Pirates will enter 2009 with major questions for the starting rotation

cpawfan · Sep 20, 2008

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08264/913740-63.stm

At this point, the Pirates' starting rotation for the 2009 season is Paul Maholm and ... "a blank sheet," pitching coach Jeff Andrews said.

But Ian Snell's name likely will be written on that sheet.

The right-hander, who worked six three-hit innings in the Pirates' 5-1 loss to Houston last night, is among at least eight or nine candidates who theoretically will vie for the other four spots in spring training.

"Maholm has done a lot by himself," Snell said. "A lot of us have to contribute. None of us contributed [this season] but Maholm."

"We've really got to make some adjustments with our pitching," manager John Russell said.

"Our pitching hasn't been very good. We need to do better. We have some things to work on. But I'm not saying it's going to be years and years. I think we've accomplished a lot this year."

Spring training, however, will be interesting as far as pitching goes.

"It's not going to be tryouts," Andrews said. "It's going to be auditions. Who's the best guy? Who's ready to go? Who's prepared? Who's executing? Who's getting guys out?"

And remember that general manager Neal Huntington has said there will be "no scholarships" next season.

"I don't know if they're walk-ons," Andrews said, chuckling.

"It's going to be interesting. We're going to live and die on these guys' self-motivation. That's what we're pinning it on."

While Snell allowed just three hits, he inflated his pitch count to 108 by walking five batters, including two who scored in the fourth inning.

With one out in the fourth, Snell walked Lance Berkman and Geoff Blum. Hunter Pence shot an 0-2 pitch into left for the Astros' first hit.
Click to expand...

Log in or Sign up

Pirates will enter 2009 with major questions for the starting rotation

cpawfan Monsters do exist

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Pirates will enter 2009 with major questions for the starting rotation

cpawfan Monsters do exist

Share This Page

Useful Searches