Perrotto: Pirates’ New Starters on Opposite Ends of Spectrum (+)

The Pittsburgh Pirates have tried to add some veteran stability to their starting rotation this offseason.

In a way, they have. In another way, they haven’t.

Left-hander Rich Hill’s career has not always been stable. The Pirates will be his 12^th team since breaking into the major leagues in 2005.

Yet, as the oldest player in the major leagues, the 43-year-old Hill should help bring an air of calmness to some of the Pirates’ younger starters.

Conversely, right-hander Vince Velasquez is still trying to establish himself in the major leagues as a 30-year-old on his fifth team and entering his ninth season. His career ERA is 4.93 through 183 games, 136 starts and 726.1 innings.