Last week, Pittsburgh signed 1B-L Randall Simon to a one-year contract with an option for 2005. Simon became a free agent in December when the Cubs non-tendered him. The Pirates are expected to sign OF-R Raul Mondesi to a one-year $1.75M contract today. Mondesi's contract will include a $600,000 buyout on an $8M option for 2005.

Simon possesses modest power, however he's been a groundball hitter for most of his career. During his short time with the Cubs last season, the 28-year-old dropped his G-F considerably, so we may witness some power growth from Simon in 2004. He's able to maintain a solid batting average with a good contact rate, but his plate discipline needs improvement.

Unfortunately, Simon's return to Pittsburgh cuts into playing time that should belong to C/1B/OF-R Craig Wilson. While Wilson probably could perform at least as well as Simon against right-handed pitchers, Simon is scheduled to play first against righties. Wilson's dominance against left-handed pitchers has earned the 27-year-old the starts against southpaws, but the Mondesi signing leaves him no room to find at-bats against right-handers in the outfield.

Mondesi exercises solid plate discipline and possesses substantial power as well as moderate speed. The 32-year-old struggled with a hip problem throughout last season but managed to remain productive. He should be a bargain at this price. I have concerns that his presence will interfere with younger players receiving needed at-bats in the outfield, however if the Pirates act intelligently, Pittsburgh will deal Mondesi midway through the season for a package that will address the club's future needs.

SS-R Jack Wilson won his arbitration case against the Pirates in mid-February and will receive a salary of $1.85M in 2004. When the two sides officially exchanged numbers in January, Pittsburgh offered $1.4M. Wilson was eligible for arbitration for the first time this off-season. Regrettably, the 26-year-old's plate discipline and contact rate both need improvement, and he currently offers only marginal speed and power. I can understand paying him around a million due to his consistent presence in the lineup, but the Pirates must have argued quite poorly to lose this case.

SS-R Freddy Sanchez underwent surgery to remove a bone spur from his ankle following the end of the 2003 season and has not yet been cleared to run or participate in most baseball activities. The 26-year-old is expected to open the season on the disabled list, which could lead to an extended stint at AAA. To date, discussion has centered on Sanchez competing with IF-S Bobby Hill for the second base job. However, if Wilson fails to improve this season and Sanchez ends up spending most of the season playing short in the minors, the Pirates may consider switching to the less expensive player in 2005 and non-tendering or trading Wilson.

Pittsburgh also agreed to minor league contracts with several position players including, OF-L Luke Allen, OF-R Ruben Mateo, 1B/OF-L Orlando Merced, OF-L Henry Rodriguez, OF-L Chris Singleton, and C-L Sandy Martinez.

I find it irritating that several outfielders worthy of bench roles in the majors chose to sign with the Pirates when the organization possessed an overflow of young outfielders seeking major league jobs. Luke Allen spent last season at AAA Colorado Springs in the Pacific Coast League with the exception of a brief stint in the majors. His numbers remained in line with his 2002 performance with the Dodgers' PCL affiliate at Las Vegas. Allen's solid plate discipline qualifies him as a decent candidate for a bench role in the majors, but he doesn't yet possess either the power or speed skills to entice anyone into giving him an extended tryout. The Pirates need to suffer multiple injuries in the majors before Allen will be in position to receive a call-up.

Ruben Mateo bounced between Cincinnati and the Reds' AAA International League affiliate at Louisville in 2003. While the 26-year-old may possess buried power, he's been unable to demonstrate decent plate discipline in the majors. Consequently, I'd place him below Allen on the call-up list.

Thirty-seven year-old Orlando Merced displayed signs of his advancing age last season. His major league experience makes him a candidate for a big league position, but I don't see room for him with Pittsburgh, and I hope the organization will give the at-bats to younger players.

Henry Rodriguez was out of baseball last season. The last time he accumulated significant playing time he possessed decent plate discipline and substantial power. However, I don't anticipate the 36-year-old making a stunning comeback with the Pirates.

If he makes the team, Chris Singleton will receive a $550,000 contract with provisions for up to $200,000 in bonuses. Injuries, particularly a back problem, probably were responsible for the evaporation of Singleton's limited power last season. The 31-year-old should rebound to his previous power and speed levels in 2004 if healthy. However, his poor plate discipline leaves him unworthy of a bench job when compared with the developing talent Pittsburgh could grant the playing time. I have negligible confidence in the Pirates ability to wisely allocate roster space, so Singleton, Mateo, and Merced may all spend significant time in the majors with Pittsburgh.

Sandy Martinez hasn't seen the majors since 2001. The 33-year-old split last season between Kansas City's PCL affiliate at Omaha and a Mexican League team. He possesses acceptable plate discipline, but I don't anticipate him returning to the big leagues as a Pirate. Even if Pittsburgh deals Jason Kendall, I doubt the club will turn to Martinez.