Pirates prepare to show off new-look rotation

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February 19, 2012

Associated Press Associated Press Sun Feb 19, 2012, 07:00 AM EST

February 19, 2012 7:00 a.m. BRADENTON, Fla. — James McDonald wheeled his luggage across the clubhouse at Pirate City and immediately began showing off a fishing rod.

A day before Pittsburgh’s first workout for pitchers and catchers, McDonald and his teammates were in a relaxed mood Saturday, but there was also a feeling of anticipation. The Pirates are preparing to welcome right-hander A.J. Burnett once his trade from the New York Yankees is finalized — another noteworthy addition after Pittsburgh signed left-hander Erik Bedard during the offseason.

“It’s always good to have other starters that are good because you want to keep up with them,” said the 27-year-old McDonald, who made 31 starts last year. “I think that’s good to have a lot of guys with a lot of good stuff — have a friendly competition among each other. It’s going to make the team better.”

The Pirates lost 105 games in 2010 but led the NL Central last July before collapsing down the stretch. They finished 72-90 for the franchise’s 19th straight losing season, but there’s some talent to build around, such as outfielder Andrew McCutchen and second baseman Neil Walker.

The 35-year-old Burnett is coming off a rough stint in New York. He went 34-35 with a 4.79 ERA during the last three seasons with the Yankees. He’s made at least 32 starts each of the last four seasons, but his control can be a problem. He walked 83 hitters in 190 1-3 innings last season.

Pirates reliever Jason Grilli, who is also 35, hopes a change of scenery can help Burnett turn things around.

“I’ve been with nine organizations and new life has always been exciting and a refreshing start,” said Grilli, who joined the Pirates last season. “I know he’s had some tough love over there in New York, and I played with him in the Marlins’ organization a little bit. I’m excited for him because I know that feeling.”

The Pirates were 14th in the National League last season with 78 quality starts. McDonald went 9-9 with a 4.21 ERA, and Kevin Correia was 12-11 with a 4.79 ERA. Pittsburgh lost left-hander Paul Maholm, who signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Right-hander Charlie Morton made 29 starts for the Pirates last year, going 10-10 with a 3.83 ERA. He had surgery in October to repair a torn labrum but he said Saturday he’s been ahead of schedule and hopes to be ready for opening day.

“My hip got cleared for everything,” he said. “Now it’s just making sure I get enough reps in off the mound, long toss and that stuff. I’ve been throwing since mid-December. I’ve been off the mound four times. I don’t feel too far behind.”

The Pirates haven’t made the postseason since Barry Bonds roamed the outfield in Pittsburgh in 1992, but last season included some cause for optimism. McCutchen hit 23 home runs with a .364 on-base percentage, and Walker hit .273 with 36 doubles. Closer Joel Hanrahan had 40 saves with a 1.83 ERA.

While division rivals St. Louis and Milwaukee lost stars Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, the Pirates kept building. In addition to Bedard, they also signed catcher Rod Barajas, shortstop Clint Barmes and outfielder Nate McLouth.

“Everybody always goes and talks about last year and setting bars and levels of what you can and can’t do. Our division is a little bit weaker with Fielder and Pujols gone, so that’s always exciting,” Grilli said. “I know guys know what it feels like to succeed.”

The question now is whether Pittsburgh has done enough to close the gap with teams like the Cardinals and Brewers. Milwaukee won the division last season and St. Louis ended up winning the World Series as a wild card. Both teams will be trying to return to the postseason without their departed sluggers.

“If some guys are gone, then great — but it doesn’t still minimize that there are some guys who are hungry that are going to fill in those places,” Grilli said. “And we’ve got to get them out.”

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Pirates prepare to show off new-look rotation

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