Opening Day Roster Set!

On Friday morning, the front office and managerial group of the Pittsburgh Pirates decided which 25 players from this year's spring training would break camp on the opening day roster for the 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates. Many hard hours of work were poured in by players competing for this years team and several players did well enough to earn their spots, while some were nothing more then "oh geez what do we do" gifts from management who had no other choice but to go with the lesser of two evils.


The 2009 Pittsburgh Pirates opening day roster.....

Starting Pitchers - Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens
Relief Pitchers - Matt Capps, Tyler Yates, John Grabow, Donnie Veal, Sean Burnett, Jesse Chavez, Craig Hansen
Infielders - Adam LaRoche, Andy LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson, Luis Cruz, Ramon Vazquez
Outfielders - Nate McClouth, Nyjer Morgan, Brandon Moss, Craig Monroe, Eric Hinske
Catchers - Ryan Doumit, Jason Jaramillo

There you have it. Keep in mind, that this roster will change throughout the course of the year and I would not be shocked to see a move or two happen very quickly, within the first 2 weeks of the season. Jesse Chavez was handed a job out of spring training due to Evan Meek's failure to stay healthy throughout spring training. As soon as Meek shakes the flu, bronchitis, and whatever else he has picked up while in Florida, he will be recalled and placed in the bullpen. Keep an eye on the bullpen in general, as the most turn over on the roster will likely occur there.

I'll keep you abreast throughout the season of any and all changes.

Good Luck in St. Louis, Buccos!