Pitching

The first two were fun. This is going to be work.

STARTERS
Ohlendorf and McDonald have earned opportunities to be in the rotation for a full year to see how things shake out. Both look like they have the potential to solid major league starters.

Zach Duke needs to cut a bargain. We have plenty of pitchers who can give us an ERA over 5.00 for a lot less money. He's been around long enough to figure things out. It's time to produce.

Paul Maholm is under contract for 2011, and he's been a stalwart on a bad staff before, so let it ride. He also needs to pick things up, or there's no reason to tender him for 2012.

Karstens is already penciled in as the emergency man, sixth starter and long reliever. He was probably the Pirates' most valuable starter for much of this year, stepping in and doing well when everyone was falling apart. He deserved a spot, assuming his arm is sound.

Charlie Morton is the most frustrating pitcher I've ever seen. If he ever gets the command and consistency to match his stuff, watch out. He's looked much better of late, but falling in love with a good month from a young pitcher is a sure way to get your heart broken.

Brad Lincoln. Showed flashes, but not enough. Needs to come up big in spring training and establish something in the SHow before the kids currently at Altoona start pounding on the door and he becomes the staff's forgotten man.

Daniel McCutchen, Chris Jakubauskus, Bryan Morris, Donnie Veal: Step up, boys. Plenty of chances for everyone.

BULLPEN
Got to give Huntington credit, he can build bullpens. Had a good one and blew it up at the deadline, and already has the core of a good one in place. Keeping Hanrahan and Meek was a good start, but I don't think anyone can say they haven't been surprised by Chan Ho Park and Chris Resop and keep a straight face. Bullpens are inconsistent by nature, but Huntington has given reason for optimism on this front.