The Likely 25-Man Roster

by Charlie on Apr 1, 2009 11:13 PM EDT Comment 12 comments

Just for reference.

C Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo

1B Adam LaRoche

2B Freddy Sanchez, Ramon Vazquez

SS Jack Wilson, Luis Cruz

3B Andy LaRoche

CF Nate McLouth

OF Brandon Moss, Nyjer Morgan, Eric Hinske, Craig Monroe

SP Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens

RP Matt Capps, John Grabow, Tyler Yates, Craig Hansen, Evan Meek, Donnie Veal, Sean Burnett, Jesse Chavez*

*One of the last five relievers will not make the 25-man; perhaps Meek will be placed on the DL.

There isn't anything too surprising here, and there's nothing that would have shocked me too much going into Spring Training, with the possible exception of the demotion of Tom Gorzelanny. The rotation looks fine; Karstens was the right choice for the last spot. I'd still like to see the Pirates grab another outfielder and reliever.

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As Charlie says,

we need more in the OF.

It’s a scary thought to imagine the back end of the rotation if we hadn’t made the Nady/Marte deal.

The bullpen is going to be short on strikes and undergo a ton of roster changes during the course of the season.

But all in all, I’m looking forward to watching as many games as possible. Let’s Go Bucs!

by patthatt on Apr 2, 2009 12:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This 2009 Roster ...

is reminiscent of the Pirates of the early ’50s, and the final record will be very similar to those cellar dwellers.

by thegunner on Apr 2, 2009 12:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So, like the early '50s teams...

…we’re going to rely on the powerful exploits of our star left fielder to draw crowds? What?

by Vlad on Apr 2, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, that's exactly what he meant

very perceptive

by mocasdad on Apr 3, 2009 5:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Based on Ohlendorf’s and Karstens’ performance in actual MLB games in 08, the back end of the rotation is plenty scary as is.

Someone else mentioned the ryan vogelsong comparison vis a vis Ohlendorf’s spring, so while it’s at least mild cause for hope, it’s nothing to get excited about; all I know is that last year, in regular season games, he seemed like he was channeling JVB. Tired arm? We’ll see.

Karstens was brutal after his near no-no last year, not to mention this spring. the only positive is that he was better than VV. Maybe he was “working on things” this spring but I have a suspicion he’s just a bad pitcher.

I hope they both pan out but I’m not in the least optimistic.

by mocasdad on Apr 2, 2009 7:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

PG now reports

last slot down to Meek and Chavez…and Meek…apparently…is still sick. I’m guessing…as Charlie is…that Meek gets sent to the DL until mid-April…and one of the guys in the bullpen is liable to spontaneously combust between now and then. OSHA would have a problem with all the flammable materiel stored in our bullpen.

by Thunder on Apr 2, 2009 10:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If only one guy spontaneously combusts, we’ll be extremely lucky.

by WTM on Apr 2, 2009 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is that Craig Hansen is the first to implode

but really most of them are possible candidates.

I made most of my life decisions at a Foghat concert... I stand by them.

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 2, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m glad that Veal made the team. I’m interested to see what he can do this season after a mixed spring.

I made most of my life decisions at a Foghat concert... I stand by them.

by Chester J Lampwick on Apr 2, 2009 10:19 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Morgan is going to play, can we pay Rickey to come for a day and teach him how to steal a base?

by GTrain on Apr 2, 2009 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

why not just have rickey start in left?

by johnnycuff on Apr 2, 2009 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Which Rickey?

Rickey Henderson?

Branch Rickey?

Rikki Tikki Tavi?

I have to give props to Morgan (boy, it hurts to write that) — he’s raised his BA 55 points in the past week. He’s actually over the Mendoza Line, and he’s improved his OBP to a truly rotten (but not obscenely disgusting) .287. Woo Hoo!

But he got his 4th CS today as against 6 SB for the spring. Nyjer: Don’t run — it only hurts the team.

by WstCstBucco on Apr 2, 2009 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs