2008 Woodie Awards
Revamped Pirates team prepares for season of uncertainty
Out of left field
By Caleb Pardick
Rocket Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 3/10/06 Section: Sports
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And as they do every year, fans will debate the Pirates' chances (or lack thereof) for the 2006 campaign.
Rumors swirled throughout the off-season about the possibility of Mark Cuban buying the team. Cuban, the owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, is as spontaneous as they come in sports. While there was some public outcry about the Dallas loudmouth's motives in wanting to acquire the team, I have one question: Why shouldn't he?
Cuban would be the ideal owner, sure to bring with him such comical promotions as Mike LaValliere whoopee cushion night and Barry Bonds voodoo doll giveaways. (Seriously, can you think of any Pirates fan who watched Bonds' postseason choke-fests in the early-90s who wouldn't shell out $30 to have a crack at this? Anyone?)
Even though Cuban did not buy the team, several personnel changes were made. It is Jim Tracy, manager of the Dodgers from 2001 to 2005, a "player's manager," whose press conferences seem a bit more cheerful in Pittsburgh than in his final days in Los Angeles. Maybe it's because he has a fresh start. Maybe it's because he no longer has to see Hee Seop Choi wearing briefs, or deal with the Milton Bradley/Jeff Kent reenactment of the civil rights movement on a daily basis. Either way, it's an improvement over Lloyd McClendon's erratic decision-making of past years.
Gone are the Redman brothers, Tike and Mark. (I'd like to point out that I do, in fact, know they're not brothers. Mark was shipped to the Royals for-what else?-a minor league prospect, while Tike was sent to the Mets for six used batting practice balls and $17.
Gone also is closer Jose Mesa. Mike Gonzalez, the setup man from a year ago, will take over the closer's role. But unlike years past, the Pirates did make an effort in the free agent market, bringing in Sean Casey and Joe Randa, who will start at first base and third base respectively, and Jeromy Burnitz, who will share time with Craig Wilson in right field.
In all honesty, I do admire that the Pirates are at least trying to be competitive. Then again, I also thought the Derek Bell signing in 2001 was not that bad of an idea at the time (please send insults to cnp8492@sru.edu).
But I also have to question the moves themselves. By bringing in Casey and Randa, the Pirates have tied up money in aging veterans, and the addition of those two only makes for a glut at the corner infield positions, with Wilson, Brad Eldred and Freddy Sanchez also looking for time. And Burnitz, who will be 37 in April, does not seem like a good fit in a lineup that, Jason Bay aside, lacks any real power.
The starting rotation seems to be the club's strongest area, with Oliver Perez, Zach Duke, Paul Maholm and Sean Burnett taking the hill every fifth day. Kip Wells' season is now in question after reports last week revealed that he has a blocked artery which has caused numbness in his throwing arm.
While the club is showing signs of improvement (finally), I can't help but think that with at least 18 games each against the Cubs, Astros and Cardinals, this team isn't quite there yet. A first playoff appearance since 1992 (where have you gone, Andy Van Slyke?) is not in the realm of possibility.
Because it will be an uphill battle all the way, the 2006 Pirates better be in shape.
It looks like they'll only be treading water for another year.
