1) Pedro Alvarez’s move to first
Alvarez has the potential to be a 30+ home run guy — as seen during the 2013 season — but his defensive struggles last season may have aided in his lack of offense (.231/.312/.405 slash with 18 home runs in 122 games).
Although he didn’t attend voluntary workouts in Bradenton, Alvarez has reportedly been working out in Nashville during the offseason and is at 100% health going into spring training.
A change to first could help Alvarez focus solely on his offense as he will not have to make many throws at the new position.
2) Can Jung-ho Kang make a smooth transition to the MLB?
This has been a constant topic since his signing as scouts are split on his defensive potential. Most believe his offense will translate to the Majors from the KBO, but right now he will be slotted as a bench/utility infielder.
The change in leagues could help Kang refocus on his defensive game as the pressure of being one of the stars of the KBO may have aided in his defensive shortcomings.
If the Pirates can turn aging pitchers back into solid contributors then there’s a good shot they can do the same with a position player.
3) Will Charlie Morton and A.J Burnett be back to 100%
Morton could very well be the key to the Pirates success this season. The right-hander expects to be ready to go when workouts start for pitchers and catchers on Wednesday after having surgery in October to repair his hip.
If Morton can stay healthy and rehab himself back to the pitcher he was prior to the injury — 7-4, 3.26 ERA in 20 starts in 2013 — then the Pirates have a solid chance of having another competitive rotation.
The same could be said for Burnett, who pitched most of the 2014 season with a sports hernia. However, he didn’t miss a start due to the injury and still led the NL in games started.
The injury did affect his play, though, as Burnett posted an 8-18 record and a 4.59 ERA in 34 starts (213 2/3 innings),
Those numbers should improve if he can remain healthy while another year of 200+ innings could be a blessing for the rest of the rotation.
Burnett doesn’t have to take on the role of ace of the rotation this time around which could be beneficial to him putting up a successful 2015.
Baseball is finally back and Opening Day is less than two months away.
