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MLB • 12 months ago

Predicting The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Entire 25-Man Roster

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Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Predicting The Pittsburgh Pirates Entire 25-Man Roster

Churdle — Coming off of two consecutive postseason appearances, the Pittsburgh Pirates appear primed to be a force to be reckoned with in the NL Central once again in 2015. As Spring Training continues to roll on, it seems that things are really beginning to take shape for this very talented club. So, without further ado, here is what manager Clint Hurdle's 25-man roster may look like by Opening Day.

Coming off of two consecutive postseason appearances, the Pittsburgh Pirates appear primed to be a force to be reckoned with in the NL Central once again in 2015. As Spring Training continues to roll on, it seems that things are really beginning to take shape for this very talented club. So, without further ado, here is what manager Clint Hurdle's 25-man roster may look like by Opening Day.

25. Mark Melancon, RHP

25. Mark Melancon, RHP

MMCOPY — Now one of the best closers in the game, Mark Melancon has pitched to the tune of a 1.65 ERA (1.86 FIP) and an 0.92 WHIP while racking up 4.4 fWAR over the past two seasons. Expect him to be a vital part of the Pirates' success once again in 2015.

Now one of the best closers in the game, Mark Melancon has pitched to the tune of a 1.65 ERA (1.86 FIP) and an 0.92 WHIP while racking up 4.4 fWAR over the past two seasons. Expect him to be a vital part of the Pirates' success once again in 2015.

24. Tony Watson, LHP

TonyWatson

24. Tony Watson, LHP

TonyWatsonCopy — Tony Watson, another part of the Pirates' stellar relief corps over the past couple of years, is coming off of a season in which he posted a 1.63 ERA (2.69 FIP) and a 1.02 WHIP in a 1.3 fWAR campaign. Expect the 29-year-old to continue being a stabilizing force in the Bucs' bullpen.

Tony Watson, another part of the Pirates' stellar relief corps over the past couple of years, is coming off of a season in which he posted a 1.63 ERA (2.69 FIP) and a 1.02 WHIP in a 1.3 fWAR campaign. Expect the 29-year-old to continue being a stabilizing force in the Bucs' bullpen.

23. Jared Hughes, RHP

JHughes

23. Jared Hughes, RHP

JHughesCopy — Since coming to the big leagues back in 2011, Jared Hughes has been a solid arm for Pittsburgh, posting an 11-11 record with a 2.95 ERA (4.00 FIP) and a 1.22 WHIP over 183 innings of work. He should be a reliable part of the Bucs' bullpen once again.

Since coming to the big leagues back in 2011, Jared Hughes has been a solid arm for Pittsburgh, posting an 11-11 record with a 2.95 ERA (4.00 FIP) and a 1.22 WHIP over 183 innings of work. He should be a reliable part of the Bucs' bullpen once again.

22. Antonio Bastardo, LHP

TonyBastardo

22. Antonio Bastardo, LHP

TonyBastardoCopy — Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies over the offseason, Antonio Bastardo has had a rather solid career, posting a 3.72 ERA (3.33 FIP) and a 1.21 WHIP over 259 innings of work. Last season, the southpaw limited left-handed hitters to a .175 BA and a .640 OPS, which is certainly a plus as well.

Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies over the offseason, Antonio Bastardo has had a rather solid career, posting a 3.72 ERA (3.33 FIP) and a 1.21 WHIP over 259 innings of work. Last season, the southpaw limited left-handed hitters to a .175 BA and a .640 OPS, which is certainly a plus as well.

21. John Holdzkom, RHP

Holdzkom

21. John Holdzkom, RHP

HoldzkomCopy — Although the sample size was very small, John Holdzkom showed promise with the Pirates last season, pitching to the tune of a 2.00 ERA (2.13 FIP) and a 0.67 WHIP over nine innings of work. Although it is not a slam dunk yet, Holdzkom should have a decent chance to break camp as one of the Bucs' relievers.

Although the sample size was very small, John Holdzkom showed promise with the Pirates last season, pitching to the tune of a 2.00 ERA (2.13 FIP) and a 0.67 WHIP over nine innings of work. Although it is not a slam dunk yet, Holdzkom should have a decent chance to break camp as one of the Bucs' relievers.

