Pirates News

Pirates enter free agency cautiously
"The Pirates enter the opening of free-agent season today as patient, prudent investors in pursuit of a bat and bullpen arms. In other words, don't expect them to jump into the free-agent pool in November. Toes in, testing, they will wait and wade in that pool for a spell. "We've had a lot of initial dialogue," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said about the 150-some players who today are free to negotiate with all major league teams, though more than 350 major and minor leaguers remain available in all. "We're expressing interest in a lot of places. I wouldn't expect us to be market setters. I don't know if we're going to be setting the market on any of the free agents out there. ..."
Pirates' McCutchen finishes fourth in rookie of the year voting
"Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen finished fourth in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year Award. McCutchen gathered 25 points, including two first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan was the winner with 105 points, including 17 of a possible 32 first-place votes. Pirates first baseman Garrett Jones finished in seventh place with two points. It's the fifth time since voting began in 1949 that the Pirates had two players among the top 10."
Source: Brewers wanted starter from Pirates
"The Brewers did not want Pirates catcher Ryan Doumit for shortstop J.J. Hardy. They also did not want another player the Pirates suggested, right-handed reliever Matt Capps. No, the Brewers' preference from the Pirates, according to a major-league source, was one of two left-handed starters, Zach Duke or Paul Maholm. The Pirates said no, and the Brewers wound up trading Hardy to the Twins for center fielder Carlos Gomez. Both Duke and Maholm, like Hardy, are under club control for two more seasons. Maholm's contract also includes a club option for a third year. Doumit, 28, has caught 100 games in a season only once in his career; he also plays first base and right field. His contract ..."
Pirates won't make splash in free agency - again
"One of the Pirates' priorities this offseason is finding left-handed help in the bullpen. The team shed two premier lefties, John Grabow and Damaso Marte, over the past 18 months. For a while this past season, the bullpen was populated only by right-handers. "I do think we need that (left-handed option)," closer Matt Capps said. "There's no reason why a righty can't get a lefty out, but playing the numbers is never a bad thing. So, if we went out and got a lefty, I think that would help us improve." The free-agent shopping season begins Friday, a day after the filing deadline. Seventy-nine players filed for free agency the day after the World Series ended. More will join the list after the ..."
Pirates' Delwyn Young philosophical about demotion
"Delwyn Young's reaction to the deal that brought second baseman Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates last week is simple: It is what it is. "I don't make the decisions, I just go out there and do my best," said Young, who made 52 starts at second base in 2009, the bulk coming after Freddie Sanchez was traded in July. Young, 27, was one of 13 Pirates players in town this week for routine physicals and light workouts. The acquisition of Iwamura, 30, from the Tampa Bay Rays for reliever Jesse Chavez makes Young the odd man out. The native of Japan will be the Pirates' highest-paid player next year, making $4.85 million, but his contract is up after next season. In three years with the Los ..."
Pirates face Phillies six times in spring schedule
"Six games with the Philadelphia Phillies -- including two in Citizens Bank Park April 2-3 -- and four with the Tampa Bay Rays dot the 33-game Pirates' spring schedule, the club announced yesterday. The Pirates and Phillies close the spring with a three-game set. After meeting twice before (March 6 and 15), they meet at Philadelphia's spring home in Clearwater, Fla., April Fool's Day. Then they travel for a night game in Philadelphia April 2 and an afternoon game the next day, before the regular season opens with the Pirates at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers April 5. The Pirates also are slated to play two exhibitions apiece against the World Series champion New York Yankees (March 8 ..."
Pirates won't go all out for veteran talent
"The Pirates are in better position to spend than they were last offseason, when their only free-agent additions were infielder Ramon Vazquez and outfielder Eric Hinske. Do not expect them, however, to use all of their available money to acquire veteran talent. The Pirates demonstrated their desire to improve with their acquisition of second baseman Akinori Iwamura from the Rays. Yet, club officials are reluctant to block the ascents of young players as the team rebuilds. So, the Pirates will not necessarily re-invest all of their savings from the trades of second baseman Freddy Sanchez and shortstop Jack Wilson last summer into the major-league roster. As painful as that message is for ..."
