McPherson is expected to compete for Pittsburgh's fifth starter spot in 2013. The hard-throwing righty demonstrated impeccable control again in 2012, striking out 63 batters while walking just nine in a year split between Double-A and Triple-A. With Pittsburgh he compiled a 2.73 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 26.1 innings, stringing together a 21:7 K:BB ratio. The 25-year-old has the potential to take a regular shift in the rotation. Prospects Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole figure to be knocking on the door by late 2013, so McPherson will want to state his case before then. He flashed a 95 mph fastball and sharp breaking pitch against rival Cincinnati late in 2012, an outing that likely boosted his stock. It wouldn't be surprising to see him emerge as a pleasant surprise in 2013, though he's not even assured of a roster spot.