The Bullpen overhaul begins

The Pirates had one of the worst bullpens in the majors last year, and they decide to completely dismantle it in the offseason. I mean tear it to pieces. They ended 09 without a lefty and they have decided to fix that problem by signing veteran Javier Lopez.

Last year's pen had seven slots filled by Matt Capps, Sean Burnett, Jeff Karstens, Jesse Chavez, Tyler Yates, and Donald Veal all of whom will not be on the opening day roster in all probability (Karstens has an outside shot). Burnett and Chavez have been traded and Capps and Yates are free agents.

The Pirates have been busy collecting a number of people who will compete for the positions, but all are questionable in their effectiveness. The Pirates claimed several players on waivers like Anthony Clagget and Chris Jakabauskas. Neither is a sure thing to make the team. Nor is Justin Thomas, a lefty, claimed on waivers, but then dropped. He still is in the system and has a shot to make the team.

The Pirates also have some internal prospects that might be ready to make the team. Namely Evan Meek, who looked good before injury, and Steven Jackson, who was called up late last year and was at least average. The Buccos have three Single A level pitchers on their 40-Man Roster right now in Bryan Morris, Ronald Uviedo, and Ramon Aguero. Don't expect them on the team.

Then there are the trades. Namely the trade with the Cubs. Jose Ascino has pitched out of the pen, and could easily do so again. The Pirates want him to be a starter, but with the starter lane getting clogged with McCutchen, Lincoln, and the emergence of Donald Veal, I would not be surprised to see Ascino moved to the pen permanently. The Pirates also have said that they may put Kevin Hart in the bullpen if he does not make the starting rotation. I doubt it, but they have said they might.

Right now only one spot is really locked down. Joel Hanrahan is on the team, and probably the default closer right now. Evan Meek and recently signed Javier Lopez are pretty solid bets. Thus, we have four spots for people who have little to no experience. I guess you would have to say that Jakabauskas has an inside track, although I am not sure how he is better at the long reliever spot starter than Karstens. Steven Jackson probably has a spot right now, or at least it is currently his to lose. That still leaves two spots open. Can Claggett claim one of those spots? Will these guys be any good?

It is worth noting that the Pirates currently have a space open on the 40-Man roster to fill. Thus, they have room to make another free agent signing. That might help clear up some of the confusion in the pen. At the very least Spring Training will be a real competition for major league spots.