THE BULLPEN

     Batter up! Ok, we may not be hearing that call from the umpires just yet but spring is around the corner as pitchers and catchers for your Pittsburgh Pirates report to Bradenton, FL next Wednesday, February 18. While the starting lineup looks pretty well set, there are some questions regarding the pitchers, both starters and relievers. Today, Mrs. Black-N-Gold goes inside the Pirates dugout to take a look at the starting pitchers.

Starting rotation

1)LH Francisco Liriano. No doubt about it, the Bucs brought Frankie back to be their #1 guy. He needs to rebound from last season's injury bug and prove that the Pirates didn't make a mistake when they signed him to the biggest free agent contract in their history.

2)RH Gerrit Cole. The Pirates are still waiting for the Cole Train to assume the #1 starter role. Cole is another pitcher that suffered some injuries last season. He'll look to comeback in a big way if he steps up and shows why he was chosen #1 overall in the 2011 amateur draft.

3)RH AJ Burnett. AJ is another pitcher looking to stay healthy. Although he missed no time last season while in Philly, he did pitch with a hernia for most of the season. The injury and the fact that Philly was one of the worst teams in MLB could be contributing factors to why AJ led the majors in losses. AJ is looking for one more season in the sun and wanted to come back to Pittsburgh. Hopefully the return is beneficial for both parties.

4)RH Vance Worley. Worley was another one of the Bucco's famed reclamation projects last season. He's looking to prove that it was no fluke. Vance needs to be the Vanimal from start to finish.

5)LH Jeff Locke/RH Charlie Morton. The lefty Locke is expected to hold down the fort until Morton his healthy enough to return to the rotation. Ground Chuck has been quoted as saying he can be ready for Opening Day. If so, Locke could be another lefthander out of the bullpen and work long relief/spot duty for Clint Hurdle.

There are definitely some intriguing options waiting in the wings should anyone get injured or falter. RHs Brandon Cumpton, Casey Sadler and Stolmy Pimentel all have picked up some innings with the Bucs. RH Jameson Taillon is looking to pick up where he left off prior to Tommy John surgery early last season. RH Nick Kingham is also expected to make a push for the big league rotation some time this season.

It looks like the Pirates have a wealth of starting pitching options. That is never a bad problem to have, especially if the injury bug is floating around the clubhouse like last season. There are certainly many question marks but also many pitchers to help plug the holes. If the pitching staff can remain healthy and in good form, this could be one of the strongest rotations in the majors. Can't wait for word out of Bradenton to see how it shapes up. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!