Pirates Close To Finalizing Opening Day Roster

By: Mike Vukovcan

March 28, 2011 9:06 AM

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Pirates are five days from the start of the 2011 season and the beginning of the Clint Hurdle Era.

The new manager is busy making final decisions on who will fill his Opening Day 25-man roster. One of those decision was made when Hurdle and General Manager Neal Huntington decided on Rule 5 pick Josh Rodriguez over Pedro Ciriaco.

This spring, Rodriguez has hit .303 in 20 games while Ciriaco has hit .333 in 26 games.

It’s also likely the team will start the season with a catching platoon of Ryan Doumit and Jason Jaramillo because Chris Synder is expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list with a back injury.

Synder has played in just one game the past 16 days because of the back discomfort. Keep in mind, Synder underwent back surgery in September of 2009.

The last real decision to be made is the final spot in the bullpen. Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Chris Resop, Jose Veras and Jeff Karstens have locked up jobs. The final spot will come down to left-hander Garrett Olson and righties Chris Leroux and Mike Crotta.

Pirates Close To Finalizing Opening Day Roster

Jim Bobman

They stink–this year & every year!!
Bucky

Let’s go Bucs!! Better days are coming back for this storied franchise! To all you naysayers, hope you’ll be on the outside looking in when we’re back on top!! Can’t wait for Opening Day!!!

Carlos

When are these better days you speak of coming? Also, when will we be back on top? I was in middle school the last time we did anything significant and a toddler the last time we were “on top”. I don’t think being realistic is being a naysayer, but you are naive if you think we will compete this year with our pitching staff.

myspaceyourface

Do we have any major league level players on the roster this season?

Hope they make make it past the trade deadline.
myspaceyourface

Let’s go Bucco’s

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