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Pittsburgh Pirates News

Alvarez, Presley must perform to keep jobs
"No starting positions will be up for grabs when the Pirates open spring training camp in two and a half weeks, but third baseman Pedro Alvarez and left fielder Alex Presley still must prove they can hang on to everyday jobs. During an interview Thursday on TribLive Radio, manager Clint Hurdle rattled off his starters and noted that Alvarez and Presley "will get the first shot" at their respective positions. This offseason, the Pirates signed two experienced free agents — corner infielder Casey McGehee and outfielder Nate McLouth — who could step in if either Presley or Alvarez falters. McGehee, 29, was signed primarily to platoon with Garrett Jones at first base. However, McGehee has"
Pirates set arbitration date with McGehee
"The Pirates and Casey McGehee have an arbitration hearing scheduled for Feb. 16 if they cannot agree on terms of a contract before that time. McGehee reportedly submitted a desired salary of $2,725,000, and the Pirates asked for a salary of $2,350,000. The midpoint is $2,537,500. McGehee, 29, is eligible for arbitration for the first time and made $468,000 last season. A source indicated that the Pirates and McGehee have continued to negotiate."
Pirates, Cruz agree to deal
"The Pirates signed right-hander Juan Cruz to a minor league contract and offered him an invitation to spring training. Cruz, 33, pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. He went 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, pitching 482/3 innings in 56 relief appearances. He will likely compete with Chris Leroux, Jared Hughes, Tim Wood, Ryota Igarashi and others for a spot in a crowded bullpen or could provide depth in case of injury. Cruz also pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Oakland A's, Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals in his 11-year major league career."
Sources: Playoff expansion has issues
"Baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues to talk confidently about expanding the baseball playoff field in 2012. But sources tell ESPN.com efforts to make that happen remain bogged down, all because of one thorny little complication: the details. Wednesday was supposed to be the day the commissioner's office finished a proposed schedule for the 2012 postseason and shipped it to the players' association for consideration. But sources told ESPN.com that deadline wasn't going to be met -- not because talks have broken down, but because fitting two extra wild-card pieces into the postseason puzzle has proven to be more involved than the commissioner has been willing to acknowledge. The new"
Pirates catching prospect Sanchez injured in offseason scuffle
"Tony Sanchez, the Pirates' top catcher prospect, again got into hot water with the team when he sustained a broken jaw in a bar brawl earlier this offseason. Sources told the Tribune-Review the fight happened about three months ago while Sanchez, 23, was participating in the Florida Instructional League. No police charges were filed. Sanchez did not return a phone call and text messages from the Tribune-Review. As a policy, Pirates management does not comment even in general terms about player misconduct and discipline. When asked specifically about Sanchez's incident, assistant general manager Kyle Stark, who oversees player development, said, "Consistent with our approach in off-field"
Bud-branded lounge set for PNC Park
"Some Pirates fans might be able to drink in the view of the Downtown skyline from PNC Park this season -- literally. In conjunction with Anheuser-Busch, the Pirates will open a new 5,000-square-foot bar and lounge in the right field corner of the park that will be available to all ticket holders. Budweiser Bowtie Bar will be the first new restaurant or bar built at the park since the Hall of Fame Club replaced Outback Steakhouse in 2008. It should be ready by opening day on April 5."
New open-air bar set for Pirates games at PNC Park
"The Pirates will open a new open-air bar and lounge in the right field corner of PNC Park this season as part of a multi-year sponsorship deal with Anheuser-Busch. Budweiser Bowtie Bar, which will be located on the main concourse level just left of the right field grandstands, will be available to all ticket holders and should be ready by opening day on April 5. It will be the first new bar or restaurant at the ballpark since the Hall of Fame Club replaced Outback Steakhouse in 2008."
Selig expects two one-game playoffs for this fall
"Baseball appears ready for an extra round of wild-card playoffs by this fall, according to commissioner Bud Selig. "I really believe we'll have the (extra) wild card for this year," Selig said Friday at SoxFest. "Clubs really want it. I don't think I've ever seen an issue that the clubs want more than to have the extra wild card." The extra round would be one-game elimination in both the National and American Leagues to the teams who would have missed the playoffs as they are set up now. Some have argued for a best-of-three, but that appears impossible with the scheduled all but set for 2012."
