As a group in 2012 Pirate starters were 11th in the National League in ERA, 12th in FIP, 8th in xFIP, and 12th in fWAR. Not inspiring.

I hope that Wandy Rodriguez will continue to represent an upgrade and that Kyle McPherson, Jeff Locke, and Gerrit Cole will dazzle. (I'm practicing my spring training unrealistic expectations.)

But note that the departures of Karstens, Correia, Bedard, and Lincoln mean that about 400 starter innings have left.The rookies are not going to generate that, and I find it hard to think that Charlie Morton will make much of a contribution next year. That's the case for another starter, unless you believe that Rick VandenHurk is the answer. If you do, please share the question to which Rick VandenHurk is the answer.