The Pirates are back for another go after a disastrous playoff loss to the Phillies. The Pirates were unable to resign future hall of famer Omar Elcano, but thanks to a trade with Tampa they were able to come up with a capable replacement in Ken Shumpert.
Additions: Ken Shumpert, Jose Guzman, Wallace Wyatt
Departures: Clarence Valentin, Miguel Owen, Alex Espinoza, Dallas Hyzdu, Omar Elcano
Season 18 Starting Lineup
C: Andy Reagan gold glove winner last season
1B: Juan Carrasquel, 53 home runs last season
2B: Bernard Shelley gold glove winner last season
SS: Don Gong steady defender, really improved at the plate last season
3B: Luis Cruz decent glove at 3rd.
LF: David Gomez started off slow last season, but finished up strong
CF: Lance Howard came over in a trade with Anaheim last season
RF: Alex Richardson could be his last season with the Pirates
Bench:
Rob Webster backup catcher,
Max Fuentes will pinch hit, play some 1B,
Derek Throneberry backup 2B and in CF
Jose Guzman will backup at SS and 3B
Yorvit Veras will see some time in LF, RF,
Season 18 Pitching Staff
SP1: Tim Loewer the best 6 inning pitcher in the game right now
SP2: Ken Shumpert gets to pitch for a playoff team
SP3: Emil Sosa 19 game winner last season
SP4: Jimmie Torres back in the rotation after a poor season in the pen
SP5: Felix Carter
Mop up: Nate Sager
LRB: Daryl Graves also start when Sosa and Loewer need some extra rest
LRB: Wallace Wyatt
SuA: Daniel Blackwell hall of famer
SuB: Max Carreras
SuB: Geraldo Rosa
CL: Andres Coronado all star last season
As has been the case the past few seasons, this season is all about winning the World series. Anything less will be a disaster. The NL North division will be pretty easy to win this season, as the other 3 teams are still rebuilding. The Pirates will be playing the regular season for a first round bye in the playoffs. Only Florida and Salem stand in their way.
