Manny Sanguillen's Barbecue: Pittsburgh Pirates 2016 (OOTP)

[goosedennis]

A new OOTP? That means I get to create another season of Pirates baseball from my computer chair. I will play all 162 games and keep the transactions as realistic as possible.

Game: OOTP 17
Rosters: Default
Trading Difficulty/Preference: Hard/Favor Prospects

With a busy schedule in front of me with work, school, SO, etc., I'll have one or two updates per series, but I'll keep it as in-depth, engaging, and entertaining as possible.

[goosedennis]

Huntington demoted, Pirates hire Jones


Pirates Owner Bob Nutting held a press conference on Sunday, April 3, 2016, to announce the hiring of a new general manager.

Pittsburgh -- In a press conference held today, Pirates Owner Bob Nutting announced he has demoted General Manager Neal Huntington to the position of assistant general manager and hired Pittsburgh native Tom Jones to fill Huntington's vacancy.

Huntington's demotion comes after a season where the Pirates, who won nearly 100 games, lost in the National League's Wild Card game to the rival Chicago Cubs. Nutting said this move does not negate Huntington's reputation over the years.

"Neil has been a great asset to this ballclub as our general manager," Nutting said. "We just feel as though the team can improve in the Postseason, and Jones will be the man who will lead us to the Pirates' first World Series victory in almost 40 years."

Jones, a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, has no background in baseball, earning his degree in Atlantic history. However, Nutting believes Jones will contribute to the club's success.

"Listen, I know this sounds unorthodox. But I've talked to Jones about baseball, and he knows what he's talking about more than any general manager I've ever met," Nutting said.

Huntington said his new position allows the Pirates to achieve more success.

"I've paved the way for the Bucs to get where they are now," Huntington said. "Somebody else has to take the reins to bring us to the promised land. I can help out any way I know how, by taking to Jones about trades, to helping bring in some international free agents."

The Pirates play their first game on Opening Day, Monday, April 4, against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park.

[goosedennis]

Season Preview: Pitching


Gerrit Cole, 25, headlines the Pirates' pitching staff for the 2016 regular season.

PITTSBURGH -- With one day to go until Opening Day, it's time to look at the Pirates' pitching staff for the upcoming season.

Starters

Like last season, the Pirates' pitching is headlined by Gerrit Cole. Cole, who was picked first overall in the 2011 Draft, started 32 games for the Pirates last season with a record of 19-8. In 208 innings, Cole had an ERA of 2.60, throwing 202 strikeouts and earning a WAR of 6.2. At the age of 25, Cole is only expected to get better from his 2015 performance.

Francisco Liriano is entering his last season under contract with the Pirates, who have made it clear their goal is to re-sign Liriano at a good price. Liriano has pitched for three seasons with the Pirates, starting in 31 games and tossing 186.2 innings for the club last year. While his 3.38 ERA left some to be desired, he struck out 205 batters and had a 4.1 WAR in 2015. While he is entering a season where he is going to be 32 years old, Liriano shows no signs of regression.

Over the offseason, the Pirates acquired Mets pitcher Jon Niese, who will pitch third in their rotation. Niese seems an odd choice for the Pirates, as he had an ERA of 4.13 in 2015 and even spent some time in the Mets' bullpen, but the Pirates hope he will return to his 2014 self, where he started 30 games with the Mets, tossing an ERA of 3.40. Niese has two years remaining on his contract, and General Manager Tom Jones said the team will make up their mind about retaining him based on his performance this season.

Another offseason acquisition by the Pirates was Ryan Vogelsong, who played for both the Giants and the Pirates before being signed to a one-year deal. Last season, Vogelsong tossed 135 innings for the Giants with a disappointing 4.67 ERA. However, the Bucs hope he, too, will return to his performance in 2014, where he had a 4.00 ERA in 32 starts. Like Niese, Jones said Vogelsong has a chance to earn a contract extension by showcasing his talents this season, though Vogelsong does turn 39 years old during the season.

At the back of the Pirates' rotation is Jeff Locke. A longtime Pirate, Locke started 30 games for the team in 2015, amassing a 4.49 ERA and eight of his 19 decisions. As a fifth starter, Jones said he doesn't have to perform at an ace level. The team still hopes Locke will be an average starter, however.

An interesting thing about the Pirates' rotation for the start of the 2016 season is that it features three left-handed pitchers. How the righty-heavy National League will fare against the Pirates' rotation remains to be seen, but it will create interesting matchups against all teams in the majors.

