Pirates 2017 Squad: A Look Back At The Roster
\ Ahoy, mateys! Let's take a nostalgic journey back to 2017 and explore the Pittsburgh Pirates squad that sailed the baseball seas that year. The 2017 season was a mix of promise and challenges for the Pirates, and the team's performance was heavily influenced by the talent and dynamics within the roster. This article dives deep into the players who donned the black and gold, examining their contributions, key moments, and overall impact on the season. Remember those thrilling games and unforgettable plays? Well, buckle up, because we're about to relive them! In 2017, the Pittsburgh Pirates aimed to build upon their recent successes and establish themselves as a consistent contender in the National League Central. The team's roster featured a blend of seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and promising rookies, all striving to contribute to a winning formula. The Pirates' management, led by General Manager Neal Huntington and Manager Clint Hurdle, carefully assembled a squad that they believed could compete with the division's top teams. The season was marked by notable performances from several key players, but also faced its share of adversity, including injuries and inconsistent play. The ultimate goal was to secure a playoff berth, but the journey was filled with both triumphs and setbacks. Let's cast our minds back and remember the names and faces that represented the Pirates in 2017. From clutch hits to dazzling defensive plays, each player had a role in shaping the team's narrative. Understanding the composition of the 2017 Pirates squad and the dynamics between players provides valuable insights into the team's performance and the challenges they faced throughout the season. So, without further ado, let's hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail into the memories of the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates roster!
The Starting Lineup
The starting lineup of the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates was a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each bringing their unique talents to the field. At the heart of the lineup was Andrew McCutchen, the former MVP and face of the franchise. McCutchen, playing center field, provided both offensive firepower and defensive stability. His presence in the lineup was a constant threat to opposing pitchers, and his leadership in the clubhouse was invaluable. Josh Harrison, the versatile infielder, was another key component of the starting lineup. Playing primarily at second base, Harrison's energy and hustle were infectious, and his ability to hit for average and steal bases made him a valuable asset. Gregory Polanco, patrolling right field, possessed immense potential with his combination of power and speed. While Polanco's performance could be inconsistent at times, his raw talent was undeniable, and he often delivered clutch hits and made highlight-reel catches. David Freese, the veteran corner infielder, provided stability and experience to the lineup. Primarily playing at third base, Freese was known for his clutch hitting and ability to get on base. His veteran presence was essential in guiding the younger players on the team. Francisco Cervelli, behind the plate, was the team's starting catcher. Cervelli was known for his defensive prowess and ability to handle the pitching staff. His offensive contributions were also valuable, as he consistently hit for average and provided timely RBIs. Starling Marte, playing left field, added another dimension to the Pirates' offense with his speed and ability to get on base. Marte's defensive skills were also exceptional, making him a well-rounded player. Jordy Mercer, at shortstop, was a steady presence in the infield. Mercer's defensive reliability and consistent offensive contributions made him a valuable asset to the team. Rounding out the starting lineup, the starting pitcher varied depending on the day, but Gerrit Cole was often the ace of the staff, bringing a high-velocity fastball and a competitive spirit to the mound. This starting lineup, when firing on all cylinders, had the potential to compete with the best teams in the league. Their collective talents and experience were crucial to the Pirates' success in 2017. The mix of power, speed, and defensive skills made them a formidable force on both sides of the ball.
Key Pitchers
The pitching staff of the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates was a blend of established veterans and promising young arms, each playing a vital role in the team's success. At the forefront of the rotation was Gerrit Cole, the team's ace. Cole brought a high-velocity fastball and a competitive spirit to the mound. His ability to dominate opposing hitters made him the linchpin of the Pirates' pitching staff. Ivan Nova, a veteran right-hander, provided stability and experience to the rotation. Nova's command of his pitches and ability to induce ground balls made him a valuable asset. Jameson Taillon, a highly touted prospect, showed flashes of brilliance in 2017. Taillon's poise and composure on the mound, combined with his impressive repertoire, made him a key member of the starting rotation. However, his season was unfortunately cut short due to a cancer diagnosis, sidelining him for much of the year. Trevor Williams, a versatile right-hander, stepped up to fill the void in the rotation. Williams's consistency and ability to pitch deep into games made him a valuable addition to the starting staff. Chad Kuhl, another young right-hander, also contributed to the rotation. Kuhl's power fastball and developing secondary pitches made him an intriguing prospect. In the bullpen, Felipe Rivero (later known as Felipe Vazquez) emerged as a dominant closer. Rivero's electric fastball and wipeout slider made him nearly unhittable in high-pressure situations. Tony Watson, a veteran left-hander, served as a reliable setup man before being traded mid-season. Watson's experience and ability to get left-handed hitters out made him a valuable asset in the late innings. Juan Nicasio, a hard-throwing right-hander, also contributed to the bullpen. Nicasio's power arm and ability to pitch multiple innings made him a valuable option for Manager Clint Hurdle. The pitching staff's performance was crucial to the Pirates' success in 2017. The starting rotation needed to provide quality innings, and the bullpen needed to shut down opposing offenses in the late innings. The mix of veteran leadership and youthful potential made the Pirates' pitching staff a force to be reckoned with, though injuries and inconsistencies did present challenges throughout the season.
