Pittsburgh Pirates 2016 vs. 2017 Part 2: Pitching

Feb 19, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA;Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pose for a photo for photo day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA;Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pose for a photo for photo day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams (57) pitches in the first inning of the spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2017; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Trevor Williams (57) pitches in the first inning of the spring training game against the Atlanta Braves at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Number Five

2016: Jeff Locke

2017: Somebody….

This battle is now between Trevor Williams and the celebrated Tyler Glasnow, neither of which is a sure thing, although Glasnow’s ceiling reaches the heavens. Prior to yesterday, it appeared that Drew Hutchison was all but guaranteed to be the fifth starter. However, the Pirates optioned him to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Fans want Tyler Glasnow to be the fifth starter. However, Trevor Williams has had the better spring of the two. Furthermore, the Pirates may want Glasnow to work at Triple-A more to try and refine his control.

In any case, the Pirates situation at the number five spot has this fan feeling the most uneasy, and it will be interesting to see if the Pirates can turn this into an asset, especially if Glasnow makes it.

In any case.

A water buffalo > Locke