Thanks for keeping me busy with all your questions throughout all the search processes. I apologize that I can't answer them all here, but I do read them all. Here is a taste from my inbox this week:

I am not sure yet if I feel that Russell is the right guy and fit to our team, but I am waiting to see more next spring. My question to you is this: Is John Russell a good fit and hire?
-- Ted D., Baldwin, Pa.

I'll admit that I knew little about Russell before his name surfaced as a candidate for the job a few weeks back. Since I wasn't covering the Pirates when he was a coach here, I haven't seen him in a clubhouse setting before, and I haven't seen his leadership in action.

However, from what I've heard from people around the industry, Russell has the qualities that are needed with this club. The team has lacked discipline, accountability and sufficient instruction in recent years, and those are all things that those who have worked around Russell say that he brings to a team. He will have a strong clubhouse presence and won't put up with some of the lackadaisical attitudes and nonchalant work ethics present in the past. The clubhouse culture and atmosphere needed to change, and I think Russell will instill the necessary discipline.

Those concerned about the fact that Russell doesn't have prior managing experience in the Major Leagues shouldn't be. His 10 years of managing at nearly every level in the Minors put him in position to be one of the most well-respected Minor League skippers in the game. That respect is a byproduct of his ability. And don't forget -- he was a finalist for managerial jobs in both Philadelphia and Washington over the last few years.

Again, with the Pirates set to be an overall young team moving forward, it was imperative that whoever Huntington hired was, above all, a teacher. That's what they got in Russell. Ultimately we will come back to this same question one year from now and be able to debate whether or not Russell is a good fit. In the meantime, I do think Russell has certain necessary traits that the team has been lacking.

I recently read the Indians mailbag and came across that the Pirates are rumored to be shopping Jason Bay this winter. Being the beat reporter for the Pirates, have you heard anything in regards to this situation? Do you think that dealing Cliff Lee and a prospect would be a sufficient enough trade for the Indians to get Bay?
-- Kasey S., Cleveland

If -- or more likely, when -- teams come to the Pirates asking about Bay, the Pirates will listen. I know Bay is a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, evidenced by the number of you who have e-mailed me questioning why the Pirates would look to move him. Here's why: Though Bay had a down year by his standards in 2007, teams will see his upside and would be willing to exchange some very good prospects in order to take the chance that Bay will bounce back strong in 2008.

Also, left fielders appear to be in demand this offseason across baseball. The Pirates are looking to build a winning club primarily by developing talent, and they could likely infuse some top talent into the Minors by trading Bay.

Have a question about the Pirates? E-mail your query to MLB.com Pirates beat reporter Jenifer Langosch for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

As for what it would take for the Pirates to agree to a deal with Cleveland, I don't think Lee and a prospect would be an intriguing enough package. With three lefties -- Tom Gorzelanny, Paul Maholm and Zach Duke -- already in the rotation, another southpaw isn't what the Pirates need most. If the Indians want to entice the Pirates with an offer, it would likely take two top prospects or one prospect and one Major League-proven talent. Again, the Pirates need right-handed pitching help and depth, and Cleveland could offer that with a prospect like Adam Miller, if they'd be willing to let him go.

Is there any chance the Bucs will go after Torii Hunter?
-- Michael B., Murrysville, Pa.

No, and there are two reasons why they won't.

The first is financial. The economics of the market in Pittsburgh just can't compete when it comes to landing the big-name free agents. The team isn't willing to sacrifice its future to open payroll for one player, and with their restrictions, they are best off not doing so. Hunter made $12 million last year and turned down a three-year, $45 million offer from the Twins over the summer. The 32-year-old Hunter has said he would like a five- or six-year deal.

Second, the Pirates' main priority this offseason isn't for help in center field. With Andrew McCutchen waiting in the wings, there is no reason to invest so much money in a long-term center field solution. The team's priorities lie in upgrading the pitching, improving the bench and landing prospects. If money is going to be spent, it will primarily be spent in those three areas.

I have heard rumors about the Marlins entertaining offers for Miguel Cabrera. In all likelihood, would the Pirates have any chance at landing Cabrera?
-- Brian F., Bethel Park, Pa.

Again, the price here is just too high. Cabrera could be an offensive cornerstone of the franchise moving forward, but will demand more than $10 million next season, with the price tag likely to venture near $20 million per season when he tests the free agent waters in a year.

What is the status of Jose Castillo? Is he going to compete with Jose Bautista for third base again?
-- David P., Spring Lake, N.C.

After seeing very minimal playing time last season, Castillo expressed a desire to go to another club. His level of motivation was questioned this season, and it became evident late in the year that the infielder was going through the motions and waiting for a fresh start in 2008. Though the Pirates have the rights to Castillo for another two years, they will likely not tender a contract to him, which will finalize his departure from Pittsburgh.

Since Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon have declared free agency, will the Pirates sign any free agents, or will they go within house to fill the rotation void.
-- Ryan G., Pittsburgh

Losing Armas and Chacon creates more of a bullpen void than a rotation void. Each ended the season in the 'pen, and wouldn't have been pegged to start next year anyway. Armas wasn't a pivotal part of the late-inning relief corps, but Chacon was. And losing him leaves the Pirates without a reliable eighth-inning option.

More likely than the Pirates scouring the free-agent market for a solution would be for them to upgrade their bullpen through a trade. Finding an option in the farm system doesn't seem feasible at this point because the options just aren't there. Even if there were some right-handed relievers ready in Triple-A, the Pirates really would prefer a veteran presence to bridge the gap to closer Matt Capps. Huntington has made this one of his top priorities.