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Pirates Preview: Infield a Strength Despite Unknowns

By Mark Powell

Mar 31, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates stand for the national anthem prior to the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates stand for the national anthem prior to the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Early this month I previewed the Pirates’ outfield. Clearly, those players are the core of the team. Now we get into the nitty gritty and answer some burning questions about the Bucs’ infield.

After losing Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker, the Pirates’  have some glaring holes in their lineup. Whether you agree with him or not, Neal Huntington’s strategy is clear: what the team has lost in raw power, they’ve gained in overall on-base percentage and defensive range.

I’m not sold on this being the key to success, but keep in mind this is a team that won 98 games last year and ranked in the top third in overall batting average and batting average on balls in play. If the Pirates fail to meet expectations this season, I have a hard time believing it will be because of the lineup.

Don’t believe me? Well, let’s go around the diamond.

Next: Catcher

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