Outfield roles overhauled
Notable spring face
RHP Gerrit Cole: Last spring Cole was frequently mentioned as one of the game’s top young pitchers, coming off a 19-8 record and a sparkling 2.60 ERA. After a disappointing 2016 season that included three separate stints on the disabled list, the 26-year-old right-hander is simply looking to prove he’s completely healthy.
The Pirates shut Cole down in mid-September with elbow inflammation after 21 starts. Since tests didn’t reveal any structural damage, surgery wasn’t required, and he has been able to follow his normal offseason throwing program. But the real test comes when he gets back on the mound.
Burning question
Will the Pirates’ new outfield alignment make a difference?
Five-time All-Star and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen did not live up to his usual high standard in 2016.
On offense, he logged a career high in atbats, but his .256 average, .336 on-base percentage and .430 slugging percentage were all career lows. And on defense, he seemed to lose a step — going from a 2012 Gold Glover in center field to what advanced metrics determined was one of the worst fielders in the game.
So this offseason, team executives decided to move two-time Gold Glove left fielder Starling Marte to center, shift McCutchen to right field and flip Gregory Polanco from right to left.
While the changes make sense on paper, having all three players adjust to new positions will be more challenging.
“I’ve played eight seasons and haven’t had a World Series yet. The hope in 2017 is to make a push for that,” McCutchen told USA TODAY Sports. “Life doesn’t always go the way you planned it to go. Sometimes you have detours you have to take.”