could become a starter for this team depending on spring training. They also hope young talented Bryan Morris can develop into a star out of the pen. Last season he had a 1.80 ERA in 5 September games.
Pirates Season Schedule Break Down
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a lot of games in the NL Central division, which is their own. This means they play multiple games against the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds. Last season the Houston Astros where in this group of teams but they moved to the AL west. The Pirates have a fan made rivalry for the battle of the Keystone state vs. the Philadelphia Phillies. During inter league play this season the Pirates play the entire AL West which includes, the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim, Seattle Mariners, and the recently added Houston Astros. Additionally they play the Detroit Tigers in a home and away series, in May.
Key Additions
C Russell Martin
LHP Francisco Liriano
LHP Andrew Oliver
Key Departures
Closer Joel Hanrahan
RHP Kevin Correia
RHP Jeff Karstens
Prediction
After an improved season in 2012, where the Pirates had many great moments, and where in the playoff hunt for half the season, they look to go above .500 for the first time in 20 years. The Pirates in 2013 will finish around the .500 mark. I believe this team is better than most in the 2013 season, but it will be hard to replace Joel Hanrahan as a closer.
Pittsburgh Pirates Season Schedule 2013
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