Top 5 Pittsburgh Pirates of the 2016 Season

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Jameson Taillon
Aug 22, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (50) delivers a pitch against the Houston Astros during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5.  Jameson Taillon

This could have been Ivan Nova but I decided to roll with Jamo here.  The most important thing is he proved he was healthy.  Not only did he prove he was healthy, he proved that he could pitch effectively in the major leagues.

During his rehab from Tommy John Surgery, Taillon was able to work on his mechanics and delivery and basically become a new pitcher which he was able to do.  Taillon dominated Triple-A hitters in his 10 starts at the level in 2016. He posted a 2.04 ERA and an amazing 0.88 BB/9 at Triple-A in 2016.

On June 8, Taillon made his Major League debut and picked up right where he left off at with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.  His new delivery allowed him to keep his fastball down in the zone and generate ground balls and that’s exactly what he was able to do in the majors (52.4 percent ground ball rate).  He continued to keep guys off the bases after his callup, only walking 1.47 BB/9.  Taillon would finish his rookie season with a 3.38 ERA and a 3.71 FIP.  So, in conclusion, it was a successful rookie season for Taillon and I’m expecting big things from him in 2017.

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