Pittsburgh Pirates News

Pirates admit 'rumblings' about Tabata's age
"His birth certificate and passport say outfielder Jose Tabata was born Aug. 12, 1988, in Anzoategui, Venezuela. Yet, during a recent radio interview, general manager Neal Huntington admitted there are "a lot of rumblings" that Tabata might actually be in his mid-20s. In Latin America, record-keeping can be spotty, especially when it comes to youngsters with excellent baseball skills. The New York Yankees investigated Tabata's background in 2005 and, satisfied he truly was 16, signed him as an undrafted free agent. The Pirates are not publicly disputing Tabata's age, and yet ... "All of the documentation he has used to obtain his visa from the U.S. government and his passport from the ..."
Pirates seek boost to flagging offense
"All too often last year, the Pirates' offense evaporated at the worst possible time. "It seemed like every game we were in it, but we were always one or two hits away," catcher Ryan Doumit said. Sixty-six of their games -- about 41 percent of the season -- were decided by either one or two runs. The Pirates' record in those games was 24-42. The Pirates cannot say the franchise truly is taking steps back toward respectability until they find a way to restore their anemic offense and start winning close games. "It's a standard we have to set for ourselves," manager John Russell said. Last season, the Pirates scored 636 runs, the lowest total in the majors. They also amassed the second-fewest ..."
Tekulve is not a proponent of reliever award
"Closing out the ninth inning of a tight ballgame is one of the most pressure-packed jobs in baseball. The best closers are rewarded with hefty contracts, delirious standing ovations, adrenaline rushes and perhaps an ulcer or two along the way. What they do not get a lot of is awards. "It is much harder for a reliever who has a great season to win the (Cy Young) award than a starter who has a great season," said Tekulve, who ranks first in Pirates history with 158 saves. "That's because all of the voters will consider the starter, but only certain voters will consider the reliever." Nine of the past 86 Cy Young awards have gone to relief pitchers. Since 1977, seven of the winners were ..."
Fed-up fans should turn against Nutting
"Bob Nutting is known as a bottom-line businessman, as reflected by his dealings as Pirates owner. Ron Burkle has a reputation as a savvy billionaire with political muscle who is no stranger to hostile takeovers. When word leaked that Burkle and his Penguins co-owner, Mario Lemieux, made an offer to buy the Pirates, it set the stage for what could become a cross-town tug-of-war for control of the non-Steelers sports market. The Penguins want it, but Nutting isn't budging. Pirates president Frank Coonelly admitted Saturday that the timing of the leak, four months after the fact, was "odd." Considering that it came the night the Pirates unveiled plans for a statue to honor Bill Mazeroski and ..."
Lemieux attempted to buy Pirates in September
"As principal owner Bob Nutting tightened his grip on the Pirates the past three years, he rejected at least two opportunities to sell the franchise. Last September, Penguins owners Ron Burkle and Mario Lemieux met with Nutting and tried to convince him to sell. Previously, Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg, who owns the Pirates' Single-A affiliate in State College, made a similar inquiry. Both offers were rebuffed — proof, Nutting said Saturday, of his commitment to long-term ownership. "I cannot reiterate strongly enough that the Pittsburgh Pirates are not for sale, nor have they ever been for sale since I assumed control of the ballclub," Nutting wrote in an e-mail to the ..."
A moved Mazeroski sees statue model
"Bill Mazeroski had to pause three times during a three-minute speech, but he made it. His voice trembling, standing at the podium before about 75 team officials, reporters and players at the Pirates' annual media luncheon yesterday, he spoke in characteristically humble tones just before the unveiling of the statue design that soon will be erected in his honor. "I hit one home run," he said. "I get all the credit and don't deserve it. You get in the Hall of Fame. You get a street named after you. Holy hell, how can you get a better life than that?" The room burst into laughter and applause. "Now, I get a statue. I don't know what to say after that. Just, thanks." Mazeroski and Bob Nutting, ..."
Pirates add three minor players as spring invitees
"The Pirates invited three more non-roster players to spring training, all of the minor league variety: Infielders Brian Friday and Doug Bernier, and catcher Hector Gimenez. Friday, 24, is the lone prospect of the group. He batted .265 with seven home runs for Class AA Altoona last season."
