Pirates John Wehner Answers Buccos Offseason Questions
PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - The Pittsburgh Pirates season is over. Now what? Pirates broadcaster John Wehner offers some thoughts to Vinnie & Cook on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan.
Wehner offers his thoughts on what the Pirates may do with four key free agents: Marlon Byrd, Justin Morneau, Clint Barmes, and A.J. Burnett. As for Burnett, Wehner says, "I doubt that he's going to retire with the year he had. I know he's a family guy and probably wants to stay close to home. Pittsburgh is close, but you've got Baltimore and Washington. At what cost? I'm not sure. But I still like our rotation without him. I wouldn't break the bank."
If the Pirates do not try to re-sign Justin Morneau, it leaves a big question mark at first base. "That's the biggest hole," Wehner admits. "That was a weakness the entire year. I think that's probably going to be the biggest priority going into the offseason, trying to find somebody over there who can drive in runs."
No matter what happens, expectations for the 2014 Pirates will be at an all-time high, which makes sense to Wehner. "No question, they have a great chance to repeat what they did this past year," he says. "The rotation should be solid. Offensively, it should get better. There's room for improvement with everybody out there. Pedro will get better. Andrew will get better. Neil Walker, you would hope for a more consistent, bounce-back year. The offense should be more productive next year, and I don't see a huge step back from the rotation. So yes, there's no reason to believe this team won't do this again next season."
Hear all of John Wehner's thoughts with Vinnie & Cook below!
