Every manager wants a bench that provides depth and power from both sides of the plate but not many managers have this luxury. Well it appears as if this year John Russell of the Pittsburgh Pirates might have this luxury. The Pirates have a very good balance on their bench with two switch hitters, a lefty batter, and two right handed batters. This will give the Pirates plenty of options this year in pinch hitting situations and depth to help them overcome injuries.

Bobby Crosby: As a right handed batter, he provides the power off the bench for the Pirates against left handed relievers, he backs up three positions, first base, shortstop and third base.

Jeff Clement/Ryan Church: Both of these batters provide the Pirates with power from the left side of the plate and a spring training competition will decide which one of these guys starts and which one sits on the bench. Ryan Church backs up all three outfield spots and Jeff Clement backs up first base and catcher.

Delwyn Young: A switch hitter with some power from the left side but very little power from the right side, he has been among the league leaders in pinch hits over the past few years. He backs up both corner outfield spots and second base.

John Raynor: The Pirates rule 5 draft pick from this year who will be used as the teams primary pinch runner, he provides some power as a right handed batter and should be useful as a pinch hitter. He is a reserve outfielder who can play all three outfield positions, he could also be used in late game situations as a defensive replacement if necessary.

Jason Jaramillo: A switch hitting catcher who provides a solid bat off the bench, while he is not a very big home run threat, he is always a threat to come up with a huge extra base hit. He only backs up the catcher position and he does a fine job of it when called upon.

Ultimately, the Pirates quest for the NL Central division crown will be helped significantly if these guys can provide them with clutch hits in late game situations. A strong bench makes a managers job much easier and it is something that the Pirates have lacked over the past few years.

~Josh (Pittsburghbaseball)