Lemieux, Penguins co-owner offer to buy Pirates
"Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, co-owners of the Penguins, recently made an unsolicited offer to buy the Pirates in a face-to-face meeting with that team's owner, Bob Nutting, but the offer did not receive a response. Sources on the Penguins' side last night described the offer made by Mr. Lemieux and Mr. Burkle as "very serious," without divulging a dollar figure, and said they remain interested in following up. The Pirates characterized the matter far differently. Mr. Nutting, the only person in the meeting to comment on it, was adamant that no serious discussion about a sale had taken place. And he firmly reiterated that the Pirates are not for sale. "Honestly, I'm not sure there's a ..."
Pirates add three minor players as spring invitees
"The Pirates invited three more non-roster players to spring training, all of the minor league variety: Infielders Brian Friday and Doug Bernier, and catcher Hector Gimenez. Friday, 24, is the lone prospect of the group. He batted .265 with seven home runs for Class AA Altoona last season."
Mazeroski emotional as Pirates unveil statue model
"Bill Mazeroski, the Pirates' hero of the 1960 World Series, grew visibly emotional this afternoon at the unveiling of the model of the statue the team soon will erect in his honor. "I hit one home run," he said at the team's annual media luncheon at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. "I get all the credit and don't deserve it. You get in the Hall of Fame. You get a street named after you. Holy hell, how can you get a better life than that? Now, I get a statue. I don't know what to say after that. Just, thanks." Mazeroski had to pause -- and apologize -- three times during a three-minute speech for showing his emotions through a trembling voice."
Russell: Pirates' payroll will not be factor on field
"The Pirates will open PirateFest today with the unveiling of the model for the Bill Mazeroski statue, a tribute to the franchise's rich past. The future? That remains to be seen, of course. But the term "rich" hardly comes to mind, at least not in the spending sense: Given large signings this week by the Oakland Athletics and San Diego Padres, it is now virtually assured that the Pirates' projected opening-day payroll of $35.6 million will be the lowest in Major League Baseball. That would mark the first time the Pirates hit the bottom since the 1997 "Freak Show" team spent $9 million and, stunningly, contended for a division title. Will the payroll mark this group in any way, inside or ..."
Maz to getting statue outside of PNC Park
"The Pirates this summer will celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the franchise's proudest moments by erecting a statue to Bill Mazeroski outside PNC Park. Final plans are expected to be revealed Friday at the opening of PirateFest, with Mazeroski in attendance, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The statue will be placed on Mazeroski Way. It will be the fourth Pirates monument outside PNC Park, joining tributes to Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. Pirates slugger Ralph Kiner and several Negro League players are honored with a smaller statues inside the park."
Pirates to unveil Mazeroski statue plans
"Bill Mazeroski, already immortalized for hitting baseball's greatest home run, soon will be immortalized all over again. In bronze. The Pirates will unveil plans for a new PNC Park statue honoring Mazeroski as part of this weekend's PirateFest at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, according to multiple sources. It likely will come during the Friday session, 5-9 p.m., for season-ticket holders. Mazeroski will be in attendance -- and signing autographs -- that night and Saturday. The building of the statue has not yet begun, but it is expected to be complete by June 18-19, when the Pirates will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their 1960 World Series championship during a weekend ..."
Pirates' trade history is so-so in 20th century
"What was the Pirates' best trade of the 20th Century? Was it when they swiped Andy Van Slyke, Mike LaValliere and Mike Dunne from the Cardinals? Bobby Bonilla from the White Sox? Brian Giles from the Indians? How about when they fleeced the Indians and got ... Gene Woodling? According to author Doug Decatur, the Pirates were involved in 18 of the top 200 most lopsided trades of the 20th Century. In 11 of those swaps, the Pirates got the worst end of the deal. In his book "Traded," Decatur rates the 306 most lopsided trades from 1901 to 2000. He bases his rankings on "win shares" (a stat created by Bill James to determine how many wins a player contributes to his team) and the future value ..."
