Inbox: Will Bucs pursue a big bat this winter?

What type of moves do you see the Pirates making this offseason? I think the pitching looks good, but I would like to see a new big bat in the lineup.

-- Alex W., Corvallis, Ore.

I think your assessment is pretty accurate. I'd be surprised if the Pirates make anything more than minor moves to address their pitching this offseason, because their rotation and bullpen look like potential strengths.

I don't think they'll get that "big bat" everyone seems to want, somebody who's going to add 35-40 homers to the lineup. There aren't many of those on the free-agent market, first of all, and the few who are available -- like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado -- will ask for more than the Pirates are…