TSN Power Poll: 23 Projected finish: 6th in N.L. Central

Arrivals: RF Derek Bell, LHP Terry Mulholland.

Departures: OF Alex Ramirez, LHP Jeff Wallace.

Source of strength: The offensive production of C Jason Kendall and LF Brian Giles is remarkably consistent. Kendall hasn't been much of an RBI producer, and this puts him on the spot to drive in more runs. Kendall is adept at getting on base and can run. He knows how to work the strike zone and the count for walks, and he has the potential to hit 20-25 home runs. Giles has a low strikeout total for a power hitter and can stay in the lineup against lefthanded pitchers.

Achilles' heel: It all starts with pitching and defense, and the team lacks both. New manager Lloyd McClendon has declared the second base and shortstop positions open and will put the team's best gloves on the field. If RHPs Jason Schmidt (recovering from shoulder surgery) and Francisco Cordova (elbow pain) miss significant time, which looks increasingly possible, it will cause a ripple effect. When starters don't provide enough innings, relievers have to pitch too early and too often. The club hopes Schmidt just needs more time and that Cordova can avoid another trip to the operating room. If not, LHP Jimmy Anderson, considered iffy for the No. 5 spot, will suddenly be No. 3.

TSNumber: .239. Career average of

Aramis Ramirez, slotted to hit fifth.

Player to watch: 3B Ramirez. After a couple of false starts, Ramirez might be ready to produce runs in the middle of the order. He came to camp in great shape and with more confidence.

Crystal ball: If this team has rotation problems, it's unlikely to have a winning season. The offense can't win slugfests. The Pirates are building on pitching, but injuries have undermined that philosophy. If Schmidt can return strong after his setback, it will be a huge plus. There's less reason to be optimistic about Cordova. It's possible to compensate for the loss of one starter, as the Pirates discovered last year; losing two would be devastating.

Millennial outlook: Things are looking up. Giles, Kendall and RHP Kris Benson are locked into long-term contracts, providing a solid base. A change in scouting directors a couple of years ago has helped, combined with the fact that the Pirates no longer draft only the most affordable players. A good group of prospects should be ready to challenge for major league jobs two years from now. --John Mehno

Lineup card

Adrian Brown       CF    A bright spot in 2000, he's a
                         self-made player.

Derek Bell         RF    He should add life to the lineup and
                         clubhouse.

Jason Kendall      C     Will have to focus on improving run
                         production.

Brian Giles        LF    Should be good for 35 homers and 120
                         RBIs.

Aramis Ramirez     3B    It's time for him to step up and
                         produce consistently.

Kevin Young        1B    If he doesn't rebound, he'll be
                         platooning.

Pat Meares         2B    Could still lose the job to Enrique
                         Wilson.

Jack Wilson        SS    Rookie has a magic glove.

Rotation

Kris Benson        RHP   With rotation injury woes, onus is on
                         him to be No. 1.

Todd Ritchie       RHP   Needs better command to return to
                         1999 form.

Jimmy Anderson     LHP   Sinkerball specialist needs more
                         consistency.

Terry Mulholland   LHP   Rotation injuries could force him into
                         starting role.

Bronson Arroyo     RHP   Not afraid of a challenge and may face
                         a big one.

Setup men

Scott Sauerbeck    LHP   Workhorse is effective against
                         lefthanded hitters.

Rich Loiselle      RHP   Spring control problems raise concerns.

Closer

Mike Williams      RHP   When exceptional slider is on, it's
                         virtually unhittable.

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