PITTSBURGH (AP) -Pittsburgh Pirates manager John Russell keeps hearing how his team is one of the worst in baseball, is certain to lose 100 games and is effectively giving away this season.
His response? Just wait.
Russell is extremely patient, evidenced by the fact that he sees no problem with the Pirates failing to add a single proven starting pitcher or everyday player after going 67-95 during a record-tying 16th consecutive losing season.
Still, Russell’s patience was stretched during the Pirates’ winter caravans, when even the most enthusiastic fans seemed to immediately challenge every one of his optimistic statements.
But the pitching hasn’t improved. But the home runs aren’t there. But the outfield lacks power. But first baseman Adam LaRoche always starts slowly. But there is no third baseman ready. But the middle relief is a question mark.
What Pirates fans fail to see in a team that has averaged 93 losses over the last nine seasons, Russell sees in abundance.
to wins? I hope so,” Russell said.
That starting pitching, supposedly the strength a year ago, was in tatters all season as the Pirates had an NL-worst 5.10 ERA. For the first time in 118 years and only the second time in franchise history, the Pirates didn’t have a 10-game winner.
“If we pitch better, we will be a different ballclub,” said Russell, whose team begins spring training Friday in Bradenton, Fla. “We have defense. We have a back end of the bullpen. We’ve got some talented people on the field. So if our starting pitching is better, absolutely there is a lot to look at and say, `These guys are going to be pretty good.’ “
That may be a stretch given the Pirates haven’t played close to .500 in 12 years, or since a current high school senior was starting elementary school.
Russell’s optimism is based on a six-pack of factors: 1) Starters Tom Gorzelanny (6-9), Ian Snell (7-12) and Zach Duke (5-14) will be better. 2) There is more pitching depth. 3) Center fielder Nate McLouth (.276, 26 homers, 94 RBIs) will hit like he did last season, and second baseman Freddy Sanchez and shortstop Jack Wilson won’t have injury problems. 4) Third baseman Andy LaRoche is over his post-trade jitters after being dealt by the Dodgers. 5) Brandon Moss will be ready soon to take over in right field despite needing knee surgery. 6) The defense is improved.
its final 60 games after trading outfielders Jason Bay and Xavier Nady in late July and, since then, has added only utilitymen Ramon Vazquez and Eric Hinske.
No matter, Russell dismisses the talk that the Pirates are resigned to a record-setting 17th consecutive losing season as they wait for a retooled farm system to start sending prospects to Pittsburgh.
“The fans keep asking us if we’re going to punt this season and concentrate on 2010, 2011 and 2012 and on down the road, and the answer to that is `No,’ “ Russell said. “We’re not going to punt this season and wait until next year. I expect us to have a competitive team this season. I think we’re going to have a better team than many people are giving us credit for.”
The Pirates are hoping a favorable early season schedule will prevent them from falling hopelessly behind by mid-May, as has happened so often during their ongoing streak of losing seasons.
They open the season with a weeklong road trip to St. Louis and Cincinnati, then play 20 of their next 31 in PNC Park starting April 13 against Houston. Last season, the Pirates were terrible on the road, 28-53, but played close to .500 (39-42) at home.
“There’s a lot more depth in the pitching staff and a lot more competition,” said McLouth, the Pirates’ lone All-Star last season. “It’s no secret that winning teams have good pitching and, if we can get some of that, which I think we’re going to, we’ll be a heck of a lot better than last year.”
Pitchers and catchers work out for the first time Saturday in Bradenton, Fla., with position players joining them Tuesday. Some position players, as usual, will report in advance.
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