Jimmy Barthmaier

Claimed off waivers from Houston in the winter of 2007, Barthmaier tasted a bitter cup of coffee with the Pirates in 2008. He started the season struggling at Altoona -- registering a 4.86 ERA in 46.1 innings -- but was promoted to Triple-A because of a lack of depth within the organization. Barthmaier showed good control with Indianapolis, compiling a 71:27 K:BB ratio to go along with an improved 3.53 ERA in 79 innings. Knocked around for seven runs in 2.1 innings by Tampa Bay in June debut with Pittsburgh, the Pirates demoted Barthmaier back to Triple-A, where he labored until September. Though he wasn't impressive the last month of the season, Barthmaier will get a chance to compete for the team's four or fifth spot in the starting rotation during spring training.