THE BULLPEN

It may be snowing for what seems like the millionth time this winter, but Mrs. Black-N-Gold has baseball on her mind. Pitchers and catchers reported this past week and position players report to Bradenton this week for your Pittsburgh Pirates. The Battlin' Bucs are eager to prove that last season's playoff team is no fluke and that they are committed to fielding a competitive, winning team year in and year out. However, Mrs. Black-N-Gold is afraid that Pirates owner "Bottom Dollar" Bob Nutting did not receive this memo. Yes, the Pirates success did dare Mrs. Black-N-Gold and all Pirates fans to dream again. I've even watched the MLB Network in the offseason, something I'd been unable to do in years' past. The problem is, when I watch MLB Tonight, Clubhouse Confidential, or any of the other programs, the continuous scroll at the bottom of the screen tells the depressing story of the Pirates offseason. MLB likes to gives fans up-to-the minute info on all the dealings in the majors. So far the Pirates key offseason moves are as follows: FA signings-RH Edinson Volquez, re-signings-SS Clint Barmes, trades-C Chris Stewart. Pretty unimpressive, isn't it? Oh, we must not forget the minor deals for OF Jaff Decker and 1B Chris McGuiness. They are to compete with Travis Snider and Jose Tabata in rightfield and Gaby Sanchez at firstbase, respectively. Andrew Lambo also figures to be in the mix. The Pirates also failed to offer RH A.J. Burnett a qualifying of $14.1 million for 1 year in November. The Pirates recently made an offer to A.J. of 1 year for $12 million. Their cross state rivals, the Philthedelphia Sillies, won the bidding in the AJ Sweepstakes with a 1 year, $16 million deal. Had the Pirates made the qualifying offer and AJ signed elsewhere, they would have received a draft pick as compensation. Had he not signed with another team, the offer would have at least driven down AJ's price tag. The Pirates also lost out on 1B James Loney in free agency this winter and haven't been able to swing a trade for some much-needed power from right field or first base. Sanchez is said to have shed some weight and added on muscle, in hopes of winning the everyday first base job. The Pirates are also looking for injury-free seasons from LF Starling Marte and 2B Neil Walker. C Russell Martin could improve offensively in year 2 of his return to the NL. SS Jordy Mercer will start the season in the lineup and should upgrade the 8th spot in the batting order. The Pirates will also need repeat performances from NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and NL home run champ Pedro Alvarez. But is all of this enough? The starting rotation is questionable after Franciso Liriano, Charlie Morton and Gerrit Cole. The Shark Tank will need to continue to feast on opposing batters in the later innings, as well. Yes, hope does spring eternal for your Pittsburgh Pirates and their fans. But this fan wishes they would have made more significant improvements in the offseason. There's still time. Make the most of spring training and spring into action, boys. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!