J.R. House

After playing just 75 games over his previous two seasons, House played in 92 games at Triple-A Nashville and had a cup of decaf in Pittsburgh in 2004. House is no longer considered a can't miss prospect, but the trade of Jason Kendall gives him a chance to re-assert himself in the team’s “catcher of the future” derby. With the signing of veteran backstop Benito Santiago, the club figures to take advantage of House's one remaining option and have him start the season at Triple-A, where he can continue to work on his defense as a catcher and also as a first baseman and outfielder. Some scouts think that the Pirates are grooming House to be their next Craig Wilson because Wilson might too expensive for them to sign after 2005.

House, who had right elbow surgery in 2002, is regaining his status as a quality catching hopeful. Once regarded as the organization's top prospect, his career is back on track. Average behind the plate, it's his offensive skills (good power, makes consistent contact) that make him the Pirates' likely catcher of the future if he can stay healthy.

House, the Pirates’ #1 prospect a year ago, underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in September and could miss the 2003 season.