1. LHP Paul Maholm

2. RHP Ian Snell

3. LHP Zach Duke

4. RHP Ross Ohlendorf

5. RHP Jeff Karstens

ROTATION ANALYSIS: The Pirates went into last season believing they had the makings of an outstanding young rotation, but things fell apart early. However, the work of the starters this spring has been very encouraging and gives the Pirates renewed hope that the rotation will be a strength.

Maholm has followed up a strong final four months of last season with an outstanding spring. Snell pitched well for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Duke and Ohlendorf have been nearly untouchable all spring. Karstens is a typical fifth starter but has been the best of an uninspiring bunch this spring.

The most intriguing part of this group is that none of the five are older than 27.

BULLPEN:

RHP Matt Capps (closer)

LHP John Grabow

RHP Tyler Yates

LHP Sean Burnett

RHP Evan Meek

RHP Craig Hansen

LHP Donnie Veal

BULLPEN ANALYSIS: The relief corps is extremely shaky beyond Capps, Grabow and Yates. In fact, it would not be surprising to see the Pirates shuttle relievers back and forth from the minor leagues and combing the waiver wire in order to find the right combination.

Capps has showed he is over the shoulder problems that caused him to miss seven weeks in the second half of last season. Grabow was one of the bright spots for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Yates has been overpowering at times this spring but still struggles to throw strikes on occasion.

Burnett's best attribute is his ability to get out left-handed hitters. Meek has made great strides after struggling as a Rule 5 draft pick last season. Hansen and Veal throw hard but walk batters by the bushel-full, but they will make the club. Hansen is out of minor league options, and Veal is a Rule 5 draft pick from the Chicago Cubs, and the Pirates would risk losing both on waivers if they try to send them down.

LINEUP:

1. LF Nyjer Morgan

2. 2B Freddy Sanchez

3. CF Nate McLouth

4. C Ryan Doumit

5. 1B Adam LaRoche

6. RF Brandon Moss

7. 3B Andy LaRoche

8. SS Jack Wilson

LINEUP ANALYSIS: The Pirates lack a proven big-time power hitter, as Adam LaRoche and McLouth are the only players in the lineup who have hit at least 20 home runs in a season. McLouth had a breakout season last year and is the closest thing the Pirates have to a star, while Adam LaRoche doesn't hit a lick until June, then turns it on.

Doumit had a fine season in 2008, his first year as a starter, and the switch hitter seems primed for an even better 2009. Sanchez won the National League batting title in 2006 and seems ready to bounce back from an off year. Wilson is a defense-first shortstop but believes some major changes to his batting stance should help his hitting.

Moss and Andy LaRoche have room for growth after struggling in their first taste of everyday play in the final two months of last season. The speedy Morgan is the key to the offense, though, as the Pirates need him get on base regularly from the leadoff spot to make the offense go.

RESERVES:

C Jason Jaramillo

INF Ramon Vasquez

INF Luis Cruz

INF/OF Eric Hinske

OF Craig Monroe

RESERVES ANALYSIS: The Pirates should have a much better bench this season with such veterans as Vasquez, Hinske and Monroe.

Vasquez provides versatility, as he is a left-handed hitter who can give the right-handed-hitting Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson and Andy LaRoche a break in the infield. Hinske plays all four corner positions and has power from the left side of the plate. Monroe gives the Pirates a much-needed right-handed bat with power.

Jaramillo has no major league experience and is noted more for his defense. Cruz, who impressed the Pirates during a September call-up last season, can play all four infield positions.

ROOKIE WATCH: RHP Evan Meek has a chance to work his way into a prominent bullpen spot, as he throws hard and is learning to throw strikes. C Jason Jaramillo should be a solid backup behind the plate. The rookie who made the biggest in impression this spring was 3B Pedro Alvarez, the second overall pick last year from Vanderbilt. Alvarez went 8-for-18 (.444) with three doubles and one home run before being optioned to high Class A Lynchburg, where he will begin his professional career.

MEDICAL WATCH:

LHP Phil Dumatrait (arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in August 2008) will begin the season on the disabled list. He has been slow to recover.