2. Bell goes Boom
July 9th – Heading into the All-Star break, the Pirates were hot. They had won eight of nine games including the first game in the weekend series against the Cubs. This was about the only time in the season where I thought, “hm, maybe the Pirates CAN catch the Cubs.” They were 6.5 games back at that point.
During the Saturday game, the Pirates led the Cubs 7-5 in the bottom of the fifth inning. The bases were loaded when Josh Bell came to the plate in only his second career at bat. With a 1-1 count, Adam Warren threw Bell an 83-mph changeup over the heart of the plate and he didn’t miss. A grand slam and fist pump later, the Pirates were leading the game 11-5. Jordy Mercer followed that up with a home run himself to make it 12-5. The Pirates would win 12-6 and sat just 6.5 games back of first place.
At the time, this game was huge for the Pirates. After a horrible June, it seemed like the season was over. Josh Bell’s grand slam propelled the Pirates to victory and got them as close as they would get to catching the Cubs. In 2017, Josh Bell will have the chance to show what he can do over the course of a full season at first base. With his patient approach at the plate, Bell should have a nice season for the Pirates.
1. The Future has Arrived
June 8th – Jameson Taillon had a tough road through the minor leagues. After being drafted in 2010, the 25 year-old righty had high hopes to reach the bigs as quickly as possible. The process was a slow one as injuries held Taillon back including Tommy John surgery.
On June 8, Jameson Taillon’s time finally arrived. He was to start his first major league game against the New York Mets and he did fairly well. Over six innings pitched, Taillon gave up six hits, two walks, and three runs. He struck out three batters. His second start was a beauty. Facing the Mets once again, Taillon gave up just two hits over eight innings pitched. He walked one and struck out five earning his first victory.
Jameson Taillon had a great rookie season. Over 104 innings, he had and ERA of 3.38 with 85 strikeouts and only 17 walks. His control is excellent. Taillon will be a huge key to the success of the Pirates in 2017. With a mid 90s fastball, and looping 12-6 curveball, Jameson Taillon has a chance to be the Pirates best starting pitcher for years to come. He was arguably their best starting pithcer in 2016. Given the tough road Taillon had to overcome and the immediate success he had in the bigs, the top moment of the 2016 season was easily his arrival to the major leagues.
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