Almost a week has passed since the Pittsburgh Pirates’ season came to an abrupt halt, forcing players to clear out their lockers and fans to pack up their. After all seeing a team win 98 games, only to lose one and get the boot is a tough pill to swallow. If anything, it is a sign that expectations have changed for the Pirates, and they’ll remain at a high level for the foreseeable future
In the Dugout: Manager Clint Hurdle will be going into his fifth year as manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and will have to put yet another successful season behind him. Expectations for the manager will be at an all time high with the window of success closing as each season ends without accomplishing the end goal of winning a World Series.
Out of only five teams the Pirates had losing records against, four of them were in the NL Central. Hurdle must make adjustments over the offseason and highlight the reasons behind the Pirates having so little success against teams that were 30+ games out of first such as the Brewers and Reds.
On the Mound: The rotation has major question marks headed into the offseason, the biggest being what to do with J.A. Happ and Jeff Locke. Happ has already expressed interest in resigning with the Pirates saying “It’s a team I would definitely consider, absolutely,” if offered a contract. The team had a starter ERA of 3.53, one of the best in baseball, and will need to showcase another outstanding year of starting pitching if they expect to be a top tier team next season.
Unfortunately, with players like Nick Kingham, Jameson Tallion, and Tyler Glasnow at least another year of development away from getting the call to the show, there is no expectation we’d see one of these young players in the majors in the 2016 season. However, expect Pittsburgh to keep Ray Searage busy in finding another reclamation project to work on over the offseason.
The bullpen has been the anchor to the Pirates’ mound for the past handful of season. It would be surprising to see Melancon stay for all of next season considering the high value and big return on closers. Tony Watson would most likely take over the spot leaving the setup position available. Joakim Soria would be a great addition, however, he may look elsewhere to find a job as a closer and not a setup man.
On the Field: What may be the trickiest part of the offseason for the Bucs front office is finding contributors who can fill major holes. If Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker do not return, the Pirates infield would look almost completely different, at least until Jung Ho Kang returns from his injury.
Josh Bell and Alen Hanson still have some time to develop before Neil Huntington will feel comfortable in giving them the call. The front office has to make moves this offseason whether that is dealing in a trade or fishing in free agency. At least until Kang is healthy and fit to return, the Pirates have some major decisions to make in order to expect the offense to play at the same level it did this past season.
Expectations have risen immensely, and although fans felt it was the Bucs season to take it all, it just wasn’t. Losing players like Walker and Alvarez will not be easy to some; others may be happy and relieved. Regardless, Pittsburgh will be expected to be in the hunt again. This offseason will be a true test for Huntington and Hurdle as they hope to add players who can help the Bucs make longer strides to winning the World Series.
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