I think it is almost a lock that Marte will be in the majors this year, and IMO, as soon as the period passes where the Pirates will not be assessed a full year of ML Service - I would like to say the first home stand on or after June 1.

The term "untouchable" has been used. IMO, Cutch is untouchable not only for his 5 Tools, comparative stats with the best CF's in the majors, and his age where he will play all of 2012 as a 25 year old, but more so because of what Andrew McCutchen means to the Pirates. A team of misery and failure, he is the first player in a long time drafted by the Pirates, Developed by the Pirates, and who is now one of the Keystones of the rebuilding effort. His success is being shared by everyone in the whole system as proof that the Pirates are able to develop their own superstars. We have not seen that since Jason Kendall, and to a lesser degree, Aramis Ramirez. Neil Walker is the next in line of being Drafted, Developed, and Starring as a ML player, and I am doing the candle lighting and novena's that Pedro Alvarez will be the third. There is no way to put a number on the value added of being confident in the minor league system in existence with the Pirates right now. That type of confidence and belief will mean a great deal to the prospects in the system right now to see that hard work and dedication through the Pirates minor league system can pay off for them also.

And, while we are kicking the tires, don't forget that Gorkys Hernandez batted .283 and had almost a .350 on base percentage at AAA in 2011, 21 SB's, and 11 Outfield Assists. He has never achieved that 5th Star which is power, but teams looking for a leadoff hitter with one of the best gloves in the game in CF, could be interested in this kid - although we have heard his name for years, he will play all or most of 2012 as a 24 year old. Boston just got hit with the news that Carl Crawford's wrist has not healed properly and he will open the season on the DL. Just sayin . . . . . .