Projected Starters; Bullpen

[BravesBoy]

Reported by Josh Brady, Sunday, March 2, 3003

The Pirates starting rotation is up in the air. One thing that Pittsburgh did this offseason was sign lots of veteran's who never really lived up to their potential and are still looking for a place to call home. But, one thing is for sure, as long as no one gets injuried, these will be the first four pitchers in the starting rotation.

1. Kris Benson
2. Josh Fogg
3. Kip Wells
4. Dave Williams

After that, you have multiple players who could either be the 5th starter for the Pittsburgh Pirates, or the 1st starter for their AAA team the Nashville Sounds. The front runners as of now for that last starter spot are Jeff Suppan and Jeff D'Amico. Then the long shots right now are Brian Meadows, Joe Beimel, Julian Taverez, and Ryan Vogelsong. So any of those six pitchers could be starting in the Major Leagues for the Pirates at the start of the year.

Concerning the Pirates bullpen, it seems to be pretty much in place. Their closer will be All-Star Mike Williams who had 46 saves with a 2.93 ERA last year. Scott Sauerbeck will most likely be the set-up man, then Brian Boehringer and Mike Lincoln will do the in between work.

The Pirates traded 2 minor leagues to the Expos last December for RHP Matt Herges. It has not been announced his position in the bullpen, but judging from last year when he spilt time between the Dodgers and the Expos I'd say you can expect him to pitch around 45 innings and post around a 4.ERA for the season.

[Guest]

No way is Williams making this club out of Spring training. He has already been told he will be in extended spring training while recovering from surgery last year.

Suppan is the 4th starter unless he just gets killed this spring. Damico, Torres, and Meadows are probably right now even in their battle for the 5th spot.

[BravesBoy]

Hey, whoever the guest was the says Williams is injuried, where did you hear that? I'm just curious because I don't remember hearing about that. Thanks.

Josh

[Guest]

I read an article in the Post Gazette a little while ago, right when pitchers and catchers were reporting. Williams said he was a little disappointed now being allowed to compete for a job out of spring training, but he realizes it is the right call.

I leave for Bradenton next week, I'll be sure to get a update on his status.

[harmsway01]

Dave Williams is coming off a whole season spent on the DL...His chances of making the team are slim. It is very tough to come back after having an arm injury the next year and make the squad. Anyways take this from me...

The Pittsburgh Pirates Starting Rotation will look like this:

1. Kris Benson
2. Kip Wells
3. Josh Fogg
4. Jeff Suppan
5. Solomen Torres(he looks like the best so far in ST)

Zack
FIC Pittsburgh Pirates Correspondent