[wvuauthor]

Check out this article from the PGH Post-Gazette. It is about Randa, and his second stint with the Bucs...

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06073/669958.stm

[Lefty Noob]

I sure hope he's right. With the additions of him, Casey and Burnitz, plus the young up-and-comers, I would love to see us play .600 - .700 ball in 2006. And the comment about him playing Gold Glove-level third base? Wouldn't it be awesome if both he and Wilson wound up winning Gold Gloves this year?

[wvuauthor]

Lefty,

That would be unreal if the whole left side of the infield were gold glovers. I suppose its not really that far fetched though. But even if they do not win the award, they will still be able to provide top notch defensive support.

I am liking the way the defense is shaping up!

[BigBadBuc]

Lefty, WVU,

I'm starting to see a different angle for 2006 Pirate success. It's hard to evaluate how much defense helps you in wins and losses but I think with an improved defense along with one of the best bullpens in the league that the Pirates have to be better.

The starting pitching can't be any worse than last year and the offense should be better.

The Bucs should improve. If the starting pitching comes on strong then I think that we are looking at an even better year than expected.

I'm envisioning an 82-80 year at best and slightly under .500 at worst.

BBB

[Lefty Noob]

Well, the old saying is that you win with pitching, defense and timely hitting. If you keep the other keep from scoring long enough, you'll eventually get your chance to put some runs on the board. Not sure it still applies in this era of the longball, but it'd be nice to see it work for the Buccos. I'd love a good season this year, as I'm sure all Pirate fans would. I just worry that the starting pitching won't be good enough.

[wvuauthor]

Lefty,

I am also worried about the Pitching situation. The Bucs have some great young guns, but wouldn't it be nice if they had a veteran ace that they could lean on?

Also, injuries always play a key part in a season. Can the pitching staff stay healthy? They have already had the problem with Wells, and hopefully that will be it.