Pirates Start Spring Training

The Pirates made only one significant off-season personnel move by bringing 3B/OF Eric Hinske from Tampa Bay. Spring Training should at the very least be interesting. Really no player from last year’s 67-95 team is much of a proven commodity. Position battles should be plentiful, and the search for a major league caliber pitcher is always fun to watch. The Pirates should give some young guys like Andrew McCuthen and Neil Walker an extended look. Last year, when the Bucs gave away, I mean traded away their two best hitters, they received a handful of players. Will any of those players make the opening day starting line-up? At the very least it means warmer weather is not far away.