David Davidson

After a lack of progress last year, the 2009 campaign looms large in the development of Davidson. Coming into 2008, the Pirates had plenty of reason to expect a breakthrough season from Davidson. The lefty allowed just 44 hits in 59.2 innings the prior year, fashioning a 3-1 mark with two saves for Double-A Altoona. Things didn't work out the way Pittsburgh hoped, however, and Davidson spent the entire year at Double-A again. He has the potential to develop into an eighth-inning set-up man, but he needs to improve upon his 51:36 K:BB ratio before moving up the organizational ladder.