The roster underwent major surgery in late July when RF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte were traded to the Yankees and LF Jason Bay was dealt to the Red Sox with the net return being eight young players of varying experience levels.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Pirates are in dire need of good, young arms to continue their rebuilding as they finished last in the National League in ERA. They also could use a run producer for the middle of the order, as the offense struggled mightily following the trades of Bay and Nady. FREE AGENTS: INF Chris Gomez, INF Luis Rivas, INF/OF Doug Mientkiewicz, OF Jason Michaels.
The Pirates declined their $2.25 million club option on Michaels for 2009 but may bring him back at a lower salary. They also have interest in bringing back Mientkiewicz on a one-year deal.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: LHP Zach Duke, LHP John Grabow, RHP Denny Bautista, RHP Jason Davis, RHP Tyler Yates, C Raul Chavez, C Ryan Doumit, 1B Adam LaRoche, CF Nate McLouth.
Davis is most likely to be non-tendered, and Chavez could join him if his salary demands are too high. All of the others are likely to be offered arbitration.
IN LIMBO: The Pirates want to continue to get younger, which means veterans such as 1B Adam LaRoche, 2B Freddy Sanchez and SS Jack Wilson could be traded this winter.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LHP Phil Dumatrait (arthroscopic left shoulder surgery in August 2008) is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
OF Brandon Moss (arthroscopic left knee surgery in October 2008) is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