Pearce, Clement use winter to heal
"Next season, either Steve Pearce or Jeff Clement could be the Pirates' starting first baseman or at least a power-hitting threat off the bench. At the moment, however, neither player is even swinging a bat. Pearce (left patella tendinitis) and Clement (strained oblique) are recovering from injuries. They both are among 13 players in Pittsburgh this week for routine physical exams and light workouts at PNC Park. "I'm going to open some eyes this year," Pearce said Tuesday. "This is the year it's got to happen. But first, I've got to get healthy." Pearce is down to his last minor-league option, meaning time is running out for the Pirates to decide if he fits in their long-term plans. This ..."
Pirates' Class A move approved
"As expected, Florida State League owners this afternoon approved the Pirates' purchase of Cincinnati's Sarasota franchise, which they'll move to Bradenton and McKechnie Field starting with league play this April. Pirates owner Bob Nutting in a statement called the new team -- whose name and logo will be announced later -- "the latest investment by the club to improve its core baseball operations." The advanced Class A league entry replaces the Carolina League's Lynchburg, which the Reds purchased as part of this swap of minor-league teams."
Pirates to close spring training in Philly
"The Pirates will end spring training next year in Philadelphia instead of Florida. The Pirates will play the Phillies on April 1 in Clearwater, Fla., then fly to Philadelphia for two exhibition games against the two-time defending NL champs April 2 and 3 at Citizens Bank Park. The last time the Pirates ended spring training outside of Florida was 2001, when they played two games in Pittsburgh against the New York Mets to mark the debut of PNC Park. The Pirates haven't released their 2010 spring training schedule."
Pirates designate three for assignment
"The Pirates today assigned pitchers Virgil Vasquez and Eric Hacker to Triple-A Indianapolis, and catcher Steve Lerud to Double-A Altoona. The Pirates now have 36 players on their 40-man roster, plus pitchers Jose Ascanio and Evan Meek, on the 60-day disabled list."
Pirates' acquisition of Iwamura aimed at present
"In Neal Huntington's first major transaction prioritizing the present above the future, the Pirates' general manager last night acquired veteran infielder Akinori Iwamura from the Tampa Bay Rays for rookie reliever Jesse Chavez. Yes, a veteran for a rookie. A player making close to $5 million for one making less than a tenth of that. A pending free agent for someone whose rights can be controlled five more years. Not exactly the blueprint this management team had been following. "Our goal for 2010 is to be a better team," Huntington said. "We've made a lot out of having years of control, and our hope is that this is more than a one-year fit for us and for Akinori. But our expectation in ..."
Iwamura 'interested' in talking long term
"Akinori Iwamura would be "interested" in exploring a long-term contract with the Pirates, he said in a conference call just now from Japan. Some highlights of the call, during which agent Yoshi Hasagawa translated ... > On staying longer than a year: "I'm definitely interested in the long term, but I first have to do what I can do. We'll see what happens. Hopefully, we can go to the playoffs next season." > On going from a talented team to one in last place: "I'm very excited for the new challenge. I spoke to Neal Huntington, and I feel very appreciated." > On his knee: "It feels very good, but not 100 percent. I think I already proved I can play at a high level, and I think I can play ..."
Pirates' acquisition of Iwamura aimed at present
"In Neal Huntington's first major transaction prioritizing the present above the future, the Pirates' general manager last night acquired veteran infielder Akinori Iwamura from the Tampa Bay Rays for rookie reliever Jesse Chavez. Yes, a veteran for a rookie. A player making close to $5 million for one making less than a tenth of that. A pending free agent for someone whose rights can be controlled five more years. Not exactly the blueprint this management team had been following. "Our goal for 2010 is to be a better team," Huntington said. "We've made a lot out of having years of control, and our hope is that this is more than a one-year fit for us and for Akinori. But our expectation in ..."
Rays send Aki to Pirates
"Whenever discussing the Rays' worst-to-first transformation in 2008, executive vice president Andrew Friedman mentions Akinori Iwamura's selflessness in moving from third base to second. "Essentially, his comment was, 'whatever it takes to help the team win,'" Friedman recalled Tuesday night. "And I think all of his teammates saw that and really appreciated that, as did the organization." "Aki" did help the Rays win - he was the lead-off batter and second baseman for the 2008 American League champions - but his time in Tampa Bay is done. The Rays traded the popular native of Japan to the Pirates for Jesse Chavez, a right-handed reliever who was 1-4 with a 4.01 ERA last year as a rookie. ..."