Pirates collecting donations for Haiti relief
"The Pirates will be collecting for Haitian earthquake relief as part of their Winter Caravan and PirateFest events next week. American Red Cross collection containers will be available at all stops on the Caravan, a traveling promotion that includes stops across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia Sunday through Thursday. At PirateFest, which is Jan. 29-31, the Pirates Charities booth will accept donations. Those who donate $5 or more will receive a Roberto Clemente No. 21 button while supplies last. Cash, along with checks made out to the "American Red Cross" with the word "Haiti" noted in the check's memo section, will be accepted."
Relief pitcher Dotel signs deal with Pirates
"Octavio Dotel wants to be a closer again. The Pirates were the only team that offered him a chance to do it. "I feel like I still have the (ability) to do that job," Dotel said Thursday after signing a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the Pirates. "I feel like I'm the right person, and the right team was Pittsburgh. I feel like I'm at home." Dotel's contract calls for a $3.25 million salary next season and includes a $4.5 million club option for 2011 with a $250,000 buyout. If Dotel is traded, the option becomes mutual. In 11 seasons, Dotel has 83 saves and a 3.73 ERA. Although he hasn't been a full-time closer in 2 1/2 years, the Pirates are intrigued by Dotel's experience and lively ..."
Pirates' roster mostly set for 2010
"Perhaps fittingly, the Pirates closed out the core of their 2010 roster by adding a closer. The team and free-agent closer Octavio Dotel yesterday completed their one-year contract, which has a base salary of $3.25 million for the coming season, plus performance bonuses based on games finished. There also is a 2011 club option worth $4.5 million, plus similar bonuses, with a buyout of $250,000. If Dotel is traded, the option becomes mutual. To clear space on the full 40-man roster, reliever Anthony Claggett was designated for assignment and, to hear general manager Neal Huntington tell it ... "We'll continue to investigate and explore, but I do not anticipate much more activity from us. ..."
Morning links: Dotel vs. Capps
"Octavio Dotel is in the fold, and that means that, once and for all, Dotel's duel with Matt Capps can begin, right? First, let us set some framework for the debate ... In 2010, they will cost pretty much the same: Dotel will be paid $3.25 million, Capps $3.5 million. They also will have the same number of years of control: The Pirates have the club option on Dotel for 2011, and the Nationals have a third and final year of arbitration with Capps in 2011, after which he can become a free agent. Which leaves two variables in play: Age and performance. And, really, age only matters as it relates to performance in this equation, meaning that, if Dotel somehow starts throwing 88-mph fastballs ..."
Pirates, Dotel agree to year, option
"The Pirates and free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel agreed to terms on a one-year contract plus a club option for 2011, a source directly involved in the talks told the Post-Gazette tonight. The agreement is pending a physical scheduled for tomorrow in Pittsburgh and, if Dotel clears, he could sign by the afternoon. Financial terms were not immediately available, but Dotel made $6 million with the Chicago White Sox last year, and his new salary is expected to be about half that. Still, it should qualify as the Pirates' most expensive free-agent signing this winter, easily topping outfielder Ryan Church's guaranteed $1.5 million. Their most expensive acquisition was the trade for second ..."
Pirates agree to deal with Duke, claim outfielder on waivers
"Duke avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $4.3 million contract. This is the second of Duke's three years of arbitration eligibility. Duke, 26, made $2.2 million last season, when he went 11-16 with a 4.06 ERA and earned his first All-Star berth. In five seasons with the Pirates, Duke is 37-55 with a 4.30 ERA. According to general manager Neal Huntington, the Pirates did not consider offering Duke a long-term deal. "As we worked through the process, it became clear it's in our best interest to stay with a one-year contract," Huntington said. "The trouble with multi-year contracts this late in the (arbitration eligibility) process is they become more like a free-agent contract." ..."
Checking on payroll
"So, Zach Duke signed for $4.3 million, nearly doubling his pay, and that pretty much crystallizes what the Pirates' payroll will be for 2010. Almost. The total for the 10 signed major league players on the 40-man roster is $24.95 million. Add to that the $950,000 that D.J. Carrasco, a non-roster invitee, would make, and the figure is $25.9 million. Add $3 million for Octavio Dotel -- just an educated guess, obviously -- and it is $28.9 million. From there, assume that the other 14 players on the opening-day roster will make an average of $500,000. The major league minimum will be $400,000 again, and most of the veterans on minor league deals are in the range of $600,000-$700,000, so that ..."
