BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates left minicamp with much work to do before they get to work. Or, as general manager Dave Littlefield described it, "kicking, scratching and clawing to get out of the hole we dug for ourselves."

	Alex Diaz for the Post-Gazette Pirates players watch a bunting contest Saturday at minicamp. Click photo for larger image.

The roster still has three gaping holes in it for a closer, a power bat (preferably left-handed) and perhaps a starter or pitching help from the left side. Thus far, the financial flexibility that was promised after last season's trades has produced third baseman Chris Stynes. But, last year, some key ingredients weren't added until well into spring training.

"We have to deliver the goods," Littlefield said.

Expectations are low.

The payroll will drop significantly from last year's starting point of about $55 million to somewhere in the range of $35 million to $39 million. That's a big chunk unavailable to spend on talent while Central Division rivals Chicago, Houston and St. Louis have upgraded what were better teams than the Pirates had last year.

For those who haven't stopped caring -- and a run of 11 losing seasons undoubtedly has made it tough on some fans to stay interested -- it would make anyone wonder about the franchise's direction and whether it can compete. Yes, the Pirates were 50-48 and held together after the dismantling, but that was with Reggie Sanders, Matt Stairs, Julian Tavarez and others now part of the jersey exchange.

Littlefield said his plan for emerging from this grim predicament remains unchanged. He expects to cobble together a team with what he has and with one-year contracts for stopgap players in the short term, and stock and develop players in the minor-league system to provide the core players needed in the long term.

The thinking within the organization is that the pitching has a chance to be decent. Kip Wells, Kris Benson, Josh Fogg and Oliver Perez all need to take steps forward, and the fifth spot could come down to a competition between Ryan Vogelsong, Dave Williams and Sean Burnett.

"As we look at Vogelsong, we'd like to think it's time for him to step up and take that position, but you have to do it on the field," Littlefield said. "There are some question marks. I think we need some protection and some more competition that can push some guys and maybe be a candidate to be one of those five starters."

On paper, the rotation doesn't stack up against what the Astros have in Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, Roy Oswalt and Wade Miller, or what the Cubs have in Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano and Matt Clement.

But manager Lloyd McClendon is confident enough in his starters that he could recommend that Littlefield apply the dollars earmarked for another starter to the fund for a closer, even though Littlefield would like to add some arms for insurance against injuries and to spur competition.

There also is a need for better balance in the bullpen, where Joe Beimel is coming off a disappointing year in the left-handed setup role. Rookies John Grabow, Mike Johnston and Mike Gonzalez could provide some of that depth from within, but one will have to show he is ready.

"You hope they step up," Littlefield said. "You also have to be prepared for what happens most of the time. Most of it takes young guys a while to get their feet on the ground and really feel they belong."

It is McClendon who will have to play this downsized hand when pitchers and catchers report a month from now. For his part, he is miffed at the conventional wisdom.

"I choose to find a way to get it done," he said during five days of workouts designed to give the club a feel for where everybody is in terms of health and conditioning. "If you argue for your limitations, that's just what you become. Sure, we have our challenges. Most teams do. We'll be talking about this in July. This isn't gloom and doom. This ain't the end for this franchise."