by Rob Biertempfel , Pittsburgh Tribune Review

That seems to have been the case this season. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones generated Rookie of the Year buzz. Ross Ohlendorf rolled up 11 wins and a 3.92 ERA. Jesse Chavez and Evan Meek were solid in the bullpen.

Last year, Paul Maholm, Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth emerged. In 2010, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Brad Lincoln are expected to arrive.

"I think we're a little bit ahead of the curve, as far as guys coming up and establishing themselves at this level," manager John Russell said. "For most clubs, it's about a player and a half a year ? one full-season guy, and you bring a guy up halfway and he does pretty well.

"We're above that curve. And there's no reason to believe next year we won't add a couple more who make an impact."

Flashing leather

Lastings Milledge's offensive potential was the main attraction when the Pirates traded for him June 30. But his defense in left field has been a bonus.

"Defense is the thing I've taken more pride in this year," Milledge said. "Working on my defense kind of helped me relax at the plate and took the pressure off. I want to polish every aspect of my game."

In the sixth inning Friday, Milledge made a terrific catch. With Paul Janish on second and none out, Joey Votto hit a fly ball, which sliced toward the left-field corner. On an all-out sprint, Milledge snagged the ball and quickly got it back to the infield so Janish could not tag up.

"Great, great catch," pitcher Daniel McCutchen said. "That's a game-changer. If (the ball) falls, it's a double and a run scored."

Votto, a left-handed batter, likes to go the opposite way. From chasing foul balls and doing video homework, Milledge also was aware that Votto's fly balls usually carry well and have plenty of tailspin.

"If I didn't know that, I would've taken more of a vertical route (instead of) going straight across," Milledge said. "My first step was back, then across. If I would've taken a deeper route, that ball goes by me for a double."

Strong finish

Ryan Doumit hit .346 with five doubles, two homers and 12 RBI in 23 games in September. It was quite a comeback, considering Doumit's struggles at the plate in July and August.

"He went through that period when he was really frustrated, but he's been swinging the bat well the past two and a half weeks," Russell said. "He's been getting on the ball better and laying off the offspeed stuff. It makes him feel like he's starting to accomplish something this year."

Doumit came off the disabled list July 10 and had 15 hits in his first 73 at-bats. His batting average slumped to .214 on Aug. 21.

The next day, Doumit went 3 for 5 with a homer and three RBI against Cincinnati. After another sluggish week, Doumit turned the calendar to September and caught fire.

"You want to finish strong, not only as a team but individually as well," Doumit said. "Unfortunately, it's taken me all the way to September to kind of find my swing a little bit. It'll carry over."

Doumit takes a seat

Catcher Ryan Doumit sat out Saturday?s game and most likely will not play Sunday due to concussion-like symptons. Doumit took a foul ball off his mask in Friday's game.

"It doesn't seem to be (a major injury), but there's some wooziness," manager John Russell said.

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