$Predicting Pittsburgh Pirates\' 2016 Opening Day Lineup$

Predicting Pittsburgh Pirates' 2016 Opening Day Lineup

By Bryan Zarpentine

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a bit of a forgotten team heading into 2016, as the upstart Chicago Cubs have received a lot of attention, while the St. Louis Cardinals are perennial contenders in the NL Central. But the Pirates are very much a threat and undoubtedly have the pieces to return to the postseason and potentially win the division. Here is a look at the lineup the Pirates may put on the field in 2016 which they hope can lead them to big things.

$Predicting Pittsburgh Pirates\' 2016 Opening Day Lineup$

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Gregory Polanco, Right Field — Polanco isn't an ideal leadoff hitter, as his on-base percentage is lower than desired, but he's the best option they have at the moment. He does bring plenty of speed to the table, stealing 27 bases last year, and he'll hit plenty of doubles as well as a few triples. The Pirates will live with him at leadoff and hope he can get on base more than the past couple of years.

Josh Harrison, Second Base — Harrison gives the Pirates another option for the leadoff role, but his best numbers last year were hitting out of the No. 2 spot. He's a great fit for that spot in the lineup, and his defensive versatility makes him one of Pittsburgh's most important players.

Andrew McCutchen, Center Field — McCutchen is in the prime of his career, and the Pirates are expecting big things from him this season. Last year was a bit of a down season, at least for his standards, but he's poised for a big year in 2016. He should be hitting third for the Pirates just about every day this season.

Starling Marte, Left Field — The Pirates would like a little more power out of their cleanup spot, but they'll survive with Marte hitting there most days. Marte may be their best overall player outside of McCutchen, so they're going to get him as many at-bats as possible with runners on base, making the cleanup spot his regular place in the lineup.

David Freese, Third Base — With Jung-ho Kang likely to start the season on the DL, Freese is likely to get the start at third base on opening day. Freese may not be an impact guy at this point in his career, but he could prove to be a useful player for the Pirates this year. He can play multiple positions, provide a lift off the bench and possibly allow Kang to play elsewhere, giving the Pirates more depth in their lineup.

John Jaso, First Base — First base will be a fluid position for the Pirates, as Freese, Michael Morse and prospect Josh Bell could all see time there, but Jaso figures to get the start on opening day. Jaso is a part-time player, but he does give the Pirates a lefty who can hit in the middle of their lineup, something they are otherwise missing.

Francisco Cervelli, Catcher — Cervelli will be Pittsburgh's workhorse behind the plate this season. Last year was one of the best offensive seasons of his career, including a career high with seven home runs. He won't be an All-Star behind the plate, but Cervelli will be a solid No. 7 hitter for the Pirates for much of 2016.

Jordy Mercer, Shortstop — Mercer did not have a strong offensive season last year, but the PIrates don't have many other options at shortstop. He's capable of doing better than he a year ago, but if he doesn't produce, the Pirates could eventually look at other options, including Kang or possibly Harrison at shortstop.

Francisco Liriano, Pitcher — This will be the third straight season Liriano will be Pittsburgh's opening day starter, and it's well deserved, as he's been the model of consistency while with the Pirates. The PIrates also have a co-ace in Gerrit Cole, giving Pittsburgh a strong duo at the top of the rotation.

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