BleacherCoaches.com

As another season rolls around, the Pirates have made some key moves and got some big players, just like they do every year. The outfield looks to be solid with the signing of Jeremy Burnitz. I also liked the signing of Sean Casey. I have always thought that he was a threat to the opposing team. The Bucs also look to fill their void at 3rd by returning back to Pittsburgh Joe Randa.

The pitching staff should be good. I am wondering what the projected rotation will be. Perez and Duke for sure I would think. Probably Burnett should slide in there as he is healthy this year.

My prediction for the Bucs would lineup would have to be:

CF- Chris Duffy
SS- Jack Wilson
RF- Jeremy Burnitz
1B- Sean Casey
LF- Jason Bay
2B- Jose Castillo
3B- Joe Randa
C- ?? Cota or Doumit maybe even Creeeg Wilson
P- Perez or Duke

Depending on how Jack Wilson decides to hit I would not hesitate to flip flop him and Castillo. Castillo can really play sometimes.

Maybe with the new coaching change the Bucs can make strides in the right direction.

yea they'll be better but there's no way in the world that they'll get a division title or a wildcard.... the cardinals and astros are the main contenders this year...

.500 is all you can really hope for as a bucco fan this year. We don't ask for much, just get over that hump. Get a winning season.

If they make it out of April at or around .500 they'll be in good shape to make a strong run to the All*Star break. April will be TOUGH for them.

The Cards lost a lot of quality guys this year, but they'll still be tough. The Astro's are beatable, they got hot at the right time last season to make one hell of a run in the post season.

I can not wait until this season starts up. It's time for nice weather, beer and baseball to start up again!

I actually think this is the best off season the pirates of have in a while. Its all ganna depend on the pitching staff consitency. Perez needs to prove that his first year was not a fluke and Kip wells needs to be more consistent with much fewer walks. And Zack Duke just needs to pitch like he did last year. They have the best outfield they've had in a long time. Duffy has all-star potential. Burnitz is getting up there in age, and strikes out a lot but he should do ok. And Bay is the man. I think Doumit and cota will be batling for the catcher job. I think doumit might be a little better. And Craig Willson has been working out there all off season, he really has no choice if he dont he wont play because Casey and Burnitz are both better than he is. Willson cant hit anything other than a fastball is what hurts him. The bigest mistake is getting rid of Mackoviac. I also think Freddy Sanchez is going to be really good I wouldnt be surprised if he doesnt get a lot of playing time over Randa. We will see. GO BUCS

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I can not wait until this season starts up. It's time for nice weather, beer and baseball to start up again!
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The beer drinking season comes to an end? ;-)

I'll take a season over .500, absolutely.

The Pirates have already suffered their first Big injury. Kip Wells will probably miss the entire season due to a Blood Clot in his arm. CraigWilson will find the field. Anytime an outfielder needs a day off he will be in the lineup, same with Casey he will play there, and when they play at AL teams he will be the DH. I still see him playing in 85 games or so this year.

I haven't watched a baseball game since they pulled Drabek, put in Belinda, and Chico Lind bobbled the ball!!!!

'And now batting, the catcher, Number 00, Junior Ortiz!"

My favorite Junior Ortiz story was a game I was at where the Bucs played St. Louis. Pittsburgh came back in the bottom of the 9th to come within one run of tying. The bases loaded, one out, and Leyland sends up Junior. Slow ground ball to Ozzie Smith, who turns the double play. Game over.

Every season starts the same way!

We are tied for first place with a great shot of making the playoffs!

Go Bucs!

I hope Zach Duke has a good season. He's an impressive pitcher.