MLB allows retired Tony La Russa to manage in All-Star game against Ron Washington
"Tony La Russa will come out of retirement to manage the National League team for the July 10 All-Star Game at Kansas City. La Russa will go against Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington, who will handle the American League team for the second consecutive season. La Russa retired shortly after St. Louis defeated the Rangers in the seven-game World Series."
Pitchers Karstens, Meek come to terms with Pirates
"The Pirates on Tuesday locked up right-hander Jeff Karstens and reliever Evan Meek to one-year contracts. However, infielders Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee are headed toward arbitration after failing to come to terms. Karstens signed for $3.1 million, nearly tripling his salary from last year. Meek will get $875,000 in base pay plus a $25,000 bonus if he pitches 50 innings in the majors this season. The Pirates and the agents for Jones and McGehee on Tuesday exchanged salary figures. McGehee asked for $2.725 million, and the Pirates offered $2.35 million. Jones asked for $2.5 million, and the Pirates offered $2.25 million."
Pirates' Meek, Karstens OK deals
"The Pirates whittled their list of arbitration-eligible players Tuesday, but two remained unsigned after the deadline to exchange salary figures. Pitchers Jeff Karstens and Evan Meek avoided arbitration, agreeing to one-year contracts for 2012. Karstens will earn $3.1 million, according to an industry source, and Meek, according to a source, will earn $875,000 with the chance to make an additional $25,000 in performance-based incentives."
Pirates sign Karstens for $3.1 million to avoid arbitration
"The Pirates and Jeff Karstens avoided arbitration Tuesday when they agreed to a one-year deal for 2012. Karstens will receive $3.1 million, according to a source. Karstens, 29, was eligible for arbitration for the second time. He avoided arbitration before 2011 as well when he agreed to a $1.1 million contract."
Morton, Hanrahan avoid arbitration, sign deals for 1 year
"The Pirates agreed to terms with Joel Hanrahan and Charlie Morton on one-year contracts Monday, which allowed both players to avoid salary arbitration and reduced the number of unsigned players to four. Hanrahan will make $4.1 million and can earn up to an additional $50,000 in performance-based incentives, according to a source. Morton, according to sources, will make $2,445,000. Morton was eligible for arbitration for the first time, Hanrahan for the second time. Hanrahan, 30, saved 40 games last season and made the National League All-Star team. The right-hander also avoided arbitration before last season, agreeing to terms on a one-year, $1.4 million contract for 2011."
Report: Ryan Ludwick to Reds
"Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports tonight that the Reds and free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick have agreed to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2013. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, following Rosenthal's report, says that Ludwick gets $2.5 million with a chance to make $3 million. The Reds have not confirmed the report."
