Ode to opening day, specifically when the game is played with a wind-chill factor in the 20s. You know the tune:
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Take me out to the ball game,
Holy smoke, is that snow?
Wearing my mittens and tossle cap,
I'd like to cheer, but it's too cold to clap.
Now we're frozen stiff on the North Side.
Brought the kids, feel the guilt.
We love spring and the opening game
Wrapped up in this quilt.
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So as the Pirates start the 2016 season, here are the relevant questions:
--Can Jon Niese solidify the rotation in the No. 3 spot and give the team three dependable starting pitchers? If the top three starters are good enough, a team can succeed with average pitching in the last two spots.
--The Pirates probably won't match last year's home run production (140), but can they maintain their run production with a new model? Improved on-base percentage can lead to the same number of runs, just with less noise.
--Why do some people think it will be so hard to replace Pedro Alvarez? He had a terrible season, evidenced by the lack of interest when he hit the free agent market. He hit 27 home runs, but 22 were with the bases empty. He hit .223 with runners on base last year.
--How long will it take Jung Ho Kang to get back to normal? He's opening the season on the disabled list and he still hasn't attempted a slide. This is eased somewhat by the late acquisition of David Freese.
--Can Gregory Polanco step up? The Pirates are high on him and need him to build on last season's second half progress.
--How long will Jared Hughes be out? He's also starting on the DL, and he's vital to the late inning bullpen progression that leads to Tony Watson and Mark Melancon.
--Is Juan Nicasio for real? He was lights out in spring training. If that translates to the regular season, it could be a huge boost for the rotation.
--How soon do Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow get here? It's time for the next generation of pitchers to arrive, and at least one of the two should get to PNC Park this season.
--Can Francisco Cervelli repeat last season? The best thing he did was avoid the DL after an injury-filled career.
--How good are the Chicago Cubs? They're the trendy pick this year, not only in the Central Division, but to win the World Series.
--Can the Pirates win within the division? They were 8-11 against the Cubs last season and 9-10 against the Cardinals. They also had losing records against the bottom feeders -- 8-11 vs. the Reds and 9-10 against Milwaukee. That has to improve.
Tradition demands a forecast, so here goes: The projection is that the Pirates will have a winning record and contend for a postseason spot. They may make the wild card again, but it's unlikely they'll win the division over the Cubs and Cardinals.
As always, enjoy the season. Please keep your shirt and shoes on.
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--CLOCK IS TICKING
Just a few days left to enter the How Many Games Will The Pirates Win contest at the Mainly Mehno blog found at altoonamirror.com.
Tell your cousins in California. The prize ships anywhere in the continental United States. Even Idaho.
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