The Pirates are hoping for big things out of 33-year old righty swinging SS Clint Barmes in 2012. Barmes played in 123 games for the Astros last year and he was 109 of 446 (.244 avg, .698 OPS) with 47 runs scored, 12 homers, 39 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. He has now played in 788 games in his first 9 years in the majors and he is 691 of 2,737 (.252 avg, .703 OPS) with 339 runs scored, 73 homers, 324 RBIs and 42 stolen bases. Barmes had 12 errors in 122 games at SS for the Astros last year while showing above average range. Barmes is a pretty good all-around SS and he should have a good year in 2012 for the Pirates.

25-year old righty swinging Travis D’Arnaud played in 48 games for the Pirates last year and he was 31 of 143 (.217 avg, .528 OPS) with 17 runs scored, 0 homers, 6 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. He also played in 78 games in A+AAA-ball last year and he was 80 of 300 (.267 avg, .730 OPS) with 46 runs scored, 5 homers, 40 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. D’Arnaud had six errors in 29 games at SS last year while showing pretty awful range. D’Arnaud is going to have to improve if he’s going to make the Pirates’ opening day roster in 2012.

24-year old switch-hitting Gustavo Nunez was a Rule 5 Draft Pick of the Pirates over the winter from the Tigers. Nunez played in 96 games in AAA-ball last year and he was 105 of 381 (.276 avg, .718 OPS) with 59 runs scored, 5 homers, 26 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. He has now played in 464 games in his first five years in the minors and he is 484 of 1,819 (.266 avg, .669 OPS) with 281 runs scored, 13 homers, 165 RBIs and 110 stolen bases.

27-year old righty swinging Josh Rodriguez played in 7 games for the Pirates last year and he was 1 for 12 (.083 avg, .298 OPS) with 1 run scored, 0 homers and 1 RBI. He whiffed an amazingly awful 8 times in his first 12 ABs for the Pirates. Rodriguez also played in 81 games in AA+AAA-ball last year and he was 76 of 295 (.258 avg, .672 OPS) with 33 runs scored, 7 homers, 30 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. He played in 4 error-free games at SS for the Pirates last year but he showed awful range.

Yamaico Navarro played in 4 error-free games at SS last year and he showed awful range. He has the reputation of being a good defensive SS, so he’s likely going to be much better than he was last year with the mitt. Navarro will have a good shot of making the Pirates’ roster due to his versatility in the field.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE SS IN 2012: B-

The Pirates are hoping that 26-year old switch-hitting 2B Neil Walker has another big year in him in 2012. Walker played in 159 games for the Pirates last year and he was 163 of 596 (.273 avg, .742 OPS) with 76 runs scored, 12 homers, 83 RBIs and 9 stolen bases. He has now played in 286 games in his first three years with the Pirates and he is 296 of 1,058 (.280 avg, .761 OPS) with 138 runs scored, 24 homers, 149 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. Walker only had 6 errors in 159 games at 2B last year for the Pirates while showing outstanding range. Walker is one of the better all-around 2B in all of baseball.

24-year old righty swinging Yamaico Navarro comes into this season as the Pirates’ #24 prospect according to Baseball America. Navarro played in 22 games for the Royals & Red Sox last year and he was 15 of 60 (.250 avg, .653 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 1 homer and 9 RBIs. He has now played in 42 games in his first two years in the majors and he is 21 of 102 (.206 avg, .515 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 1 homer and 14 RBIs. Navarro didn’t play any 2B at all last year as he is a natural SS, but he is likely going to be the top utility man for the Pirates, so expect him to learn how to play 2B this spring.

29-year old switch-hitting Anderson Hernandez played in 136 games in AAA-ball for the Astros last year and he was 153 of 510 (.300 avg, .766 OPS) with 74 runs scored, 6 homers, 52 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. He last played in the majors back in 2010 with the Indians & Astros. Hernandez has played in 240 games in his first six years in the majors and he is 155 of 643 (.241 avg, .614 OPS) with 69 runs scored, 4 homers, 60 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2B IN 2012: B+

30-year old lefty swinging Garrett Jones will likely start against all righty starting pitchers for the Pirates in 2012. Jones played in 148 games for the Pirates last year and he was 103 for 423 (.243 avg, .753 OPS) with 51 runs scored, 16 homers, 58 RBIs and 6 stolen bases. He has now played in 388 games in his first three years with the Pirates and he is 341 of 1,329 (.257 avg, .782 OPS) with 160 runs scored, 58 homers, 188 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He has now played in 419 games in his first four years in the majors and he is 357 for 1,406 (.254 avg, .772 OPS) with 167 runs scored, 60 homers, 193 RBIs and 24 stolen bases. Jones played in 34 games at 1B in 2011 for the Pirates and he made 3 errors. The Pirates hope that Jones improves defensively this spring.

