"Even a chunk of cash as large as $10 million will not buy the Pirates an upper-tier free agent unless that player wants to play in Pittsburgh.

According to multiple industry sources, the Pirates in recent days engaged in serious, detailed discussions with the agents for pitchers Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson. In both cases, however, talks were derailed when the player said he'd rather play elsewhere.

Jackson accepted a one-year, $10 million contract Thursday from the Washington Nationals. The Pirates had offered the right-hander one- and three-year deals for slightly less money per year.

Oswalt is still on the market, and reportedly is seeking a one-year contract for around $10 million. The Pirates reached out to Oswalt's camp but were rebuffed. The right-hander has indicated he'd prefer to start for either the St. Louis Cardinals or the Texas Rangers."