"The Pirates want to sign free-agent outfielder Rick Ankiel, but their

chances of completing a deal are in question.

While one major-league source says he expects the Pirates to "win out"

for Ankiel, a second source is more pessimistic.

The Pirates' interest in Ankiel is "real," the second source said, but

the team might fill its need with another player rather than continue

waiting on Ankiel and his agent, Scott Boras.

Ankiel, 30, would play right field for the Pirates, enabling the team

to use Garrett Jones at first base. The Pirates also could add a

different outfielder, or find a first baseman and play Jones in right. "