PITTSBURG PIRATES

One of the most dormant franchises in baseball, they actually showed some hope of improving!

The Pirates finished 72-90, 24 games behind Milwaukee and 7 behind Cincinnati. There was no hitting to speak of on this team with a few exceptions.

Finishing 27^th in runs scored, 23^rd in batting average and 24^th in slugging percentage and a crisp 27^th in slugging percentage, they either died and forgot to lie down, or they are talentless. Their pitching was even more spectacular finishing 17^th in ERA and 28^th in opponent’s BA, at a clip of .2701

Andrew McCutchen CF, was the only bright spot in a dismal 2011 season. With 23 HR’s and 89 RBI’s he has better days ahead. Neil Walker2ndB, is the other bright spot. .273 BA and 163 hits. Jeff Karstens SP, has the potential, or at least showed it last season with 3.38 ERA, the best on the Pirates.

Paul Maholm signed with the Cubs for $4.75 million, backup catcher Chris Snyder went to Houston to increase his pain level, and those signing on with the Pirates were Rod Barajas, another backup catcher for 1 year and  $4 million from LA, Clint Barnes, SS, from Houston for 2 years $10.5 million, Erik Bedard, SP 3.62 ERA from Boston, and Nate McLouth a backup centerfielder at best from the Braves for 1 year and $1.75 million.

Pittsburg helped itself by addition by subtraction and made a decent deal here and there in the free agent market, they should be a little better this year, but not good enough yet to overtake the Reds.