Jenifer Langosch returns to The Hot Corner

Jenifer Langosch, who was one of the first interviews I ever did for this site, was good enough to take time out of her busy spring training schedule to answer a few questions on the Pirates as they get ready for their 2008 season.


Baseball-Rumors: What's your take on the letter to the fans from GM Neil Huntington?

Jenifer Langosch: All I can really say about this is that what Huntington says in that letter is truly what he means. He did do an overhaul of the system, and despite the lack of offseason moves, he is happy with where this team is going.

I'd have to agree on his insistence on not overspending in the FA market. The Pirates have been burned by signing older guys (i.e. Jeromy Burnitz, Sean Casey, Joe Randa, etc...) and it never pays off. All it does is provide a one-year fix (if that), and the cost is high. This year's FA market really wasn't that great when it came to finding affordable players for a team like Pittsburgh. Huntington made it a priority not to overspend because of panic in needing to make a splash in the news -- and I think that was smart.

The trouble with this team is that there is always going to be a struggle in finding a balance between producing now and building for the future. I think Huntington addresses that in this letter. He will have to make unpopular decisions because of the structure of this club (i.e. build up through farm system and trade away veteran players to restock system -- like a cycle). There is some stuff to be optimistic about this year, and the biggest thing that Huntington has gotten across this spring is that he believes in the direction and new philosophy of this organization.


Baseball-Rumors: Is there more or less pressure on Adam LaRoche going into 2008?

Jenifer Langosch: Definitely less. LaRoche came into last season being called the savior of this ballclub. He was being called upon to single-handedly turn around this team into a contender. Those expectations not only weren't fair, but they also wore on LaRoche.

He's arrived at ST fully healthy, ready to take on a leadership role (by example) and feeling stronger than he has at the beginning of camp in the past. The weight of this team doesn't lie on any one player -- and LaRoche (and everyone else) understands that this year.


Baseball-Rumors: How good is the battle going to be between Ryan Doumit and Ronny Paulinofor the starting catcher's job?

Jenifer Langosch: Not sure how exciting it's going to actually be simply because Paulino has the job already. Doumit has arrived in fantastic shape, and the organization still sees him as a potential option behind the plate in the future. However, the job has already been given to Paulino. I wouldn't expect there to be a competition so much in ST. Doumit will have a chance to prove that he has improved at the position, but unless something drastic happens, Paulino will start behind the plate. Where the competition will more likely come into play is during the season.

If Paulino doesn't produce (offensively or defensively) as the season goes on, then the team is going to have a decision to make. That's when you might see Doumit compete for that starting spot.


Baseball-Rumors: I know Chris Duffy is battling an injured left shoulder. Do the Piratesexpect him to be ready for Opening Day?

Jenifer Langosch: Duffy is expected to be ready... but don't expect him to be on the Pirates' Opening Day roster. He just started taking BP this week and he is still limited on his throwing. The Pirates expect him to be able to participate in ST games once those begin, but with Duffy's rustiness from time off and with the Nyjer Morgan/Nate McLouth battle going to determine the team's starting CF, Duffy will start the season in Triple-A.