Pirates add salary, deal for veteran Iwamura
"The Delwyn Young experiment at second base is over. The Pirates made it official Tuesday by trading reliever Jesse Chavez to the Tampa Bay Rays for veteran infielder Akinori Iwamura. General manager Neal Huntington gave up a young right-hander - Chavez would have been under the Pirates' control the next five seasons - in exchange for Iwamura, who at $4.85 million will be the team's highest-paid player in 2010. "It's tough to give up a guy like Jesse Chavez," Huntington said. "But it is easier to fill 60 innings out of the bullpen than it is to fill 600 quality plate appearances." Iwamura, 30, could become a free agent after next season. Huntington indicated the team eventually may be ..."
Rays to trade Iwamura to Pirates
"The team the Rays are dealing Iwamura to is the Pirates. Still working on what they are going to get back, but the Pirates do have some young arms and some young catching. Will be interesting to see if the Rays are paying any money to upgrade the quality of the return - that's what they did in the Aubrey Huff deal, and that Ben Zobrist guy turned out okay. Expect an official announcement tonight, when it will be Wednesday morning in Japan and the Rays can talk to Aki."
Sanchez gets more than Pirates offered, but . . .
"Count me among those who were wrong about Freddy Sanchez. I did not expect him to get more money than the $10 million over two years the Pirates offered him in July. I thought it was a fair offer and Sanchez rejected it because he didn't want to stay in Pittsburgh. Turns out, he did get more, but I'm not so sure it proves the Pirates wrong. Sanchez signed a two-year, $12 million contract Friday with the San Francisco Giants, the team to whom the Pirates traded him in July. Those terms don't make the Pirates offer look ``embarrassing,'' as many bellowed at the time the offer was made. The deal makes the Pirates' offer look realistic but a little low."
Garcia to replace former infield guru Hill
"The search ending within their own organizational flow chart, the Pirates promoted former infielder Carlos Garcia yesterday to take over two jobs vacated when club officials and Perry Hill couldn't reach an agreement two weeks ago, causing them to exercise the latter's option for 2010 and Hill to return home to his family in Texas. Garcia, 42, who spent the past two seasons as the club's minor league infield coordinator, will serve as the major league team's infield instructor and first base coach, as Hill had in 2009. Garcia spent time with the Pirates in the past two spring trainings, including last year with Hill. "Carlos Garcia adds another experienced baseball man to John Russell's ..."
Pirates make another trade
"The president of the Class A Florida State League said a plan for the Pirates to plant a minor league team in Bradenton in 2010 is practically a done deal. Thursday, Chuck Murphy said league officials will vote Nov. 10 to allow the Pirates to purchase and uproot the Class A Sarasota Reds. The team will play its home games at McKechnie Field, the Pirates' spring training venue, which is about 20 minutes away from Sarasota. "I don't expect any problems (with the vote)," Murphy said. "Everything should go pretty smooth. Our 2010 schedule is pretty much complete, but I don't think (the move) would affect it very much. Everything is in good shape over there at McKechnie Field." In essence, the ..."
Pirates to swap Class A teams with Reds
"Here is a new twist on the wheeling and dealing Pirates: They are swapping high Class A minor league affiliates. Team officials announced yesterday that they are in the final stages of completing an arrangement in which they purchase Cincinnati's Florida State League franchise in Sarasota and move it 15 miles up the Gulf Coast to McKechnie Field and their Pirate City base in Bradenton. In turn, the Reds, who are leaving Sarasota for a new spring-training home in Arizona, buy Carolina League affiliate Lynchburg, with whom the Pirates had one year left on a two-year contract. Chuck Murphy, the FSL chairman, president and treasurer, said he expected at least the required two-thirds of his ..."