Pirates setting complex stage to add Dotel
"The Pirates and starter Zach Duke yesterday avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.3 million that nearly doubled his previous pay. And that was only part of what promises to be a busy week of transactions. Later in the afternoon, general manager Neal Huntington claimed outfielder Brandon Jones off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, although that addition might not last. Then, late in the evening, Huntington designated for assignment reliever Steven Jackson, meaning the team has 10 days to trade, waive or release him. On deck? All together now: Octavio Dotel. First, about the 40-man roster ... The Jones claim was able to occur even though the 40-man roster ..."
Pirates claim outfielder Jones off waivers
"The Pirates today claimed outfielder Brandon Jones off waivers from Atlanta. Jones, 26, batted .257 in 51 games over the past three seasons for the Braves, with one home run, 22 RBIs, 11 doubles and a steal. With Class AAA Gwinnett last season, he batted .281 with seven home runs and 57 RBIs. In 2007, Jones, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound left-handed batter, was ranked No. 4 among Atlanta's prospects by Baseball America."
Pirates, Duke avoid arbitration, agree to contract
"The Pirates and starter Zach Duke this morning agreed to terms on a contract, thus avoiding salary arbitration, according to a source directly involved in talks. It is believed to be a one-year term, but no salary was immediately available. Noon today was Major League Baseball's deadline for teams and arbitration-eligible players to exchange salary figures toward the hearings that take place in February, but that process was canceled by the agreement. Duke, 26, made $2.2 million last year while going 11-16 with a 4.06 ERA in 32 starts and making the National League All-Star team. This was his second year of arbitration eligibility."
Indians acquire infielder Brian Bixler from Pittsburgh
"The Indians have acquired infielder Brian Bixler from Pittsburgh for minor league infielder Jesus Brito. Bixler was added to the 40-man roster and will compete for a spot on the big-league club as a middle infielder in spring training. Bixler, 27, hit .227 (10-for-44) with five runs and three RBI for the Pirates last year. The right-handed hitter spent most of the season at Class AAA Indianapolis where he batted .275 (111-for-403) with 71 runs, 23 doubles, eight triples, nine homers and 43 RBI. The Pirates drafted Bixler, from Sandusky, with the second pick in the 2004 draft. He made his big-league debut in 2008."
Pirates complete Brendan Donnelly deal
"The reconstruction of the Pirates' bullpen continued Monday, when the team finalized a one-year deal with free agent Brendan Donnelly. Donnelly, 38, will make $1.35 million in base salary, with a chance to earn up to $1.5 million in performances bonuses. The right-hander, who pitched last season for the Florida Marlins, will fill a late-inning role with the Pirates. To clear a spot for Donnelly on the 40-man roster, the Pirates traded infielder Brian Bixler to the Cleveland Indians for infielder Jesus Brito. Over eight years in the majors, Donnelly is 29-9 with a 3.02 ERA. He had reconstructive elbow surgery in July 2007 and did not pitch again until last season, when he went 3-0 with two ..."
Charges against Yates dropped
"Charges of family abuse and property against Pirates relief pitcher Tyler Yates in Hawaii have been dropped. Yates, 32, was charged Dec. 30 after intervening in a dispute between his parents at his offseason home in Hawaii. He was released on $1,050 bail. Four days later, Yates officially re-signed with the Pirates. The right-hander, who is recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, received a minor league contract and an invitation to spring training. Early this morning, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review contacted general manager Neal Huntington about Yates' status. Tonight, the Pirates admitted they knew about the situation before Yates agreed to his contract."
Weiner Whacks Marlins; Pirates next?
"One down, three or four to go. Michaell Weiner, in his first venture as head of the players union, successfully wrestled the Florida Marlins to baseball's financial mat and is prepared to take on similarly recalcitrant revenue-sharing rogues. No other Florida-like agreements have been reached and none apparently will be sought until after April 1, the deadline for revenue-sharing recipients to report on their use of the 2009 money. But the Pirates, the Rays, the Padres and the Royals remain in the union's sights, according to union and management representatives. Weiner, who succeeded Donald Fehr last month as the union's executive director, declined to discuss the matter Saturday, ..."
