Bucs have array of strong arms to choose from

By Tom Singer

March 4, 2014

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Do you need a plot to follow during Spring Training? The mystery surrounding the pitching staff with which the Pirates will break camp sets up as a real page-turner.

Regard the pitchers that can reasonably considered to be guaranteed a spot:

Rotation: Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton, Wandy Rodriguez, Edinson Volquez (signed for $5 million, a sum the Bucs are not in the habit of eating).

Bullpen: Jason Grilli, Mark Melancon, Jeanmar Gomez, Vin Mazzaro, Tony Watson, Justin Wilson, Stolmy Pimentel (out of options).

That's a dozen, full capacity.

So? Left on the outside looking in under that scenario are such worthy candidates as 2013 workhorse Bryan Morris, Jared Hughes, Duke Welker, lefty reliever Adam Wilk and lefty starter Jeff Locke - -who was merely a National League All-Star last summer.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.