Hurdle puts emphasis on finishing in 2012
"Five weeks from today, Clint Hurdle officially will begin his second season as Pirates manager when pitchers and catchers hold their first spring training workout at Pirate City. Last year, the Pirates were atop of the National League Central standings on July 25 but finished 19-43 and in fourth place. Hurdle knows success rarely happens quickly in the major leagues and is difficult to maintain over the course of a 162-game season. When he managed the Colorado Rockies, it took him five full seasons to post a winning record and get his team into the playoffs. During the Pirates' minicamp last week, Hurdle sat down with Tribune-Review beat writer Rob Biertempfel and offered early insight"
Resop signs; six Pirates eligible for arbitration
"The Pirates went to work on their arbitration-eligible players Friday, signing reliever Chris Resop to a one-year, $850,000 contract, according to a source. That leaves six arbitration-eligible players remaining. The team and the players must exchange their desired salaries by Tuesday, although they can continue to negotiate after that time. "The number that you file kind of impacts the negotiations," general manager Neal Huntington said earlier this week. The right-handed Resop, 29, appeared in 76 games for the Pirates in 2011, striking out 79 in 692/3 innings. He made $431,500 last season. The Pirates claimed him off waivers from the Atlanta Braves in August 2010. Joel Hanrahan, Evan"
Pirates slugger Jones begins prepping for a 'big year'
"There were times this offseason when Garrett Jones wondered whether he had played his final game with the Pirates. Jones batted just .243 last season, his lowest average in three years with the team. He played in 10 fewer games, got 169 fewer at-bats and hit five fewer homers than he did in 2010. And, what's worse, Jones is 30 years old and arbitration-eligible, a combination that usually forces a budget-minded team's front office to make hard choices. On Dec. 12, Jones nervously waited to hear whether the Pirates would tender him an offer or cut him loose. Jones didn't know which way it would go until shortly before the midnight deadline, when general manager Neal Huntington called to say"
Pirates pitcher Morton expects to be ready for Opening Day
"Although he will be a bit behind the rest of the pitching staff when spring training begins next month, Pirates right-hander Charlie Morton still hopes to be ready by Opening Day. Morton had surgery in October to repair a torn labrum in his left hip. He began soft- and long-tossing in December and this week is doing similar light workouts at the team's voluntary, five-day minicamp. "Everything I do is done on the side of caution," Morton said. "But I think I can get back on time." Morton will resume workouts at Pirate City on Feb. 1, about three weeks before pitchers and catchers report for the official start of spring training."
Cubs add to pitching depth with ex-Pirate Paul Maholm
"In a move that gives them more flexibility to trade Matt Garza, the Cubs signed free-agent left-hander Paul Maholm to a deal that's expected to be announced Tuesday. Maholm announced his signing Monday night via Twitter from Chicago, where he plans to attend the Cubs Convention this weekend. "I hope to get to continue some things when I visit [Pittsburgh] during the year and start some great things as I start my Cubs career,'' Maholm, 29, wrote in a tweet directed at fans in Pittsburgh, where he has spent his entire seven-year ­career (53-73, 4.36 ERA)."
Bucs sign RHP Kensing to minor-league deal
"The Pirates on Wednesday signed right-hander Logan Kensing to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Kensing, 29, pitched last season for the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate after missing all of 2010 due to elbow surgery. In 2008, he made a career-high 48 relief outings and went 4-1 with a 4.23 ERA for the Florida Marlins."
Pirates, starter Maholm talk; return is unlikely
"The Pirates and free-agent pitcher Paul Maholm have had discussions, but a team source confirmed Tuesday that his return to Pittsburgh is highly unlikely. Management continues to seek to add to its rotation, but any additions probably will come from nonroster invitees or means other than a high-profile free agent. The rotation currently is made up of Jeff Karstens, Kevin Correia, James McDonald, Charlie Morton and recently signed Erik Bedard. The depth tails off from there, though, and Morton's status is unclear coming off offseason hip surgery. Maholm has consistently maintained his openness to staying with the Pirates, who made him a first-round draft pick in 2003, and that remains the"
Cuban outfielder Cespedes draws the interest of Pirates
"Even before he became a YouTube sensation, Cuban outfielder Yoennis Cespedes was on the Pirates' radar. "He's an interesting player whom we've tracked for a number of years," general manager Neal Huntington said. In a few days, Cespedes, who defected last year, will establish residency in the Dominican Republic. Major League Baseball then can declare him a free agent and set in motion what likely will be a record-setting bidding war. Cespedes, 26, has prodigious power and last year broke Cuba's single-season home run record. The speedy center fielder also flashed his defensive skills, arm and linebacker-type physique in a 20-minute video called "The Showcase" that drew thousands of hits on"
Cast will be mostly the same entering spring training
"It happened on July 19, a bright, shining moment for the Pirates when all of life's joys and possibilities seemed within reach. After dealing Cincinnati back-to-back shutouts, this model of losing consistency led the National League Central by a half-game, seven games above .500. The pitching, brilliant beyond any reasonable expectation, brought the Pirates here. And it was the pitching that eventually would take them away from it -- the hitting was a lost cause from Day 1. The Pirates hit the All-Star break with a 3.44 team ERA. Then came fatigue, injuries, familiarity and the leveling-off process of a 162-game season. With a 4.78 ERA after the break, the third-highest increase in Major"
Makeup of bullpen relatively unchanged
"The Pirates relievers stayed busy last season. They'll get a chance to do so again this season. The bullpen, including anchor Joel Hanrahan, will return mostly intact for the 2012 season in a departure from general manager Neal Huntington's approach in recent years. Huntington tendered contracts to Hanrahan, Chris Resop and Evan Meek, and Daniel McCutchen, Tony Watson, Daniel Moskos and Chris Leroux will return was well. Jason Grilli, who joined the unit in the middle of 2011, agreed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract before the non-tender deadline."