Pirates reliever Yates arrested, but charges dropped
"Reliever Tyler Yates, recently re-signed by the Pirates, was arrested Dec. 30 in his native Hawaii on a family abuse charge, but police there have dropped both of the related charges against him. The other charge was for property damage, and the bail following the arrest was $1,000, according to a report this morning in The Garden Island, a newspaper on the island of Kauai where Yates lives. The newspaper gave no other details of the incident. The Pirates tonight issued a statement that described the incident as "stemming from a disagreement between [Yates'] parents at his home in Hawaii," with no other details except that Yates' wife, Liezel, and daughter, Kamryn, "were in no way involved ..."
Bullpen roles are up in the air for Pirates
"A few minutes after the Pirates allowed closer Matt Capps to become a free agent last month, Joel Hanrahan's cell phone began to buzz. "My brother sent me a text message right away," Hanrahan said. More calls and messages followed. Everyone, it seemed, had the same thought: maybe Hanrahan could regain the late-inning role he once held in Washington. "I wouldn't mind it," said Hanrahan, who saved 14 games in two rocky stints as the Nationals' closer in 2008 and '09. "I think it would be a fun challenge." But with Capps out of the picture - ironically, he eventually signed with the Nats - nothing is for certain in the Pirates' bullpen. And the closer's job isn't the only one up for grabs. ..."
Pirates' Vasquez making his directing debut
"It's not unusual for players to take a vacation ... or two, or three ... during the offseason. But not many turn their seafaring adventures into a music video. Pirates pitcher Virgil Vasquez spent the past couple of months kayaking, golfing, off-roading and generally goofing off in Southern California with his roommates, who also are pro ballplayers. Using the iMovie app on his laptop, Vasquez is splicing together his home movies and adding a soundtrack. "We're going to have the world premier sometime soon," Vasquez said. World premier? Is Vasquez renting out a theater and rolling out the red carpet? "Um ... no," he said, a bit sheepishly. "It'll be at my house in Santa Barbara." One ..."
Pirates, reliever Donnelly reach agreement
"It is a mystery no more. The Pirates and free-agent reliever Brendan Donnelly have agreed to terms on a one-year, major league contract pending a physical, a source directly involved in negotiations said yesterday. Firm financial terms were not immediately available, but it is expected that the salary will be in the range of $1.5 million, with performance bonuses -- based on appearances -- that could nearly double that if maxed out. Donnelly, 38, had a 1.78 ERA in 30 appearances last season after the Florida Marlins signed him out of the Houston Astros' system in early July. As setup man down the stretch for the contending Marlins, he struck out 25 in 25 1/3 innings, walked nine, and ..."
O's sign ex-Pirate Salazar to minor league deal
"Looking to add to their minor league outfield depth, the Orioles have signed former Pittsburgh Pirate Jeff Salazar to a minor league deal with an invitation to big league spring training. Salazar, 29, appeared in 21 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last year, going 1-for-23 (.046) with an RBI. With experience at all three outfield spots, Salazar is expected to start the season at Triple-A Norfolk. The Orioles have plenty of outfield depth at the major league level with Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Lou Montanez, Felix Pie, Nolan Reimold and Luke Scott. Salazar has appeared in 168 big league games for three different organizations, and has a career batting average of .232. He was an ..."
Pirates starter Duke files for arbitration
"Left-hander Zach Duke on Friday became the lone Pirates player to file for salary arbitration. Duke is among 128 major leaguers who filed. Arbitration hearings will be held the first three weeks of February, though players and management can continue to negotiate up to the start of their hearing. Usually, most of the players who file for arbitration settle with their teams before their case is heard by an arbitrator"
Pirates, Jones seek 'Legend' sequel
"Will the Legend live on? Ask Garrett Jones, now that the calendar has turned, if he ever awoke from that year-long dream in 2009, and he will respond with a characteristically playful smile. "I don't know, but I hope not." It surely will take more than hope, but the Pirates and their stunningly prodigious right fielder, who slugged 21 home runs in half a season as a 28-year-old rookie, profess no-hesitation confidence that 2010 will represent a sequel rather than the snap back to reality that some -- including evaluators in the industry -- see as inevitable. Manager John Russell evidently is not among them. "You heard that last year, too, that he can't maintain it, that he can't do it," ..."
