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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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Mar 21, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the game at CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Pirates shut out the Twins 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Juan Nicasio (12) pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the game at CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Pirates shut out the Twins 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Nicasio

Nicasio is the wild card in this rotation—nobody really knows what to expect out of him. He’s been incredible in Spring Training, but preseason stats should never be taken as gospel. Nicasio finally escaped Coors Field in 2015 with the Dodgers and had his best season to date, posting an ERA of 3.86 in the bullpen as a long relief man.

With the Dodgers last season, Nicasio averaged 10 strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, but also nearly 5 walks. Location has always been the question about this journeyman, and if Searage can “fix” Nicasio like he has pitchers in the past, he could easily move up the food chain in the Pirates’ rotation.

Next: Pirates' Bullpen

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