At the start of the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates displayed a little what they could do, but by the finish of the season, it wasn't enough to collect a winning record. The organization ended the season with a displeasing 72-90 mark, ending up fourth in the NL Central. They stopped their season with a 19-43 mark, but folk forget that in their first 100 games, they shared the division lead with a 53-47 mark. They did not add many players to the offense for 2012, but they were able to add starter Erik Bedard, shortstop Clint Barmes and vet catcher Rod Barajas. Here are the projected starting staff and bullpen situation for the 2012 season. Check our Pittsburgh Pirates predictions to discover what we think about their lineup.
Projected Rotation
Erik Bedard (LHP) - Bedard put up solid numbers last year after missing the entire 2010 year, but injuries are a big concern moving forward. He went just 5-9 in 24 starts, but posted a strong 3.62 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He has what is required to be a 15-game winner if he can make 30 starts, but hasn't managed to do so since 2006.
Charlie Morton (RHP) - Morton appears like he is eventually proving his worth in Pittsburgh. His 10 wins and 3.83 ERA were both career bests, but he needs to step up and show better control. His 77 walks led to a high 1.53 WHIP, something that he must improve if he wants to keep his position at the very top of the rotation.
James McDonald (RHP) - Like Morton, McDonald has what's required to be a legitimate starter in the National League, but he wants control in order to take that next step. He went 9-9 with 4.21 ERA, but posted a 1.49 WHIP thanks to a whopping 78 walks.
Kevin Correia (RHP) - Correia started off the season powerful, earning a spot on the All-Star team by going 10-6 to start the season. But he wilted in the second half, and his poor 6.08 Time in July and 8.41 ERA in Aug have decreased some expectations going into 2012. But he is still good for no less than 10 wins, as he has reached that mark in each one of the past 3 years.
Jeff Karstens (RHP) - His pinpoint control is what gives him good success, as he hasn't got the arm strength to blow away hitters. He had a great 2011, posting his best year as a starter, going 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 26 starts. While he hits his spots, he should remain a useful starter notwithstanding not having an overwhelming fastball.
Projected Closer
Joe Hanrahan (RHP) - In his first complete season as a fulltime closer, Hanrahan surprised plenty of individuals by converting 40 of 44 save opportunities while posting an exceptional 1.83 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. He figures to be part of in the Top 10 closers going into 2012, with 1 or 2 strong years in front of him.
Projected Rotation
Erik Bedard (LHP) - Bedard put up solid numbers last year after missing the entire 2010 year, but injuries are a big concern moving forward. He went just 5-9 in 24 starts, but posted a strong 3.62 ERA and 1.28 WHIP. He has what is required to be a 15-game winner if he can make 30 starts, but hasn't managed to do so since 2006.
Charlie Morton (RHP) - Morton appears like he is eventually proving his worth in Pittsburgh. His 10 wins and 3.83 ERA were both career bests, but he needs to step up and show better control. His 77 walks led to a high 1.53 WHIP, something that he must improve if he wants to keep his position at the very top of the rotation.
James McDonald (RHP) - Like Morton, McDonald has what's required to be a legitimate starter in the National League, but he wants control in order to take that next step. He went 9-9 with 4.21 ERA, but posted a 1.49 WHIP thanks to a whopping 78 walks.
Kevin Correia (RHP) - Correia started off the season powerful, earning a spot on the All-Star team by going 10-6 to start the season. But he wilted in the second half, and his poor 6.08 Time in July and 8.41 ERA in Aug have decreased some expectations going into 2012. But he is still good for no less than 10 wins, as he has reached that mark in each one of the past 3 years.
Jeff Karstens (RHP) - His pinpoint control is what gives him good success, as he hasn't got the arm strength to blow away hitters. He had a great 2011, posting his best year as a starter, going 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 26 starts. While he hits his spots, he should remain a useful starter notwithstanding not having an overwhelming fastball.
Projected Closer
Joe Hanrahan (RHP) - In his first complete season as a fulltime closer, Hanrahan surprised plenty of individuals by converting 40 of 44 save opportunities while posting an exceptional 1.83 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. He figures to be part of in the Top 10 closers going into 2012, with 1 or 2 strong years in front of him.
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