[BigBadBuc]

Buster Olney(ESPN analyst) has been to three spring training camps and the Pirates were one of them. He really likes the Pirate defense and pitching and seems to think that they could make some noise with a a little bit of offense.

The Bucs are pretty strong up the middle with Wilson and Castillo. Randa is adequate at third and Casey may be an up grade at first. Duffy is a slick centerfielder for sure. Bay is solid in left. Burnitz will be an upgrade in right field.

I can't wait to see how this year unfolds.

BBB

[ThePundit]

The Pirates have the lineup and defense. The question is are the young pitchers for real. My guess is yes. I liked Dave Williams though.

Besides that, I don't see any reason the Bucs won't be really competetive. They are the most improved team in the division.

[BigBadBuc]

Pundit,

I think that competitive will mean a lot to Bucco fans. We haven't been that in a while. You got it right about the young starters. They are the key.

BBB

[ThePundit]

BBB:

I think it would be great for baseball if The Pirates made the playoffs. It's a shame that classic franchises like The Pirates and Royals typically can't compete.

I'm a Yankee fan and I for one take no pride in seeing the Yankees just bring in player after player while most other teams can't re-sign their own stars.

Don't get me wrong - I love watching the Yankees in the playoffs. But what's the fun of watching the Yankees beat up on teams that are 1/4 of their payroll during the regular season?

What MLB needs is a salary cap and to disband a couple of franchises to make it a good regular season sport. Of course this will never happen and baseball will continue to decline in popularity.

-Pundit

[wvuauthor]

The Pirates need to turn all of the talent they have into some wins. Pirates fans go through this every year during spring training, and have yet to see results. I feel that this season may be different though with the young pitching staff and some upgrades at the plate.

Staying healthy will have a lot to do with making a run at the playoffs. Things are not starting out well with Wells having problems already.

[BigBadBuc]

Pundit,

I am not in the camp that is anti-big market. I think George Steinbrenner is doing the same thing that I would do if I owned the Yankees. I think that the League and Union need to do more about leveling things out a bit just like the NFL. The NFL does not disguise poor ownership. The revenue disparity is not that great in the NFL. The best run teams get the best personel and the best players. The NFL really exposes average ownership because teams can't say the money isn't there. Baseball is different for sure in that regard.

BBB