Pittsburgh added a number of players to the roster this September, including OF-R Tony Alvarez, RHP Bronson Arroyo, OF-S Adrian Brown, C-R Humberto Cota, OF-R J.J. Davis, RHP Sean Lowe, RHP Duaner Sanchez, RHP Salomon Torres, and LHP Ron Villone. Like the Mets, the Pirates are in a position to experiment this month with possibilities for next season since they don't have the pressures of a playoff race.

Alvarez signed with Pittsburgh as a nondrafted free agent out of Venezuela in 1995. He spent a year each in the Dominican and Venezuelan Summer Leagues before the Pirates placed him in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Alvarez played for Williamsport in the Short-Season New York-Pennsylvania League in 1999, advanced to A Hickory in the South Atlantic League in 2000, and last year split the season between A+ Lynchburg in the Carolina League and AA Altoona in the Eastern League. This season the 23-year-old returned to AA Altoona, hitting .318 with a .361 OBP and .482 SLG on 161 H, 37 2B, 1 3B, and 15 HR with a 27:71 BB:K and 29/47 SB% in 507 AB. He has both power and speed potential, but Alvarez really needs a full season at AAA, if not even more time at AA, to develop plate discipline. Along with a few starts, he should receive a number of pinch-hitting opportunities this September.

The Pirates continue to fritter away a useful pitcher in Arroyo. I believe he would perform acceptably in an extended stay in their rotation and at the very least they should hand him a relief role. However, he's now had his opportunity to start this month usurped by Salomon Torres, a 30-year-old pitcher who's been retired from major league baseball for the last four years. Arroyo may receive a few innings this month, but given the inconsistency Pittsburgh has shown towards him, its difficult to predict his future role.

Pittsburgh demoted Brown in early July after a poor first half. Brown missed most of last season following shoulder surgery. His early performance was likely related to either rustiness or lingering injury problems, as although his skills remained intact, he apparently lost his ability to hit for average. Whatever the cause for his slump, the couple months in AAA appear to have corrected the problem, so he should be back to his pre-injury form next season.

Cota's skills slightly deteriorated in his second run through AAA Nashville. He possesses some power upside but needs to improve his plate discipline before he can become a true offensive force. However, the 23-year-old should suffice as Jason Kendall's back-up next season. In preparation for next year, Cota will likely play slightly more than your typical third catcher in September.

The Pirates drafted Davis out of high school with the 8th overall pick in the first round of the 1997 draft. He's advanced slowly through the system, stymied by an injured hamstring last season in his first exposure to AA. The 23-year-old returned to AA Altoona this season, hitting .287 with a .351 OBP and .526 SLG on 100 H, 17 2B, 3 3B, and 20 HR with a 33:100 BB:K and 7/11 SB% in 348 AB. Davis possesses good power upside with moderate speed and promising plate discipline. He's in the majors to grab a few pinch-hit at-bats and experience the atmosphere. I expect Pittsburgh to advance him to AAA in 2003, but he won't be ready for the majors until he has at least a full season at that level.

Pittsburgh demoted Lowe in early August, recalled him in September, and then released him a few days later as they had no intention of retaining him next season and wanted the extra roster spot. Within the week, Lowe signed a contract with the Rockies. The focus of the deal is a $500,000 club option for the 2003 season, which Colorado will pick up if they like his performance this month. I hope the Rockies reconsider and choose not to exercise the option, as I believe they can find similar pitching at minimum wage. The only positive Lowe offers Colorado is his ability as a swingman to make multi-inning appearances, which is handy given the peculiarities of running a pitching staff in Coors.

Duaner Sanchez was the bounty when the Pirates traded Mike Fetters to Arizona. He's made a smooth transition to relief after spending most of his professional career as a starter. Given the ease with which he handled AAA, I wouldn't be surprised if Sanchez broke camp with Pittsburgh. He should contribute to their right-handed middle relief this September and next spring.

Torres left baseball after the 1997 season and only returned to play last season in the Korean League. Pittsburgh signed him to a minor league deal this season, allowing the 30-year-old to spend the season at AAA where he compiled a 136:39 K:BB with 169 H and 12 HR allowed in 162.1 IP for a 3.83 ERA. While I agree the performance warrants a tryout in the rotation, the Pirates should have relegated Brian Meadows to the bullpen rather than Arroyo. Torres will start regularly through the end of the season.

Villone hit the disabled list in mid-August with elbow tendinitis. The move allowed them to promote Al Reyes, who they signed to minor league deal before the season. Reyes tore up AAA with a 90:22 K:BB in 66.2 IP while allowing 40 H and 5 HR for a 2.70 ERA. He's also performed quite well in the majors, compiling an 18:6 K:BB with 7 H and 1 HR allowed in 14.2 IP for a 1.84 ERA. The Pirates aren't likely to pay either Villone or Reyes to stay with the team next season.

Dave Williams went on the disabled list at the end of May and underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in mid-June. He may be able to return by Spring Training, but he's more likely out at least until the 2003 All-Star break.

A number of commentators have expressed the opinion that Pittsburgh manager Lloyd McClendon is on his way out. I think the Pirates would be making a mistake to fire the all time leader in managerial stolen bases. Although I can't comment specifically on his in-game strategy as I don't watch many Pittsburgh games, he's taken steps to protect his pitching staff, which is particularly important for the Pirates and their many young pitchers. The organization made a decision to limit Kris Benson's pitch counts in his return from Tommy John surgery and McClendon has carried out that directive. His pitching management alone should make his job safe for at least another season, particularly if the alternative is hiring one of the managers who were deservedly fired this year.