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2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Pittsburgh Pirates Storylines To Watch

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Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

2015 MLB Spring Training: 5 Pittsburgh Pirates Storylines To Watch

CHurdle — Over the past two seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates have established themselves as a legitimate force in the NL Central, advancing to the playoffs in both years. Heading into 2015, they are expected to be in the mix once again. There may, however, still be a few issues that need to be sorted out before the season begins. So, without further ado, here are five stories to watch during Pirates camp as spring training gets underway.

Over the past two seasons, the Pittsburgh Pirates have established themselves as a legitimate force in the NL Central, advancing to the playoffs in both years. Heading into 2015, they are expected to be in the mix once again. There may, however, still be a few issues that need to be sorted out before the season begins. So, without further ado, here are five stories to watch during Pirates camp as spring training gets underway.

5. Jung-ho Kang's First Season Stateside

5. Jung-ho Kang's First Season Stateside

GloveandBallsCopy — Over the offseason, the Pirates signed Jung-ho Kang to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year. Kang, who was a power-hitting shortstop in Korea, batted .356/.459/.739 with 40 homers and 117 RBIs last season. By the sound of things, it appears likely that Kang will break camp with the Bucs as a utility infielder. It will be interesting to see how well his power and overall skill set will translate to MLB in year one.

Over the offseason, the Pirates signed Jung-ho Kang to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth year. Kang, who was a power-hitting shortstop in Korea, batted .356/.459/.739 with 40 homers and 117 RBIs last season. By the sound of things, it appears likely that Kang will break camp with the Bucs as a utility infielder. It will be interesting to see how well his power and overall skill set will translate to MLB in year one.

4. Josh Harrison's Chances To Repeat Stellar 2014

4. Josh Harrison's Chances To Repeat Stellar 2014

JoshHarrisonCopy — One of the Pirates' most pleasant surprises in 2014 was the emergence of Josh Harrison, who batted .315/.347/.490 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs in a breakout campaign. It now remains to be seen, however, whether or not the 27-year-old will be able to do it again. For what it is worth, Harrison may have had a slow start to his big league career, but he was a .309/.360/.440 hitter in the minor leagues.

One of the Pirates' most pleasant surprises in 2014 was the emergence of Josh Harrison, who batted .315/.347/.490 with 13 homers and 52 RBIs in a breakout campaign. It now remains to be seen, however, whether or not the 27-year-old will be able to do it again. For what it is worth, Harrison may have had a slow start to his big league career, but he was a .309/.360/.440 hitter in the minor leagues.

3. Pedro Alvarez's Move To First Base

3. Pedro Alvarez's Move To First Base

PedroAlvarezCopy — After crushing a total of 66 home runs from 2012-13, Pedro Alvarez batted only .231/.312/.405 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs through 122 games last season. His defense at the hot corner also took a turn for the worse as he committed an eye-popping 24 throwing errors. Now moving across the diamond to first base, the Pirates are hoping the power-hitter can have a bounce-back season in 2015.

After crushing a total of 66 home runs from 2012-13, Pedro Alvarez batted only .231/.312/.405 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs through 122 games last season. His defense at the hot corner also took a turn for the worse as he committed an eye-popping 24 throwing errors. Now moving across the diamond to first base, the Pirates are hoping the power-hitter can have a bounce-back season in 2015.

2. Battle For No. 5 Spot In Rotation

2. Battle For No. 5 Spot In Rotation

JeffLockeCopy — Assuming Charlie Morton will be good to go by Opening Day, it appears that four spots in the Bucs' rotation will be spoken for, with Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett making up the other three. It appears that the battle for the No. 5 spot will come down to Jeff Locke and Vance Worley, each of whom carry a certain amount of upside. Locke was an All-Star back in 2013, and Worley was impressive over 17 starts with the Pirates in 2014.

Assuming Charlie Morton will be good to go by Opening Day, it appears that four spots in the Bucs' rotation will be spoken for, with Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett making up the other three. It appears that the battle for the No. 5 spot will come down to Jeff Locke and Vance Worley, each of whom carry a certain amount of upside. Locke was an All-Star back in 2013, and Worley was impressive over 17 starts with the Pirates in 2014.

1. Potentially Legendary Outfield

1. Potentially Legendary Outfield

PiratesOutfieldCopy — With Starling Marte in left and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen in center, it would suffice to say that two-thirds of the Bucs' outfield is already in elite territory. If right fielder Gregory Polanco can live up to his potential, this could obviously be a very special outfield, both offensively and defensively, for many years to come. It may even be one for the history books.

With Starling Marte in left and 2013 NL MVP Andrew McCutchen in center, it would suffice to say that two-thirds of the Bucs' outfield is already in elite territory. If right fielder Gregory Polanco can live up to his potential, this could obviously be a very special outfield, both offensively and defensively, for many years to come. It may even be one for the history books.

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Brad Faber is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.

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