2012 Pittsburgh Pirates Preview

Published: 21^st Mar 12 1:58 pm

Ryan Gaydos
Ryan Gaydos

RANT It!

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

You have to say, the Pittsburgh Pirates did better than expected last season and at one point were ahead in the National League Central, albeit was towards the beginning of the season rather than at the end. The Pirates dropped off but managed to finish 72-90 and fourth in the Central Division.

The Pirates had a bit of a busy offseason you could say. They lost a few players to other teams.

Ryan Doumit signed with Minnesota. Chris Snyder landed in Houston. Ronny Cedeno chose the New York Mets. Ryan Ludwick signed with Cincinnati and Paul Maholm had his option declined.

In response to all that, the Pirates had to make some moves to improve their team. They signed shortstop Clint Barmes to fill-in for Cedeno. Barmes was believed to be the second best shortstop in the free agent market behind Jose Reyes who signed with the Miami Marlins.

The Pirates brought back outfielder Nate McLouth signing him to a one-year deal. McLouth was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2009 but has struggled since then.

One of the bigger trades that were made was when the Pirates acquired A.J. Burnett from the New York Yankees in-exchange for two prospects. Burnett is coming off a less than stellar season with the Yankees. He was 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA.

Burnett struggled throughout last season but it was hoped that a fresh start in Pittsburgh could revamp his career. However, bad karma took a toll on Burnett.

During bunting practice, at the start of Spring Training, Burnett took a ball off the bat to his face. Burnett broke is orbital bone in his eye. He is scheduled to be out 8-12 weeks.

The bad news for the Pirates starts even before the actual season begins. However, there is one thing the Pirates can commend themselves for and that is signing outfielder Andrew McCutchen to a contract extension. The two agreed to a six-year, $51.5 million deal and will make McCutchen the face of the franchise for a long time.

With all this happening for the Pirates, they did not do much to improve their rotation than Burnett. They signed Erik Bedard to a one-year deal but he’s seen better days. Charlie Morton may not be ready for the start of the season due to hip surgery recovery.

I say the in-experience of the Pirates will still hurt them and I do not see the Pirates contending for an NL Central crown.

Prediction: Fifth NL Central

Key Addition: Clint Barmes, SS

Breakout Player: James McDonald, RHP

Starters
CA: Rod Barajas
1B: Garrett Jones
2B: Neil Walker
3B: Pedro Alvarez
SS: Clint Barmes
OF: Andrew McCutchen
OF: Alex Presley
OF: Jose Tabata

Pitching Rotation
SP: James McDonald
SP: Charlie Morton
SP: Erik Bedard
SP: Kevin Correia
SP: Jeff Karstens

RP: Daniel McCutchen
RP: Tony Watson
RP: Chris Resop
RP: Daniel Moskos
RP: Jason Grilli
RP: Evan Meek
CP: Joel Hanrahan

Bench
CA: Michael McKenry
IF: Casey McGehee
IF: Josh Harrison
OF: Nate McLouth
UTL: Yamaico Navarro

Top Prospects
1). Gerrit Cole, RHP
2). Jameson Taillon, RHP
3). Josh Bell, OF
4). Starling Marte, OF
5). Luis Heredia, RHP