2008 record: 67-95, 6th in NL CentralManager: John Russell (2nd season)
The Pittsburgh Pirates will try to avoid their major American sport record-setting 17th straight losing season in 2009. In order for that to happen, a whole lot of things have to go right. They first have to improve from their 5.08 team ERA from 2008. Last year's pitching was horrendous as the Bucs threw out 13 different starting pitchers combined for an atrocious 33-67 record. It was also the first year since 1890 that wasn't shortened by a strike that the club did not have a 10-game winner. The rotation will have to become much more stable in order for the team to succeed.
Just like the pitching, the offense must improve as well. The team hit .258 last year and scored only 735 runs. They also traded away two of their big threats in outfielders Jason Bay and Xavier Nady. However, young stars emerged in Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit last year as both had breakout seasons.
Projected Lineup (2008 stats):
C - Ryan Doumit (.318, 15 HR, 69 RBI)
1B - Adam LaRoche (.270, 25, 85)
2B - Freddy Sanchez (.271, 9, 52)
3B - Andy LaRoche (.152, 3, 12)
SS - Jack Wilson (.272, 1, 22)
LF - Nyjer Morgan (.294, 0, 7)
CF - Nate McLouth (.276, 26, 94)
RF - Brandon Moss (.222, 6, 23)
SP - Paul Maholm (9-9, 3.71 ERA)
SP - Ian Snell (7-12, 5.42)
SP - Zach Duke (5-14, 4.82)
SP - Ross Ohlendorf (0-3, 6.35)
SP - Jeff Karstens (2-6, 4.03)
CL - Matt Capps (2-3, 21 SV, 3.02 ERA)
My projected 2009 record: 64-98, 6th in NL Central
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