Pirates close to buying high Class-A team in Florida
"The Pittsburgh Pirates are close to finalizing a deal to purchase the Florida State League team in Sarasota and move the high Class-A team to Bradenton, team president Frank Coonelly said in a statement today. The move would end the Pirate's affiliation with the Lynchburg (Va.) Hillcats, which would be bought by the Cincinnati Reds as part of what amounts to a swap of one Carolina League team for an FSL entry. The deal, which would bring 70 scheduled games in the summer to the Pirates' McKechnie Field in Bradenton, requires a two-thirds vote from the FSL's 12 team directors to pass. Chuck Murphy, the FSL's chairman, president and treasurer, expects the Pirates' move to be accepted when his ..."
Pirates' McCutchen cops BA's top rookie
"Andrew McCutchne's rookie season with the Pirates went about as well as he could have hoped. "There's nothing I would change," McCutchen said Monday. "There are a few things I'll fine-tune this winter and get better at, but as far as how I did during the season, it all was good." The analysts at Baseball America agreed, as they named McCutchen the magazine's major league rookie of the year. "It's a great honor," McCutchen said by phone from his home in Lakeland, Fla. McCutchen, 23, batted .286 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI and 22 stolen bases. He topped National League rookies with 47 extra-base hits and ranked second in multi-hit games, runs, walks and total bases. The Pittsburgh chapter of ..."
Pirates reliever Yates requests free agency
"The Pirates requested outright waivers on reliever Tyler Yates, who then opted for free agency. Yates missed most of last season after having reconstructive elbow surgery. Yates pitched in 87 games after the Pirates acquired him in a trade with Atlanta a week before the start of the 2008 season. This past season, the right-hander worked in 15 games, going 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA. He had Tommy John surgery in July - his second such procedure in seven years - and ended the season on the disabled list."
Pirates' Yates exits, McCutchen gets rookie honor
"Pirates reliever Tyler Yates, on injured reserve after Tommy John surgery, elected for free agency after being outrighted to Class AAA today -- the same day when center fielder Andrew McCutchen was announced as Baseball America's Major League Rookie of the Year. The current edition of the publication features McCutchen on the cover. McCutchen, 23, hit .286 with 26 doubles, nine triples, 12 home runs, 54 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 108 games with Pittsburgh after joining the club on June 4. He led all National League rookies with 47 extra-base hits and ranked second among N.L. rookies in multi-hit games (36), runs, walks and total bases (204). The more well-known American League and National ..."
Infield coach chooses not to come back
"In the first move of an offseason rife with implications for the prospect-based franchise's future, Pirates management and acclaimed infield coach Perry Hill failed to reach an agreement, and club officials announced yesterday that he will not coach for them in 2010. They made one addition by promoting longtime minor league pitching instructor Ray Searage, who primarily will work with pitching coach Joe Kerrigan and could eventually succeed him. Nonetheless, the subtraction of Hill is significant for a team with considerable youth. Hill, 57, came out of a self-imposed retirement with his family in Texas to mentor a Pirates infield with Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez anchoring the middle, ..."
Pirates announce Perry Hill won't return; hire Searage
"The Pirates announced this morning that first base coach and infield instructor Perry Hill will not return to the organization next year. "We made an aggressive attempt to bring Perry back, including exercising his option for the 2010 season and offering to restructure and extend his contract. Despite these efforts, Perry has decided that he does not want to coach," general manager Neal Huntington said in a news release. "We respect Perry's decision, appreciate his service to the organization and remain open to Perry returning to the organization if and when he desires to coach again." The Pirates also announced that Ray Searage will join the Major League coaching staff for the 2010 ..."
Unhappy with trades, Pirate 1B coach jumps ship
"Perry Hill has left the Pirates after one year as the team's first base coach, the team announced today. Hill is recognized as one of the best fielding instructors in baseball, and his departure was not unexpected. Hill has expressed unhappiness that the team traded three-fourths of the infield during the season: Jack Wilson (Seattle), Freddy Sanchez (San Francisco) and Adam LaRoche (Boston). "We made an aggressive attempt to bring Perry back, including exercising his option for the 2010 season and offering to restructure and extend his contract. Despite these efforts, Perry has decided that he does not want to coach," said Pirates general manager Neal Huntington."
