Surprisingly, expect few surprises in lineup

Pitchers and catchers don't report until later this month, and the Pirates are pretty much set with their everyday lineup.

Yes, seriously.

A team that lost 90 games in 2011, that made precious few waves this offseason, that has a 19-year streak of losing seasons will enter spring training with all but two everyday positions set for 2012. That's according to manager Clint Hurdle, who identified third baseman Pedro Alvarez and left fielder Alex Presley as the exceptions. And even those two will be considered starters unless things change.

"They will get the first shot," Hurdle told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Either the Pirates have cause to be confident that essentially the same group of players will dramatically improve, or they could be guilty of complacency. Only time -- and a couple of key offensive statistics -- will tell.

Alvarez is the key in many ways. He batted .191 with four home runs and lost extensive time to injury. He has options remaining and could go to the minors if he performs that way again.

"We've seen Pedro good, and we've seen him not so good," Hurdle said. "We're looking to see a different quality to his at-bats this spring than we saw last year. And the same with Alex."

Presley was far batter in his first full taste of the majors, batting .298. But the coaching staff will emphasize on-base skills -- his percentage was just .339 -- and better use of his good speed on the basepaths.

If Alvarez doesn't work out, Casey McGehee, Milwaukee's third baseman much of the last three seasons, would take his spot. Nate McLouth, capable at all three outfield positions, would replace Presley.

The biggest surprise among Hurdle's confirmed starters is first baseman Garrett Jones, who had 16 home runs and 58 RBI but batted just .241. The latter included a .199 mark against left-handers. McGehee could platoon with Jones, but that presumes Alvarez will hang onto his job.

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