Pittsburgh Pirates Review March 12, 2008
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The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to avoid another losing season
this year. In 2007, the team finished 68-94 and they haven’t had a
winning season since 1992. The Major League record for consecutive
losing seasons is owned by the Philadelphia Phillies from 1933-1948.
If the Pirates don’t finish above .500 this year they will tie that
record.
The starting pitching does show promise. Ian
Snell, Tom Gorzelanny and Paul Maholm are all young and give Pirates
fans something to look forward to. Snell pitched 208 innings last year
and posted a 3.76 ERA. The 26 year old Snell was only able to win 9
games but look for that number to improve. Gorzelanny will turn 26 in
July this year. He won 14 games last season while posting a 3.88 ERA
in 201.2 innings. Maholm wasn’t as successful as Snell or Gorzalanny
but the lefty did
log 177.2 innings. Veteran Matt Morris and young
Zach Duke round out the starting rotation. The closers
job belongs to
Matt Capps who won’t turn 25 until September. Capps posted a 2.28 ERA
and saved 18 games last season. Other pitchers out of the bullpen will
include Damaso Marte, John Grabow, and Jonah Bayliss.
Snell, Tom Gorzelanny and Paul Maholm are all young and give Pirates
fans something to look forward to. Snell pitched 208 innings last year
and posted a 3.76 ERA. The 26 year old Snell was only able to win 9
games but look for that number to improve. Gorzelanny will turn 26 in
July this year. He won 14 games last season while posting a 3.88 ERA
in 201.2 innings. Maholm wasn’t as successful as Snell or Gorzalanny
but the lefty did
log 177.2 innings. Veteran Matt Morris and youngZach Duke round out the starting rotation. The closers
job belongs to
Matt Capps who won’t turn 25 until September. Capps posted a 2.28 ERA
and saved 18 games last season. Other pitchers out of the bullpen will
include Damaso Marte, John Grabow, and Jonah Bayliss.
Theteam’s lineup does have LF Jason Bay and 1B Adam LaRoche. The Bucs are
hoping these two can rebound from poor performances last season and
help to lead this team offensively. The CF job will be won this spring
by either Nyjer Morgan or Nate McLouth. RF should be Xavier Nady.
Don’t be surprised to see Steve Pearce in the mix in RF. The former 1B
can hit and hit with power. They could definitely use his bat. At 2B
is Freddy Sanchez. He hits for a good average and the team needs
another solid performance from him. At SS will be veteran Jack
Wilson. Jose Bautista will be at 3B and Ronny Paulino will be behind
the plate at catcher. Look for Josh Wilson to fill in as a utility
infielder.
The
Pirates do have some bright spots for fans to look forward to.
Unfortunately, they are probably a year away from finishing with a
winning record. Don’t be surprised to see veterans like Xavier Nady
and Matt Morris to be traded this season if the Pirates aren’t
winning.
Pirates do have some bright spots for fans to look forward to.
Unfortunately, they are probably a year away from finishing with a
winning record. Don’t be surprised to see veterans like Xavier Nady
and Matt Morris to be traded this season if the Pirates aren’t
winning.
