While Gary may choose to pass on this time of year, I can't. With opening pitch only hours away, I present the 2009 EC Pirates preview and prediction...
Pitching...
With a rotation that is sporadically average at best, the only thing more unpredictable is the bullpen. With Capps being the only predictable body coming in late, the middle relievers leave too much to be desired. If Paul Maholm can have a productive (and healthy) season, he could easily lead the way for the rotation, with Ian Snell and Zach Duke almost guaranteed to have a better year than last.
Possibly, the best thing to look forward to this season is the pitching talent in the minors, Bryan Morris and Brad Lincoln both look capable of stealing a roster spot as the season progresses, which would have to push the pitching core to play though minor injuries and concentrate on the location issues that have plagued this club for the past seven seasons.
Position Players...
While you don't want to start your preview with the people currently not on the roster, I don't know how you can't mention the eventual addition of Andrew McCutchen to the outfield as a positive sign. While Nyjer Morgan may the most interesting player I like to watch roaming the grass, his lack of a productive lead-off bat could cost him a roster spot early into the season. Brandon Moss in right seems to be the 'x-factor' to me, as he has the patience at the plate to have a solid OBP. If Nate McLouth has another solid performance in center. However, couple a good year built off of last season, and he would seems to be the likely trade bait come July.
In the infield, you get two LaRoche's a Wilson and a Sanchez. The chance of this group staying together all year is about as good as Liverpool winning the EPL this year. Wilson will predictably give you a solid defensive effort, while stug-ga-ling at the plate. If any LaRoche past above .300 past April I'll be shocked, which means Steve Pearce, Neil Walker, or Pedro Alverez would have to make an extended appearance at PNC Park if management wants to give the appearance of being respectable.
Behind the plate, Ryan Doumit almost has to stay healthy, or it could get ugly very fast. How any major league club could not have a steady veteran as your backup catcher, given the questionable health issues of your starter, is beyond me. Why this franchise decided to convert Neil Walker into a third baseman is beyond me, and most anyone else.
Now for the 2009 record...
Pirates - 5th in the NL Central 71-91
Year 17, here we come.
You know, or they could win the central...
1 comment:
Dan...you don't have them winning the Central?
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