By Eric Gold, MLB Editor (My Sportsbook)

2004 FINISH (72-89) - Fifth Place (NL Central)

OVERVIEW

Another year, another losing season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lloyd McClendon's crew finished the year in fifth place in the National League Central with a 72-89 mark, but for the first time in a while there is hope for the future in the Steel City.

While the Pirates fell short of their goal of snapping their streak of 12 consecutive losing seasons, the general feeling is that things are about to turn around.

The two players dealt to Pittsburgh in the Brian Giles deal, Oliver Perez and Jason Bay, had sensational seasons, while All-Star shortstop Jack Wilson and slugger Craig Wilson emerged as team leaders.

Unlike years of the past, the Pirates have some semblance of a team for the 2005 season rather than the usual roster overhaul that has taken place in the past.

Perez was sensational on the hill, as the 23-year-old lefthander was 12-10 with a 2.98 earned run average. Bay was a pleasant surprise, hitting .282 with 26 homers and tied for the team-high with 82 runs batted in, while becoming the favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year award.

The 26-year-old Bay, from Trail, British Columbia, led all Major League rookies in homers and RBI, as well as slugging percentage (.554) and OPS (.912). He was also a three-time NL Rookie of the Month.

In keeping with tradition, the Bucos dealt a star at the trade deadline, as they sent ace Kris Benson, in the final year of a contract, to the New York Mets for infielder Ty Wigginton and a minor leaguer.

PEAK PERFORMER

Jack Wilson enjoyed a breakout campaign, as he hit a career-best .308 with 201 hits, 11 homers, 59 RBI and tied for the NL lead with 12 triples.

Wilson also made his first All-Star appearance and was the Pirates lone representative.

WEAKEST LINK

Outside of Perez this team's starting pitching was atrocious. Leading the way was righthander Ryan Vogelsong, who finished the year at 6-13 with a team-high 6.50 ERA.

Vogelsong was removed from the rotation at one point and endured an 0-7 stretch at one point spanning 12 appearances.

OFF-SEASON NEEDS

The team will likely not make a big splash in the free agent market, and rightfully so since they are closer to competing for a .500 record than they are for a division title.

There are a ton of needs, one being a starting pitcher. Perez will likely be the ace so they will not be in the market for a big name arm, but players such as Esteban Loaiza, Aaron Sele and Glendon Rusch could all fit the bill.

Also, the Pirates need a veteran first baseman. The other option is to sign a right fielder and play Craig Wilson at first, but there are not many choices of free agent outfielders within the Pirates' budget.