8 More Cuts Are Made; Pirates' Roster About Set

The Pirates made 8 cuts this morning, leaving 27 players in the big league camp. The players cut were pitchers Virgil Vasquez, Chris Bootcheck, Denny Bautista and Jason Davis, catcher Erik Kratz, infielders Andy Phillips and Garrett Jones, and outfielder Jeff Salazar. The 27 players remaining in camp include pitcher Phil Dumatrait, who will start the season on the disabled list.

With the demotion of Vasquez, Jeff Karstens was named the team's 5th starter. Neither pitched all that well this Spring, but, as I've mentioned before, there will be much starting pitching depth at AAA, so Karstens' job is far from secure. Also, Craig Monroe has made the team as a reserve outfielder and Luis Cruz is in as a reserve infielder. The only position battle remaining is for the bullpen, where 5 players are competing for 4 spots. Sean Burnett, Donnie Veal, Jesse Chavez, Craig Hansen and Evan Meek will continue to battle. Though it may just be between Chavez and Meek because they are the only ones out of the 5 who have options remaining.

Dejan has much more information on these moves on the PBC Blog.

UPDATE: Since Monroe was a non-roster invitee, Romulo Sanchez was removed from the team's 40-man roster to clear a spot for him. Sanchez, who will be 25 later this month, has an ERA of 4.60 in 31 1/3 innings with Pittsburgh the over the past 2 seasons. Sanchez has performed fairly well in the minors and might not clear waivers, provided the Pirates don't trade or release him. The 32 year old Monroe is now the oldest player on the Pirate's 40-man roster.