Bullpen

The Pirates' bullpen, which was once nicknamed "The Shark Tank," fell from its glory last season, and it appears the same will hold true for this season. Neal Huntington took some measures over the offseason, signing lefty Eric O'Flaherty, Juan Nicasio, and Nefalti Feliz. However, none of these three pitchers have exceptional histories, posting ERAs of 5.91, 3.86, and 4.58 in 2015, respecitvely. Even Nicasio's relatively decent 2015 showing may have been a fluke, as he threw for a 5.38 ERA in 2014 and 5.14 the season prior.

Backing out the bullpen will be the fiery Arquimedes Caminero, who threw in 73 games for the Bucs last season, posting an ERA of 3.62 and striking out 73 and the lefty Tony Watson. Watson has been exceptional the past two seasons, throwing for ERAS below 2 while playing in 75 games or more.

For 2016, the Pirates' closer will remain Mark Melancon, though his contract expires and Melancon has made clear his desire to leave. Melancon's 2015 season featured 78 appearances, in which he threw for a 2.23 ERA, earning himself an appearance at the All-Star Game.

Although the Pirates' bullpen appears to be flawed, the rotation hopes to make as little use out of the pen as possible in 2016.

[goosedennis]

Season Preview: The Lineup


Gregory Polanco hopes to keep improving in 2016.

The Pirates' lineup will notice some severe changes in 2016. Neil Walker, who had held the position of second base for the Bucs since 2010, was traded to New York in the offseason. Similarly, first baseman Pedro Alvarez was let go, later to join the Baltimore Orioles, likely as their designated hitter. With Alvarez and Walker gone, the Pirates had two big holes to fill. Huntington tried the best he could, and secured David Freese to play third base, moving Josh Harrison to second, and signing first baseman John Jaso to a two-year contract.

Infield

Francisco Cervelli will remain the Pirates' catcher for 2016, although his contract expires at the end of the season and his certainty in Pittsburgh is unknown. He hit .295/.370/.401 in 2015 with very good defense, and is hoping to improve upon these stats to receive a hefty contract extension.

At first base, the Pirates will play a platoon. John Jaso, who had an on-base average of .380 in 2015, will bat against right-handed pitchers, while Mike Morse and his .390 on-base percentage will play lefties.

Josh Harrison, who batted .287/.327/.390 last season, fills the position of second base in the Pirates' lineup. After being injured last season, Harrison hopes he will return to his 2014 statistics, where he had a batting average of .315.

Third base will be played by 32-year old David Freese, who was signed by the Pirates in March. Freese played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 2015, where he batted .257/.323/.420 while providing defense that was significantly better than what Pedro Alvarez could have given the Pirates at either of his positions.

Interestingly, Jordy Mercer will begin the year as the Pirates' shorstop, with Jung-Ho Kang out for about two more months with a fractured knee. Mercer batted .244 last season. Kang will fill this role after a rehab stint with the AAA Indianapolis Indians. The Korean shortstop had an on-base average of .355 in 2015, though his defense was slightly worse than Mercer's.

The Pirates' infield clearly won't be spectacular, but it may be enough to bring them deeper into the postseason with their star-caliber outfield.

Outfield

The Buccos' outfield will look the same as it did in 2015, with Starling Marte manning left field, Andrew McCutchen playing center, and right field being played by Gregory Polanco.

Marte stole 30 bases again in 2015, though he batted for a lower on-base percentage. However, he hopes he will bring that figure back up to .356, where it was in 2014. Leading off the lineup, Marte will provide both speed and the ability to reach base, insulating the middle half.

It would have been impossible for McCutchen to match his 2014 figures, but his 2015 season came close. Batting .292/.401/.488, McCutchen continued to dominate his opponents, confounding pitchers and dazzling spectators wherever he went. McCutchen hopes to exceed his .952 OPS that he reached in 2014 and win the Most Valuable Player award again this season as he did in 2013.

Right fielder Polanco hasn't yet reached his potential, but he hoeps this season will be when he does. Although Polanco hit an average .256/.320/.381 line in 2015, average isn't enough for him. He hopes that this season, he will join the other Pirates outfielders and gain a bid to the All-Star Game.

Bench

The Pirates hope to make use of their utility players in 2016. Chris Steward, who has been with the club since 2014, will back up catcher Cervelli. Stewart matched his career high with eight doubles in 2015, all while hitting an on-base average of .320.

