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Pirates Preview: Will Pitching Staff Continue its Dominance?

By Mark Powell

Jul 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage (L) observes as pitcher Gerrit Cole (R) throws on the field prior to the Pirates hosting the San Diego Padres at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage (L) observes as pitcher Gerrit Cole (R) throws on the field prior to the Pirates hosting the San Diego Padres at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Francisco Liriano

Like a Jenga piece on edge, Liriano is a key cog to the Pirates rotation because if he falters the entire staff goes with him. The 32 year old has been extraordinary since he joined the Pirates in 2013, but there are starts where he makes you want to gouge your eyes out.

Like most of the Pirates’ staff, Liriano induces a very high ground ball rate and gets a bunch of double plays. In fact, his 22 twin kills by groundout last season ranked in the top 10 in all of baseball and he needs every one of those. Liriano’s walk rate is extraordinarily high, leading to baserunners in dangerous positions some innings.

Francisco’s slider and changeup are absolutely filthy and his fastball has enough velocity to keep batters honest. I’d be surprised to see much regression from the veteran lefty. He’s found a second wind in the Steel City and whatever Searage is feeding him is obviously working.

Next: Jon Niese

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