Spring Training Preview: Starting Pitchers

By John Perrotto

Photo: David Hague - Inside Pittsburgh Sports.

Pitchers and catchers report to Pirate City in Bradenton today and thus begins another season for the Pirates.

Owner Bob Nutting says the Pirates will be better than last season but he isn't exactly walking out on a shaky limb with that prediction. After finishing 62-99 last season and having a last-week rainout help them avoid 100 losses, the law of averages say the Pirates almost have to be better. It would be hard to be worse.

Regardless, the Pirates seem certain to suffer through their 18th consecutive losing season, which would extend their North American major professional sports record for ignominy that was set last year. The Pirates would need a 19-win improvement just to get to .500 and that seems highly unlikely.

Regardless, it's time to take a closer look at the 2010 Pirates. Since it's the day pitchers and catchers report, the starting rotation would be the logical place to start.

The Pirates will have surprisingly little competition for spots in the rotation despite finishing 13th in the 16-team National League in runs allowed last season with an average of 4.77 per game.