Should I stay or Should I Go

Although a majority of the players the used during 2013 will back there are decisions needed on several players.  Some decisions will be made by the Pirates and others by the Pirates and the player.

There are 23 pitchers on the 40 man roster or DL and most will return.  Francisco Liriano and Jason Grilli are signed through next season.  Brian Morris, Jeff Locke, Kyle McPherson, Tony Watson, Jared Hughes, Phil Irwin, Justin Wilson, Stolmy Pimentel, Andrew Oliver, Jenmar Gomez, Ryan Reid, Gerrit Cole, Brandon Cumpton, and Kris Johnson all earn minimum salary next season so the only way they won't be back is trade or making room on the 40 for someone else.

That leaves 6 where money comes into the picture.  AJ Burnett, Jeff Karstens, and Kyle Farnsworth are free agents.  Vin Mazzaro and Mark Melancon will be in their first year of arbitration so they will not be very expensive. Charlie Morton will be in his 3rd year of arbitration. Finally, Wandy Rodriguez has a player option for $13 million , $5,5 million of which will paid by the Astros.  All but certain he will exercise the option.

There are 21 position players on the 40 or the DL.  Players signed through next season or longer are Andrew McCutchen, Russell Martin, and Jose Tabata,  Those earning minimum are Jordy Mercer, Starling Marte, Michael McKenry, Chase d'Arnaud, Tony Sanchez, Josh Harrison, Andrew Lambo, and Jerry Sands.

That leaves 10 players where money comes into the picture.  Marlon Byrd, Justin Morneau, Clint Barmes, and John Buck are free agents.  Neil Walker and Travis Snider will be in their first year of arbitration. Walker was a Super 2 last year so while this will be his first of the three normal years of arbitration it will be his second time being arbitration eligible.  Garrett Jones, Felix Pie, and Gaby Sanchez will be in their 2nd year of arbitration.  Finally there is Pedro Alvarez, who the Pirates have a $700,000 option on that can be voided if he is eligible for arbitration.  That is very likely to happen so Pedro will probably be in his first arbitration year.

With 44 players on the roster or DL, Pirates will soon have to make room for the players coming off the DL and for players like Polanco who need to be protected from the Rule 5 draft.

Who should go and who should stay?