Found December 26, 2011 on We Should Be GM's: Yardbarker Blogger Network
The Pittsburgh Pirates were on their way to a magical season as late as July last year. However, things quickly unraveled and they plummeted in the standings from 1st place down to 4th, finishing a lackluster 72-90 (their 19th straight losing season). The Buccos bats are what failed them the most, but the health of their starting rotation deteriorated as the season went on. What have they done to improve this offseason, and can the finally break above sea level (.500) in 2012?Major Additions:Erik Bedard/LHP- this man is a top of the rotation pitcher when healthy, but he's often not that. Bedard replaces Maholm, and good be a major upgrade. A strikeout pitcher (926 K in 951.1 IP) with a good ERA/WHIP combo (3.70/1.32). Transfer to the National League could really boost his numbers.Nate McLouth/OF- good as a Pirate, bad as a Brave. Now back in Pittsburgh as a 4th outfielder, McLouth hopes to revive his career. Like Bedard, health is a big part of the equation with him, but...
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