Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. | Ballpark: PNC Park (38,496) | Spring Training: Bradenton, Fla.
Principal Owner: Bob Nutting | CEO: Frank Coonelly | GM: Neal Huntington | Manager: John Russell | World Championships: 5
The Pittsburgh Pirates talked about changing the culture of the franchise throughout the winter, and there is little doubt that the attitude is better as the season is about to begin.
"You can sense a difference," left fielder Jason Bay said. "The atmosphere is different. Things seem a little more upbeat. Everything seems positive."
Whether that will translate into on-field success remains to be seen. The Pirates have had 15 consecutive losing seasons, one short of the major league record set by the Philadelphia Phillies from 1933-48, and their roster is mostly unchanged from a year ago, when they finished 68-94.
The Pirates have a new president in Frank Coonelly, a new general manager in Neal Huntington and a new manager in John Russell. While none of the three is ready to predict a winning season, all believe the Pirates will be improved this season.
"I like the way our guys have gone about our work this spring," Russell said. "They're really taken to the things our staff have been trying to teach them. Our hitters have been doing a good job of working counts and having good at bats, and our pitchers have done a good job of attacking the strike zone with first-pitch strikes."
The Pirates were 12th in the 16-team National League in runs scored last season, and seven of last year's regulars return. Yet, the Pirates believe they will score more runs in 2008.
"If you look at our team last year, no one really had an outstanding season offensively," Huntington said. "I really believe that if our guys just play up to our capabilities that our offense will be better. If they take a step forward beyond that, then we should have a very good offensive team.
"We may not have that one guy who can carry a club, but we have competent major league hitters throughout the lineup."
Pitching should be the backbone of the Pirates, as they are building around four starters who are 26 or younger: right-hander Ian Snell, who pitch the opener at Atlanta on March 31; and left-handers Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and Zach Duke. Snell and Gorzelanny took steps toward becoming two of the better pitchers in the NL last season, while Maholm and Duke appear poised for improvement following strong spring showings.
"I don't see any reason why our pitching shouldn't keep us in most games," Russell said. "The young guys have talent, and now it's a matter of being more consistent from one outing to the next. If they keep improving the way I think they can, then it should mean good things for us."
PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON LHP Paul Maholm looked sharp all spring as he threw his curveball consistently for strikes while effectively using his fastball and slider. Maholm is a finesse guy but he has very good mound presence and an aptitude for pitching. Entering his third full major league season, he seems poised for a breakthrough.
ON THE DECLINE RHP Matt Morris was once of the top pitchers in the NL with St. Louis, but injuries and the wear and tear of throwing a big-breaking curveball have taken a toll on his arm. He was extremely hittable all spring and doesn't appear to have much left.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
You know I was very happy with the direction this new regime (Nutting, Coonelly, Hundington) were taking this team after what past regimes have done UNTIL this hidious trade with the Yankees!!! We would have got a better return if we would have just lost them eventually to free agency. Listen I have made it very clear on these threads that
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