26-year old righty swinging Nick Evans could be Jones’ platoon partner at 1B when the 2012 season begins. Evans played in 59 games for the Mets last year and he was 45 for 176 (.256 avg, .718 OPS) with 26 runs scored, 4 homers and 25 RBIs. He has now played in 159 games in his first 4 years in the majors and he is 99 for 386 (.256 avg, .712 OPS) with 54 runs scored, 8 homers and 46 RBIs. Evans had 3 errors in 45 games at 1B for he Mets last year, so he also needs to improve his defense a little bit.

29-year old Casey McGehee is going to battle Pedro Alvarez for the starting 3B job this spring. If Alvarez wins the competition, McGehee would likely platoon with Garrett Jones. McGehee played in 5 error-free games at 1B for the Brewers last year.

28-year old lefty swinging Jeff Clement is going to start the 2012 season in AAA-ball for the Pirates. Clement played in 31 games in Rookie+AAA-ball last year and he was 25 for 94 (.266 avg, .733 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 1 homer and 12 RBIs. Clement last played in the majors in 2010 for the Pirates. He played in 54 games for the Pirates last year and he was 29 for 144 (.201 avg, .605 OPS) with 11 runs scored, 7 homers and 12 RBIs. Clement has now played in 129 games in his first three years in the majors and he is 81 for 363 (.223 avg, .664 OPS) with 32 runs scored, 14 homers and 38 RBIs.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 1B IN 2012: C-

The Pirates are going to have a new look behind the plate with 36-year old righty swinging Rod Barajas taking over as the new starting catcher in 2012. Barajas played in 98 games for the Dodgers last year and he is 70 for 305 (.230 avg, .717 OPS) with 29 runs scored, 16 homers and 47 RBIs. He has now played in 1,010 games in his first 13 years in the majors and he is 746 for 3,139 (.238 avg, .698 OPS) with 367 runs scored, 125 homers, 449 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Barajas played in 88 games behind the plate for the Dodgers last year and he only had 2 errors and 3 passed balls. He also threw out 14 of 80 (17.5%) base stealers and Dodgers’ pitchers had a 3.57 ERA with him behind the dish. Barajas is still good for 15-20 homers and he will play decent D for the Pirates behind the plate.

26-year old righty swinging Michael McKenry is going to have a hard time holding off Jake Fox and Jose Morales for the backup catcher job this spring. He played in 58 games for the Pirates last year and he was 40 for 180 (.222 avg, .598 OPS) with 17 runs scored, 2 homers and 11 RBIs. McKenry has now played in 64 games in his first two years in the majors and he is 40 for 188 (.213 avg, .577 OPS) with 17 runs scored, 2 homers and 11 RBIs. McKenry had 5 errors and 1 passed ball in 58 games behind the plate last year for the Pirates. He also threw out 10 of 52 (19.2%) base stealers and Pirates’ pitchers had a impressive 3.73 with him behind the dish.

29-year old righty swinging Jake Fox as versatility on his side as he can also play 1B, RF or LF in addition to catching. Fox played in 27 games for the Orioles last year and he was 15 for 61 (.246 avg, .756 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 2 homers and 6 RBIs. He has now played in 193 games in his first four years in the majors and he is 116 of 489 (.237 avg, .714 OPS) with 55 runs scored, 20 homers and 73 RBIs. Fox only played in 10 games behind the plate for the Pirates last year and he didn’t make any errors but he had 2 passed balls. Fox was 0 for 5 (0%) throwing out base stealers last year and Orioles’ pitchers had a 7.74 ERA with him behind the dish.

29-year old switch-hitting Jose Morales played in 22 games for the Rockies last year and he was 16 for 60 (.267 avg, .669 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 0 homers and 7 RBIs. Morales has now played in 96 games in his first four years in the majors and he is 63 for 218 (.289 avg, .709 OPS) with 25 runs scored, 0 homers and 21 RBIs. Morales had 5 errors and 3 passed balls in only 17 games behind the plate last year for the Rockies and that was awful. He also threw out 4 of 15 (26.7%) base stealers and Rockies’ pitchers had a 3.74 ERA with him behind the dish.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE CATCHERS IN 2012: C

The Pirates will have a pitcher or two in the pen that lose out in the competition for the starting rotation. But, that being said, they are still going to need some guys to step up this year. Here is a look at the bullpen as of right now heading in 2012:

Closer: Joel Hanrahan: 30-year old righty Joel Hanrahan really stepped up big time last year as he was one of the best closers in all of baseball. Hanrahan pitched in 70 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 1-4 with 40 saves, a 1.83 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. He has now pitched in 175 games (0 starts) in his first three years with the Pirates and he is 5-6 with 46 saves, a 2.55 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Hanrahan has now pitched in 290 games (11 starts) in his first five years in the majors and he is 17-15 with 60 saves, a 3.92 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Hanrahan has proved to be a late bloomer and he is the best pitcher on the Pirates pitching staff without a doubt right now.

