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Pittsburgh Pirates

2012 -Fourth in the NL Central

Record : 79-83

The Pirates became the first franchise in the four top American sports leagues to suffer 20 consecutive losing seasons following a 79-83 record last year. In truth, however, the Pirates are improving and it would be no surprise to see them stop the rot this season.

After winning just 57 games in 2010, the Pirates have taken steps forward. The emergence of Andrew McCutchen and the signing of A.J. Burnett last off-season have made the Pirates a interesting option for free agents who previously avoided PNC Park like the plague.

This off-season they again appear to have taken a further step forward. In come the likes of experienced trio Russell Martin, Francisco Liriano and Mark Melancon, who arrived following a mammoth trade with the Red Sox that saw Joel Hanrahan move to Fenway. After two decades of hurt, I wouldn’t bet against the Pirates making it to .500 this time round.

INCOMINGS

C Russell Martin – Free Agent (NYY)
C Ali Solis – Waivers (SD)
1B Clint Robinson – Trade (KC)
1B/OF Jerry Sands – Trade (BOS)
IF Ivan De Jesus, Jr. – Trade (BOS)
RHP Chad Beck – Waivers (TOR)
RHP Jeanmar Gomez – Trade (CLE)
RHP Vin Mazzaro – Trade (KC)
RHP Jhondaniel Medina – Trade (BAL)
RHP Mark Melancon – Trade (BOS)
RHP Stolmy Pimentel – Trade (BOS)
RHP Zach Stewart – Trade (BOS)
RHP Zach Thornton – Trade (OAK)
LHP Francisco Liriano – Free Agent (CWS)
LHP Andy Oliver – Trade (DET)

OUTGOINGS

C Rod Barajas – Free Agent (ARI)
C Ramon Cabrera – Trade (DET)
IF Brock Holt – Trade (BOS)
IF Gustavo Nuñez – Waivers (ARI)
IF/OF Yamaico Navarro – Trade (BAL)
OF Quincy Latimore – Trade (CLE)
RHP Chad Beck – Waivers (TOR)
RHP Kevin Correia – Free Agent (MIN)
RHP Joel Hanrahan – Trade (BOS)
RHP Kyle Kaminska – Trade (BOS)
RHP Chad Qualls – Free Agent (MIA)
RHP Chris Resop – Trade (OAK)
RHP Luis Santos – Trade (KC)
RHP Zach Stewart – Trade (CWS)
LHP Luis Rico – Trade (KC)

Outfielders

There’s only one place to start when talking about the Pirates. Andrew McCutchen. The 26-year-old led the team in almost all offensive categories last season, knocking 31 homers and stealing 20 bases to go with his .327 average. Having signed a six year deal before last season, at less than $9 million per year, McCutchen could be one of the most underpaid players in the game.

Joining him in the outfield will be fellow speedster Starling Marte. He stole 21 bases in 99 games at Triple-A last season before making the step up. He needs to drastically improve his K/BB ratio if he is to succeed as a lead-off hitter, but at 24 there’s certainly hope for that. Travis Snider will be the right fielder. Another youngster, at 25, Snider had a remarkable 1.021 OPS in the Minors last season.

Other outfield options are Jose Tabata and Josh Harrison, while Brad Hawpe is, at 33, an experienced campaigner. However, he batted at Double-A last year, so an MLB call-up would mean serious injury issues for the Bucs.

Infielders

If the Pirates outfielders are all young and yet to realise their potential, the infield is the opposite. 34-year-old Clint Barmes is the elder statesman of the line-up and has been a solid shortstop for many years. He struggled somewhat last year, though, batting .229. His infield partner will be Neil Walker. His 2012 stats read 14 homers, 69 RBIs and a .280 average in 129 games.

The corner infielders provide the pop. Combined, Garret Jones and Pedro Alvarez hit 57 homers last season. Along with McCutchen, they provide Pittsburgh with a very strong 3-4-5 combo. For all his power, though, Alvarez struck out 180 times last year and his .244 batting average can certainly be improved upon.

On the bench will be Gaby Sanchez and Jordy Mercer, neither of whom hit above .220 last campaign. Jerry Sands hit 26 homers at Triple-A and will be in with a fair chance of making the roster, while Brandon Inge, now very much in the twilight of an impressive career, has signed a Minor League deal.

Catchers

Russell Martin comes in to replace Rod Barajas, but he has failed to live up to lofty expectations placed on him after impressive early seasons at the Dodgers. Batted .211 but did hit 21 homers for the Yankees last season. Michael McKenry will be his back-up, with Tony Sanchez being a top 15 prospect waiting in the wings.

Starters : A.J. Burnett appears to have put his Yankees nightmare behind him, having a great debut season for the Bucs last year. The veteran went 16-10 with a 3.51 ERA in 31 starts and will be the No.1 starter.

Behind him will be Wandy Rodriguez, one of the most under-rated pitchers in the game the last few years, and Francisco Liriano has been one of the most frustrating. Rodriguez arrived from Houston mid-season and has a 3.48 ERA over the last five seasons. One wonders what contract he might be on if he pitched for a big name franchise.

James MCDonald and Jeff Karstens are also solid starters. With Liriano doubtful for Opening Day following injury, young Kyle McPherson is the most likely to step up. He had a 2.78 ERA in limited time last season.

Relievers

Joel Hanrahan has departed to Boston, so Jason Grilli is set to be the closer. The 36-year-old has a 2.79 ERA since joining Pittsburgh in 2011, the best two year spell of his career by a considerable margin. It is, however, set to be the first time he has been in the closer role.

He has a solid bullpen behind him. Mark Melancon had a disastrous time in Boston, but hopefully that is just a minor blip in an otherwise respectable career thus far. Tony Watson and Jared Hughes both performed admirably last year, while Justin Wilson and Brian Morris combined for just 9.2 innings of work in the Bigs last year but are both considered good prospects.