2011 MLB Team Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates
Hard to believe, as some of us still have VERY cold temperatures outside, that the Boys of Summer are almost back. But it’s true; teams have started reporting to 2011 Major League Baseball training camps and it’s time to start our team-by-team baseball gambling previews for the year.
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Pirates Calender
FEB. 1-18, 2011 – Salary arbitration hearings
FEB. 14, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players
FEB. 19, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for non-pitchers and catchers
FEB. 26, 2011 – Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players
It’s been 19 long years since the Pittsburgh Pirates played playoff baseball. Back then, a scrawny (yes, scrawny) character named Barry Bonds was their hero. So it’s been an eternity since this pitiful franchise has tasted anything resembling success. It’s a shame because, arguably, no team has a more beautiful ballpark.
So it’s time to ask the same question we ask every season: has anything changed in Pittsburgh? Well, while the Pirates still have light years to go, I think we can actually answer “yes” for a change.
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
World Series odds: +10000
Scanning the Pirates’ starting rotation, it’s understandable if you want to declare their season over already, cry, light a candle, or whatever it is you do to grieve. Paul Maholm, the possible Opening-Day starter, had an era north of 5.00 last season; Ross Ohlendorf compiled a sparkling 1-11 record in 2010; Kevin Correia an ERA of 5.40 or higher in two of his last three seasons. This is a hilariously bad group that also may be joined by Charlie Morton, Scott Olsen or Brad Lincoln.
But there’s one exception: James McDonald. The former Dodger has just 16 big-league starts to his name but, to me, is the class of Pittsburgh’s staff already. He posted a 3.53 ERA with 61 strikeouts in 64 innings last season. He could be an All-Star someday.
Aside from McDonald, the Pirates pitching staff is pathetic. If you demoted the top three guys to AAA, would they even be considered above average at that level? I’m not so sure. So why, then, do I believe the Pirates could finally improve this season?
It’s the lineup. For the first time since….the Brian Giles era, maybe, Pittsburgh could field an average to above-average offense. In Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata, the Pirates have a legit pair of table setters atop the order. McCutchen’s numbers look to me like those of a young Johnny Damon. He still has to cut back on his strikeouts, but Pedro Alvarez’s torrid September suggests that he’ll become the All-Star, power-hitting third baseman everyone thought he’d be. 
The Pirates also have a middle infielder with pop in Neil Walker and a core of respectable veterans that includes Garrett Jones, Lyle Overbay, Ryan Doumit and Matt Diaz. Sure, it ain’t Murderer’s Row, but Pittsburgh has a legit major-league lineup for a change. It’s no longer a weakness.
Pittsburgh’s bullpen is in safe hands. The one-two punch of Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek is more than fine. Meek is very hard to hit and Hanrahan misses bats like a champ; the latter should get the first crack at closing duties.
2011 OUTLOOK
Despite my optimism, I’m not getting carried away. The Pirates have been so bad in recent years that they could improve and still finish dead last in the National League Central – which I think they will. But at least I think they can move a step further away from complete and utter oblivion. They won 57 friggin’ games last season. I totally think the 2011 Pirates can win 65 or more. Hooray?
Prediction: 6th, National League Central
