Many people consider Monday, when pitchers and catchers report to spring training, to be the unofficial start of the baseball season and the unofficial end of the off-season. Die-hard Pirate fans get their first glimpse of what the Major League club will look like for the upcoming season.
However, when the Pirates report to camp on Monday, many fans will be feeling unease and uncertainty instead of excitement and anticipation. Part of this unease can be put to rest by signing one of the many above-average corner outfield players still available in free agency.
Most of the uncertainty entering spring training stems from the lack of direction shown by the Pirates front office.