Bold predictions for the 2015 Pittsburgh Pirates

Aug 25, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez (24) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

FanSided MLB Editorial Director, Rum Bunter administrator, and modern day renaissance man Dave Hill shocks us all with this:

"Pedro Alvarez will be designated for assignment The 2013 season was considered to be the coming out party for Pedro Alvarez. He led the National League with 36 home runs, earned an All-Star nomination and a Silver Slugger award. It seemed like he was set to take that next step forward. Instead, Alvarez regressed mightily last season. Instead of capitalizing on that 2013 season, Alvarez posted a .231/.312/.405 batting line. While that may not be far off from his hitting rates in 2013, Alvarez also saw quite the power outage, as his home runs dropped from 36 to 18 last year. During the 2014 season, Pedro Alvarez found himself displaced at third by Josh Harrison. Now at first, he is expected to be part of a platoon with Corey Hart, provided that Hart can remain healthy. However, there is no guarantee that Alvarez will be able to produce either. His high strikeout rates are troubling, especially as he is not hitting for the same power. As this is a post about bold predictions, my prediction is that Alvarez will not recapture that form. With a healthy Hart, and the possibility that Andrew Lambo could be more than a AAAA player, the Pirates will find themselves without a place for Alvarez, designating him for assignment to see what, if anything, he would be worth to a team looking for a reclamation project. Hopefully I am wrong and Pedro Alvarez will be closer to the player of 2013. I’m just not holding my breath as I wait."

Wow.  I think a lot would have to transpire for Dave’s prediction to come true.  I think that not only would Pedro have to struggle, but I think the Bucs would have to be struggling overall for any significant movement to happen.  The vibe that I’ve gotten  over the past year makes me really think that the Pirates plan is to just ride out 2015 with El Toro and call it a day.  Here’s hoping some AL team comes knocking at the Bucs’ door looking for a DH sooner rather than later.

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