Pirates, defensive guru Hill parting ways
"Perry Hill won't be back with the Pirates next season - and he may not be coaching anywhere in the major leagues. The Pirates announced Saturday that Hill, the renowned first base coach and infield instructor, won't be returning for a second season. General manager Neal Huntington also said the team has exercised Hill's contract option for 2010, which would prohibit him from coaching elsewhere next year without the Pirates' permission. Hill, though, will not be paid if he is not working for the Pirates. "We exercised the option to protect our club's interest," Huntington said. The Pirates also promoted Triple-A pitching coach Ray Searage to the major-league staff yesterday in an unrelated ..."
Wilson wins Chuck Tanner Award
"Jack Wilson, who played for the Pirates for nearly nine seasons until being traded to Seattle in July, is the winner of the Chuck Tanner Award for the second time in four seasons. The award is presented by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America to the Pirates player who is the most cooperative in helping writers carry out their daily responsibilities."
Bucs' McCutchen honored with Clemente Award
"Tuesday, rookie center fielder Andrew McCutchen won the 2009 Clemente Award presented by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. The award is given annually to the Pirates player who best exemplifies the standard of excellence achieved by Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. In essence, it is the Pirates' MVP award, as voted upon by BBWAA members who regularly cover the team. McCutchen netted seven of nine first-place votes. First baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones edged pitcher Ross Ohlendorf by one-half vote for second place. Promoted to the majors in June, McCutchen batted .286 with 12 home runs, 54 RBI and 22 stolen bases. He was the Pirates' first-round draft ..."
Pirates' Alvarez ranked No. 1 in Eastern League
"Baseball America yesterday named three Pirates minor league players among its top 15 prospects in the Class AA Eastern League, including Pedro Alvarez at No. 1. Alvarez, who finished last season with the Altoona Curve by collecting 14 home runs, 55 RBIs and a .247 average, was selected by the magazine along with pitcher Brad Lincoln (No. 10) and outfielder Jose Tabata (No. 15) among the Eastern League's top 20 prospects. Alvarez, the second pick of the 2008 draft, finished his first professional season with 27 homers and 95 RBIs combined at Altoona and Class A Lynchburg, far and away the best totals in the Pirates' minor and major league system except for Garrett Jones Indianapolis/Pirates ..."
Pirates erred on Sano
"Watching that incredible play-in game between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, I couldn't help but think of the Pirates. I thought of how a generation of Pittsburgh sports fans has never experienced the unique drama of a high-stakes baseball game involving their team. I thought of how the tight-budget Twins have won five division titles since the turn of the millennium. And I thought of Miguel Angel Sano, the elite Dominican prospect who elected not to sign with Pirates or the mighty New York Yankees but with the Twins, 10 days ago. Somehow, some way, the Twins got the job done. Somehow, some way, the Pirates didn't. According to Sano's agent, Rob Plummer: "The Twins ..."
Who's worse, Lions or Pirates?
""Can you imagine getting drafted (by the Detroit Lions) and going 8-10 years with that? You don't know anything else. I couldn't imagine it." - Then-Steelers linebacker Larry Foote, on Dec. 21 of last season. It wouldn't be fair to call that a Foote-in-the-mouth moment, because the man had no idea he'd be playing for the Lions this season. Plus, Foote's opinion of the team likely has improved, even if it can't possibly match that of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who seems determined to turn the Lions into the 1985 Chicago Bears before the week is out. At his news conference Tuesday, in advance of Sunday's game in Detroit, Tomlin said the Steelers have to "sharpen our sword for this battle." ..."
Ten ways to reboot Pirates in 2010
"It was the 14th of August on a pleasant afternoon in Altoona, and Neal Huntington was at an Eat'n Park, picking at lunch while clicking at a laptop to keep up with his Pirates. These were just pixels on a screen, the real team several states away at Wrigley Field, but there was no diminishing the reality about to hit the team's general manager. With one run, then four, then 14 by the end of the second inning, those cyber-Cubs sprinted around the cyber-bases. And suffice it to say Huntington was not about to order a Smiley cookie. "Oh," he recalled thinking. "This is going to be bad." He never could have processed how bad. That game, memorably, ended up 17-2, but it would become just a ..."
