New faces add to Bucs' talent pool in 2015
Kang, Burnett, Hart and Cervelli could play important roles in Pittsburgh
Trucks roll. Lawnmowers rev. And here at pirates.com, we count down to Spring Training 2015 with a series of quick shots looking at issues facing the Bucs at the dawn of a new season.
Now: An overview of the newcomers. Next: Prospects to watch.
C Francisco Cervelli: Acquired from the Yankees for lefty reliever Justin Wilson, he comes with the same assets as his predecessor -- and former Bombers teammate -- Russell Martin. Injuries have been a career-long bane, limiting him to a total of 688 at-bats in seven seasons.
LHP Antonio Bastardo: Acquired from the Phillies to replace Wilson as the No. 2 southpaw in the bullpen.
Video: Outlook: Burnett could rebound in return to Pirates
RHP A.J. Burnett: Say hello again to the veteran who led the 2012-13 Bucs with 26 wins.
RHP Arquimedes Caminero: The latest of 11 newcomers to the organization, control issues have kept him from getting the most out of his 100-mph heat.
RHP Radhames Liz: One-time prime Baltimore prospect prepared for his MLB re-entry with a fabulous Winter League season in the Dominican, going 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA in five starts.
RHP Rob Scahill: 28-year-old righty spent most of 2014 with the Rockies' Triple-A club, making 41 relief appearances for Colorado Springs.
INF/OF Corey Hart: His history of leg injuries makes him a risky option for outfield play, but if first base becomes a platoon position, he could be the right-side alternative with prodigious power.
Video: Neal Huntington on acquisition of Jung Ho Kang
INF Jung Ho Kang: Let the latest Grand Experiment begin, with the 27-year-old power hitter's sights on making good on being the first Korean Baseball Organization position player to sign a Major League contract.
INF/OF Sean Rodriguez: The Bucs have collected a lot of props for their low-profile December trade with Tampa Bay for this 29-year-old, who can play all over the field and come off the bench with considerable power.
INF Pedro Florimon: A 28-year-old switch-hitter, he was Minnesota's regular shortstop in 2013, batting .221 in 134 games but turning 101 double plays (Jordy Mercer was in on 80 in 144 games last season).
INF Justin Sellers: Smooth-fielding 29-year-old (five total errors in 624 2/3 Major League innings at three infield positions) will be in the mix for a reserve role.