Roster Plan Now Clear
By John E. Sacco

General Manager David Littlefield's words must have rung throughout the organization-"People have to be productive to be a long-term Pirate."

Likely translation: The Pirates are determined to build from within and will add players to fortify the major league team as long as Littlefield thinks the price is right and the value is even better.

Littlefield has been criticized for not getting enough in return for the bevy of veteran players he dealt shortly before and then after the July 31 trade deadline.

Truth be told Mike Williams, Scott Sauerbeck, Randall Simon, Kenny Lofton and Jeff Suppan weren't likely to be re-signed or tendered contracts, whatever the case.

It appears Littlefield is after young players with salaries the Pirates can control over the next three years. In the industry: as Littlefield likes to call professional ball: these type of players are known as zero-to-three players, a reference to their major-league service time. That's where infielders Freddy Sanchez, acquired from Boston, and Bobby Hill, acquired from the Chicago Cubs, fit in.

After three years, a player becomes arbitration eligible through his sixth year. Salary arbitration almost always gives a player a significant raise. That's why shortstop Jack Wilson and utilitymen Abraham Nunez and Craig Wilson may go. All three are arbitration eligible.

Jack Wilson is probably safe. But with the glut of middle infielders, especially if top prospect Jose Castillo is thrown into the mix, the Pirates everyday shortstop could be in trouble.

Craig Wilson's performance in the last eight weeks of the season will go a long way in helping the Pirates determine his worth. His versatility is a huge plus. His inconsistency is a minus. Nunez, whose salary could escalate to $900,000 in arbitration, would be a luxury at that price. Jeff Reboulet could fill a similar role at much less cost.

Littlefield certainly will hope that some of the following group will emerge and improve enough to contribute at the major league level next season. Those players include: outfielders Tike Redman and J.J. Davis, relief pitcher Duaner Sanchez, catcher Humberto Cota and starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong. Decisions need to be made as all those mentioned above will be out of minor-league options in 2004.

Redman, since being recalled from Class AAA Nashville, has shown some promise, if not the ability to hit for an acceptable batting average. He is much better defensively than he's shown in Pittsburgh in the past and it is clear that he is a confident player who has learned the value of going deep into counts and relying more on his speed than his muscle.

The Pirates must also find out about first baseman Carlos Rivera, relief pitcher Mark Corey, and starting pitcher Nelson Figueroa.

Pirates pitching took a huge hit when the trades were made and when starter Kris Benson had to be shut down for the season with a shoulder problem.

Benson is due $6 million in 2004, that's why the team desperately wanted to trade him. If he can show he's healthy in the spring, the Pirates will either have themselves a pretty good starting pitcher or further trade bait: the more likely scenario and direction.

Pitchers Kip Wells, Joe Beimel, Solomon Torres and Brian Meadows also are arbitration eligible. Wells and Beimel will return. It remains unclear what the team will decide about Torres and Meadows.

Jason Kendall's status is cloudy. When the high-priced catcher was not included (contrary to late July rumors) in the Brian Giles trade to San Diego, the Pirates were sent back to the drawing board. But it's hard to believe the organization won't continue their efforts to move Kendall and his salary even though the catcher position is not an organizational strength.

All this leaves the Pirates as a team with many holes to fill in 2004; but also a team where opportunities exist for young, low-salaried players, and productive veterans players who couldn't land a large paycheck on the open market.

Much must and will happen between now and next April. Expect more of the same that occurred last offseason. Littlefield will make some trades and wait out the free agent pool in hopes of landing another Reggie Sanders, Matt Stairs or Lofton.

However, this much in now certain : if you want to wear a Pirates uniform next season, you had better be young, not arbitration-eligible and ready to produce.

Because people have to be productive to be a long-term Pirate.

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