Final Week

So begins the final week of spring training and there is still quite a bit that needs to fully sorted out. This past week were were treated to the news that Daniel McCutchen would be the fifth starter, not Kevin Hart. There are still many questions that need to be answered.

1. The backup outfield. Will Brandon Moss once again wear the Pirates uniform when the season starts or will he be an Indianapolis Indian or some other major league team? Will John Raynor, now in a bit of slump, be the guy that the front office chooses to be the bench outfielder?

2. Backup catcher. There are still a a great number of catchers left in camp, which might very well mean that Jason Jaramillo is ticketed for everyday dutiy in Indianapolis. Could Erik Kratz be the new backup?

3. Ramon Vasquez. It seems to be that he will not be on the roster, but how will they get rid of him. Will he be released or traded?

4. The bullpen. This may be the most important part of the team that still needs to be decided. There are plenty of options remaining. You have lefties, righties, young guys and old. No one seems to be a lock outside of Dotel, Donnelly, and Meek. Joel Hanrahan will probably be on the DL, but even that has not been made certain as of yet.

That seems like plenty to keep us occupied here in the final week. Of course it has what has kept us occupied all spring as well. It will be great to hear that they are in Philadelphia at the end of the week. Granted those will be exhibition games, but it will be one more step closer to the beginning of the season.