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Pittsburgh Pirates: Reaction to MLB’s 2018 starting lineup prediction

By Derek Snyder

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates high fives with Gregory Polanco #25 after hitting a two run home run in the third inning during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on September 27, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: Josh Bell #55 of the Pittsburgh Pirates high fives with Gregory Polanco #25 after hitting a two run home run in the third inning during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park on September 27, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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We’re only through a handful of games in 2018 Spring Training, but that didn’t stop MLB from predicting the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup on Opening Day.

It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates are struggling through the first week of Spring Training games, but we all know these games don’t really count. It may show us what the Bucs’ prospects look like against the rest of baseball, but it isn’t indicative of the type of season Pittsburgh will have in 2018.

Nevertheless, it’s easy to overreact to some early-season struggles, especially in preseason baseball. With a plethora of games remaining, I strongly encourage all Pirates fans to wait and see how this roster improves throughout the month of March.

While we haven’t seen the Bucs’ starting lineup for an entire game just yet, Major League Baseball’s official website threw out a prediction of what those starting eight players would potentially look like in order.

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Take a look at what MLB’s official website believes will be the Pirates’ starting lineup on Opening Day 2018:

  1. Josh Harrison, 2B
  2. Corey Dickerson, LF
  3. Starling Marte, CF
  4. Josh Bell, 1B
  5. Gregory Polanco, RF
  6. Francisco Cervelli, C
  7. Colin Moran, 3B
  8. Jordy Mercer, SS

In all honesty, there really shouldn’t be any surprises here; however, the addition of Corey Dickerson definitely makes this Pirates lineup a little more interesting. The former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder brings a talented player into a Pittsburgh ball-club that’s looking for more leadership and power.

With Andrew McCutchen all the way in San Francisco this season, the Bucs need their top four hitters to have great seasons. It may seem like a long shot, but I truly believe Josh Harrison, Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte and Josh Bell will cause some major chaos for pitchers in 2018.

Also, one player to watch heading into the regular season is outfielder Austin Meadows. The young outfielder in on fire through the Pirates first few games of Spring Training, which could land him a spot in the big leagues sometime soon.

Next: Pirates vs Red Sox: Takeaways from Game 4 of Spring Training

I don’t foresee Meadows taking over in right field for Polanco just yet, but if the Pirates need an outfielder because of injury this season, don’t be surprised when Meadows finally gets the call.

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