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2008 Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions & Season Preview

Pirates have undergone a managerial overhaul, which could work out in the long run, but all the new pieces are still faced with the fact that Pittsburgh has endured 15 straight losing seasons – one short of the MLB record set by Philly in the 1930’s and 40’s. Their must be something in the water in Pennsylvania. Find out if the Pirates can avoid the NL Central gutter and end their consecutive losing seasons streak in our 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates predictions and season preview.

Starting Rotation/Bullpen

Right hander Ian Snell might be close to a 20-game winner for several other teams around the league, but he was just 9-12 for the Pirates. His 3.76 ERA is what leads me to believe that he is better than his win/loss numbers show. The Pirates were 16-16 in his 32 starts last year and he undoubtedly gives them the best chance to win. Tom Gorzelanny went 14-10 for Pittsburgh with an ERA of 3.88. Paul Maholm went 10-15 with an ERA over 5.00. Matt Morris came over from San Francisco and did not fair well. He was 7-7 for the Giants last year with an ERA of 4.35. He went just 3-4 for Pittsburgh and his ERA jumped to 6-10. Southpaw Zach Duke looked to be the future of this Pittsburgh rotation after an 8-2 rookie campaign. He’s just 13-23 since and has a tendency to allow early runs before settling in. Pittsburgh will give him another go in 2008. The rotation is young, with the exception of Morris and could still become a solid unit, but I anticipate more woes this season.

The Pirates can be satisfied with 24-year-old closer Matt Capps. He won the job from Salomon Torres last season and converted 18 of 20 save opportunities showing toughness and always staying around the strike zone to challenge hitters. Damaso Marte and John Grabow are solid situational lefties. The Pirates are lacking a steady long reliever which can get them through when the young rotation guys don’t have their best stuff.

Batting Order

Centerfielder Nyjer Morgan is yet to make a name for himself, but he brings an 11-game hitting streak into Opening Day and appears to be Pittsburgh’s best leadoff option. Shortstop Jack Wilson finally bounced back in 2007 hitting .296, which was his highest since hitting .308 in 2004. His middle infield companion, Freddy Sanchez, was the 2006 NL batting champ and has 383 hits the past two seasons. His power numbers are not staggering but with 81 RBIs on a poor offensive team, he had proven that he can pick up the ducks. First baseman Adam LaRoche benefited in his first season in Pittsburgh posting career highs in hits and doubles. He quit swinging for the fence as much and just tried to make solid contact to get something started. Leftfielder Jason Bay is a guy that can’t go through cold spells the way he did toward the end of the season. They need him to be a 30 homerun guy. Rightfielder Xavier Nady had 20 round trippers last season, but 17 of those were against righties. This guy is too big of a liability against southpaw pitching. Third baseman Jose Bautista and catcher Ronny Paulino make more of a difference with the leather than the wood at the bottom of this order.

New management for Pittsburgh, but the player personnel is largely the same, which means another rebuilding season. Hitting the 75-win mark would be a big step in the right direction for this team, but it doesn’t look likely with holes in the starting rotation, pen, infield and outfield.

Jimmy Boyd knows the MLB inside and out. You won’t find another handicapper with as much passion for the game and that has translated into winning season after winning season. Mr. Boyd took home another MLB handicapping title in 2007 and lifted his clients’ bankrolls to new heights. Make sure you’re on board with our baseball picks all season long for another huge year on the bases.

Odds to win NL Central: 40/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 50/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 100/1

Other Predictions for the 2008 Season:

Updated February 18th, 2008