"The Pirates did not snatch Matt Pagnozzi off the waiver wire Wednesday expecting him to be their everyday catcher next season.

Pagnozzi's limited offensive upside makes him better suited for a reserve role. Pirates management loves his defensive skills, though, and believes he has value as a backup.

Pagnozzi, 28, will become a free agent in two weeks. He knows the Pirates will be shopping for a catcher this offseason -- the team is not expected to pick up the pricey contract options of Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit -- but he doesn't know whether the brief audition will lead to a permanent stay.

"I'm just looking at these next two weeks and taking it from there," he said. "I want to show them what I can do and let the rest of that take care of itself."

Pagnozzi was working out at home in Phoenix when the Pirates claimed him, and he joined the team Thursday. Doumit started last night's game against the Dodgers, allowing Pagnozzi to settle into his new surroundings."