Bold predictions for the 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates

Oct 1, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman

(5) hits a single against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of the 2014 National League Wild Card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Recently the immortal Greg Brown and the probably-also-immortal Bob Walk made some bold predictions for the 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates.  We here at Rum Bunter appreciate the guts that it takes to take a few steps out on a ledge and shock the world.  We’d like to bring you our very own hot takes on the upcoming Pirates season.  Afterall, remember the old saying:  “Fortune favors the bold?”  Well none of us are going to get rich from this, but here now are our bold predictions, starting with our staff and ending with some choice readers’ takes.

Rum Bunter editor Jacob Misener‘s bold prediction for 2015 is this:

"” Josh Harrison will be a 20-20 man in 2015.  Before 2014, Harrison was fond of telling people that if he had steady playing time, he would contribute.  Now, with a solid position for the entire season, Harrison will be better suited to focus on his work at the dish, becoming an annual 20-20 threat in the middle of the Pirates’ lineup, and he should continue to hit for average as well.“"

Eric Scot, Rum Bunter Staff Writer, offers an ideal NL Central prediction for 2015:

"Pirates 92-70 Cardinals 88-74 Cubs 79-83 Brewers 77-85 Reds 66-96"

Well ok then!  We can see now that Eric is firmly onboard and bullish on the Pirates winning the Central crown in 2015.  But not everyone is that optimistic.

Staff Writer Gary Wallace lays the wood on the 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates:

"I believe the Pirates got worse in the offseason, not better.  The loss of Russell Martin was a huge blow to both the offense and defense, and I do not believe the Pirates acquired enough pitching depth to carry an offense that was at times anemic last year.  I believe the Pirates will be very inconsistent this year.  While the Cardinals, Brewers, Reds and Cubs all have their problems, they all appear to be strong teams this year.  My bold prediction:  Pirates lose 90 games this year, finish in last place, and Alvarez, Walker and Burnett all will be traded by year’s end."

To the angry mob that’s currently being assembled:  please take a breath.  Gary does add “I hope my pessimism makes me look stupid at the end of the year!” So, there’s that.  Can we bring him out of hiding now?

Let’s move on and look at some more bold predictions.

Next: A Powerful Pedro Prediction