PSR Showdown
Do Pirates Fans Have Reason For Hope in 2008?
By Jenifer Langosch
MLB.com

YES

Is there a reason for Pirates' fans to have hope for the 2008 season?

As I write this, Vegas oddsmakers have the odds of the Pirates winning the World Series at 150:1. Their 60:1 odds of winning the N.L. pennant sure don't seem to suggest that there is much to get excited about either. Not surprisingly, no one is giving the team much of chance. That's fair, and at this point, it's deserved. But be careful in jumping to the conclusion that there is nothing to be excited about as the Pirates get ready to open the '08 season. There is hope to be had.

Just bear with me for a minute, please.

There's hope that a young core of starters will take another step forward in their development. Maybe it's a surprise that only three N.L. teams had two pitchers finish in the top 15 in starter's ERA, and the Pirates were one of them. Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell will lead the way again, and watch for Paul Maholm to have a breakout year after arriving in Spring Training in peak form.

Then there's hope in an oft-anemic offense finding consistency. There's no question that particular players underperformed last season, with Jason Bay and Ronny Paulino being coming to mind first. If they join Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez and Adam LaRoche and produce consistently, the team should be able to avoid the long losing skids that ultimately proved to be its demise in '07.

Yes, we all know that the team taking the field on Opening Day will look almost identical to the one that walked off the field last September 30. And yes, that team finished with just 68 wins. But don't underestimate the one thing that is different, and that's the man leading the way. Manager John Russell stresses accountability and his emphasis in teaching fundamentals will better prepare his team when it takes the field.

So, no, I'm not advocating dipping into your savings and heading to Vegas. But do dig into that piggy bank and head out to PNC Park at some point this season. You'll see a team ready to go places taking that first step forward.