Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Spring Training – What to Watch

Spring Training is officially underway for the Bucs, and here are a couple of things to keep your eye on. Jeff Clement at first base, the Pirates seem to want Clement as their everyday first baseman. His offense and defense will be at the center of attention this spring. Akinori Iwamura who is the only real accusation of the off season, will be interesting to watch. The fifth starter, the Pirates like Kevin Hart, despite his 1-8 record last season, but Daniel McCutchen and rookie Brad Lincoln are also in the race. You’ll see a lot of Pedro Alvarez, this spring and if he does well, he might get a mid season call-up. Finally the overcrowd outfield, with Andrew McCuhen, Milledge, Jones as roster locks, this leaves, Moss, Church, and Tabata fighting for a bench spot or pushing Jones to first. The Pirates are paying Church, so he’ll be on the team, if Moss doesn’t cut it, he’ll probably be traded or let go. Finally since Tabata might actually be older the first thought, they’ll be pressure on the Bucs to get him to the Majors quicker.