Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates approach each season with cautious optimism.  Every year they are duped into believing that "this is the year".  Those hopes of a winning season are usually squashed well before the all-star break.

Here we go again!  "This could be the year".  By that, I mean this could be a season of significant improvement for the Pirates.  The newly over-hauled squad may not reach a playoff berth, but I predict they could be headed for a winning season.  Let's take a deeper look at the 2006 Pirates.

  Key additions:  Jeromy Burnitz-OF, Damaso Marte-RP, Roberto Hernandez-RP, Joe Randa-3B, Sean Casey-1B

During the off-season, the Pirates' management identified 3 major needs:  3B, RF, and stronger relief pitching.  For once, Littlefield was active to fill all of the team's needs.

Outfielders:  This should be a strong group.  Jason Bay is returning from a steady all-star season.  Bay is a threat to be a 30-30 guy.  Last year he hit .306 with 32 HR and 21 SB.  Center fielder Chris Duffy will also be returning to give the Pirates a legitimate lead-off man.  Duffy hit .341 in 39 games last year.  Newly acquired Jeromy Burnitz will give the Bucs an upgrade in right field by adding some much needed left-handed power.

Infielders:  The additions of Joe Randa at 3B and Sean Casey at 1B will give this roster 2 things:  Solid defense, and experienced hitting.  Neither will boast huge power numbers, but Casey and Randa are both capable of a .300 batting average.  Jose Castillo will continue to gain experience as the starting second basemen.  Jack Wilson will bring his solid defensive skills to shortstop, and can hopefully return to his 2004 form when he managed to get 201 hits for the season.

Catchers:  I would not expect solid numbers from the catching position, but switch-hitting Ryan Doumit may give the Pirates just that.  He may start the season as a back-up to Humberto Cota, but an impressive spring training could give him the edge.  Doumit hit 6 HR last season in 75 games last year, but has much more power potential.  It would make sense to move Craig Wilson back to catcher, but this is not likely to happen.  New manager Jim Tracy should consider it due to the fact that Wilson hit 29 HR in 2004.  Wilson came into the majors splitting time between 1B and catcher, but has predominantly played in the outfield over the past 2 seasons.  Adding that kind of power to the catcher position would be a huge bonus for Tracy and the Pirates.

Starting Pitching:  One of the silver linings in last year's terrible season was the emergence of a few rookie pitchers.  Zach Duke was incredible by winning 8 games in 14 starts with a 1.81 ERA.  Fellow lefty Paul Maholm was almost just as impressive in his 6 starts with a 3-1 record.  Veteran Kip Wells figures to be in the starting rotation, and could improve his record with more run support.  Oliver Perez looks to return to his rookie form that saw him rack up 239 strikeouts with a 2.98 ERA.  Perez disappointed last season due to injury and inconsistency, but looks to bounce back in 2006.  Several youngsters will be battling for the final spot in the rotation.  These include:  John Van Benschoten, Ian Snell, Sean Burnett, and Bryan Bullington.  Ryan Vogelsong and newcomer Brandon Duckworth will also battle for a starting spot.

Relief Pitching:  The bad news for this team is that the closer role will be up for grabs.  The good news is that the closer will not be Jose Mesa.  Acquisitions of Damaso Marte and veteran Roberto Hernandez are a significant upgrade to this group, and one of these hurlers could wind up as the closer.  Salomon Torres and Mike Gonzales should also figure into the mix.

Coaching Staff:  Normally, the coaching staff would not be included in a team's preview.  However, the Pirates struck gold by hiring manager Jim Tracy as the leader of this team.  Tracy also brings a completely new coaching staff with him, which should provide a positive direction for this young team.  The improvement in this coaching staff should easily give the Pirates an extra 10 wins, if not more.

Key factors:  Oliver Perez, Jeromy Burnitz, Jim Tracy, and the trade deadline.  Oliver Perez is the wild-card for this squad.  If he returns to form, he is a legitimate ace.  If he returns to last year's form, he doesn't even belong in the rotation.  Last year, he changed his off-season schedule and it turned out to be disastrous.  Jeromy Burnitz just needs to be himself, and hit 25+ HR.  A healthy, consistent season for him will work wonders for this lineup.  Jim Tracy's success will depend on his management of several young players.  Will he gamble with unproven rookies, or slowly work them into significant roles?  The trade deadline will also be a factor.  The Pirates usually play the role of "seller" by mid-season.  If they are still in the hunt around the all-star break, it would be wise to use some of these prospects to acquire a quality starter or fill a need caused by injury.  If they are not in the playoff picture at that time, look for them to unload veterans like Burnitz and Wells.

It is doubtful that the Pirates will win the NL central division with perennial contenders like the Cardinals and Astros leading the charge.  However, the Bucs could be in the hunt for a wild-card spot if one of these teams should falter.

Best of luck to Jim Tracy and the Bucs.  2006 could be the year that Pirates fans get what they deserve.  A winner...