HITTERS TO WATCH:

The Pirates have already sent down their three top hitting prospects: Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker and Steven Pearce. Walker is most likely to have an impact this year, since Jose Bautista isn't much of an obstacle at third, but Walker has a long way to go on defense.

PITCHER TO WATCH:

Rule 5 pick Evan Meek could make the Pirates' pen; he works with a 90-94 mph fastball, but has below-average command and lacks a solid off-speed pitch.
-- Keith Law, Scouts Inc.

JUST THE FACTS

• It can't get worse. The Bucs are on the verge of an MLB-record-tying 16th straight losing season -- a triumph of mismanagement that finally led to wholesale front office changes.
• Let's make a deal. New GM Neal Huntington has to hope Jason Bay, Jack Wilson and Xavier Nady draw interest come July. Huntington hasn't made much of a dent so far.
• Zach Duke's elbow isn't sore! If he returns to '05 form ... yeah, yeah, we know. "The weight of the Pirates is not on his shoulders," says new manager John Russell. Well, that's a plus.
• They must be disciplined. The Bucs had 628 more K's than BBs last year, an outrageously high ratio. New hitting coach Don Long, who helped develop Chase Utley for the Phillies, has his work cut out for him.

HEARSAY

"I'd rather be me than Neal Huntington," says the GM of another rebuilding team. "He's got nothing."

HOUSE CALL

"It's been a real dry spell for Pittsburgh fans. Hopefully these young pitchers will catch on and we can avoid our trap of getting so far behind. Freddy Sanchez is an exciting player. Jason Bay was in a slump last year, but if we can get those two putting their bats on the ball, we'll surprise some people." -- Mike Doyle, D-Pa.
-- Tim Kurkjian

SLEEPER

Steve Pearce will end up in right field eventually, either due to Xavier Nady struggling or by Nady doing so well that the trade offers become impossible to ignore.

BUST

Tom Gorzelanny lacks the dominance to anchor a staff. The Pirates may be asking him to bite off more than he can chew.
-- A.J. Mass

INJURIES

Freddy Sanchez has had his share of ups and downs since undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in September. Sanchez had surgery to "clean up" the shoulder and generally it was considered minor. He has had trouble progressing, however, and most recently he claimed to still have pain in the shoulder. A visit to Dr. James Andrews confirmed inflammation, but nothing more serious, and Sanchez will have to continue to try to work his way back, albeit perhaps a bit more slowly. The fact that he still can't throw forcefully puts an Opening Day start into question.
-- Stephania Bell