20. Radhames Liz, RHP

Liz

20. Radhames Liz, RHP

LizCopy — Although he last pitched in the major leagues in 2009, Radhames Liz is enjoying a nice spring, pitching to the tune of a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over his first seven innings of work. He could be a great long-relief option for the Bucs.

Although he last pitched in the major leagues in 2009, Radhames Liz is enjoying a nice spring, pitching to the tune of a 2.57 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over his first seven innings of work. He could be a great long-relief option for the Bucs.

19. Jeff Locke, LHP

JeffLocke

19. Jeff Locke, LHP

JeffLockeCopy — Although he entered the spring with a chance to earn the final spot on the Pirates' staff, the chances of Jeff Locke cracking the starting rotation appear to be growing smaller by the day. Out of minor league options, the Pirates may be able to find room for him in the bullpen.

Although he entered the spring with a chance to earn the final spot on the Pirates' staff, the chances of Jeff Locke cracking the starting rotation appear to be growing smaller by the day. Out of minor league options, the Pirates may be able to find room for him in the bullpen.

18. Charlie Morton, RHP

CMorton

18. Charlie Morton, RHP

CMortonCopy — Although he is coming back from hip surgery, Charlie Morton has been expected to be part of the Bucs' Opening Day rotation. The 31-year-old is coming off of a season in which he went 6-12 with a 3.72 ERA (3.72 FIP) and a 1.27 WHIP in a 1.3 fWAR campaign.

Although he is coming back from hip surgery, Charlie Morton has been expected to be part of the Bucs' Opening Day rotation. The 31-year-old is coming off of a season in which he went 6-12 with a 3.72 ERA (3.72 FIP) and a 1.27 WHIP in a 1.3 fWAR campaign.

17. Vance Worley, RHP

VanceWorley

17. Vance Worley, RHP

VanceWorleyCopy — After finding new life with the Pirates in 2014, going 8-4 with a 2.85 ERA (3.44 FIP) and a 1.21 WHIP in a 1.4 fWAR campaign, Vance Worley now appears a near-lock to be part of the starting rotation yet again. It will be interesting to see what 2015 has in store for the right-hander.

After finding new life with the Pirates in 2014, going 8-4 with a 2.85 ERA (3.44 FIP) and a 1.21 WHIP in a 1.4 fWAR campaign, Vance Worley now appears a near-lock to be part of the starting rotation yet again. It will be interesting to see what 2015 has in store for the right-hander.

16. A.J. Burnett, RHP

AJBurnett

16. A.J. Burnett, RHP

AJBurnettCopy — Back for his second stint with the Pirates, A.J. Burnett is coming off of a rather rough season with the Phillies, going 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA (4.14 FIP) and a 1.41 WHIP in a 1.0 fWAR campaign. It should be interesting to see if Burnett pitches the way he did last year, or like the guy who racked up 7.0 fWAR between 2012-13.

Back for his second stint with the Pirates, A.J. Burnett is coming off of a rather rough season with the Phillies, going 8-18 with a 4.59 ERA (4.14 FIP) and a 1.41 WHIP in a 1.0 fWAR campaign. It should be interesting to see if Burnett pitches the way he did last year, or like the guy who racked up 7.0 fWAR between 2012-13.

15. Gerrit Cole, RHP

GCole

15. Gerrit Cole, RHP

GColeCopy — Still only 24 years of age, Gerrit Cole is coming off of two consecutive 2.0-plus fWAR seasons. Expect the young, emerging ace to continue doing fine work for the Bucs in 2015.

Still only 24 years of age, Gerrit Cole is coming off of two consecutive 2.0-plus fWAR seasons. Expect the young, emerging ace to continue doing fine work for the Bucs in 2015.

14. Francisco Liriano, LHP

FLiriano

14. Francisco Liriano, LHP

FLirianoCopy — Returning to Pittsburgh on a three-year deal, Francisco Liriano has already been tabbed as the Pirates' Opening Day starter for the second consecutive season. The 31-year-old should continue to be a solid force at the front-end of the Bucs' rotation.

Returning to Pittsburgh on a three-year deal, Francisco Liriano has already been tabbed as the Pirates' Opening Day starter for the second consecutive season. The 31-year-old should continue to be a solid force at the front-end of the Bucs' rotation.