Pirates hope to catch next big wave of talent soon
"The Pirates refer to them as waves. One wave of young talent already has arrived on the shore of PNC Park, carrying everyday starters Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez and Jose Tabata. The next one remains offshore, but it's coming in hot, featuring the young talent of Starling Marte, Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Josh Bell and several others. At some point, if all unfolds as planned, those waves will meet and create a promising lineup capable of ending the 19 consecutive sub-.500 seasons, the end game of the front office's emphasis on player development. Now, the Pirates are ready for the next step. "We're not really looking for that as a perfect storm of everything colliding"
Bucs sign Igarashi, Clement to Minors deals
"The Pirates have added right-hander Ryota Igarashi and first baseman Jeff Clement through Minor League contracts and have invited both to participate in Spring Training. The signings bring the organization's number of non-roster Spring Training invitees to eight. Pittsburgh is plenty familiar with Clement, who has been in the organization since being acquired as part of a seven-player trade in July 2009. At the time the Pirates were hopeful that Clement would be the team's next starting first baseman, but injuries and struggles have limited him to 54 big league games since that trade. Clement played in just 31 games -- all in the Minors -- in 2011 as he continued to recover from surgery on"
Goal for Pirates' McCutchen is to excel in full season
"Andrew McCutchen's production at the plate in 2011 resembled a bell curve. This offseason, he is working to straighten it out for 2012. "Just to get myself right, get myself in shape to be able to withstand 162 games-plus," the Pirates center fielder said Sunday on the final day of PirateFest at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. "That's my goal and that's what I'm trying to do. I know what I need to do to get ready, it's all about doing it." McCutchen hit .219 in April, but picked up the pace and hit .347 in June. He hit .394 in the first 10 days of July before making his first appearance in the All-Star Game and finished the first half with a .291 average, 14 home runs and 54 RBIs."
Trade talk doesn't faze Bucs closer Hanrahan
"This offseason wasn't the first time Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan has heard his name come up in trade rumors. By the time his name surfaced a few weeks ago in advance of the winter meetings as a possible addition to the Boston Red Sox, Hanrahan was more than accustomed to hearing — and paying little mind to - such talk. "It's nothing new, been through it before," he said. "It's nice seeing your name, but I enjoy Pittsburgh, I like it here and I want to be here for a while. It's not like I was sitting there looking at trade rumors thinking, 'This team's looking for a closer, this team's looking for a closer.' It's always nice to hear that someone likes you, but I wasn't expecting anything"
Pirates laud incoming veteran SS Barmes
"Asked by a fan Saturday at PirateFest why he opted to decline Ronny Cedeno's $3 million option and sign Clint Barmes to a two-year, $10.5 million deal, general manager Neal Huntington said Barmes was a more complete player. Clint Hurdle gave a bolder answer: The manager told fans he was "passionate" about the Pirates making a change at shortstop. Hurdle likened it to what happens when he and his wife go out to eat. If he asks her at the end of the meal how it was and she says it was OK, they don't return to that restaurant. "At the end of the year, Ronny was OK," Hurdle said. "I expect more out of my shortstop than Ronny could bring.""
