Marlins and Pirates: Three Stories To Watch

TGIF Marlin Maniacs, and welcome back at long last to South Florida as the Miami Marlins prepare to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

The Pirates are very much a team in limbo, much like Seattle. Both were supposed to have a much better record than they presently do, but also beset by injuries and suspensions. So it’s a golden opportunity for the Miami Marlins pounce.

Except that it has all the makings of a trap series.

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Miami was pretty dominant against the Pirates last season, going 6-1 in the season series. Starling Marte is suspended, and Andrew McCutchen looks nothing like the player that finished in the Top 5 in MVP voting three consecutive seasons. The series is at home, with the team finally back at Marlins Park, after that exhaustive road trip.

Trap, trap, trap.

Of course, it could also be exactly what the doctor ordered. If nothing else, it should be fun to watch. Even with the Pittsburgh outfield issues listed above, we’re still talking five sixths of the National Leagues two best outfields facing off. Both teams hit in bunches in 2016. Each finishing in the Top 5 in the NL in batting average.

Offense will be a thing in this one.

So without further ado, here are three stories to watch. Let’s dive in.