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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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Mar 3, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) signs autographs prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli (29) signs autographs prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Starter: Francisco Cervelli

Backup: Chris Stewart

The Pirates were first in baseball last year when it came to catcher batting average  thanks to excellent statistical seasons by Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart. Cervelli was able to stay healthy the entire season for the first time in his career, and flirted with a .300 batting average.

Fangraphs predicts a significant drop-off at the plate for Cervelli, even though he’s a career .284 hitter. His plate discipline significantly improved in 2015 while developing into  a core piece of the Pirates’ lineup.  Cervelli will continue to be encouraged to work the count (as all Pirates’ hitters have) by hitting coach Jeff Branson.

Behind the Italian Stallion, Stewart has proven to be an excellent second-string catcher. Both Stewart and Cervelli are efficient behind the plate, ranking around the middle of the league in most defensive categories, and their work with the team’s pitching staff (which ranked second in team ERA) cannot be understated. The duo also ranked second in the MLB with 4.5 combined WAR.

I could throw countless other statistics to convince you, but it should be obvious by now: catcher is a strength on this team.

Next: First Base

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