North Shore Nine

Record: 88-74 with a Wild Card spot!
Not so much. Pirates could not hit enough to do any better with their record this year than they did last year. It was a very disappointing year at the plate and out of the bullpen. If either had been better that pure trash, then this predication could have been a bit closer to a reality. However, as hope springs eternal, this predication might end up being a carry over to next year as things have to get better finally, right?

The Rotation will not be as bad as feared!
The rotation was not the issues this year. Paul Skenes was sublime, Mitch Keller was solid, Jared Jones was damn good, Bailey Falter looked better than you all thought he would look like, Luis Ortiz was very-very good. On the flip side Marco Gonzales could not stay healthy making only 7 starts, and Martin Perez and Domingo German were both massive disappointments. Pirates have a very good looking starting 5 heading into the offseason, and that does not count Mike Burrows, Johan Oviedo and Bubba Chandler nor Braxton Ashcraft. Lot of hope in that mix, it will be the best bright spot for fans to focus on this offseason.

The Rookies will surprise!
They did! Paul Skenes was even better than fans wildest dreams. Jared Jones was very good even with his time off and injury. Kyle Nicolas had a pretty good rookie season, after some initial stubbles he became an important RP before his injury rerailed his season. Hell, even Billy Cook and Nick Yorke were pleasant surprises in limited action in September. Neither had great statistical significance, however both showed enough as to what they could do moving forward.

The Pirates will send 5 players to the All-Star game!
Nope, they got two in Paul Skenes and Bryan Reynolds. Could have been more potentially but considering how they had played post April up to the All-Star game fan feel lucky they even got two.

The Lumber Company will return!
They did not. Pirates finished in the National League 13th in HR and 3B, 14th in AVG and OBP, 15th in SLG, 2B and OPS. The only category they were in the top 3 in was times they struck out. It was a dismal offensive year, if Andy Haines still keeps his job after this performance, pack it in because no one in that front office cares anymore.

Awards!
Cruz will win Comeback Player of the Year:
Oneil Cruz had a very good year, .259/.324/.449 with a .773 OPS 21 home runs and 22 stolen bases. However, this does not come close to comparing to what Chris Sale did in Atlanta. Sale will likely win the Cy Young award as well after having a stellar season. This is no fault against Cruz, but it is hard to complete against the pitching dominance Sale once again showed this year.

Hayes will win his Platinum Glove: Woof. Not only will Ke’Bryan Haes not win any awards this year, there is worry how well he will every perform again. While it is unlikely he will not be in the starting lineup at 3B next year, the consistent injuries are becoming more than a concern. Hopefully, he can get the treatment he needs and finally turn the corner next season, as that would go a long way to helping the Pirates break their playoff slump.


Jared Triolo will win his first GG in the Utility category: Triolo looked bad until Hayes went on the IL to end his season, after that Triolo put up much better numbers. He was also good defensively at 3B and at 2B on the season. However, it is unlikely he was good enough or played enough games to be awarded this honor. The best that will come out of the season for Triolo is another shot next year at the super utility position.


Silver Sluggers will be given to Hayes, Cruz, Reynolds, and Davis:
A mixed bag here, Hayes and Henry Davis clearly will not be winning SS awards this year. Cruz and Reynolds have a shot though it seems unlikely in both cases, especially not knowing how much the late season position change could affect Cruz. Bryan Reynolds has a chance of winning the SS for left field, however that is a long shot as it is expected to go to Teoscar Hernanadez in the NL.


Jones will just miss out on winning Rookie of the Year:
Good new bad news here, Jones is going to miss out on Rookie of the Year, though by more that ‘just miss”. However, Paul Skenes clearly should be the winner of this award this year. He has already been given it from Baseball America just as the season ended. Skenes finished the year 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA striking out 170 over 133 innings pitched with a .947 WHIP. While winning this award will not net the Pirates the extra draft pick, if he pitches like this again next year the Cy Young award will A. Look great on his mantle and B. Gift the Pirates a draft pick anyway.