Bucs, ready to go... (HH2004)
Pirates is ready to start the season.
Pittsburgh's roster for 2007 is set and Pirates is done for offseason and ready for 2007 season. GM Kim had done a lot of works and transactions this offseason adding top players to their roster such as Carlos Delgado, Pedro Martinez, Carlos Guillen, Francisco Rodriguez and so on. Many people expect Pirates will easily reach .500 and can threat division contenders if their young starting rotation will show their upsides led by Pedro Martinez.
Kim brought Henry Ramirez for their leadoff and Carl Crawford for second spot, it should be big asset for the Pirates to set the table to be scored. It trades off relatively weak power from the middle lineup. Also Pirates traded for Carlos Guillen, who will be free agent after next season, and is expected put him into Third spot ahead of Carlos Delgado. Now, Pirates and Gullen are doing conversation about contract extension which may extended current contracts two or three years longer.
"My agent takes care all about, All I have to do right now is to prepare for next season, Great atmosphere is here in Pittsburgh, players and fans are all excited about big turning point of the franchise" Guillen said in his local radio address last week. "I have a little more possibilities here as a veteran and a hitter from middle of the lineup. I am expected to be at third in the lineup. So, I will not blow off our chances, it's like a link which is smoothly connected. I am a small nut and important for entire system. Just I want to be a part of the team's success"
Pirates GM Kim is content with team's lineup surround by the young talented players.
"I think we have no problem to score enough to win. The score is not only from long balls, I believe that more important thing is the ability to score when desperately we need to as a team. All players of the lineup and bench can make the chance to score"
On the other hand, look into the rotation. A little worries are there due to lack of experience and innings in the pro baseball. Except Pedro Martinez, nobody in the rotation had two or more full season in the big league and only Zach Duke has reached 200+ innings last season for just one time. Pirates are still looking for established pitcher, but lack of prospects limits their move for seeking the pitcher who can support the ace Martinez. But Manager Alou said there's no much need for additional pitcher.
"This is not the case of old verb, "the more, the better", baseball's success is up to how effectively we treat our resources and we take advantages inside. If we get more players, we need to send incumbents somewhere. Whom we can erase the name on our roster, I think nobody. We are now perfect fit for ideal team"
When he was asked what made him so confident with his team, he replied with smile.
"Totally, I am not sure where's our destination next year. We could end the season at first place or last place. Nobody knows what would happen in baseball as everybody has learned from the past experience. But as of now, in my opinion, we have enough good team to move forward."
Pirates reportedly is in the process of strengthening their bullpen, complementing short of staminer from their young starters. They are interested in some qualified relievers who can close the game. Scott Shields and Rafael Soriano are on their radar.