A season of pain: grading the Buccos

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ season-long quest to avoid making history of the worst kind was denied… The Pittsburgh Pirates’ season-long quest to avoid making history of the worst kind was denied for good Sept. 7 after an 11-6 defeat at the hands of the San Francisco Giants. With that loss, the Buccos equaled a streak of futility that tops all of sports: a 16th consecutive losing season. Pittsburgh’s run from 1993 to 2008 is reminiscent of the losing era of its state rival, the Philadelphia Phillies, early in the 20th century. The Phillies also had a losing record in 16 straight years, from 1933 to 1948. No other teams in any professional sport throughout history reached this distinction. One more debacle in 2009, and the title belongs to Pittsburgh. Not exactly a Super Bowl, is it? Through Monday, the Pirates are 15-33 since trading their best player, Jason Bay, to the Boston Red Sox in a three-team deal that shipped Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles. Six days earlier, Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte were sent to the Yankees. With PNC Park closed for the fall season and one week of action remaining, here’s how the Pirates graded in 2008. Catcher: B+ Except for a freakish broken thumb early in the year, Ryan Doumit finally remained healthy and morphed into the offensive force the Pirates always hoped he would be. With a .326 average and 14 home runs, Doumit will be a mainstay in the heart of Pittsburgh’s order. Ronny Paulino horribly disappointed as a backup. Raul Chavez is a great veteran with defensive excellence, but he probably won’t be back. Look out for Robinzon Diaz, who was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays in August. First Base: B- Another year, another terrible first two months for Adam LaRoche. The lefty was stuck under .200 until the middle of May, but he might have been the club’s best hitter since then. With 23 home runs, 81 RBIs and a .270 average, LaRoche will get a raise through arbitration in the offseason to about $7 million. Now, if he could only hit in April … Second Base: C- Freddy Sanchez was phenomenal the last two seasons but couldn’t buy a hit until August rolled around. By then it was too late. He improved significantly in August and September and was bothered by shoulder problems most of the year, but he needs to hit .300 in 2009 to show he’s the Freddy of old. Shortstop: D This is not the fault of Jack Wilson, the longest-tenured Bucco. Despite zero power, Wilson performed well at the plate and was the usual wizard in the field. But injuries zapped three months off of Wilson’s season, and management may trade the veteran to the highest bidder in the offseason. Brian Bixler and Luis Rivas were awful in Wilson’s absence. Luis Cruz showed promise in September but doesn’t look like a long-term solution. Even though Wilson would be the highest-paid Pirate next year at $7.4 million, the team should keep him unless it is blown away with a deal. Third Base: D+ Jose Bautista again failed to stand out and was finally traded to Toronto in August. He was replaced by Andy LaRoche, the brother of the team’s first baseman. LaRoche came over in the Bay trade and was a top power prospect in the Dodgers’ system for years. He’s struggled mightily in everyday duty, not even reaching .200. Regardless, he will and should be Pittsburgh’s third baseman next year. Neil Walker disappointed in AAA and might have to switch positions again after the drafting of Pedro Alvarez. Alvarez will be a star ‘- once he signs the new contract apparently agreed upon Sunday. Outfield: A before trades, C after trades, B average Bay, Nady and Nate McLouth made up the best offensive outfield in baseball through the end of July. When the sun rose Aug. 1, only McLouth remained. McLouth enjoyed a breakout campaign, while quite possibly being the best all-around player on the Pirates with Bay gone. He still has an outside chance of reaching 30 home runs and 100 RBIs, and he has already scored 111 runs. McLouth is the face of the franchise. Brandon Moss came from Boston in the Bay deal. He’s struggled at the plate as well, but he shows great plate discipline with decent power. He won’t match Bay’s production but could surprise next year as Pittsburgh’s left or right fielder. The Pirates continue to be enamored with Nyjer Morgan, the fastest player on the team. He shows flashes of brilliance defensively and on the bases, but he still doesn’t grasp the fundamentals of the game. He has hit better in regular action since rejoining the team in August. He was awful after making the team as a reserve out of spring training. Morgan’s future should be as a fourth outfielder. Steve Pearce didn’t repeat his ridiculous 2007 season, when he was named the Minor League Offensive Player of the Year. Pearce also isn’t playing much with the Pirates since his September call-up, which is a shame. The team needs to see what he can do. Someone who hits .333 with 31 home runs, while advancing through three minor league levels and reaching the majors in one year, requires a chance. Bench: B Doug Mientkiewicz, who quickly became a clubhouse leader this season, led the reserves. His fiery style and fatherly teaching helped the Pirates all year. Jason Michaels provided some dramatic moments in pinch-hit situations. Chris Gomez was a solid pinch-hitter, as well. Rivas, well, he mostly stunk. These guys worked great as bench players, but the truth is they started too often. Mientkiewicz and Michaels could return in the same role, but they shouldn’t expect as many at-bats as they received in 2008. Starting Pitching: D- Like the midseason report, the only saving grace came from Paul Maholm, the new ace of the staff by default. He pitched very well and would’ve been a top performer for any franchise. He was often the victim of poor run support, which shows why he has only nine victories. Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny took an enormous step backwards. Snell’s issues have been mental and can be corrected, while Gorzelanny just looked like a totally different pitcher this year. Zach Duke was largely inconsistent. Phil Dumatrait looked like a staff-saver until getting knocked out for the year. Jeff Karstens and Ross Ohlendorf, both acquired in the Nady-Marte trade, will compete for rotation spots next year but have been inconsistent as well after good starts. Relief Pitching: D The pitching has just been flat-out disgusting, no matter how you look at it. In relief, only closer Matt Capps (when healthy) and John Grabow had successful years. Tyler Yates, Sean Burnett and Denny Bautista were either fantastic or awful. All three will be in the bullpen next year. T.J. Beam, Romulo Sanchez and Jesse Chavez could all make the team but need better showings. Meanwhile, Franquelis Osoria and John Van Benschoten bombed and won’t be back. –Thoughts on the Pirates? E-mail Zack Chakan at zackchakan@gmail.com