In the infield, Jason Rogers backs up the corner positions. Rogers played in 86 games for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, hitting a .296/.367/.441 clip. It is likely Rogers will see more time at third base than at first, given the Morse-Jaso platoon.

Sean Rodriguez will back up the middle infield, behind Josh Harrison and Jordy Mercer, as well as center field behind McCutchen. Rodriguez was with the Pirates for the 2015 season, where he hit .264 in 139 games.

Matt Joyce backs up the corner outfield positions. Joyce hit a measly .174 average in 2015, but hopes to return to his 2014 figures, where he hit a .254/.349/.383 clip for the Tampa Bay Rays in 140 games.

[goosedennis]

Pirates Win Series Against Rival Cardinals
April 4-6

Game 1: Pirates 4, Cardinals 2
Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates who packed the stands for the home opener were rewarded with a Pittsburgh win over the visiting St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2. Gerrit Cole started for the home team against Adam Wainwright. Gerrit Cole earned the coveted player of the game honors. Cole picked up the win for Pittsburgh, going 7 innings. He gave up 2 runs on 5 hits. He now sports a record of 1-0. Mark Melancon was called on to finish, recording his 1st save.

Cincinnati, Ohio-born Josh Harrison came through in the clutch. In the bottom of the sixth, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and the Pirates trailing 2-1, he hit a 2-run double to left to put Pittsburgh on top.

"We'll put this win in our pocket and go after the next one," said Cole.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 2: Cardinals 5, Pirates 4 (15)

The Pittsburgh Pirates got a sterling performance from pitcher Francisco Liriano, but the Cardinals still prevailed, 5-4. Liriano was named the player of the game in a losing cause. He threw 6 innings of shutout ball. The loss drops Pittsburgh to 1-1.

One significant at-bat for St. Louis came with the bases empty in the top of the 15th. The hitter, Matt Adams, hit a single, which helped the Cardinals go on to win.

"You get some opportunities, you better take advantage of them," said Pittsburgh General Manager Tom Jones.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 3: Pirates 8, Cardinals 2

Pittsburgh Pirates starter Jon Niese was in a rhythm all game. He led his team to a win over the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-2. Niese, the winner, moves to 1-0. He threw 5.1 innings of 4-hit ball, while fanning 6 and giving up 2 walks. At 2-1, the Pirates have played well so far.

In the bottom of the third, Pittsburgh catcher Francisco Cervelli had a productive at-bat. With runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs, Cervelli stroked a 2-run double to left. It made the score 2-1, Pittsburgh. For the game, he was 2 for 4 with a triple, a double, and was hit by a pitch, while adding 2 RBI and scoring once.

"We were able to get some things going offensively," said Cervelli.

Box score:

Spoiler

[goosedennis]

McCutchen Out Three Weeks
Pinched nerve leaves star outfielder out of the lineup
Andrew McCutchen was injured while making a catch on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen pinched a nerve in his back in the seventh inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, April 6. His injury will leave him out of the lineup for three weeks.

McCutchen, 29, had played fairly well in the two games prior to his injury, batting .375. However, with the season just underway, manager Clint Hurdle is afraid McCutchen's injury may harm his 2016 performance.

"The season just started, and everybody's now starting to warm up," Hurdle said. "I don't know if Andrew's injury will keep him from warming up at the same speed."

McCutchen, however, said April is not the worst time for an injury.

"At least it's at the beginning of the year," McCutchen said, laughing. "I know it's going to set me back by a few weeks, but it'll bring me back two days instead of two months."

In the place of McCutchen, the Pirates plan on using Starling Marte in center field while Matt Joyce joins the lineup to play left field. Joyce, who played with the Los Angeles Angels last season, batted .174/.272/.291 in 2015.

[goosedennis]

Pirates drop two against Cincinnati
Even season record to 3-3

Game 4: Reds 11, Pirates 7

The Cincinnati Reds knocked off the Pittsburgh Pirates, 11-7, at Great American Ball Park. Zack Cozart, who captured player of the game honors, was a big reason Cincinnati won. The shortstop was 1-2 with a home run and 2 walks. He scored 2 times and drove in 3. Jon Moscot was the winner. Over 5 innings, he allowed 2 runs on 5 hits, with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Earning his 1st save of the year was Blake Wood.

Tyler Holt was a key contributor to the win for the Reds. In the bottom of the first with two out, the light-hitting left fielder stroked a single to right. He went 1 for 4.

"Glad to get this win," said Cozart. "But we need to keep playing at a high level."

