Still, club officials are not ready to concede 2010, much less 2011. Maholm's 4.72 ERA is more than a run per game higher than it was last season, but he, Duke and right-hander Ross Ohlendorf give the Pirates a reasonable chance to compete in most of the games they pitch.

As one team executive says, "It is time to start moving forward."

Papelbon going nowhere

There has been speculation that the Red Sox would trade closer Jonathan Papelbon and retain left-hander Billy Wagner as a one-year bridge to right-hander Daniel Bard in the closer's role, but one team official describes the scenario as "pretty unrealistic."

True, Papelbon is eligible for free agency after the 2011 season, and his salary will jump from its current $6.25 million in his final two years of arbitration if he does not agree to a long-term deal.

Still, the Red Sox's goal every year is to win the World Series, and Papelbon has a 0.00 career ERA in 25 postseason innings.

Papelbon also has diminished early concerns that he was slipping. Since July 29, he is 9-for-9 in save opportunities with a 1.08 ERA in 16 2/3 innings, 23 strikeouts and four walks.