Pirates fail

[PadsFS]

With Wandy's recent injury history there's a good chance Volquez could see a lot of innings.

They also have Jameson Taillon coming up soon.

[mth123]

I don't think the Pirates could afford Burnett at $14 Million. Rumor is they offered him around $8 Million and it "insulted" him. Wandy is a wild card, but subbing Volquez for Burnett, a probable regression from Liriano and Jeff Locke already turning into a pumpkin, means they'll need a big year from Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon will need to burst on the scene. I'm pessimistic on the Reds, but I think the Pirates will finish 4th and several games behind Cincy. They could be tough in 2015 when Polanco, Hanson and Taillon should all be ready.

[villain612]

I don't think the Pirates could afford Burnett at $14 Million. Rumor is they offered him around $8 Million and it "insulted" him. Wandy is a wild card, but subbing Volquez for Burnett, a probable regression from Liriano and Jeff Locke already turning into a pumpkin, means they'll need a big year from Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon will need to burst on the scene. I'm pessimistic on the Reds, but I think the Pirates will finish 4th and several games behind Cincy. They could be tough in 2015 when Polanco, Hanson and Taillon should all be ready.

I think this is spot on.....and I hope it pans out this way.

Sorry Pirates fans. Back to not making the playoffs.

[bullseye]

Pirates will be fine. They are still loaded down on the farm.

[Beltway]

This Pirates were incredibly lucky to win 94 games last season. I think they have a pretty good shot at finishing above .500 in 2014, but they're not winning 90+ games. I think they'll win around 85.

[RedlegJake]

Bucs have a strong farm. They'll be fine unless their management goes off the rails. That's a factor that is too often ignored. I'd rank the front offices Cards then Reds then Bucs/Brewers and lastly the Cubs, despite the vaunted Epstein.