Pittsburgh Pirates 2016 vs. 2017 Part 2: Pitching
By Joe Smeltzer
![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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/RumBunter-cover-d045333221575e6ac0bdda1773e8bc4d.jpg)
Overall
This is a big year for the Pirates in all facets, and the performance of the pitching rotation as well as the ‘pen will be huge in determining how successful this team is. The rotation should be improved, and I think the bullpen will be solid. But there are a lot of question marks, particulary with the bullpen, and that is why optimisim is tamed. The good news is, in less than a week, the journey will begin, and all we can do is watch it shape up.