Pirate Fest

Well, it's that time of year again.  Pirate Fest occurred this past weekend and it's time for the first look at what the Pirates's roster will look like in the upcoming season.  Just a brief overview of course - until pitchers and catchers report.  That's February 12th, if you were counting.

Field
1B - Sanchez / Lambo
2B - Walker
SS - Mercer
3B - Alverez
C - Martin
LF - Marte
CF - McCutchen
RF - Tabata

Batting Order
1.  Marte - R
2.  Walker - S
3.  McCutchen - R
4.  Alverez - L
5.  Mercer - R
6.  Tabata - R
7.  Martin - R
8.  Sanchez - R / Lambo - L
9.  Pitcher

Bench
Barmes - SS - R
Harrison - 2B - R
Snider - RF - L
Stewart - C - R
Sanchez - C - R
Polanco - RF - L

Starting Rotation
1.  Liriano - L
2.  Cole - R
3.  Rodriguez - L
4.  Morton - R
5.  Volquez - R

Long Relief 
Locke - L
Wilson - L
Cumpton - R
Gomez - R

Middle Relief / One Inning Relief
Watson - L
Mazzaro - R
Morris - R
Pimentel - R
Hughes - R
Mikolas - R

Closer
Grilli - R
Melancon - R


Roster Analysis:
With the exception of a few minor tweaks, it's basically the same exact roster as last year.  Sadly, the roster had gotten a bit worse with the loss of Byrd and Morneau as well as with the future of Burnett still in question.  If Burnett somehow still comes back, I would slide him in as the 4th starter - pushing Morton back to the 5th position.  1B is still the primary position of concern.  The Pirates feel confident can step into that position so it will be interesting to see if that pays off.  Also keep an eye on the fifth spot in the starting rotation, especially if Burnett is not signed.  Both Locke - who was an all star starting pitcher the first half of last year - and Cumpton have shown starting pitcher stuff last year and could move up into the position if the acquiring of Volquez does not pay off.  Hopefully Locke won't suffer from James McDonald syndrome and continue his downward trend from the end of last year.  Only time will tell though.
Also, keep an eye out on Pirates prospects Polanco (RF - L) and Taillon (P - R).  Polanco is primed to make his MLB debut this year and is looking to be the final piece to what could be the best outfield in the MLB.
Taillon has always been mentioned in the same breath as fellow Pirates pitcher Cole in that they were both first round picks and are both projected to be top tier MLB starters.  If Taillon makes his debut this year, and has half the stuff Cole had towards the end of last year, the Pirates could have one of, if not the best starting rotation in baseball.  And that's without A.J. Burnett.