In addition to the position players Pittsburgh signed to minor league deals, the Pirates also signed RHP Hector Almonte, LHP Mark Guthrie, RHP Jose Mesa, RHP Rick Reed, and RHP Willis Roberts to minor league contracts.

Aside from breaking Florida third baseman Mike Lowell's hand, Hector Almonte's 2003 was unremarkable. His control problems led Boston to release him in July, and while he pitched regularly after signing with Montreal, the 28-year-old continued to allow excess walks. However, his control troubles were not evident with Boston's AAA International League affiliate at Pawtucket, so Almonte may finagle a call-up out of Pittsburgh with a strong performance for their AAA Pacific Coast League affiliate at Nashville.

Mark Guthrie's control hasn't been his strong suit for several years and last season his strikeouts tailed off substantially. The 38-year-old will compete for a position in the Pirates bullpen, and his major league experience easily could win him the job. Unfortunately, I fear Pittsburgh will be disappointed in his performance.

Jose Mesa needs a strong defense behind him in order to limit the number of baserunners he allows, as he doesn't possess great control. However, teams don't need to use their best relievers as their closers and Mesa has proven effective in the role. The 37-year-old still needs to claim the job in spring training. RHP Jose Acevedo appears to be his primary competition, but at the moment, Mesa's considered the pitcher most likely to break camp as the Pirates' closer. Pittsburgh continues to pursue RHP Ugueth Urbina, who would provide Mesa with additional competition.

Rick Reed seems likely to break camp in the Pirates' rotation. Leaving the Metrodome for PNC Park should alleviate a portion of Reed's home run problems, though his flyball tendencies insure he'll continue to have some trouble with dingers. The 38-year-old should pitch effectively for Pittsburgh if he's able to remain healthy.

Willis Roberts suffered a partially torn ligament in his elbow last year, ending his season in June. He did not undergo Tommy John surgery to correct the problem. The 28-year-old will compete in spring training for a place in the Pirates' pen, but I'll be surprised if he remains sufficiently healthy to win a job.