Team Fantasy Preview - Pittsburgh Pirates
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Throughout the preseason, we will be previewing all 30 teams and what their rosters bring to the fantasy baseball table. This edition covers the Pittsburgh Pirates:
Projected Lineup
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
| ORDER | POSITION | NAME | BATS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2B | Josh Harrison | R |
| 2 | 1B | Josh Bell | S |
| 3 | RF | Andrew McCutchen | R |
| 4 | CF | Starling Marte | R |
| 5 | LF | Gregory Polanco | L |
| 6 | 3B | Jung Ho Kang | R |
| 7 | C | Francisco Cervelli | R |
| 8 | SS | Jordy Mercer | R |
| Bench | 1B/3B | David Freese | R |
| Bench | 2B/OF | Adam Frazier | L |
Projected Rotation
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
| ORDER | NAME | THROWS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gerrit Cole | R |
| 2 | Jameson Taillon | R |
| 3 | Chad Kuhl | R |
| 4 | Ivan Nova | R |
| 5 | Drew Hutchison | R |
Bullpen Hierarchy
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
| Role | Name | THROWS |
|---|---|---|
| Closer | Tony Watson | L |
| Set-Up | Daniel Hudson | R |
| RP | Felipe Rivero | L |
Top Prospect to Watch in 2017
A 21-year-old left-handed hitter, and MLB.com's ninth-ranked prospect, OF Austin Meadows has an intriguing power-speed mix (six home runs and eight stolen bases in 37 Triple-A games in 2016), though a .214 average showed the need for more development. If one of Pittsburgh's outfielders happens to be traded, Meadows could be in line for a mid-season promotion.
The One to Own
Possibly due to persistent back problems, Marte's home run total dipped to nine a season after hitting a career-high 19, but his 47 stolen bases and .311 average likely more than satisfied his fantasy owners. Continued stellar across-the-board production should be expected from the 28-year-old as long as he can remain healthy.
Who Will Drive You Crazy?
It's Marte again! While his all-around ability in undeniable, he tends to miss just enough time every season to make fantasy owners anxious. He played 135 games in 2013, his first full MLB campaign, then 135 again in 2014. Marte made 153 appearances in 2015 before dipping down to 129 last season.
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Top Sleeper
Ex-Yankee Nova flashed his potential after being acquired at the trade deadline, going 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in 11 starts as a Pirate. He walked a mere three batters in 64 2/3 innings with his new club; while that immaculate control isn't sustainable, Pittsburgh has a history of getting the most out of reclamation project pitchers. As a late-round flier, Nova is well worth a gamble.