Miami Marlins at Pittsburgh Pirates: Three stories to watch

Who Wins the Battle of the Top NL Outfields?

Well, at least that’s what the Pittsburgh Pirates marketing department told fans when tickets went on sale this offseason.

For the past few years, a plethora of pundit prognostication pegged the Marlins and Pirates as possessing the best two outfielding units in the business. Miami is arguably putting together their best combined case since 2014.

Starting with the Starling Marte suspension, the Pirates have had a rough start to the 2017 campaign. Both Andrew McCutchen and Gregory Polanco have looked like shells of their former selves, especially the former NL MVP.

That said, the duo has picked up their play a little of late, and sleeping on that fact would be a huge mistake for Marlins pitchers this weekend.

Still, between disappointing production and even more disappointing records, this showdown lacks some of the glamour it has had in seasons past. It might also be the last time the contest takes place.

McCutchen is no lock to remain a Pirate in 2018. There’s a new story every day about the Marlins being poised to deal away one of their All-Star caliber outfielders.

Bottom-line, enjoy the fireworks while you can. Whichever group puts up more of them will probably win the series for their respective ballclub.