Cory Humes

Given western Pennsylvania’s pool of talent, it’s inevitable that the Arena Football League’s Pittsburgh Power will work to roster a few local heroes. Former Panthers, Mountaineers, Nittany Lions and small college and high school standouts not currently thriving in organized ball may have an opportunity to come back home and wear the local colors.

While Neal Huntington’s work has the Pirates positioned well for a turnaround circa 2012 or so, his evaluation of players in certain trades seems inaccurate in hindsight. Unfortunately, along with his celebrated wins at the exchange came these four losses.

With the first overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball first-year player draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates select Anthony Rendon, third baseman, from Rice University.

At the trade deadline, Neal Huntington made it relatively clear that 2011 will be another year for evaluation. If the Pirates are ever going to play competitive baseball, it likely won’t be until 2012. Here’s my take on an Opening Day lineup for next year.