The Pittsburgh Pirates rank No. 7 in the National League in team ERA are just 1/10 of a point behind the Atlanta Braves for fourth. That's solid pitching, and explains why they are in the thick of the Wildcard hunt in August. The club's pitching is only going to get better in future seasons, too. Here's why:
The Pirates, who promoted 2010 first-round pick Jameson Taillon to Double-A Altoona Friday, already have 2011 No. 1 overall pick Gerrit Cole in Altoona and within months of a big-league debut.
Both pitcher have high upsides; Cole has shown the stuff of an ace and the improved command of a staff leader. It would be a surprise if Cole didn't break through to the majors in 2013. Taillon, who is just 20 years old, is not on the same fast track as Cole, but still brings the ceiling of a frontline arm and is on pace to hit the majors in 2014, giving the Pirates two impact starters to anchor their rotation.
Cole's ETA of next season may impact how the Pirates construct their pitching staff over the offseason, and could allow them to trade an arm such as James McDonald or Kevin Correia, despite the fact that Erik Bedard is a free agent.
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