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In conclusion
While it goes against what most Pittsburgh Pirate fans believe in, there are reasons for optimism entering the offseason. The reasons stated in this post do not include changes that will be made this offseason, either. I fully expect the Pirates to add to their bullpen, starting rotation, and bench this offseason.
Most Pirate fans will predict nothing but doom and gloom this offseason. The way the Pittsburgh media, especially people such as Dejan Kovacevic, talk about the Pirates will not help with this. However, the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates should be a good team.
I look for the Pirates to be in postseason contention in 2017. Pirate fans, ignore the pessimism and be optimistic for once. It will not hurt, I promise.