Post by joshsbix on Jan 3, 2024 8:30:54 GMT -5
The Super Bowl hangovers are wearing off and Pittsburgh fans are beginning to realize that they could have a competitive team this year. We use the term competitive very loosely after last years 120 loss season and trying to make progress in a very tough division. Management expects a hard fought season and anything above a 4th place finish will be considered a success. The Cards are sure to be a force, the Cubs will be looking to get back to the top, and Milwaukee will be trying to build on last year's progress, it is certainly not going to be an easy task. Here is how the team is shaping up for the 2009 season.
Rotation
1) Brian Anderson earned the right to be the opening day starter through the attrition of 2008. His 4.80 is what helped him get the 7 wins in 2008 as the offense was lackluster and the bullpen was generous. He looks to be solid at the top of the rotation as the rookies develop at the back end and to improve on his 20 losses from a season ago with a revamped offense behind him.
2) Bryan Hebson will be the #2 with a good probability that he is the #1 by the ASG if Anderson doesn't get off to a good start early. Hebson was a win better and .01 better in ERA. However, Kenny Powers decided to put Anderson at number one based on age and experience. At 33, Hebson seems to be the heir apparent to the #1 slot.
3) Miguel Ascencio was the biggest signing for the Pirates during the FA period. The Pirates offered him the big contract even after his 6+ ERA for the last 2 seasons with Cincy, believing that he will develop into a very good starter, potentially a #1 or #2.
4) Zach Kroenke will be slated as the opening day roster #4 pitcher. The fan base has been excited about this debut for several years now, and it is finally here. If the Pirates are going to finish better than 4th in the division it will be up to Kroenke and Wade to pick up critical wins.
5) Fellow rookie sensation Cory Wade will anchor rotation as the #1 prosect has the city buzzing about his ML debut. Hopefully, he doesn't get eaten alive by the buzzsaw that is the NL.
Bullpen
CL Oscar Villareal adjusted pretty well to ML hitting in his second year in the Major Leagues. The team is hoping that he can take the next step in 2009 to be the shutdown closer. He could be on the hotseat as the Pirates have plenty of closer prospects nearing promotion in AAA.
SU CJ Wilson and Mantei will try to get games to Villareal on a more consistent basis in 2009. Just by eliminating late game losses, the Pirates could push for the .500 mark.
MR Pittsburgh believes they have the bats to keep the starters in games. The middle of the bullpen is going to be a critical position. The bullpen was terrible in 2008, ranking near the bottom of the league in every statistic. Brad Penny and Bob Howry were added via trade and will join former starter Dontrelle Willis and Troy Mattes to lead the Pittsburgh relievers in 2009. Every one of them could be on a short leash as Kenny Powers emphasized in his end of ST press conference, "We aren't going to put up with $*** from the bullpen this year. That $*** nearly killed us all last year. We have options that will be ready in AAA soon and we won't keep losers around."
Lineup
If the pitchers aren't going to be losers, the bats are going to have to contribute a lot more than they did last year. The Pirates organization believe that they made moves that can help turn the ship around this year but more importantly, set the course for the young bats that are coming up.
1) CF Erstad will hit leadoff and play centerfield. However, no Pirate has more eyes on him as Dexter Fowler is screaming to be promoted, literally standing outside the Pirate offices yelling. Clearly, there is not enough road construction between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. He has a point though. He had a massive spring to fill into his new HR rating. Fowler conceded in a Tweet yesterday, "Management was correct to wait for Dexter to grow into Dexter's power rating. Even Dexter is surprised by the pop in his bat. It is now time to call up Dexter."
Team owner Jamieson didn't reply to the Tweet, as he is famous for hating Twitter, but he did released a statement and hinted at the idea that Fowler could be a summer callup. Jamieson said, "The opening day roster is set. We had some minor leaguers with impressive springs. That hasn't changed opening day plans but that isn't to say we won't reevaluate in 30 days if the current roster proves to be competitive."
2) 2B Adams or SS Choo. We like Choos OPS here but we like Adam's speed. Probably will mix and match a little bit to see which gives us the best results.
3) 1B Morneau was brough in to be the #3 and the Pirates expect him to make a splash early and often. Clemente Field will be the house that Morneau built.
4) Protecting Morneau will be LF Sexson, an FA signing in the off season. He brings monster HR potential but is under pressure to perform as Trumbo is waiting in the wings.
5) 37 yo Mike Lieberthal rejoins the Pirates. He is expected to be the every day third basemen and is unlikely to see time behind the plate as the Pirates have 3 catchers rostered. The Pirates hope that he has a couple of solid seasons in him before he becomes dead money. If he can hold it together for a season or two, the Pirates can move him to the bench as Elliot Johnson takes on a bigger role.
6) Choo/Adams Choo would be a good bat to protect Lieberthal but I like Adams speed here too.
7) RF Billy Butler looks to get more starting time. He is likely to see a defensive upgrade in LF but could split time with Nieves .
8) C Hietpas needs a defensive upgrade but his offensive numbers were ok in 2008. The Pirates are hoping he can get back close to the .281 hitter he was in 2006 over 111 games.
