Pirates Finalize 2009 Opening Day Roster

After placing pitcher Phil Dumatrait on the 15-day disabled list, and optioning reliever Evan Meek to AAA, the Pirates have their 25 players in place to begin the season. And they are:

Starting Pitchers: Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens

Relief Pitchers: Matt Capps, John Grabow, Tyler Yates, Sean Burnett, Craig Hansen, Donnie Veal and Jesse Chavez

Catchers: Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo

Infielders: Adam LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson, Andy LaRoche, Ramon Vazquez and Luis Cruz

Outfielders: Nyjer Morgan, Nate McLouth, Brandon Moss, Eric Hinske and Craig Monroe

I'm pretty sure Meek was only sent down because he hadn't pitched in nearly 2 weeks, due to a sore shoulder, followed by the flu. Should Chavez struggle at all, Meek will be called up in no time. And with Burnett and Hansen out of minor league options, and Veal needing to remain on the big league roster or else be offered back to the Cubs, the Pirates have very little flexibility in their bullpen. They were able to work out a deal with Tampa Bay last year for Meek, who was also a Rule 5 pickup. If Veal struggles early, I'm sure management will try hard to arrange something similar.

As for the overall makeup of this year's opening roster, it is worth noting that only 12 of the 25 were on the Opening Day roster in 2008. Of the other 13, 10 are no longer in the organization. Also, the mean average age for this year's group is 27.4. Last year, it was 28, though Chris Gomez being replaced by Luis Cruz would explain that. This number will most likely drop next year, as most Pirates over 30 could be gone and the Andrew McCutchens and Jose Tabatas of the world could be here.