First number, last word

1,500: The level of career Major League at-bats at which, according to Hurdle, players "get it" and can be reliably evaluated. The three projected Pirates starters who have not yet gotten there are right fielder Jose Tabata (1,380 at-bats), left fielder Starling Marte (677) and shortstop Jordy Mercer (395).

"To have the depth and the options we have -- when platoon players are getting $10 million over two years and middle relievers are getting $5-$6 million -- we have to feel good about our farm system and about how some of the prospects can help us on the Major League level." -- Huntington