9) DH Nieves. If Butler performs, Nieves is likely to play a bench bat role but could see more starting time if Butler gets off to a slow start.
i know I am excited for the 2009 season but that isn't saying much after the year we came off of. Here is to hoping for a +.500 season.
Let's Go Bucs!
Rotation
1) Brian Anderson earned the right to be the opening day starter through the attrition of 2008. His 4.80 is what helped him get the 7 wins in 2008 as the offense was lackluster and the bullpen was generous. He looks to be solid at the top of the rotation as the rookies develop at the back end and to improve on his 20 losses from a season ago with a revamped offense behind him.
2) Bryan Hebson will be the #2 with a good probability that he is the #1 by the ASG if Anderson doesn't get off to a good start early. Hebson was a win better and .01 better in ERA. However, Kenny Powers decided to put Anderson at number one based on age and experience. At 33, Hebson seems to be the heir apparent to the #1 slot.
3) Miguel Ascencio was the biggest signing for the Pirates during the FA period. The Pirates offered him the big contract even after his 6+ ERA for the last 2 seasons with Cincy, believing that he will develop into a very good starter, potentially a #1 or #2.
4) Zach Kroenke will be slated as the opening day roster #4 pitcher. The fan base has been excited about this debut for several years now, and it is finally here. If the Pirates are going to finish better than 4th in the division it will be up to Kroenke and Wade to pick up critical wins.
5) Fellow rookie sensation Cory Wade will anchor rotation as the #1 prosect has the city buzzing about his ML debut. Hopefully, he doesn't get eaten alive by the buzzsaw that is the NL.
Bullpen
CL Oscar Villareal adjusted pretty well to ML hitting in his second year in the Major Leagues. The team is hoping that he can take the next step in 2009 to be the shutdown closer. He could be on the hotseat as the Pirates have plenty of closer prospects nearing promotion in AAA.
SU CJ Wilson and Mantei will try to get games to Villareal on a more consistent basis in 2009. Just by eliminating late game losses, the Pirates could push for the .500 mark.
MR Pittsburgh believes they have the bats to keep the starters in games. The middle of the bullpen is going to be a critical position. The bullpen was terrible in 2008, ranking near the bottom of the league in every statistic. Brad Penny and Bob Howry were added via trade and will join former starter Dontrelle Willis and Troy Mattes to lead the Pittsburgh relievers in 2009. Every one of them could be on a short leash as Kenny Powers emphasized in his end of ST press conference, "We aren't going to put up with $*** from the bullpen this year. That $*** nearly killed us all last year. We have options that will be ready in AAA soon and we won't keep losers around."
Lineup
If the pitchers aren't going to be losers, the bats are going to have to contribute a lot more than they did last year. The Pirates organization believe that they made moves that can help turn the ship around this year but more importantly, set the course for the young bats that are coming up.
1) CF Erstad will hit leadoff and play centerfield. However, no Pirate has more eyes on him as Dexter Fowler is screaming to be promoted, literally standing outside the Pirate offices yelling. Clearly, there is not enough road construction between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. He has a point though. He had a massive spring to fill into his new HR rating. Fowler conceded in a Tweet yesterday, "Management was correct to wait for Dexter to grow into Dexter's power rating. Even Dexter is surprised by the pop in his bat. It is now time to call up Dexter."
Team owner Jamieson didn't reply to the Tweet, as he is famous for hating Twitter, but he did released a statement and hinted at the idea that Fowler could be a summer callup. Jamieson said, "The opening day roster is set. We had some minor leaguers with impressive springs. That hasn't changed opening day plans but that isn't to say we won't reevaluate in 30 days if the current roster proves to be competitive."
2) 2B Adams or SS Choo. We like Choos OPS here but we like Adam's speed. Probably will mix and match a little bit to see which gives us the best results.
3) 1B Morneau was brough in to be the #3 and the Pirates expect him to make a splash early and often. Clemente Field will be the house that Morneau built.
4) Protecting Morneau will be LF Sexson, an FA signing in the off season. He brings monster HR potential but is under pressure to perform as Trumbo is waiting in the wings.
5) 37 yo Mike Lieberthal rejoins the Pirates. He is expected to be the every day third basemen and is unlikely to see time behind the plate as the Pirates have 3 catchers rostered. The Pirates hope that he has a couple of solid seasons in him before he becomes dead money. If he can hold it together for a season or two, the Pirates can move him to the bench as Elliot Johnson takes on a bigger role.
6) Choo/Adams Choo would be a good bat to protect Lieberthal but I like Adams speed here too.
7) RF Billy Butler looks to get more starting time. He is likely to see a defensive upgrade in LF but could split time with Nieves .
8) C Hietpas needs a defensive upgrade but his offensive numbers were ok in 2008. The Pirates are hoping he can get back close to the .281 hitter he was in 2006 over 111 games.
9) DH Nieves. If Butler performs, Nieves is likely to play a bench bat role but could see more starting time if Butler gets off to a slow start.
i know I am excited for the 2009 season but that isn't saying much after the year we came off of. Here is to hoping for a +.500 season.
Let's Go Bucs!
