Resurgent starters, stars key for Bucs in 2017

PITTSBURGH — After a disappointing season that ended weeks earlier than they would have liked, can the Pirates find their way back into the postseason in 2017?

Pittsburgh’s run of three straight playoff appearances came to an end this year, done in by inconsistent play and injuries as well as an ill-equipped early-season rotation. By the end of September, with the playoffs out of the question and several key players shut down, the Bucs began to offer a glimpse into their 2017 plans.

Several rookies got their feet wet this year, and they’ll be asked to play bigger roles next season. While the former prospects are a major part of the Pirates’ future success, they won’t go far without a return to form from their stars. Everyone, young and old, will need to step up to put the Pirates back in the postseason picture.

• Young Bucs bright spot of inconsistent 2016

Gerrit Cole must be healthy and productive, and Jameson Taillon will be expected to join him atop the rotation. A “normal” season from Andrew McCutchen would go a long way, as would the boost provided by Josh Bell’s bat. The Pirates’ front office will have to address losses on the bench and in the bullpen. More importantly, they will be tasked with filling out a rotation that spent too much of 2016 in flux.

The Pirates reported to Spring Training earlier this year with their eyes set on the National League Central title. They’ll report to Pirate City in February with the same plan. How can they catch the Cubs in 2017?

• Pirates’ Top 30 Prospects

“It’s doing our best to keep the core where it’s at, keep it the same. When someone goes down, someone taking their spot and doing their job,” McCutchen said. “We definitely have the pieces for that. We’ve just got to be consistent with it and consistent with the lineup, consistent with the team. Once you do that, it becomes — I won’t say easier, but almost second nature when you’re out there on the field.”

Arbitration-eligible: Cole, LHP Tony Watson, LHP Jeff Locke, RHP Juan Nicasio, RHP Drew Hutchison, RHP Jared Hughes, SS Jordy Mercer, LHP Wade LeBlanc, INF Pedro Florimon

Free agents: RHP Ivan Nova, RHP Neftali Feliz, INF/OF Sean Rodriguez, RHP Ryan Vogelsong, OF Matt Joyce, LHP Phil Coke

Rotation: A strength throughout their three straight trips to the postseason, the starting staff was a weakness this year. How will it fare next season? That depends largely on the health and effectiveness of Cole, their top arm. A year of experience and a full workload should benefit Taillon, a worthy No. 2. Who will …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com