The top prospects in the Pirates' minor-league system on the eve of the 2008 season:

Vitals: Age: 21, H: 5-11, W: 175, B-R/T-R

How acquired: First-round pick (11th overall) in 2005 draft.

The skinny: Started slowly with Class AA Altoona last season but rallied to bat .258, including .307 in final 41 games, with 10 home runs and 48 RBIs in 446 at-bats. Hit .313 in 17 games with Class AAA Indianapolis after Aug. 17 call-up.

Projected major-league arrival: 2008.

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Vitals: Age: 24, H: 5-11, W: 205, B-R/T-R

How acquired: Eighth-round pick in 2005.

The skinny: A tad under the radar at the beginning of last season but is squarely on it now. Had a bends-like rise through the system last year, which he began at high Class A Lynchburg. By September he was in the major leagues. Will become full-time right fielder this year with Indianapolis after beginning last season exclusively as a first baseman.

Projected major-league arrival: As soon as either Jason Bay or Xavier Nady is traded this season.

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Vitals: Age: 22, H: 6-3, W: 217, B-S/T-R

How acquired: First-round pick (11th overall) in 2004.

The skinny: Pine-Richland High School graduate begins his first full season with Indianapolis and second full season as a third baseman after being drafted as a catcher. Hasn't hit a lot of home runs, but doubles total of 33 last year indicate power will come.

Projected major-league arrival: 2008.

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Vitals: Age: 25, H: 6-1, W: 198, B-R/T-R

How acquired: Second-round pick in 2004.

The skinny: Drafted as a shortstop, he had a solid season with Indianapolis last year, when he began adding second base to his resume. Could play either position in major leagues and might wind up playing both as a backup middle infielder. Had 131 strikeouts in 475 at-bats in 2007 so he needs to make more consistent contact to be a No. 2 hitter in the lineup.

Projected major-league arrival: 2008.

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Vitals: Age: 23, H: 6-2, W: 214, B-R/T-R

How acquired: Second-round pick in 2005.

The skinny: Out of Mississippi State. Legitimate power potential (38 doubles in 2007). Played most of last year with Lynchburg but had 10-game cameo with Altoona. Establishing himself as a run-producer but drew only 14 walks compared to 105 strikeouts in 524 at-bats last season. Probably will begin this season with Altoona.

Projected major-league arrival: 2010.

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Vitals: Age: 25, H: 6-3, W: 221, B-R. T-R

6 How acquired: 12th-round pick in 2005.

The skinny: A product of Boston College, Delaney is probably a year behind Pearce in his development and could wind up with Indianapolis before the summer ends. Leading Carolina League with a .340 batting average for Lynchburg when called up to Altoona June 26. Set a Curve record with at least one RBI in 12 consecutive games (July 15-26).

Projected major-league arrival: 2010.

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Vitals: Age: 22, H: 6-4, W: 209, B-L/T-R

How acquired: First-round pick (fourth overall) in 2006.

The skinny: Has pitched only 23²/₃ innings professionally. Out because of strained left oblique Aug. 6, 2006, while pitching for Hickory. Missed all of last season because of reconstructive surgery to repair ligament damage in right elbow. Probably will start with Hickory but could move quickly if he dominates South Atlantic League.

Projected major-league arrival: 2011.

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Vitals: Age: 21, H: 6-1, W: 208, B-R/T-L

How acquired: First-round pick (fourth overall) in 2007.

The skinny: Always will be known by Pirates fans as the player taken last year instead of Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters (chosen by Baltimore with the fifth overall pick). Moskos, from Clemson, pitched in relief last season but will begin this season as a starter, probably with low Class A Hickory.

Projected major-league arrival: 2011.

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Vitals: Age: 23, H: 6-3, W: 177, B-S/T-R

How acquired: Third-round draft pick in 2006.

The skinny: Drafted as a second baseman, Ford will begin playing some shortstop this year, probably beginning the season with Lynchburg. Could be with Altoona by midseason. Limited by injuries to 94 games with Lynchburg in 2007, Ford batted .281 with 26 doubles, 5 home runs and 55 RBIs in 360 at-bats.

Projected major-league arrival: 2010.

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Vitals: Age: 25, H: 6-2, W: 199, B-S/T-R

How acquired: Third-round draft pick in 2005.

The skinny: Drafted out of the University of Missouri, Boone needs to get his career on track. He's highly gifted tool-wise, but injury issues have limited him to 173 games in his 2¹/₂ seasons. Hasn't played above Lynchburg. Probably will begin the season with Lynchburg but needs to get to Altoona as quickly as development permits.

Projected major-league arrival: 2011.