Predictions and Previews: 2011

Every year I cannot believe that the season is finally here and today is the day that I spend all year waiting for. I am sure that many reading also wait in anticipation for this day as well. With out further ado, here are some of my thoughts about the upcoming season.

Five Players to Be Hopeful For

1. Andrew McCutchen - It seems odd to put perhaps the Pirates' biggest star as a player to be hopeful for, I mean we should know what we have right? But McCutchen comes into this season with a good deal of expectations placed on him. Many are stating to pay attention to what he has done and are expecting a large leap forward. What he is able to do with those expectations and eyes on him, will tell us a lot. I fully expect him to excel in this situation.

2. Jose Tabata - After McCutchen he might be the most exciting to watch. As graceful as McCutchen is on the basepaths, Tabata runs with a reckless abandon. We will see him running with more abandon this season, as the new staff wants to run more, which could make Tabata one to really watch.

3. Joel Hanrahan - He was second on the team in strikeouts, only 2 behind Paul Maholm. He struck out more than a batter an inning. That type of stuff coming out of the bullpen at the end of games, could ensure that the times the Pirates are ahead, they stay ahead.

4. Garrett Jones - The platoon may end up working best for Jones. He will be played in a way that suits his very good strengths as a player. Who knows what he might do seeing nothing but righties, as well as knowing exactly where he is going to play everyday.

5. James McDonald - Acquired mid-way through last season, McDonald was a great addition to the staff. He was able to be a shining star on what was a rather dark black hole of a pitching staff. Hopefully what we saw last season was just a taste of what he might be able to do.

Five Players to Be Concerned About

1. Ryan Doumit - It has been said that Doumit may not have the best of attitudes, who knows how that will work out now that he is no longer really in the plans here. Will he be clubhouse cancer or model citizen?

2. Matt Diaz - Call me crazy, but the current front office has not been the best in terms of scouting major league players. The fascination with Diaz came very early in the offseaon, which somewhat scared me.

3. Lyle Overbay - In somewhat of the same vein as Matt Diaz above, you have to wonder if he can still play. Overbay also is getting up there in years and will he be able to be a difference maker or a stabilizing force?

4. Ross Ohlendorf - He has had a bit of a roller coaster career thus far, jumping from reliever to starter, from consistent to inconsistent. After famously only getting 1 win then getting a raise, Ohlendorf has not fared all that well this spring. Could that be a sign of things to come this summer?

5. Any pitcher not named Hanrahan or Meek - There is no way around it the pitching staff was atrocious last season. What will make that any different this season.

Five Stories to Watch

1. Clint Hurdle and his message - The story of the effect of Clint Hurdle and his new voice to the organization, will be followed very closely this season. It will be interesting to see if the different approach and positive rhetoric will add up to wins.

2. The adjustment of the young players - Many will be watching to see if the dreaded sophomore slump hits the Pirates and their trio of players that debuted last season. Walker, Tabata, and Alvarez will do their best to not have that slump.

3. The Platoon - The Bucs went out of their way and over some other teams to get Matt Diaz to platoon with Garrett Jones in right field. Both play to each others strengths, will the combo lead to a productive corner outfielder?

4. The number one pick - Once again the Pirates were able to lock up the top pick in the draft and many will be watching to see who they decide to take. Among the names are  Anthony Rendon and Gerritt Cole, both are good choices. The choice that the Pirates make will be leading the next wave of young talent into Pittsburgh.

5. Huntington's Future - The general manager has only this season left on his contract. Will he be offered an extension? Who knows for certain, but I'd imagine that they are probably leaning towards offering an extension, unless the team comes out and shows no improvement. No matter what, the local media will talk a good bit about it.

Five Predictions

1. Neil Walker will prove that last year was not a fluke and will continue to hit well.

2. Ryan Doumit will finish the season in black and gold. Is this a good or bad thing?

3. Anthony Rendon will be the first overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, though he won't sign until the deadline.

4. Andrew McCutchen will be joined by a teammate in Arizona for the All-Star game. I hope Joel Hanrahan does not have any plans for the second week of July.

5. 75 wins. That would be a huge improvement, but one that I see as the best case scenario and one that hopefully happens.