Bench Players and Role Players
The bench and role players of the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates provided valuable depth and versatility to the team. These players may not have been everyday starters, but their contributions were essential to the team's success. John Jaso, a veteran utility player, provided a left-handed bat off the bench. Jaso's ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset for Manager Clint Hurdle. Adam Frazier, a versatile infielder and outfielder, emerged as a key role player in 2017. Frazier's ability to play multiple positions and his knack for getting on base made him a valuable asset off the bench. Sean Rodriguez, another veteran utility player, provided a right-handed bat off the bench. Rodriguez's power and ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable option for the Pirates. Elias Diaz, a backup catcher, provided a reliable option behind Francisco Cervelli. Diaz's defensive skills and ability to handle the pitching staff made him a valuable asset. Gift Ngoepe, an infielder known for his exceptional defensive skills, made his major league debut in 2017. Ngoepe's defensive prowess and infectious enthusiasm made him a fan favorite. Jose Osuna, a corner infielder and outfielder, provided a right-handed power bat off the bench. Osuna's ability to hit for power made him a valuable option in late-game situations. Chris Stewart, a veteran catcher, provided additional depth behind the plate. Stewart's experience and leadership made him a valuable presence in the clubhouse. These bench and role players provided Manager Clint Hurdle with valuable options throughout the season. Their ability to contribute in various roles and their willingness to embrace their roles were essential to the Pirates' success. The depth of the Pirates' roster allowed them to withstand injuries and slumps, and it provided them with the flexibility to make strategic moves during games. The contributions of these players often went unnoticed, but they were an integral part of the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates team.
Season Highlights and Key Moments
The 2017 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates was filled with memorable moments and exciting highlights that captivated fans and defined the team's journey. One of the early-season highlights was Andrew McCutchen's resurgence at the plate. After a challenging 2016 season, McCutchen rebounded in 2017, showcasing his power and ability to drive in runs. His performance was a major boost to the Pirates' offense and a welcome sight for fans. Jameson Taillon's early-season success was another bright spot for the Pirates. Taillon's impressive starts and poise on the mound demonstrated his potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter. However, his season was tragically cut short due to his cancer diagnosis. Felipe Rivero's emergence as a dominant closer was a key development for the Pirates' bullpen. Rivero's electric fastball and wipeout slider made him one of the most feared relievers in the league. Josh Harrison's consistent offensive performance and energetic play were a constant source of excitement for Pirates fans. Harrison's ability to hit for average, steal bases, and make highlight-reel plays made him a valuable asset to the team. Adam Frazier's emergence as a versatile role player was another positive development. Frazier's ability to play multiple positions and his knack for getting on base made him a valuable asset off the bench. A key moment in the season was the Pirates' series victory over the Chicago Cubs in late July. The Pirates' performance against their division rivals demonstrated their ability to compete with the best teams in the league. Another notable moment was Gerrit Cole's strong performance in a late-season start against the St. Louis Cardinals. Cole's dominant outing helped the Pirates secure a crucial victory and keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite these highlights, the Pirates ultimately fell short of their goal of reaching the playoffs. Inconsistencies in their offense and pitching, combined with injuries to key players, hindered their chances of making a deep postseason run. Nevertheless, the 2017 season was filled with memorable moments and provided fans with glimpses of the team's potential. The season served as a stepping stone for the Pirates as they continued to develop their young talent and strive for future success.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates squad, it's clear that the team was a mix of talent, potential, and challenges. While they didn't reach the playoffs, the season was filled with memorable moments and provided a foundation for future growth. The leadership of veterans like Andrew McCutchen, Francisco Cervelli, and David Freese was invaluable in guiding the younger players on the team. The emergence of young talents like Jameson Taillon, Adam Frazier, and Felipe Rivero offered a glimpse of the Pirates' bright future. However, injuries to key players like Taillon and inconsistencies in performance ultimately hindered the team's chances of making a deep postseason run. The 2017 season also marked a turning point for the franchise, as they began to transition from a team built around established veterans to a team focused on developing young talent. The trades of players like Tony Watson signaled a shift in the team's strategy, as they looked to build for the future. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates squad left a lasting impression on fans. The team's resilience, determination, and commitment to playing hard were evident throughout the season. The memories of thrilling games, clutch hits, and memorable moments will continue to resonate with Pirates fans for years to come. As we look back on the 2017 season, it's important to appreciate the contributions of each player who wore the black and gold. From the everyday starters to the role players and the pitching staff, each individual played a part in shaping the team's narrative. The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates squad may not have achieved their ultimate goal, but they provided fans with a season full of excitement, hope, and unforgettable moments. Arrr, it was a season to remember, me hearties!