Pirates nearing deal with Dotel
"The Pirates are nearing a deal with free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel, a source confirmed with MLB.com on Thursday. Though the two sides are close, no agreement is in place yet. Dotel would also still need to undergo a physical before anything would become official. Dotel, 36, is coming off a season in which he made $6 million in the second year of a two-year deal with the White Sox. He made 62 appearances in 2009 and finished with a 3.32 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings. Though Pittsburgh is expected to have offered Dotel a Major League deal, it is unlikely that the salary will approach what Dotel earned last year given general manager Neal Huntington's hesitancy to pay relievers ..."
Pirates' Cotts on comeback trail after surgery
"Lefty reliever Neal Cotts threw long toss Thursday morning under the watchful eyes of Pirates trainers and coaches, who said his motion was smooth with good zip on the ball. "Pretty good arm action for a guy who had Tommy John surgery in early July," pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said. Cotts, who'll turn 30 in March, was with the Chicago Cubs when he had surgery. He rehabbed at the Cubs' facility in Mesa, Ariz., and began throwing a few months later. "I struggled at the start," Cotts said. "But then, right after Christmas, it was like a switch just flipped on, and it all came back to me." Cotts is slated to begin throwing off a mound at the end of this month, but he is not expected to be ..."
Pirates praise outfielder Milledge's maturity
"A make-or-break season may be on the horizon for Pirates left fielder Lastings Milledge. "I know this is going to be an important year," Milledge said Thursday. "I'm expecting a lot out of myself. I've been putting in the work, because I think this year could set up the rest of my career." Milledge, who is entering his fifth major-league season, arrived this week at the Pirates' final minicamp in dynamite shape, trimmer and more muscular. During morning sessions in the batting cage, Milledge, 24, attacked the ball. In the clubhouse after yesterday's workouts, Milledge joked with Andrew McCutchen. The two young outfielders - cornerstones of the Pirates' building plan - cut each other up ..."
If Dotel is Pirates' closer, how long?
"The Pirates last night inched closer toward a contract agreement with free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel, with one source directly involved in the talks indicating that only details remained and another saying that "there is no agreement yet." If it does get done, it is possible, perhaps likely, that Dotel immediately will be named the team's closer. But for how long? For the moment, management sees two closer candidates in Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek, if not now then into the near future. And, to hear manager John Russell tell it yesterday afternoon following the second day of minicamp, each has what it takes. "We like the people we have," Russell said. "But determining who will be the ..."
Pirates nearing deal with Dotel
"The Pirates are nearing a deal with free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel, a source confirmed with MLB.com on Thursday. Though the two sides are close, no agreement is in place yet. Dotel would also still need to undergo a physical before anything would become official. Dotel, 36, is coming off a season in which he made $6 million in the second year of a two-year deal with the White Sox. He made 62 appearances in 2009 and finished with a 3.32 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings. Though Pittsburgh is expected to have offered Dotel a Major League deal, it is unlikely that the salary will approach what Dotel earned last year given general manager Neal Huntington's hesitancy to pay relievers ..."
Huntington, Bucs might not be done dealing
"Now that the deal for free-agent outfielder Ryan Church is complete, don't be surprised if the Pirates swing more minor deals - a trade, another free-agent addition - in the next few days. As Church's one-year, $1.5 million contract was being announced Wednesday, general manager Neal Huntington was flying to Paradise Valley, Ariz., to attend a two-day owners' meeting. It's the first time all 30 GMs were asked to be at the owners' confab, and there's always some wheeling and dealing when so many front-office folks gather. Huntington remains on the prowl for bullpen help. That might necessitate opening a spot on the 40-man roster, either by trading or releasing someone now on the list. The ..."
Pirates begin the Clement project
"Almost all of the 5 1/2 fields at Pirate City's sunsoaked complex were empty yesterday afternoon after the first session of the Pirates' minicamp. All expect that half-field. Jeff Clement, the projected everyday first baseman who is about to take a crash course in playing first base, spent an extra hour on the infield-only Bill Mazeroski Field, taking grounder after grounder. It was the first step of what might be the team's top spring priority: Get Clement's promising left-handed bat -- he is 26 years old and has 19 or more home runs in his past three seasons -- into the lineup. Perhaps underscoring the importance, manager John Russell handle the instruction himself yesterday, with an ..."
