The Struggle Continued
Improved But Difficult Problems Still Plague Turnaround
By John E. Sacco

A franchise record 10th consecutive losing season was easily predictable for the 2002 Pirates.

While most felt the Pirates would not suffer a second straight 100-loss performance, the expectations were low.

That's why the team's best start in years surprised more than a few people and that 12-5 record to open the campaign helped the Pirates spend 19 days in first place or tied for first in the National League Central Division.

But the Pirates could not maintain that pace. The team's anemic offense was dealt a blow when third baseman Aramis Ramirez suffered an ankle injury and subsequent eight-game suspension for charging pitcher Ben Sheets. His absence served to weaken the lineup and negatively impact Ramirez' season. He never approached the outstanding offensive numbers he posted in his breakout 2001 season and that hindered the Pirates' offensive abilities and performance.

The team again suffered from a lack of production from first base, center field and right field. Pokey Reese

The defense got better with the addition of second baseman Pokey Reese and the starting pitching ended the 2002 campaign with more promise than at anytime in the past several seasons.

The bullpen was outstanding early on but its performance dropped in the second half of the season.

Overall, the 2002 Pirates were improved. But not to the point where even being .500 was realistic.

Expect some changes this off-season as General Manager Dave Littlefield tries to upgrade the major-league roster and continues re-shaping the minor-league system, which has improved dramatically. Also, look for a couple of changes on the Pirates' coaching staff.

The following is a position-by-position analysis of the 2002 Pirates:

Catcher – Jason Kendall is no longer the .300 hitter he was in gaining multiple All-Star game appearances. His defense is below par. In fairness, he's been moved around in the batting order so much the Pirates haven't figured out where to place him. Keith Osik has been Kendall's caddie for a long time. But that time is over. Humberto Cota, out of minor-league options, will be the backup at the very least in 2003. Littlefield will try to move Kendall during the off-season. It's unlikely any team would take on Kendall's $10 million contract in light of his decline. A position switch is being considered. Grade: C

First Base – A problem area for far too long. The team owes Kevin Young another year on his contract and that does not help. Young has had it as an every day player. Again, he's not tradable because of his contract. Expect him to be an expensive defensive replacement in 2003. Craig Wilson still needs work defensively and to become more consistent offensively. But he might be the club's only real option here next season. Grade: D

Second Base – The addition of Reese certainly upgraded the team at the position and defensively overall. Reese's energy rubbed off on some of his teammates and he's been a particularly strong influence on shortstop Jack Wilson. No one plays second base better in the NL than Reese and his hitting improved late in the season. Whether he can be a leadoff hitter is highly questionable. The Pirates want him to add some weight, muscle and endurance to fight off injuries that nag at him and cost him several games. Grade B.

Shortstop – Wilson continues to get better. He had some streaks offensively this season that raised hopes for him to eventually be able to hit about .270 consistently. He is too streaky offensively. His defense is outstanding, often spectacular. One has to love his aggressiveness and passion for the game. Grade C+

Third Base – To his credit, Ramirez never begged out of the lineup and did not use the ankle injury as an excuse for a poor offensive performance. He worked hard in the final months of the season to regain his swing and improve his conditioning. He's an easy target because his temper has gotten him into trouble on the field and he is not the most approachable player for the media. He didn't hit well most of the season and was a disappointment. But he might have learned some lessons along the way that can help him regain the offensive status he enjoyed in 2001. Grade: D

Left Field – Brian Giles is clearly the team's best position player. He's a strong offensive force and is real good defensively. He probably needs to worry less about decisions made by team management and more about being a leader in the clubhouse. But the Pirates can't afford not to have him in their lineup, unless they can acquire three big-league players for him. Grade: A-

Center field – A disaster area. No matter who has been placed here, the results haven't been real good. Adrian Brown isn't the answer. Chad Hermansen certainly was not. Adam Hyzdu is not an everyday big-league player. Rob Mackowiak is a legitimate big league player but not a centerfielder. This has long been a Pirates' sore spot. It's time to address the problem. Grade: F

Right Field – Another area of deep concern. Craig Wilson is much better than he was when the season started. Mackowiak may be an answer. He has a great arm and a good stick. Armando Rios will not be back. Grade: D

Bench – This is an area that will improve greatly once the Pirates get better at first base, center field and right field. If McClendon could use Hyzdu, Mackowiak and Craig Wilson off the bench along with Abraham Nunez, the Pirates would be much better off. Unfortunately, some of those guys have to start far too often. Grade: D

Starting Pitching – Kris Benson has made a wonderful recovery from Tommy John surgery. McClendon has anointed him the team's Opening Day starter in 2003. A lot of folks think next year is going to be a breakthrough season for Benson. Kip Wells and Josh Fogg are solid as Nos. 2 and 3 behind Benson. Ideally, the Pirates would like another quality starter. But the situation is not ideal. Right now, Solomon Torres and Brian Meadows have the inside track on the fourth and fifth spots. Lefty Dave Williams will be in the mix if he returns to good health and Bronson Arroyo stills intrigues team brass. Don't count on Ryan Vogelsong contributing much early next season. The Pirates don't think he's ready to be successful in the majors. Grade: C+

Bullpen – Mike Williams had a career year and will be counted on again in 2003 to close with great proficiency. Duaner Sanchez is the closer of the future. Joe Biemel is likely to be the No. 1 left-handed set-up man if Scott Sauerbeck is traded during the offseason. Brian Boehringer performed very well. Al Reyes was a huge surprise in the final two months. Mike Lincoln proved his 2001 performance was no fluke. Neither Ron Villone nor Jimmy Anderson will return. Grade B

Coaching Staff – Changes are necessary and expected. Too many of these guys have been around too long and the losing has perpetuated. Grade: D

Manager – McClendon has tried to instill pride, accountability and hustle. He has succeeded on a lot of fronts. He needs some real veteran leadership in the clubhouse. He has one year remaining on his contract and deserves that opportunity. He's made mistakes but they were made in an attempt to overcome a serious lack of talent. Grade: B-

John E. Sacco has covered the Pirates and major league baseball for PSR since October 1998. He covered the Pirates from 1986 to 1992 and is a former member of the Baseball Writers of American Association, Pittsburgh Chapter.