Tag Archives: Gerrit Cole

2018 MLB Season Preview: Houston Astros

The Houston Astros did everything right last season and won the World Series. They were arguably the best team from beginning to end.

Houston didn’t stand pat hoping the current squad was good enough to win another championship. They went out and traded for another arm (starter Gerrit Cole) to bolster what was already one of the best rotations in the Majors.

The AL West is always a competitive race. Nearly every team in the division made big moves this offseason. It will be hard for Houston to repeat last year’s success against an improved Angels and Mariners rosters.

Can the Astros repeat and win back-to-back rings?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Houston Astros.

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2017 MLB Season Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates won 98 games in 2015, but then went on a backslide and won only 78 last season. A handful of players regressed and they made a few trades at the deadline to add to their farm system.

All was not lost for the Pirates as a player they traded for in August became a crucial part of their future. The Yankees traded pitcher Ivan Nova to the Pirates for the equivalent of a used 1975 Ford Pinto. He went on to pitch 64 innings for the Pirates and had a 3.06 ERA. Pittsburgh re-signed him this offseason for three more years.

The NL Central is expected to be controlled by the Cubs for the next few years. Can the Pirates hang with them and possible earn a Wild Card spot this year?

Here is the 2017 MLB season preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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2016 MLB Season Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates had a great season last year, but fell victim to the Wild Card system. They won 98 games, but still had to play the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card game…and they failed to win.

The Pirates made some move this offseason, but none of them were very flashy. General manager Neil Huntington is sticking to the strategy he used to build this team. He makes low-cost free agent signings and continues to develop his farm system.

The NL Central will be the most competitive division in baseball. The Cardinals and Cubs made some big free agent signings this offseason. Will the Pirates refusal to open their checkbook hurt them this year?

Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates are coming off back-to-back postseason appearances, but have yet to win the NL Central. Manager Clint Hurdle knows winning the division is more important than ever. Pittsburgh would avoid a Wild Card play-in game. They lost to the eventual World Series champs (San Francisco) in the WC play-in game last season.

The Buccos might possibly have the best young outfield in the Majors. Andrew McCutchen is a perennial MVP candidate, Startling Marte is an all-round offensive and defensive weapon and Gregory Polanco hopes to repeat the numbers he had in the minors before last year’s call-up. All three are under the age of 28 and should be stars in Pittsburgh for a long time.

Can the Pirates hold off the Cardinals and win their first division title since 1992?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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2014 MLB Team Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates ended their 20-year streak of finishing under .500. They were close the last two seasons, but ran out of gas at the end of the year.

Andrew McCutchen lead the team into the playoffs and won the National League MVP. He’s entering his year-27 season, which is when most players begin to hit their peak. If McCutchen puts up the same numbers he had in 2013, he could easily win another MVP.

The Pirates bring back most of their starters this season. The Cardinals and Reds made a few moves, but Pittsburgh chose to wait for their top prospects to eventually appear in the Majors. Was that a mistake or the right move?

Gerrit Cole was brought up last season and looked like a future ace. Is he ready to replace A.J. Burnett in the rotation?

Here is the 2014 MLB season preview for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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