Looking Ahead

In watching the game Wednesday night in person, I discussed with my fellow Bucco fan about the comings and goings of the season. Essentially what has happened? I feel that there is plenty of time for discussing that, but the question that seemed to jump at me the most is what will happen? Not what will happen with the field manager or the general manager, but what about this team?

Many would agree, even when things were going swell, that the Pirates were not that talented of a club. There is no disputing that. The question then is what will the team attempt to do to upgrade that talent? The team next year, barring any huge fire sale of sorts, will look alot like the team we see today.

Going around the horn, at catcher McKenry will likely be back with either Tony Sanchez or some other backup joining him. I cannot see this team spending big to get a catcher. At first base, well that is the one interesting position. Gaby Sanchez will likely be back, Garrett Jones maybe 50/50, but Jones' value to this club is so great, because he is the fallback option. If the club were to move him, it could make the club considerably worse. The hidden option could be the move of Pedro Alvarez to first, if so that would open a spot at third.

At the keystone, we will likely see the same players, Barmes and Walker. Barmes is being paid too much to not play and if they spent money again on a shortstop, while keeping him, it would be a good bit of money tied up in one position. The outfield is also pretty much certain to stay the same, with McCutchen coming back and Marte flanking him. The other spot could be up for grabs, but I would think that they would try to see what they get out of a Presley, Tabata and Snider competition. Maybe a free agent joins them.

The rotation? Same. Burnett, Rodriguez, McDonald, Karstens, then a minor league/lower tier free agent to compete with Locke and others, all while perhaps keeping a seat warm for Gerrit Cole. The bullpen will likely be different, if only because rebuilding one each year seems to be a theme. Hanrahan could get dealt so a new closer would likely need to be had, which could be difficult. I dont' see them signing Grilli, unless it is team friendly, as they could bet that his time is going to run out. After that it really does not matter in the grand scheme if we see Chris Resop again or if some younger player replaces him.

There you have it. A team short on talent in search of the following:

A corner infielder
An extra starter
Bullpen arms
Maybe an outfielder

I don't see how that could drastically improve things, unless the corner infielder is a difference maker or they go after a higher tier starter to be a number three or something. Barring a rebuild or a big trade, the team will still look the same, the question is, can they improve still?