A great thing about beginning a new Major League Baseball season is everybody has a shot. Of course as fans, you know that really isn't true; especially if you root for the Pittsburgh Pirates, predicted to finish last in the 2011 National League Central Division standings. But what do media experts really know? Looking at college basketball, unheralded Virginia Commonwealth didn't have a chance of winning a championship at +10K odds. By this Sunday, the Rams could be cutting down the nets while sportsbooks weep. With first pitch only 48 hours away, the Pirates 2011 MLB Predictions are the same as VCU – +10000.
Looking back to 2010, its plain to see the Pirates have plenty of work to do before joining the rest of the pack in the NL Central in 2011. The Bucks finished way off pace losing 105 games, 34 games behind division champs Cincinnati. If any team in the NL needs an overhaul it's the Pirates.
The most important move the Pirates made was bringing in new field manager Clint Hurdle. The seasoned leader resurrected the Rockies from the dead so the organization hopes lightening can strike twice. Pittsburgh is trying to improve things on the field too. They signed in the offseason a good first baseman, and one who brings a nice bat in Lyle Overbay. Add Overbay to a few quality prospects like Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Petro Alvarez and Andrew McCutchen, and the Bucks might have something; if anything keeping their loss record above the century mark.
Prospects of the Pirates winning the NL Central or the league championship are not any better, all at +10K. MLB Odds professionals show the Philadelpia Phillies favorites to represent the NL in the 2011 World Series at -110 and to win the Fall Classic at +250, best of any team in the majors.
As of Tuesday (March 29), it appears Kevin Correia will be the Pirates opening day starter. The 30 year old right hander spent the past two years on the San Diego Padres rotation and has inked a two-year deal with Pittsburgh. Correia's best years with San Diego was in 2009 when he finished with a 12-11 record to go with a 3.91 ERA. The two-guy in the rotation is veteran Paul Maholm. The left-hander has spent his entire career with the Pirates accumulating a 47-59 record with a respectable 4.48 ERA. Maholm will be the opening day starter in Pittsburgh. Following Maholm in the rotation will be James McDonald, Charlie Morton and Ross Ohlendorf.
If 2011 World Series Picks experts are correct, fans in the NL Central will not be seeing the Pittsburgh Pirates in any post season play. But if you want a good pick to win it all, just look East to Philadelphia where it's the Phillies to lose.