Pirates manager Hurdle says it's not OK to be OK
"For the 2012 season, 'OK' will not cut it. That was the message conveyed to fans Saturday at the "Ask Pirates Management" portion of PirateFest. When asked why the Pirates declined to exercise Ronny Cedeno 's $3 million club option and paid more ($10.5 million over two years) to sign free agent Clint Barmes , manager Clint Hurdle said that though Cedeno improved, the Pirates needed to look elsewhere. "My wife puts things in perspective," Hurdle said by way of example. "We go out to eat at a restaurant, and at the end of the meal I ask her how the meal was, and if she says it's OK, we don't go back. At the end of the year, for me, Ronny was OK. As we try and develop a championship club, I"
Alvarez hopes early work will mean better results
"The work starts early for Pedro Alvarez. Sometimes the alarm goes off at 7 a.m. After breakfast, Alvarez hits the gym, a facility in Newport Beach, Calif., owned by the Boras Corporation that represents him, and will sometimes spend up to two and a half hours working out. "More working on functional strength, flexibility and mobility, less weights," Alvarez said at the David L. Lawrence convention center Friday before the start of PirateFest. "Trying to stay light on my feet.""
Pirates fans standing in McCutchen's corner
"Fans made it clear Friday night at PirateFest that they want All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen to be with the team a long time. During an hour-long Q&A session with president Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington, several season-ticket holders asked -- if McCutchen will get a multi-year contract. One fan practically shouted into the microphone that manager Clint Hurdle and second baseman Neil Walker also get long-term deals. "Hurdle, Walker and McCutchen are important parts of our future, and we're going to try to keep them here," Coonelly said. Hurdle already is signed through the 2013 season. The Pirates have approached McCutchen and Walker about new contracts, but"
Pirates confident Alvarez will shake funk
"The Pirates insist their faith in Pedro Alvarez was not shaken by the young third baseman's epic struggles at the plate last season. "Pedro is still a big part of our plans for next year and beyond," general manager Neal Huntington said Friday at the team's annual hot stove lunch. "He's not the first player, nor will he be the last, to have a tough sophomore season." There's no doubt the Pirates need a bounceback by Alvarez. He hit .191 with a .561 OPS and missed time due to a quad injury. With their only power threat hobbled and ineffective, the Pirates ranked 14th in the league in runs scored. "Towards the end of the year, I was starting to feel a little better at the plate, seeing the"
Barmes' presence likely will tighten middle of Pirates defense
"The Pirates saw what their new shortstop could do from across the diamond last season, and they are pleased that Clint Barmes, the former Houston Astro, is on their side now. "We played against him; you've seen what kind of glove he has," starting pitcher James McDonald said. "I was really excited we got him up the middle, strengthened that up." Barmes signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract in November and will assume the starting shortstop duties. He has spent much of this offseason preparing the new house his family bought in Colorado, but this weekend traveled to Pittsburgh for PirateFest to meet his new teammates and fans. Having had time to digest his new surroundings, Barmes said"
Hurdle repaid in hugs for his work with PWS
"Pirates manager Clint Hurdle helped raise tens of thousands of dollars this year for the Prader-Willi Syndrome program at The Children's Institute in Squirrel Hill, helping to fund an exercise room and other expansions. On Thursday, Hurdle was repaid ... with hugs. The Pirates Winter Caravan stopped at the century-old pediatric care facility to mark the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the workout room. One patient walked down the hallway excitedly asking, "Where's the coach?" When he saw Hurdle, the boy smiled and ran into his arms. Later, Hurdle's voice cracked with emotion as he spoke of his 9-year-old daughter, Maddie, who has PWS and will start going to The Children's Institute early next"
Pirates still playing small ball
"The Pirates are fresh off a Winter Meetings that was at once remarkably busy and remarkably uneventful, making a half-dozen moves while barely making any waves. They're good like that. No one outworks Neal Huntington and his staff, but the end result of weeks of sweat can be Pedro Ciriaco sneaking through waivers. It all has a hurry-up-and-wait feel to it. For years now, actually. And anyone dreaming that the franchise isn't still waiting on that perpetually far-flung future, try penciling in this Opening Day lineup for 2012: 1. Alex Presley, RF 2. Jose Tabata, LF 3. Andrew McCutchen, CF 4. Neil Walker, 2B 5. Casey McGehee, 1B 6. Pedro Alvarez, 3B 7. Clint Barmes, SS 8. Rod Barajas, C 9."
