BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — A day before their first workout, the Pittsburgh Pirates can anticipate A.J. Burnett’s arrival.
Right-hander James McDonald says there should be some healthy competition in the starting rotation once Burnett’s trade from the New York Yankees is finalized. The Pirates also signed left-hander Erik Bedard in the offseason, bolstering a pitching staff that includes starters McDonald, Kevin Correia and Charlie Morton.
Saturday has been a quiet day at the Pirate City complex. Pittsburgh’s first workout for pitchers and catchers is Sunday.
The Pirates lost 105 games in 2010 but led the NL Central last July before collapsing down the stretch. They finished 72-90 for the franchise’s 19th straight losing season, but there’s some talent to build around, such as outfielder Andrew McCutchen and second baseman Neil Walker.