Cincinnati is still hoping to get on a roll. The win is just their 1st in 4 games.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 5: Reds 8, Pirates 2

The Cincinnati Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-2, at Great American Ball Park. The win was largely due to the efforts of third baseman Adam Duvall, who captured player of the game honors. He was 1 for 1 with a home run. He scored 2 runs and drove in 3. Raisel Iglesias got the win, improving to 1-1. He pitched 6 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 runs, while striking out 7 and walking 2. Cincinnati, now 2-3, is off to a slow start.

The Reds got a big at-bat from right fielder Kyle M. Waldrop. For the game, Waldrop went 2 for 4 with a triple. He drove in 3 runs and scored once. In the bottom of the fourth, with runners on 1st and 3rd, he stroked a 2-run triple. His 1st triple of the season gave Cincinnati a 3-2 lead.

"Good baseball players make you a smarter manager," said Cincinnati manager Bryan Price.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 6: Pirates 2, Reds 1 (10)

Pittsburgh starter Gerrit Cole had a strong outing against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The right-hander was a big part of his team's 2-1 win. Pittsburgh reliever Mark Melancon was credited with the win, to go to 1-0. Jumbo Diaz took the loss for Cincinnati. With the win, Pittsburgh improves its record to 3-3.

Josh Harrison made it 2-1 in favor of Pittsburgh when he delivered a run-scoring double. It came with two out in the top of the tenth. The Pirates went on to win.

"I'll probably toss and turn tonight," Cincinnati manager Bryan Price said following the tough loss.

Box score:

Spoiler

[goosedennis]

Pirates gain early control of first place
Series win versus Tigers catapults Pirates to top of NL Central

Game 7: Pirates 6, Tigers 3

Spirited fans at Comerica Park greeted the Detroit Tigers for their clash with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pittsburgh Pirates starter Francisco Liriano was in a groove as he led his team to a win over the Detroit Tigers, 6-3. The win was credited to Arquimedes Caminero in relief. His record improves to 1-0. Jordan Zimmermann took the loss. Mark Melancon picked up the save, his 2nd.

Pittsburgh took a 3-2 lead on Gregory Polanco's 9th hit of the season. The 2-run single, which Polanco hit in the top of the eighth, left Detroit pitcher Justin Wilson shaking his head.

Polanco called the win the result of "everyone being in sync."

The loss drops Detroit to 3-3.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 8: Tigers 5, Pirates 1

Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler was a significant contributor in his team's 5-1 triumph over the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was 2 for 3 with a triple and a walk, while adding 3 RBI and scoring once for Detroit. The winner was Justin Verlander, who threw 115 pitches over 6.2 innings. The right-hander was charged with 1 run on 7 hits. Mark Lowe earned the save, his 1st.

Kinsler had a big at-bat with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the bottom of the third inning, when he hit a 2-run single. The Tigers went on to win.

Kinsler attributed the win to "energy and focus on the part of everyone."

With the win, Detroit pushes its record to 4-3.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 9: Pirates 12, Tigers 7

The Pittsburgh Pirates stopped the Detroit Tigers by a score of 12-7 at PNC Park today, with the lion's share of the credit going to left fielder Starling Marte. The 27-year-old had a career day, collecting 5 hits.

"Every batter wants to have a quality at-bat every time he steps up to the plate," Marte said later. "He wants to hit the ball hard."

Marte did just that in his 5 at-bats, much to the chagrin of the Tigers.

"Not much that I can say," offered Detroit manager Brad Ausmus. "He just hammered the heck out of us."

Starling Marte hit a two-run home run off Anibal Sanchez in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, hit an RBI single in the 3rd, hit a solo-shot off Justin Wilson in the 5th and hit an RBI single in the 7th.

Presently Marte is batting .366 with 15 hits and 3 home runs. He has knocked in 9 runs and scored 7 times.

Box score:

Spoiler

Game 10: Pirates 11, Tigers 4

The Pittsburgh Pirates bested the Detroit Tigers, 11-4, at PNC Park. Josh Harrison was named player of the game. He went 4-5 with a home run and 2 doubles. He scored 3 times and drove in 3. The Tigers drop to 4-5 and continue their inconsistent start to the 2016 season.

Harrison had a big at-bat with runners on 1st and 2nd in the bottom of the fourth inning, when he hit a 3-run home run. The Pirates went on to win.

"The beers will taste better tonight after this win," said the ever-candid Harrison.

Spoiler