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Pre-Spring Training Prediction of Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2015 Opening Day Lineup

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Pre-Spring Training Prediction of Pittsburgh Pirates' 2015 Opening Day Lineup

Pirates Pre-Spring Training Lineup — The Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Day lineup is mostly set. The starting pitcher is the only question mark among the players that will take the field in Cincinnati on April 6. The Pirates have more issues with their bench and deciding on possible platoons once the season moves along. For now, the Opening Day nine should look like this.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Day lineup is mostly set. The starting pitcher is the only question mark among the players that will take the field in Cincinnati on April 6. The Pirates have more issues with their bench and deciding on possible platoons once the season moves along. For now, the Opening Day nine should look like this.

3B - Josh Harrison

3B - Josh Harrison

4 Josh Harrison Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Harrison took over at third after being an ultra utility player to start 2014. He should start the year as the lead-off hitter and everyday third baseman. If other players struggle, Harrison could go back to playing several positions. For now, the Pirates hope he repeats his All-Star caliber play on the hot corner.

Harrison took over at third after being an ultra utility player to start 2014. He should start the year as the lead-off hitter and everyday third baseman. If other players struggle, Harrison could go back to playing several positions. For now, the Pirates hope he repeats his All-Star caliber play on the hot corner.

RF - Gregory Polanco

RF - Gregory Polanco

Gregory Polanco Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports — Travis Snider was shipped to Baltimore and the Pirates are backing Polanco to meet his expectations. He could move lower in the lineup when the Pirates face a left-handed pitcher, but will get every opportunity to be a part of a dream outfield in Pittsburgh.

Travis Snider was shipped to Baltimore and the Pirates are backing Polanco to meet his expectations. He could move lower in the lineup when the Pirates face a left-handed pitcher, but will get every opportunity to be a part of a dream outfield in Pittsburgh.

CF - Andrew McCutchen

CF - Andrew McCutchen

Andrew McCutchen Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — McCutchen finished third in NL MVP voting last year after winning the award in 2013. This is his spot in the lineup that the team must build around.

McCutchen finished third in NL MVP voting last year after winning the award in 2013. This is his spot in the lineup that the team must build around.

2B - Neil Walker

2B - Neil Walker

Walker lost his arbitration hearing last week, but will make $ 8 million dollars this season. He tied for the league lead in home runs by a second baseman last season. Injuries are a concern, but he looks healthy for spring training.

LF - Starling Marte

LF - Starling Marte

Marte is the final piece of the dream outfield. He was one of the best players in baseball in the last two months of 2014 and his stock is rising. After battling injuries last year and finding a home farther down the lineup, a spot in a run-producing spot fits Marte.

1B - Pedro Alvarez

1B - Pedro Alvarez

Alvarez is the biggest question mark in the lineup. He could take over the clean up spot if he can find his power. First base is still a new position, so his fielding could impact his bat. His power potential keeps him in the lineup for now.

C - Francisco Cervelli

C - Francisco Cervelli

No one expects Cervelli to replace Russell Martin, but Pirates brass hopes he can stay healthy. He is being praised for his pitch framing, which will help the pitching staff. Cervelli might get extra rest early in the season to make sure he is fit, but he will be the Opening Day catcher.

SS - Jordy Mercer

SS - Jordy Mercer

Jordy Mercer Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports — Even though Jung Ho Kang is coming for his job, Mercer is the Opening Day starter. Mercer improved both offensively and defensively last year. His average against left-handed pitchers had him hitting in the two spot in the lineup frequently last year. He will likely have plenty at-bats in that spot again this year, but he is valuable at the top or bottom of the lineup.

Even though Jung Ho Kang is coming for his job, Mercer is the Opening Day starter. Mercer improved both offensively and defensively last year. His average against left-handed pitchers had him hitting in the two spot in the lineup frequently last year. He will likely have plenty at-bats in that spot again this year, but he is valuable at the top or bottom of the lineup.

P - Gerrit Cole

P - Gerrit Cole

Gerrit Cole Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports - Copy — Francisco Liriano could get the ball on Opening Day in Cincinnati so that Cole is ready to go at the home opener. This is the year that Cole is expected to make the jump to ace of the staff. A statement game in the opener would help him reach that status.

Francisco Liriano could get the ball on Opening Day in Cincinnati so that Cole is ready to go at the home opener. This is the year that Cole is expected to make the jump to ace of the staff. A statement game in the opener would help him reach that status.

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Douglas Smith is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.

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