Pittsburgh Pirates

Contributor: Matt Bandi, mvn.com/mlb-pirates

2007 Record: 68-94

2007 Summary: 2007 was very similar to 2006 for the Pirates. And 2005. And 2004. And so on. With Adam LaRoche joining Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez in the lineup, the team expected to be much more powerful offensively. However, that never materialized. None of the three matched their 2006 production and the offense struggled again.

Starting pitchers Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny emerged as one of the best one-two punches in the National League, providing hope for the future rotation. However, the back of the rotation was a disaster, as Zach Duke, Matt Morris, Tony Armas and a parade of others struggled to get outs.

In the bullpen, Matt Capps and Damaso Marte were very good. When anyone else was on the mound, leads rarely felt safe.

2008 Key Additions: The Pirates changed very little on the Major League roster during the offseason. Veterans Doug Mientkiewicz and Byung-Hyun Kim were brought in as complementary players, but the main core has remained the same.

2008 Key Losses: The team also did not lose anybody of major value. Salomon Torres was dealt for prospects and Shawn Chacon did not resign, further weakening an already questionable bullpen. Infielder Jose Castillo, whose Major League career has been a disappointment, was non-tendered and signed with Florida.

2008 Pirates Starting Lineup:
1. Nate McLouth, CF
2. Freddy Sanchez, 2B
3. Jason Bay, LF
4. Adam LaRoche, 1B
5. Xavier Nady, RF
6. Jose Bautista, 3B
7. Ronny Paulino, C
8. Jack Wilson, SS

2008 Pirates Starting Rotation: Ian Snell, Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm, Matt Morris, Zach Duke

2008 Pirates Closer: Matt Capps

2008 MVP: Bay will recover from an abysmal 2007 season, and will again be one of the few bright spots in the Pirates' lineup.

The Pirates will be successful if: the back of the rotation pitches more effectively than it did in 2007. Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny should be solid, but if the team does not get quality innings from Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, Matt Morris and others, it will be a long season.

2008 Season Prediction: The Pirates will finish the season under .500 for the 16th consecutive season, tying the all-time record. If the team can make progress in rebuilding the farm system through trades and the draft, 2008 will be considered a successful season.

Standings Prediction:
1. Milwaukee Brewers
2. Chicago Cubs
3. Cincinnati Reds
4. Houston Astros
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. St. Louis Cardinals