2009 MLB Preview - Pittsburgh Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates
Manager: John Russell (2nd season)
2008 Record: 67-95 (6th NL Central)


Added: IF Ramon Vazquez (TEX), IF Eric Hinske (TB)
Lost: OF Jason Michaels (HOU)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. LF Nyjer Morgan (.294, 26 R, 0 HR, 7 RBI) 2. 2B Freddy Sanchez (.271, 75 R, 9 HR, 52 RBI) 3. CF Nate McLouth (.276, 113 R, 26 HR, 94 RBI, 23 SB) 4. C Ryan Doumit (.318, 71 R, 15 HR, 69 RBI) 5. 1B Adam LaRoche (.270, 66 R, 25 HR, 85 RBI) 6. RF Brandon Moss (.246, 19 R, 8 HR, 34 RBI) 7. 3B Andy LaRoche (.166, 17 R, 5 HR, 18 RBI) 8. SS Jack Wilson (.272, 24 R, 1 HR, 22 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Paul Maholm (9-9, 3.71 ERA, 139 K) 2. Ian Snell (7-12, 5.42 ERA, 135 K) 3. Zach Duke (5-14, 4.82 ERA, 87 K) 4. Ross Ohlendorf (Did Not Start) 5. Jeff Karstens (2-6, 4.03 ERA, 23 K)

Bench
IF Eric Hinske, If Ramon Vazquez, IF Luis Cruz, OF Craig Monroe

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Matt Capps (21 SV, 53.2 IP, 47 H, 39 K, 3.02 ERA), Tyler Yates, John Grabow, Craig Hansen, Sean Burnett

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Fantasy Studs: OF Nate McLouth
Fantasy Sleepers: OF Nyjer Morgan

Men In The Minors: 3B Pedro Alvarez, OF Jose Tabata, OF Andrew McCutchen, OF Robbie Grossman, SP Bryan Morris

Home Ballpark: PNC Park (Grade 8/10)

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Team Outlook: The last time the Pirates had a winning season was all the way back in 1992. Expect it to stay that way with this year's team. While there are plenty of young players to go around that could develop into great players, they aren't at that elite level right now. Let's start with the lineup. Plenty of potential in players like Morgan and Moss to go along with quality talent in McLouth and Doumit. Vazquez will also see time, playing various positions. All in all, they aren't impressive but not awful. No, awful is the word to use for the rotation. Led by Maholm, who has yet to put an amazing season together. Snell is terribly inconsistent. The same can be said for Duke as well. The final two are new or relative new to starting, so expect some bumps in the road. The bullpen is highlighted by closer Capps, who pitched well last season when given the opportunity to actually close a game. This team will struggle and needs help in many areas. Even i they just want to reach .500, they need young talent to play at or exceed their potential, and that's asking a lot.

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