In an effort to get every preview done by the season opener, you may notice that some of the team previews will be of the shorter variety. With some of the “extra information” not included, this should make for an easier read. Enjoy!
Key Additions: Eric Hinske, Andy Phillips, Jeff Salazar, Ramon Vazquez, Jason Jaramillo, Virgil Vazquez
Key Subtractions: Ronny Paulino
A look at the lineup:
CA – Ryan Doumit was one of the few bright spots for this team in 2008 and will return as the starting catcher. Jason Jaramillo and Robinzon Diaz add depth behind the plate.
1B – Veteran Adam LaRoche will man first and hit cleanup. Eric Hinske was brought in to add depth to the position.
2B – Freddy Sanchez, a former NL batting champion, will be the everyday second baseman and will bat second. Ramon Vazquez was brought in to be the top reserve.
SS – Jack Wilson returns as the starting shortstop with Luis Cruz and Brian Bixler on the roster as backups.
3B – Andy, the younger and more-hyped LaRoche brother, will look to break out in 2009. He will be the everyday third baseman and should hit in the middle of the order. Hinske and Vazquez could see some action off the bench.
LF – Craig Monroe, Steve Pearce, and Nyjer Morgan will compete for playing time in left field. The winner of the starting job could end up hitting in the two-spot of the order.
CF – Nate McLouth was arguably the biggest surprise in the majors last season and will return to the role he excelled in last season as the team’s leadoff hitter and centerfielder. Andrew McCutchen is one of the game’s top prospects and will eventually push McLouth for playing time. Morgan will be McLouth’s backup, assuming McCutchen starts the season in Triple-A.
RF – Brandon Moss, acquired from Boston last season, will be given a chance to start in right field and could hit in the five spot. Hinske, Jeff Salazar, and the losers of the left field battle will add depth.
A look at the pitching:
Starters – Paul Maholm’s successful 2008 campaign has landed him the “ace” title this season. Zach Duke and Ian Snell will be looking to return to the form they displayed in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens were both acquired in the same trade with the Yankees last season and are expected to man the fourth and fifth rotation spots. Virgil Vasquez is the main competition to Karstens for the final spot. Tom Gorzelanny was sent to the minors, but could get called up later this season. Phil Dumatrait, Donald Viel, Jimmy Barthmaier, and Daniel McCutchen also could make a push for starts in 2009.
Relievers – Matt Capps is back as the team’s closer. Tyler Yates, John Grabow, and Craig Hanson headline a respectable bullpen. Sean Burnett, Evan Meek, Chris Bootcheck, and Jesse Chavez are among those competing for innings of work.
Outlook:
The Pirates did little to improve this offseason, but that is because most of the work was done at least season’s trade deadline. Jason Bay and Xavier Nady were traded, which took a chunk of production away from the lineup. Fortunately, they received a nice group of budding prospects in return, which includes Moss, Karstens, Ohlendorf, Hanson, and Andy LaRoche. There is a lot of upside across the board, but it is unlikely that this group will be competitive in 2009. If management can keep the core of this young team together for a few seasons, Pittsburgh could finally have a contender in the NL Central down the road.
Prediction:
The Pirates won’t be much better than they were in 2008 and will put up a record in the range of 69-93.
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