Pirates' Preseason Notes

Record: 4-1

I think spring training stats are more important than execs and coaches make them out to be, but I'm not involved with baseball so who knows...If anything, someone who is hot in spring training might carry it over into April, but then fall flat later if he's not ready for the big leagues.

That said, I will comment/rank players on their preseason performance so far:

POSITION PLAYERS
Guarantees to make the team so it doesn't matter what they do (9): Doumit, Ad. LaRoche, Sanchez, Wilson, Vazquez, Moss, McClouth, Morgan, Hinske

That leaves roughly 4 positions left, with all of them most likely going to An. LaRoche, R. Diaz/J. Jamirillo, Pearce/Monroe, and Cruz/Bixler.

For the sake of argument, though, let's pretend 1 spot is available to the guy that performs the best in spring training.

Stock Rising
Neil Walker - They say his defense is looking good, and so far his bat is not too bad either
Shelby Ford - Strong start to the season, could sneak up on the Cruz/Bixler combo
Pedro Alvarez - Won't make the team, but it's nice to see he's off to a good start

Stock Falling
Andrew McCutchen - Hitless thus far, 0-10

PITCHERS
Guarantees to make the team so it doesn't matter what they do (5): Maholm, Duke, Snell, Grabow, Capps

Pitchers are much more up for grabs with perhaps 7 spots available, but Karstens, Gorzelanny, Yates, and Burnett will probably make it. So we'll say 3 positions are open, all most likely right-hand relievers since they'd have 5 starters and 2 lefties already in the bullpen.

Stock Rising
Craig Hansen (R/R) - Hasn't allowed an ER and is averaging 13.5k/9. Granted, that is over 2 innings...I've already expressed my admiration for Hansen, and I believe he will grab 1 of the 3 spots.
Donnie Veal (L/L) - Rule 5 guy that has to make the roster to stay with the Pirates. He hasn't given up a run yet in preseason, and I think he is a very valuable future pitcher. But, is he good enough NOW to warrant a ticket to the bigs? I say yes, but only in a long reliever "white flag" role.
Chris Bootcheck (R/R) - A relative unknown who has come out of no where to impress. Definitely getting a lot of notice and could see big league action, but probably not to start the season.
Ross Ohlendorf (R/R) - Hard thrower from the Nady trade, I think he could compete for one of the 3 spots.
Evan Meek (R/R)
Juan Mateo (R/R)

Stock Falling
Jesse Chavez (R/R)
Romulo Sanchez (R/R)
Denny Bautista (R/R)
Jimmy Barthmaier (R/R)
Daniel McCutchen (R/R)
Jason Davis (R/R)

Favorites for the 3 Spots: Hansen, Veal, Ohlendorf