The Pittsburgh Pirates...wow. They're rich in young, talented players. They have talented, experienced veterens that anchor the team, a General Manager that understands what needs to be done, and when it needs to be done, and last, but not least, a manager that will bring the talented players up quickly, but not to fast. They have developed a team that could be, one day, World Champions. However, how quickly will that happen?

Not fast enough. The Pirates do have a great team, but they are building from last place, to first place in a division that has to rich franchises (Cubs and Cardinals), two teams that have come a long way (Brewers and Astros) and a team that is developing like the Pirates (Reds). The Pirates are rich in talent, but I feel as if 2008 or 2009 is when the Pirates are looking at World Champion conteneders. They have to pass the previously mentioned teams, the Braves, the Marlins and their rebuilt team, the Padres/Giants/Dodgers and the Diamondbacks. That's a huge leap for a team that ended 2005 in the cellar of the NL Central.