13. Francisco Cervelli, C

FCerv

13. Francisco Cervelli, C

FCervcopy — Acquired from the New York Yankees this offseason, it appears that Francisco Cervelli will be new Bucs' new starting catcher. He will be replacing Russell Martin, who signed a five-year deal with the Blue Jays. The .301 BA that Cervelli posted through 49 games with the Yankees may be unsustainable, but he should be a solid defender behind the plate.

Acquired from the New York Yankees this offseason, it appears that Francisco Cervelli will be new Bucs' new starting catcher. He will be replacing Russell Martin, who signed a five-year deal with the Blue Jays. The .301 BA that Cervelli posted through 49 games with the Yankees may be unsustainable, but he should be a solid defender behind the plate.

12. Tony Sanchez, C

TSanchez

12. Tony Sanchez, C

TSanchezCopy — Although the Pirates also have another potential backup catcher in Chris Stewart, he is currently dealing with a hamstring problem, and it has recently been reported that Tony Sanchez may now be in line to start the season as the Bucs' No. 2 catcher. The 26-year-old Sanchez has slashed .252/.295/.378 over 146 major league plate appearances.

Although the Pirates also have another potential backup catcher in Chris Stewart, he is currently dealing with a hamstring problem, and it has recently been reported that Tony Sanchez may now be in line to start the season as the Bucs' No. 2 catcher. The 26-year-old Sanchez has slashed .252/.295/.378 over 146 major league plate appearances.

11. Pedro Alvarez, 1B

PAlvarez

11. Pedro Alvarez, 1B

PAlvarezCopy — After enjoying back-to-back 30-homer campaigns in 2012-13, Pedro Alvarez took a step back last season -- both offensively and defensively. Now making the move from third base to first, Alvarez will be looking to bounce back in 2015. The 28-year-old slugger has reportedly dealt with a sore elbow this spring, but he has slashed .294/.316/.529 with a homer through his first 19 preseason plate appearances.

After enjoying back-to-back 30-homer campaigns in 2012-13, Pedro Alvarez took a step back last season -- both offensively and defensively. Now making the move from third base to first, Alvarez will be looking to bounce back in 2015. The 28-year-old slugger has reportedly dealt with a sore elbow this spring, but he has slashed .294/.316/.529 with a homer through his first 19 preseason plate appearances.

10. Neil Walker, 2B

NeilWalker

10. Neil Walker, 2B

NeilWalkerCopy — Coming off of a breakout season in which he belted 23 homers and posted a 3.7 fWAR, Neil Walker will be returning as the Pirates' starting second baseman. It remains to be seen whether or not last season's output will be sustainable, but he should continue to be a very steady player.

Coming off of a breakout season in which he belted 23 homers and posted a 3.7 fWAR, Neil Walker will be returning as the Pirates' starting second baseman. It remains to be seen whether or not last season's output will be sustainable, but he should continue to be a very steady player.

9. Josh Harrison, 3B

JoshHarrison

9. Josh Harrison, 3B

JoshHarrisonCopy — A pleasant surprise for the Pirates last season, Josh Harrison slashed .315/.347/.490 in a 4.9 fWAR campaign in 2014. Although there has been some concern as to whether or not that was a fluke, the fact that the third baseman is off to a .353/.450/.412 start this spring is certainly a positive sign for the Pirates.

A pleasant surprise for the Pirates last season, Josh Harrison slashed .315/.347/.490 in a 4.9 fWAR campaign in 2014. Although there has been some concern as to whether or not that was a fluke, the fact that the third baseman is off to a .353/.450/.412 start this spring is certainly a positive sign for the Pirates.

8. Jordy Mercer, SS

JordyMercer

8. Jordy Mercer, SS

JordyMercerCopy — Fresh off of a 2.0 fWAR campaign, Jordy Mercer is set to reprise his role as the Bucs' starting shortstop. He may not have the most thunderous bat on the club, but his nine DRS at shortstop last season is proof of how valuable he can be with the glove.

Fresh off of a 2.0 fWAR campaign, Jordy Mercer is set to reprise his role as the Bucs' starting shortstop. He may not have the most thunderous bat on the club, but his nine DRS at shortstop last season is proof of how valuable he can be with the glove.

