Lowly Pirates Lead Grapefruit League Standings

Who woulda thunk the Buccos would be in first place? Currently the Pirates are 6-1 in Grapefruit league play and sit right at the top of the standings.

Pittsburgh has played good ball all spring long. Clutch hitting and timely pitching performance from the starters has been key early on this spring.

In yesterday's game against the Twins, Andy LaRoche stepped up in the fifth inning with a 2 run shot that would be the dagger for Minnesota. In most games, two runs would surely not be enough to get the dubs, but thanks to a superb start from Tom Gorzelanny and a nice outing from new face Chris Bootcheck the Buccos were able to cap off a solid win.

Today (March 5) the Pirates face an NL central rival in the Reds. The starting lineup features many familiar faces that will be penciled in on the opening day roster. However, four minor leaguers will get their shot at big league competition. First baseman Garret Jones, catcher Robinson Diaz, second baseman Shelby Ford, and shortstop Brian Bixler.

Although Bixler has gotten his shot many times last season he will give it another go this spring to redeem himself.

Jones and Diaz are two very intriguing prospects. Not a lot of fanfare has been pronounced for these two young'uns. The Pirates are in need of a quality backup for Doumit, Diaz may just be the ticket.

Jones has had a solid spring in his few chances. With Adam solidly at first and Steve Pearce gritting his teeth at the chance, Jones could look to give some competition at first.

Ford has been deemed the second baseman of the future and according to Baseball America he will be at the helm by '11.

Today all four players will bat at the end of the lineup. It'll be interesting to see how they'll fare against Red's starter Nick Masset...also gunning for his spot in the big show.