All Things Pirates - Part 5: The Fab Five

Now that Spring Training is winding down, we can begin to get a picture of who will be part of the future worst rotation in baseball. With only 3 (partially) legit major league starters, it doesn't really matter who the last 2 are, but we can debate it anyway. Maholm has looked great all preseason, and Snell has done good work in the WBC. Duke has looked pretty good, for him at least, so the last 2 are basically between Gorzo, Karstens, Ohlendorf, and Virgil Vazquez (Who??). "Vasquez, a 26-year-old right-hander, went 12-12 with a 4.81 ERA for the Detroit Tigers' Class AAA affiliate." 4.81 ERA in AAA? 26? Perfect! Might as well throw in Rinku and Dinesh too! Anyway, I highly doubt Vazquez will grab a spot since he has sucked in preseason and was delayed due to injury, so that leaves 3.

Tom Gorzelanny: 9 IP, 5 BB, 4 K, 7.00 ERA
Ross Ohlendorf: 9.1 IP, 0 BB, 7 K, 0.96 ERA
Jeff Karstens: 9.2 IP, 1 BB, 3 K, 4.66 ERA

Obviously Gorzo has been terrible. His control has sucked, and he is doing nothing to erase his terrible season last year. I am starting to get sold on Ohlendorf, as are the Pirates. So, who has the upper hand? Gorzo with the experience and track record (2007), or the two promising youngsters who don't have much exp?

FYI, Sean Burnett 8 IP, 3 BB, 4 K, 10.13 ERA, 1 undeserved guaranteed spot on the roster. I'm considering renaming my blog something to express my distaste for Burnett. I'm not crossing my fingers that he blows out his arm again, but I'm not NOT crossing my fingers that he blows out his arm again, y'kennit?


On to other Pirates' news, Chunky Alvarez was sent down because he's too apparently too fat to be a third baseman. If Tony Gwynn could play OF, Alvarez could probably handle third, but looks like he's destined to be a 1B eventually. Shelby Ford was sent down, along with a bunch of pitchers who had sh*tty springs. Not surprising. Garrett Jones and Tabata remain with the big club for now. Jones is definitely intriguing, but there is just no spot for him. So far, no big surprises, but will keep you updated.

Some other notes:
- Did you know Andy LaRoche is hitting .538 with 2 HR's?
- Hansen and Veal finally gave up some runs. Control could be an issue for these 2.
- Brian Slocum has the best name on the team, unless he reminds you of Heathcliff Slocum.
- Pirates' execs used "Brian Bixler" and "optomistic" in the same sentence. Uh oh...
- Jason Bay, regardless of market conditions, is going to make a lot of money in the near future.
- The Pirates' still aren't going to overspend on Pedro Martinez, but wouldn't it be nice if they could underspend on some of that sweet, sweet Dutch talent? Some of those pitchers looked unhittable at times.

Lastly, speaking of the WBC, I think it is safe to say that the venture has been a success. Not for ticket sales, obviously, for anyone who has seen the stands during the games, but for extending baseball around the world. The USA is once again in trouble, needing a win against Puerto Rico, who mercy ruled them earlier, to make it to the final round. I think Japan will win it even though they have absolutely no power hitters. I guess all you need is pitching and slap hitting, to win. Maybe Pittsburgh should just sign the entire Japanese team, at least those not already in the majors. Nothing says "Pittsburgh" like a brand new Michihiro Ogasawara jersey.