Pittsbrugh Pirates Pitcher Jameson Taillon Gets WBC Start for Canada

When Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Jameson Taillon takes the mound on March 10, it will be the biggest game he has ever pitched in to date. Taillon won’t be taking the hill in a meaningless spring training game, but rather for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Not only that, he will be facing Team USA–a team he has played for in the past. Taillon has dual citizenship and Team Canada was definitely more in need of pitching help than Team USA was when the rosters were selected.

It is a great opportunity for him to show the Pirates and the rest of the world what he’s got. It is a big jump for a guy who is used to pitching against AA talent to start facing the likes of Ryan Braun, David Wright and Giancarlo Stanton, but if he can make a decent showing his stock will only rise. Expectations are pretty low for Taillon and Team Canada in general, so anything better than a shellacking is a step in the right direction.

No matter what happens in the WBC, Taillon’s future is bright. He could be part of the Pittsburgh rotation by the end of the 2013. He has a good fastball and curveball combination and is working on developing a changeup. Along with Gerrit Cole, Taillon is the foundation of a solid rotation for the Pirates for years to come.

Pirates fans are hoping that Sunday is just the first of several big games Taillon pitches in during his career. The past may be dark for the Pirates, but at least now there is a light at the end of the tunnel.