Who’s Not: After starting the year on fire, Jeff Locke managed a 6.12 ERA in 57.1 second-half innings. His season ERA looks good at 3.52, but that was just because he was yanked from the rotation before he could completely ruin it. … Free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett says he will retire if he doesn’t come to an agreement with the Pirates. Considering Burnett had a 3.30 ERA with a 9.85 K/9 last season, fantasy owners should be hoping they work something out. The Pirates should as well- current projected fifth starter Edinson Volquez was terrible last season, posting a 5.71 ERA overall and a 5.50 ERA at PETCO Park.
Who’s Hurt: Wandy Rodriguez could not finish the year after suffering through elbow and forearm issues. While he avoided surgery, that’s never a good sign for a pitcher. … Jason Grilli severely strained his right forearm but returned before the end of the 2013 season. He should be fine for ‘14.
2013 team ranks
Home runs: T-13th (161)
Stolen bases: 13th (94)
ERA: 3rd (3.26)
Lineup
1 Starling Marte, LF
2 Jordy Mercer, SS
3 Andrew McCutchen, CF
4 Pedro Alvarez, 3B
5 Neil Walker, 2B
6 Russell Martin, C
7 Gaby Sanchez, 1B
8 Jose Tabata, RF
Rotation
1 Francisco Liriano, LHP
2 Gerrit Cole, RHP
3 Wandy Rodriguez, LHP
4 Charlie Morton, RHP
5 Edinson Volquez, RHP
Bullpen
1 Closer: Jason Grilli, RHP
2 Setup: Mark Melancon, RHP
3 Setup: Tony Watson, LHP