Key dates for the Pirates
"Important dates for the Pirates and Major League Baseball in the coming months: Nov. 9-11: General managers' meetings, Chicago Dec. 7-10: Winter Meetings, Indianapolis Jan. 12-16, 2010: Pirates minicamp, Bradenton, Fla. Jan. 24-31: Pirates Caravan and PirateFest Feb. 18: Pitchers and catchers report for spring training, Bradenton, Fla. April 5: Opening day vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, PNC Park"
Bucs' Walker leads group toward winter ball
"The Pirates' Neil Walker, Robinzon Diaz, Ronny Cedeno and Luis Cruz will play winter ball. "Around the industry, guys don't want to play winter ball anymore," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Even guys in Double-A and Triple-A, it's hard to get them to play. I think they're missing a big step in their development." Walker will play in Venezuela. "First game is Friday," he said. • Starting pitcher Kevin Hart was shut down due to a strained oblique muscle. "It's not an Evan Meek-type (injury) where it feels like someone is sticking a knife and running it through the ribcage," Huntington said. In spring training, Hart and Daniel McCutchen will battle for the fifth spot in the rotation."
Avoiding 100 losses a small triumph for Bucs
"With a late-season surge, and a little help from Mother Nature, the Pirates made sure they did not become the eighth club in franchise history to lose 100 games in a season. After Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs was rained out, the Pirates needed to win just one of their final three games to avoid triple-digit defeats. They did that Friday with a 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. "It wasn't looking too good a few days ago," left fielder Lastings Milledge said. "We all knew about the 100-loss thing. We pulled together - not only (to avoid) 100 losses, but just to finish strong in the last week and a half. We came through with it." The massive roster upheaval contributed to the ..."
Pirates end season with 6-0 loss to Reds
"The Pirates closed out the 2009 season Sunday with a 6-0 loss against the Cincinnati Reds. By dropping their final two games, the Pirates finished 62-99. It's their fewest victories since 2001 (62-100) and the seventh time in the past 10 seasons the Pirates have won fewer than 70 games. The Pirates were blanked for the 17th time, the most in the majors. The Reds manufactured single runs in the first and third innings. Each time, Drew Stubbs singled and was brought home by Brandon Phillips - first on a double, the next time on a ground out. Right-hander Jeff Karstens (4-6) started on short rest and worked 2 1/3 innings. He allowed two runs on four hits. The Pirates went 0 for 13 with ..."
Pirates' season ends with whimper
"The Pirates finished their 123rd season with 99 losses after falling to the Cincinnati Reds, 6-0, this afternoon at Great American Ball Park. Not much to say about this one. Jeff Karstens, part of a bullpen patchwork attempt to fill a starting hole, lasted 2 1/3 innings and was charged with two runs, and Donnie Veal gave up four in the fifth. The offense was typically futile: Despite 10 hits and four walks, the Pirates were blanked again, going 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position and leaving 13 men on base. Andrew McCutchen reached base four times with two singles and two walks, and stole two bases to finish his rookie year with a .287 average and 22 steals. In a season dominated by ..."
Pirates finish with 99 losses
"Less than 24 hours after being satirized on a "Saturday Night Live" skit, the Pirates, now formally christened a laughingstock by the nation's arbiter of such things, suffered their final indignity with a 6-0 silencing by the Cincinnati Reds yesterday at Great American Ball Park. That was loss No. 99. And that, mercifully, will be all. "It's over," center fielder Andrew McCutchen said, packing at his stall in another quiet clubhouse setting. "It stinks, with all the moves and everything else, that all this happened this year. Really, you just want to have a fresh start, and we're going to have that next spring. For this season ... hey, nothing you can do now." Other than maybe add up all ..."
Nutting 'frustrated' with record
"Bob Nutting expressed displeasure with the Pirates' performance in 2009, even as the team's owner expressed confidence in his management. "I am personally frustrated with the team's performance as a whole," Nutting said yesterday. "While there were difficult moves that needed to be made to speed up the process of bringing winning baseball back to our fans and some individual bright spots that are very encouraging, nobody within the organization, at any level, should be satisfied with our performance." He did not waver in his support of team president Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington, even though the Pirates' performance dropped dramatically after all the first-half ..."
