Pittsburgh Pirates’ Top 5 Storylines Of Spring Training

2. Can Francisco Liriano dominate again?

Liriano was simply outstanding a year ago. There’s no denying that.

Oct 1, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher

throws a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning of the National League wild card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

But can he be that same guy in 2014?

There are some concerns as Liriano has never put back-to-back big years together in his career. But he hasn’t spent two seasons with Ray Searage and the Pirates staff before.

By that alone I am hopeful.

Our Larry Snyder took a look at Liriano by writing:

"Liriano went 12-3 in 2007, his second season with the Minnesota Twins, to go along with a 2.16 earned-run average and 144 strikeouts. He went a decent 6-4 with a 3.91 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 2008, but just 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA with 122 strikeouts in 2009. Next came a solid year in 2010 with the Twins when the left-hander put up a 14-10 record with a 3.62 ERA and 201 strikeouts. Then, in 2011 the numbers went south again with a 9-10 record, a 5.09 ERA and 112 strikeouts. Liriano pitched for both the Twins and Chicago White Sox in 2012, and he recorded a combined record of 6-12 with a 5.34 ERA and 167 strikeouts. The native of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic went 53-54 in seven years in the American League. His comeback in 2013 with the Bucs saw him put up a record of 16-8, 3.02 ERA, and 163 strikeouts as he came over to the National League. Can the 30-year-old excel in back-to-back seasons for the Pirates in 2014?"

Liriano is the key to the Pirates pitching staff that is suddenly filled with question marks.

If he puts up a solid 2014 campaign, I like the top two in Liriano and Cole a lot. I also am very high on Charlie Morton having repeated success. If the Bucs get anything from Wandy Rodriguez and Edinson Volquez, the rotation will turn out to be very good.

If Liriano struggles though and reverts back to his American League form, it could be a long season for the Bucs’ entire staff.