Lineups
Mitch Maier had a solid rookie season and is expected once again to be the centerpiece of the Pirates lineup. Catcher Ryan Doumit will be expected to pick up the slack left by the departure of Jeremy Burnitz, who is still currently unsigned. Delwyn Young and Brad Eldred are in make-or-break seasons, and Jose Bautista has to be prove he can hit in the majors. Wilson will continue to be shopped.

LINEUP v/R
CF C. Duffy
LF D. Young
RF M. Maier
CA R. Doumit
1B B. Eldred
3B J. Bautista
2B F. Sanchez
SS J. WIlson
PS P. Spot

LINEUP v/L
CF N. McLouth
LF D. Young
RF M. Maier
CA R. Doumit
1B B. Eldred
3B J. Bautista
2B F. Sanchez
SS J. Wilson
PS P. Spot

Rotation
The Pirates young rotation returns this year, behind ace Zach Duke and second year guys Ian Snell, Brian Bullington and Sean Burnett. Ryan Vogelsong will continue to start every fifth day, until John Van Benschoten or Paul Maholm can take over the job full time.

1) LHP Z. Duke
2) RHP I. Snell
3) RHP B. Bullington
4) RHP R. Vogelsong
5) LHP S. Burnett

Bullpen
The strength of the Pirates this season should be the back half of the bullpen. J.J. Putz saved 29 games last year, and will return to the closer role this season. Mike Gonzalez struggled for the first time as a pro, but will get a shot at joining Matt Capps as a setup man this season. Damaso Marte, John Grabow, Mike Crudale and Paul Maholm round out the bullepn.

Closer: J.J. Putz
Setup: Matt Capps and Mike Gonzalez
Middle: Damaso Marte, John Grabow, Mike Crudale
Mopup: Paul Maholm and Mike Crudale

Season Prediction
Another year of last place, hoping for positive development from Chris Marrero, Nick Adenhart and James Bolduc.