Pirates complete contract with outfielder Church
"The Pirates officially have signed free-agent outfielder Ryan Church, the team announced this morning, to the one-year, $1.5 million contract that had been previously reported. Management plans to use Church in a reserve role, behind everyday outfielders Lastings Milledge, Andrew McCutchen and Garrett Jones. Church, 31, is coming off a 2009 in which he batted .273 with four home runs and 40 RBIs in 111 games split between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. He was hampered much of the summer by a sore back caused by an aggravated sacroiliac joint. In December, he was non-tendered by Atlanta after making $2.8 million, as he surely would have gotten a raise through the arbitration process."
Church adds insurance for Pirates in outfield
"By signing free-agent outfielder Ryan Church, the Pirates will get some insurance in case Jeff Clement struggles or Jose Tabata hits a major roadblock. Church has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract, which will be finalized after he passes a physical. The deal includes up to another $1.32 million in incentives based on plate appearances. The Pirates want to use Church, 31, as an extra outfielder to spell Garrett Jones in right field. At some point this summer, fast-rising prospect Jose Tabata is expected to make his Pittsburgh debut and take over in right. Beginning in spring training, Clement will get every opportunity to win the job at first base. However, Clement, acquired last ..."
Pirates moving toward three relievers
"The Pirates' contract with free-agent outfielder Ryan Church -- one year, $1.5 million -- is expected to be completed this morning after a successful physical yesterday, but that should represent just the beginning of a busy few days. Next? Try three more relievers. Management has moved deeper into already productive talks with two free-agent right-handers, Octavio Dotel and D.J. Carrasco, the latter aimed at a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, and multiple sources said yesterday those could result in agreements soon. Management is in equally deep talks with another free-agent right-hander, one of those sources said, but they would divulge only that the type of ..."
Pirates sign 3 more to minor-league contracts
"In a move partly to bolster their farm system and potentially to fill one bullpen opening, the Pirates announced today the signing of three players to minor-league deals: right-handed reliever Brian Bass of the Baltimore Orioles, catcher Luke Carlin and outfielder Brian Myrow, who hit .330 with their Class AAA club in Indianapolis early last season. Bass, who turned 28 last week, went 5-3 with a 4.90 ERA in 86 1/3 innings over 48 appearances last season with Baltimore, finishing second among American League relievers in innings pitched. Carlin, 29, a member of Team Canada in last spring's World Baseball Classic, appears to be the replacement for the released Robinzon Diaz. This ..."
Pirates sign 3 to minor-league deals
"Tuesday, the Pirates signed three more players — right-hander Brian Bass, catcher Luke Carlin and outfielder Brian Myrow — to minor league contracts. That gives the team 19 non-roster invitees to spring training."
Pirates, Church agree to terms pending physical
"The Pirates found their fourth outfielder, agreeing to contract terms with free agent Ryan Church pending a physical, according to multiple sources last night. Church, 31, is coming off a 2009 in which he batted .273 with four home runs and 40 RBIs in 111 games split between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves. He was hampered much of the summer by a sore back caused by an aggravated sacroiliac joint. In December, he was non-tendered by Atlanta after making $2.8 million, as he surely would have gotten a raise through the arbitration process. No financial details were immediately available on the pending contract with the Pirates, but the term is expected to be one guaranteed year. One ..."
Pirates, Church agree to terms
"The Pirates and free-agent outfielder Ryan Church have agreed to terms on a contract, pending a physical to be taken later this week, multiple sources confirmed tonight. Those sources cautioned that the physical will be important, given that Church was troubled much of last season by back issues."
Pirates in talks with free-agent outfielder Church
"The Pirates are in talks with free-agent outfielder Ryan Church. Church, 31, is coming off a 2009, split between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, in which he batted .273 with four home runs and 40 RBIs in 111 games. He was non-tendered by Atlanta management after making $2.8 million, as he surely would have gotten a raise through the arbitration process. He was hampered much of the past summer by a sore back caused by an aggravated sacroiliac joint. Church appears to fit the Pirates' profile for their primary position-player need, in that they seek a reserve outfielder capable of stepping into everyday duty if needed: Church, a left-handed batter, is versatile, sound defensively, and ..."