I know everyone, myself included was a little underwhelmed by the Pirates free agent acquisitions. However I think we've seen already seen how valuable they are.

Aside from just bringing veteran leadership to a young team, they also bring ability. When our young 3B is struggling, or our veteran 2B or SS who are coming back from injuries could use a day off to clear their heads, or rest their bodies, it's great to have a major league quality glove with a decent bat to step in. When the inevitable injury comes to one of our infielders, or a trade happens late in the season, Vazquez will be a great asset. In addition to the aforementioned leadership, Hinkse brings something the team lacks, power (even if its only against righties). He also gives Russell flexability with the lineup if Moss' knee/ hand acts up, Nyjer goes into a slump and needs a day off, or anything else that may arise. They are worth the money to have solid depth rather than a guy who should be developing in AAA riding the bench and not being ready when he does have to play (no offense Bixler). They are both accustomed to not playing every day and staying sharp, both came at a very reasonable price and most importantly, they wanted to play for the Pirates (right back at you Will Ohman).

Jamarillo hasn't played yet, but seeing how our cleanup hitter is our catcher, it would be nice to keep him fresh by resting him now and again and DH'ing him some during interleague play.  If Jamarillo proves to be adequate offensively and/ or defensively, this is much easier to do.

Random thought that cracked me up last night: Monroe's warning track shots always remind me of the gag in Major League 2 where Willy Mays Hayes has been working out in the offseason and declares himself a "power hitter" only to have all of his "bombs" fall just short of the wall. Seriously though, he's getting good wood on it and here's hoping he puts that extra 10 feet on them. It would be great to have a L and R handed HR threat as pinch hit options.