Pirates trade reliever Veras to Brewers for McGehee
"The Pirates acquired third baseman Casey McGehee from the Milwaukee Brewers Monday night in exchange for reliever Jose Veras, adding insurance in case Pedro Alvarez's 2011 struggles continue next season. They also tendered a contract to each arbitration-eligible player left on the roster before the deadline at midnight. That group included McGehee, closer Joel Hanrahan, relievers Evan Meek and Chris Resop, starters Jeff Karstens and Charlie Morton and first baseman Garrett Jones. They did not tender contracts to shortstop Pedro Ciriaco and catcher Jason Jaramillo, both of whom already were off the 40-man roster. McGehee, 29, hit .223 with a .280 on-base percentage for the Brewers this past"
Brewers trade McGehee to Pirates for reliever Veras
"As a one-time Chicago Cubs prospect, Casey McGehee found his path to the major leagues blocked by Aramis Ramirez. On Monday, McGehee's future was once again determined by the veteran slugger. Hours after agreeing with Ramirez on a three-year, $36 million contract to play third base for them moving forward, the Milwaukee Brewers traded McGehee to the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed reliever Jose Veras. The trade ends a three-year run with the Brewers that saw McGehee rise from waiver-wire pickup at the end of 2008, to rookie of the year candidacy in 2009, to team most valuable player honors in 2010 before a miserable 2011 paved the way for Monday's trade."
Baseball alone in doping battle
"It's a shame that Ryan Braun, whose slugging just led Milwaukee to a division title then to a National League MVP honor, recently tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. That's what ESPN reported Saturday, and that's a lock to draw the mandatory 50-game suspension from Major League Baseball. Even if Braun's claim of innocence is proven true, a ton of public trust has been lost all over again, in the sport and its players. This wasn't some middle reliever. This was the MVP. But that's exactly why we shouldn't lose full perspective here. At least baseball had the systems in place to make this happen, having long ago passed the other North American professional sports in its"
Florida Marlins following Pirates' failed blueprint
"Early on the second day of last week's winter meetings in Dallas, Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria traversed the long, crowded lobby of the Hilton Anatole. Loria's gait was brisk, but not so quick that he would outrace the flock of minicams on his trail. Loria smiled as he walked. He could have crossed the hotel on one of the upper floors and avoided the crush of the lobby, packed with reporters and front office executives from every major league team. But he didn't want to do that. Loria wanted to put on a show. Why wouldn't he? Next season, the Marlins will christen their new, $515 million stadium with a flashier lineup. Barely two years after being rebuked by MLB and the players' union"
Pirates sever ties with Ohlendorf
"The Pirates ran out of patience with Ross Ohlendorf, releasing the right-hander early Thursday morning. Ohlendorf, a fourth-round pick in 2004, came to the Pirates in 2008 as part of a six-player trade with the New York Yankees. In 2009, he went 11-10 with a 3.92 ERA in 29 starts. However, Ohlendorf went 2-14 with a 5.14 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP over the past two seasons while being hampered by injuries to his lower back and shoulder. "I knew chances were I wasn't coming back, but I was really hoping they wouldn't release me. I really like Pittsburgh and was looking forward to being with that group," Ohlendorf said. "This past year was really tough, but I still feel like I have the ability to"
GM Huntington hopes portfolio will pay off
"These winter meetings featured big spending on premier players. But rather than devote the Pirates assets to one commodity, general manager Neal Huntington took a diversified approach. "We could have invested everything in one big blue-chip stock or we could have invested in a portfolio," he said Thursday before the conclusion of the meetings at the Hilton Anatole. "We decided to take the portfolio approach." The Pirates left the meetings with Erik Bedard, a left-handed starter, and Nate McLouth, who will provide depth in the outfield. They also added infielder Yamaico Navarro, acquired in a trade Wednesday from the Kansas City Royals, and shortstop Gustavo Nunez, whom they selected from"
