Pirate's Booty

Mediocrity's the buzz word around baseball fans in the Steel City these days. Pittsburgh's own, the Pirates, aren't looking particularly strong, but, let's be clear, they're not looking as pathetic as they have in year's past. Some nice young arms, a few solid hitters. Not all is bad in P-town. Jim Tracy doesn't have much on him this year, all he's got to do is be mediocre. Not too difficult, right?

Let's Be Honest:

How many games can this team possibly win? How depressing is this season for the Pirates? These are all questions that should be answered throughout the season. But, I will confidently say that it's actually worse to be a fan of the Pirates for this one season than a team like the Nationals. Here's why: at least Nationals fans can root for their team to lose. When you're stuck as a middling NL Central team, it doesn't get much more predictably worse than that. At least, I don't think so.

Four Strong:

That's how I'd describe the starting rotation's first four members (Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, Zach Duke, and Paul Maholm). After that, not so hot. In the words of Brian Kenny, oh no. Tony Armas Sr., Tony Armas Jr., and Shawn Chacon are all "zach" duking it out for the number 5 spot. I'd personally give the advantage to Armas, the senior. Chacon and Jr. really are fringe AAA pitchers.

This Year's Freddy Sanchez:

It appears as if last year's NL Batting Champ is nicked up to start the season, so it begs the question, who will take his place. What former utility bum will flourish? My pick: Nate McLouth. He seems to have it all in place. No starting job at the start of the season, a career .240 average. He's my guy.

Ronalpaulino:

Ok, Ok, that's a stretch, but I think you get it. This kid's not that bad. Matter of fact, he's pretty good, from what I read. Hit over .300 both halves of last year, played well behind the plate. Keep an eye out for him. From what I also read that shouldn't be difficult either, as the man is an absolute tank (6'2", 245).

Good Deal:

I'll say it now, the Mike Gonzalez deal was a good trade for the Pirates. Sure, Adam LaRoche is just a 1B, and there are tons of them. Yes, LaRoche is a good player, and getting better, but Gonzalez had been lights out. I recognize all of these things, but the major issue for me is, how important is a closer to a team like Pittsburgh. How many big games are there going to be for them this season? Though I don't think the Pirates ever really addressed the issue of getting a live body to fill the closer role, in the long run the deal is a good one. LaRoche will likely be there for a while, playing productively, and a closer can be found at a later date.

Bold Statement (s):

Jim Tracy will not be fired. Eh, I know, not so bold. But, consider the fact that managers of better teams have been fired for less.

Reliever Jonah Bayliss will confirm what everyone has suspected for sometime, he is in fact reputed journalist Skip Bayliss.