Whether that will translate into on-field success remains to be seen. The Pirates have had 15 consecutive losing seasons, one short of the major league record set by the Philadelphia Phillies from 1933-48, and their roster is mostly unchanged from a year ago, when they finished 68-94.

The Pirates have a new president in Frank Coonelly, a new general manager in Neal Huntington and a new manager in John Russell. While none of the three is ready to predict a winning season, all believe the Pirates will be improved this season.

"I like the way our guys have gone about our work this spring," Russell said. "They're really taken to the things our staff have been trying to teach them. Our hitters have been doing a good job of working counts and having good at bats, and our pitchers have done a good job of attacking the strike zone with first-pitch strikes."

The Pirates were 12th in the 16-team National League in runs scored last season, and seven of last year's regulars return. Yet, the Pirates believe they will score more runs in 2008.

"If you look at our team last year, no one really had an outstanding season offensively," Huntington said. "I really believe that if our guys just play up to our capabilities that our offense will be better. If they take a step forward beyond that, then we should have a very good offensive team.

"We may not have that one guy who can carry a club, but we have competent major league hitters throughout the lineup."

Pitching should be the backbone of the Pirates, as they are building around four starters who are 26 or younger: right-hander Ian Snell, who pitch the opener at Atlanta on March 31; and left-handers Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and Zach Duke. Snell and Gorzelanny took steps toward becoming two of the better pitchers in the NL last season, while Maholm and Duke appear poised for improvement following strong spring showings.

Matt Capps is a reliable young closer. The Pirates have two proven left-handed setup men, Damaso Marte and John Grabow, while sinkerballer Franquelis Osoria shows promise from the right side.

"I don't see any reason why our pitching shouldn't keep us in most games," Russell said. "The young guys have talent, and now it's a matter of being more consistent from one outing to the next. If they keep improving the way I think they can, then it should mean good things for us."

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: LHP Paul Maholm looked sharp all spring as he threw his curveball consistently for strikes while effectively using his fastball and slider. Maholm is a finesse guy but he has very good mound presence and an aptitude for pitching. Entering his third full major league season, he seems poised for a breakthrough.

ON THE DECLINE: RHP Matt Morris was once of the top pitchers in the NL with St. Louis, but injuries and the wear and tear of throwing a big-breaking curveball have taken a toll on his arm. He was extremely hittable all spring and doesn't appear to have much left.

--2B Freddy Sanchez will have his sore throwing shoulder examined by orthopedist James Andrews on March 24 in Birmingham, Ala. Sanchez had arthroscopic surgery last September and only began playing in the field last week after serving as the designated hitter in the early part of the exhibition season. However, Sanchez felt pain while throwing and is getting a second opinion after Pirates doctors diagnosed him with tendinitis.

--OF Nate McLouth, who seems to be winning the competition with OF Nyjer Morgan to be the starting center fielder and leadoff hitter, missed games March 22-23 because of strep throat. While McLouth should be ready for the March 31 opener at Atlanta, he was given medication and told to stay home and rest. McLouth is hitting .333 (14-for-42) this spring with six doubles, one triple, two home runs and three stolen bases. Morgan is batting .208 (10-for-48) with one double and two steals.

--OF Chris Duffy will begin the season on the disabled list as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. However, Duffy began serving as a designated hitter in minor league exhibition games last week and should be able to start playing in the field for Class AAA Indianapolis on an injury-rehabilitation assignment sometime in April.

--C Raul Chavez and C Michel Hernandez were both reassigned to the minor league camp, meaning the Pirates will carry to two catchers to start the season: Ronny Paulino and Ryan Doumit. Chavez was 5-for-18 (.273) with one double and two home runs this spring. Hernandez as 5-for-13 (.385).

--RHP Brad Lincoln, the Pirates' first-round draft pick in 2006, pitched one inning in a minor league exhibition game on March 20. It was his first game action since having reconstructive elbow surgery last April.

BY THE NUMBERS: 8 -- Consecutive hitless innings LHP Sean Burnett, who was dropped off the 40-man roster in February, has pitched in his attempt to win a long-relief job.