Pirates 25-man Opening Day Roster Shaping Up

Catchers (2)

*1. Ryan Doumit

2. Jason Jaramillo

___________________________

*Chris Snyder will begin the season on the disabled list.

Notes: Ryan Doumit begins the season as the Pirates starting catcher by default as Chris Snyder is expected to begin the season on the disabled list due to a sore back.

The Pirates will give Doumit an opportunity to show something with his bat but if he struggles early, look for him to be on a short leash.

Infielders (6)

*3. Lyle Overbay (1B)

*4. Neil Walker (2B)

*5. Ronny Cedeno (SS)

*6. Pedro Alvarez (3B

-7. Josh Rodriguez (SS)

-8. Steve Pearce (1B/3B/OF)

Notes: The Pirates starting infield includes Lyle Overbay at 1st, Neil Walker at 2nd, Ronny Cedeno at short and Pedro Alvarez at third.

Steve Pearce opens the season as the Pirates primary bench player at the infield position. Pearce has made himself more versatile this spring, showing the ability to play first base and third base. He is also an option in the outfield.

Rule-5 draft pick Josh Rodriguez will backup Ronny Cedeno for the short-term. Rodriguez also has the ability to play second base.

*9. Andrew McCutchen (CF)

*10. Jose Tabata (LF)

*11. Matt Diaz (RF)

*12. Garrett Jones (RF/1B)

-13. John Bowker (RF/LF)

Notes: Matt Diaz enters the season as the Pirates new starting right fielder. Garrett Jones will also see time at right field in a platoon role. Jones is not expected to be used much at 1st base. He saw limited action there this spring.

Andrew McCutchen anchors down center field and Jose Tabata is the starting left fielder.

John Bowker provides versatility with the ability to play left and right field and is also an option at first base.

Starting Pitchers (5)

14. Kevin Correia (No. 1 Starter, Opening Day)

15. Paul Maholm (No. 2 Starter, Home Opener)

16. Ross Ohlendorf (No. 3 Starter)

17. Charlie Morton (No. 4 Starter)

18. James McDonald (No. 5 Starter)

Notes: Kevin Correia has been named the Pirates opening day starter. Paul Maholm will start the home opener.

The only question mark from a health standpoint is James McDonald. He is progressing but whether he can make his scheduled first start won’t be known until after his session on Thursday vs Yankees AAA affiliate.

Scott Olsen will begin the season on the disabled list.

2006 first round pick Brad Lincoln is destined for AAA Indianapolis once healthy.

Jeff Karstens will move into the rotation, if McDonald is not ready to go.

Relievers (6)

19. Joel Hanrahan (Closer)

20. Evan Meek (Setup Role)

21. Jeff Karstens

22. Jose Veras

23. Mike Crotta

24. Chris Resop

Notes: Joel Hanrahan begins the season as the Pirates closer, with Evan Meek in the setup role.

The Pirates have several question marks in their bullpen and no true impact lefty reliever. Joe Beimel will begin the season on the disabled list.

No. 25 Final Spot

Chris Leroux (RHP) or Garrett Olson (LHP)

– Olson is considered the front runner due to the Pirates having no lefty reliever with Beimel injured. Olson is also out of minor league options. The Pirates though like Leroux whose on the 40-man roster.

Chris Snyder, Catcher

Joe Beimel, Reliever

Scott Olsen, Starting Pitcher

1. Jose Tabata, LF

2. Neil Walker, 2B

3. Andrew McCutchen, CF

4. Lyle Overbay, 1B

5. Pedro Alvarez, 3B

6. Matt Diaz, RF

7. Ryan Doumit, C

8. Ronny Cedeno, SS

9. Kevin Correia, P