Set-Up Man: Evan Meek: 28-year old righty Evan Meek suffered through an injury marred 2011 season, but he is the second best reliever the Pirates have to offer. Meek pitched in 24 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 1-1 with a 3.48 ERA and a 1.89 WHIP. He has now pitched in 144 games (0 starts) in his first four years with the Pirates and he is 7-7 with 4 saves, a 3.08 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. The Pirates hope that Meek can stay healthy in 2012.

Righties: Chris Resop: 29-year old Chris Resop had a rough 2011 after pitching really well for the Pirates in 2010. Resop pitched in 76 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 5-4 with 1 save, a 4.39 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. He has now pitched in 98 games (0 starts) in his first two years with the Pirates and he is 5-4 with 1 save, a 3.86 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. Resop has now pitched in 156 games (0 starts) in his first six years in the majors and he is 8-7 with 1 save, a 4.81 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. The Pirates hope that Resop steps up like he did in 2010…..in 2012.

Juan Cruz: 33-year old Juan Cruz had a solid year for the Rays in 2011. He pitched in 56 games (0 starts) for the Rays last year and he was 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. Cruz has now pitched in 404 games (38 starts) in his first 11 years in the majors and he is 37-35 with 3 saves, a 4.13 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Cruz is likely going to win a spot in the Pirates’ pen this spring.

Jason Grilli: 35-year old Jason Grilli pitched pretty well for the Pirates last night. Grilli pitched in 28 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 2-1 with 1 save, a 2.48 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Grilli has now pitched in 266 games (16 starts) in his first 9 years in the majors and he is 20-19 with 3 saves, a 4.55 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. Grilli is going to have to pitch well this spring to secure a spot in the Pirates’ pen.

Daniel McCutchen: 29-year old Daniel McCutchen turned in a decent year for the Pirates in 2011. He pitched in 73 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 5-3 with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. McCutchen has now pitched in 107 games (15 starts) in his first three years with the Pirates and he is 8-10 with a 4.67 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. McCutchen is going to have to earn a job in the Pirates’ pen this spring.

Chris LeRoux: 27-year old Chris LeRoux pitched well for the Pirates in 2011. He pitched in 23 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 1-1 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. LeRoux has now pitched in 29 games (0 starts) in his first two years with the Pirates and he is 1-2 with a 3.34 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. LeRoux has now pitched in 51 games (0 starts) in his first three years in the majors and he is 1-2 with a 5.47 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. LeRoux is going to need a strong spring to make the Pirates’ bullpen in 2012.

Tim Wood: 29-year old Tim Wood pitched in 13 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 0-3 with a 5.63 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP. He has now pitched in 57 games (0 starts) in his first three years in the majors and he is 1-4 with 1 save, a 4.50 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. Wood is a longshot to win a spot in the Bucs’ bullpen this spring.

Ryota Igarashi: 32-year old Ryota Igarashi has been a mess in the majors so far in his career. He pitched in 45 games (0 starts) for the Mets last year and he was 4-1 with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.84 WHIP. He has now pitched in 79 games (0 starts) in his first two years in the majors and he is 5-2 with a 5.74 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. He is going to have to be lights out this spring if he’s going to win a spot in the Pirates’ pen.

Shairon Martis: 24-year old Shairon Martis pitched in 23 games (all starts) in AA-ball last year for the Nationals and he was 8-6 with a 3.05 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. He last pitched in the majors back in 2009 for the Washington Nationals. Martis has pitched in 20 games (19 starts) in his first two years in the majors and he is 6-6 with a 5.33 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP. His best shot to make the Pirates’ pitching staff is as a reliever.

Lefties: Tony Watson: 26-year old Tony Watson did a decent job in his first taste of the majors in 2011. He pitched in 43 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 2-2 with a 3.95 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. He is likely coming to spring training as the Pirates’ top lefty in the pen.

Daniel Moskos: 25-year old Daniel Moskos also was pretty decent in his first taste of the show in 2011. He pitched in 31 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last year and he was 1-1 with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP. Moskos will likely need a good spring to hold off Doug Slaten for the 2nd lefty job in the pen.

Doug Slaten: 32-year old Doug Slaten pitched in 31 games (0 starts) for the Nationals last year and he was 0-2 with a 4.41 ERA and a 2.14 WHIP. He has now pitched in 206 games (0 starts) in his first six years in the majors and he is 7-8 with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. Slaten will need to have a good spring to make the Pirates’ bullpen in 2012.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE BULLPEN IN 2012: C