Coonelly open to extensions for GM, manager
"The Pirates will raise payroll by an undisclosed amount for 2010, are open to offering extensions to general manager Neal Huntington and manager John Russell beyond next year, and have not yet decided about keeping single-game ticket prices level, team president Frank Coonelly said yesterday. The payroll for the current roster, assuming no additions and raises for existing players, projects to be $28 million for opening day 2010. The payroll ceiling for the season that ended yesterday was $55 million, roughly double that. Coonelly pledged that payroll "will be above the $28 million range" but did not get more specific. "We have meaningful payroll flexibility to add players through the free ..."
Pirates believe they are ahead of the curve
"If the Pirates are going to succeed with home-grown players, they must produce breakthrough seasons at an above-average rate. That seems to have been the case this season. Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones generated Rookie of the Year buzz. Ross Ohlendorf rolled up 11 wins and a 3.92 ERA. Jesse Chavez and Evan Meek were solid in the bullpen. Last year, Paul Maholm, Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth emerged. In 2010, Pedro Alvarez, Jose Tabata and Brad Lincoln are expected to arrive. "I think we're a little bit ahead of the curve, as far as guys coming up and establishing themselves at this level," manager John Russell said. "For most clubs, it's about a player and a half a year — one ..."
Duke, Pirates take the loss in Cincinnati
"Zach Duke struggled in his final start of the season Saturday, as the Pirates lost, 8-4, against the Cincinnati Reds. Duke (11-16), who leads the National League in losses, worked five innings and gave up five runs on six hits. The left-hander walked five, one shy of his career high, and struck out two. The Pirates took a 1-0 lead in the first inning against Johnny Cueto (11-11). Andrew McCutchen walked and scored on Andy LaRoche's double. The Reds tied it in the second went ahead with one run in the third and three in the fourth."
Pirates say they will 'explore' free agents
"The current Pirates ownership will likely never have pockets deep enough to sign a superstar free agent. And management will avoid the type of "Band-Aid" imports — Jeromy Burnitz, Derek Bell, George Hendrick — that tend to end up as flops. Yet, that does not mean the Pirates will not spend in the free-agent market this offseason. And general manager Neal Huntington said the team's shopping list might include more than just backups and bit players. "We're going to be a little bit more aggressive in exploring that mid-tier market this year," Huntington said. "Not making any promises, but we'll explore it. Maybe there is a guy who can step in (as an everyday player) and help this club ..."
Pirates seeking improvement at every level
"The question seemed to take Andrew McCutchen by surprise. McCutchen, the Pirates' top draft pick in 2005, played well enough this summer to rank among the top Rookie of the Year candidates. In a season marked by roster upheaval — including trades that were unpopular among fans and players — McCutchen was a welcome addition. So, what must McCutchen do to improve in 2010? "I don't think I should change a thing, really," McCutchen said after a moment's reflection. "I'm pretty pleased with how I've done so far, so there's nothing I need to change." McCutchen has a point. Next season should be more about improvement than change — not only for McCutchen, but for the Pirates' entire system from ..."
LaRoche approached about move
"The Pirates have spoken with Andy LaRoche about moving from third base to second next year to make room for top prospect Pedro Alvarez, though such a move is far from definite. "With Andy, we'll continue to take a look at all options," general manager Neal Huntington said at Great American Ball Park. "He's played there some as an amateur, a handful of games as a professional. At this point in time, we have to be open to all options." LaRoche certainly sounds open to it. "Oh, it's completely fine by me," he said. "Shoot, if that's going to help us out for me to go to second, that doesn't bother me at all. If they think Pedro's ready to come up and that helps us win, hey, whatever it takes ..."
Duke unusually wild in Pirates' 8-4 loss to Reds
"One to go. The Pirates' 8-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds last night at Great American Ball Park very much had that get-this-over-with feel, from Zach Duke uncharacteristically losing his command to the offense swinging wildly at an erratic opposing pitcher to ... Well, whatever. Today, the franchise's 123rd season ends, 98 losses after it began, with little more than the mathematical assurance that 100 cannot be achieved. And it might well be that the official avoidance of 100 with the victory here Friday led to a letdown in this one. The players had spoken in recent days of not wanting to be part of such a distinction and treated the 6-2 stretch that followed like "our playoffs," as center ..."
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