7. Jung-ho Kang, INF

Kang

7. Jung-ho Kang, INF

KangCopy — Over the winter, it was widely reported that Jung-ho Kang would most likely break camp with the Pirates as a utility infielder. Although he is only off to a .150/.261/.350 start this spring, expect him to be a part of the 25-man roster until the Pirates announce otherwise.

Over the winter, it was widely reported that Jung-ho Kang would most likely break camp with the Pirates as a utility infielder. Although he is only off to a .150/.261/.350 start this spring, expect him to be a part of the 25-man roster until the Pirates announce otherwise.

6. Sean Rodriguez, INF/OF

SeanRodriguez

6. Sean Rodriguez, INF/OF

SeanRodriguezCopy — Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason, Sean Rodriguez should serve as a solid bench player for the Bucs. While he may only be a .225/.297/.372 lifetime hitter, his ability to play multiple positions should certainly make him a valuable part of the club.

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason, Sean Rodriguez should serve as a solid bench player for the Bucs. While he may only be a .225/.297/.372 lifetime hitter, his ability to play multiple positions should certainly make him a valuable part of the club.

5. Corey Hart, 1B/OF

CHart

5. Corey Hart, 1B/OF

CHartCopy — Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, former Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Corey Hart should give the Pirates some depth at first base and in the outfield. While it may be unlikely for him to return to being a 20-30 home run threat, Hart should still have enough left in the tank to give the Bucs some pop off of the bench.

Signed to a one-year deal this offseason, former Milwaukee Brewers All-Star Corey Hart should give the Pirates some depth at first base and in the outfield. While it may be unlikely for him to return to being a 20-30 home run threat, Hart should still have enough left in the tank to give the Bucs some pop off of the bench.

4. Starling Marte, OF

SMarte

4. Starling Marte, OF

SMarteCopy — Fresh off of a pair of 4.0-plus fWAR seasons, Starling Marte should be set for another great year as the Bucs' left fielder. Some have even speculated that the 26-year-old may have MVP potential.

Fresh off of a pair of 4.0-plus fWAR seasons, Starling Marte should be set for another great year as the Bucs' left fielder. Some have even speculated that the 26-year-old may have MVP potential.

3. Andrew McCutchen, OF

Cutch

3. Andrew McCutchen, OF

CutchCopy — After winning the NL MVP award in 2013 and finishing in the top three in each of the past three seasons for that matter, there is no doubt that center fielder Andrew McCutchen has now established himself as one of the best players in all of baseball. The 28-year-old McCutchen should continue being the engine that makes the Pirates go in 2015.

After winning the NL MVP award in 2013 and finishing in the top three in each of the past three seasons for that matter, there is no doubt that center fielder Andrew McCutchen has now established himself as one of the best players in all of baseball. The 28-year-old McCutchen should continue being the engine that makes the Pirates go in 2015.

2. Gregory Polanco, OF

GregPolanco

2. Gregory Polanco, OF

GregPolancoCopy — Although he had a bit of a disappointing rookie season in 2014, Gregory Polanco's pedigree suggests that he can be much, much better. Still only 23 years of age, look for Polanco to make major strides in 2015.

Although he had a bit of a disappointing rookie season in 2014, Gregory Polanco's pedigree suggests that he can be much, much better. Still only 23 years of age, look for Polanco to make major strides in 2015.

1. Andrew Lambo, OF

AndyLambo

1. Andrew Lambo, OF

AndyLamboCopy — After Travis Snider was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, some questioned whether or not the Pirates would have enough depth in the outfield. Andrew Lambo could certainly help lay some of those fears to rest. The 26-year-old hasn't accomplished much in the big leagues yet, but he did slug 32 home runs across two levels in the minor leagues back in 2013, so perhaps this could be his year.

After Travis Snider was traded to the Baltimore Orioles, some questioned whether or not the Pirates would have enough depth in the outfield. Andrew Lambo could certainly help lay some of those fears to rest. The 26-year-old hasn't accomplished much in the big leagues yet, but he did slug 32 home runs across two levels in the minor leagues back in 2013, so perhaps this could be his year.

Brad Faber is a Senior Writer and Sabermetrics Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google.

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