John Russell is putting a huge positive spin on the state of the Pirates:

Russell has already worked with a number of players on the Pirates’ roster, and is convinced the club is closer to winning than its 68-94 record of last season suggests.
“I think we have a great core of players right now,” he said. “We have the pieces to win now. It’s just a matter of getting the passion, the accountability, the attention to detail. That’s what works. My role and the staff’s role is going to be huge and we’re going to be diligent, but I like what we have.”
Russell pointed to young starters such as Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm, Ian Snell and Zach Duke, good speed and defense, and proven hitters such as Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez as a core to build around.

I’m sorry, the Pirates aren’t good because they don’t have good personnel. Maybe a better manager can get more out of these six, some of whom disappointed in 2007. But the rest of the team simply lacks talent, and there’s no way a manager can make up for that.