Eight pitchers among 12 drafted in Rule 5
"It was short and sweet -- not to mention upstaged by a very large free-agent signing -- but another Rule 5 Draft came and went with a host of Minor Leaguers hoping their selection will be a ticket to a better future. Twelve players were taken in the Major League phase, with 25 more going in the Triple-A and Double-A phases of the Rule 5 Draft. During the Major League phase, eligible players left unprotected from their clubs' 40-man rosters could be selected for $50,000. A player selected must now remain on his drafting team's active Major League roster next season or be offered back to the original club for $25,000. During the Triple-A and Double-A phases it costs less to take a player and"
Lee declines arbitration, Ohlendorf released
"The Pirates released Ross Ohlendorf late Wednesday night, around the same time they learned that Derrek Lee declined their offer of salary arbitration; Ohlendorf, 29, struggled with right shoulder injuries in each of the past two seasons that kept him inactive for several months. When he returned last season, he went 1-3 with an 8.15 ERA. Ohlendorf won an arbitration case last offseason and earned $2.025 million, and he was eligible for arbitration again this winter. Arbitration rules stipulate that Ohlendorf could not earn less than 80 percent of his previous salary, or about $1.62 million, making him too expensive. The Pirates acquired Ohlendorf in 2008 in a trade with the Yankees, along"
Bedard bolsters starting Pirates rotation, McLouth accepts 1-year deal
"One by one, the Pirates have checked off areas of need this offseason. Catcher: check. Shortstop: check. And Wednesday, they crossed left-handed starter and corner outfield depth off the list. The Pirates signed left-hander Erik Bedard and former Pirate Nate McLouth to one-year deals on the third day of baseball's winter meetings. They aggressively pursued their first two free-agent signings, Rod Barajas and Clint Barmes, and continued that course of action this week. "Our intent was to execute our game plan and where that took us as far as acquisition of personnel, that's where it took us," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We've had pretty good aim, it seems like, because the matches have"
Plan B at 1B comes to light for Pirates
"Derrek Lee , the first baseman who was a rare spark on a spiraling Pirates team late last season, declined the team's arbitration invitation late Wednesday night. The news is no shock to the Pirates, who were operating under the assumption Lee would wait for Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder -- who are sure to pull in the largest contracts of any free-agent first basemen -- to sign before he agreed to terms on a deal."
Pirates acquire Navarro from Kansas City
"The Pirates acquired Kansas City Royals infielder Yamaico Navarro from the Kansas City Royals in a trade this evening. The Pirates marted with minor league pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris. Navarro, 24, hit .206 in 42 career major league games -- 36 with the Red Sox and six with the Royals. He hit .264 with seven home runs and 11 doubles in 59 minor league games between the Red Sox' and Royals' Class AAA teams. Pounders, 20, finished last season in Class A West Virginia, where he went 5-5 with a 3.68 ERA in 36 games. He made one start."
Pirates To Sign Erik Bedard
"The Pirates have agreed to sign lefty Erik Bedard, MLBTR has confirmed. Canadian journalist Marc Brassard first tweeted news of an impending $4.5MM deal. Bedard, 32, is coming off his healthiest season since 2007. This year for the Mariners and Red Sox he posted a 3.62 ERA, 8.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 0.97 HR/9, and 42% groundball rate in 129 1/3 innings. He missed time with knee and lat sprains, which wasn't too bad after shoulder surgeries limited him to 164 innings for 2008-09. The signing has upside for the Pirates, who needed some depth after losing Paul Maholm to free agency. Additionally, Charlie Morton had hip surgery in October and could miss the start of the season."
Pirates sign McLouth
"The Pirates have signed free-agent outfielder Nate McLouth to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. They are expected to make the official announcement this afternoon at the Winter Meetings. McLouth got a major league deal, so the Pirates must clear a spot on their 40-man roster."