Pittsburgh Pirates Trade Rumors

Sources: Pirates lead A.J. Burnett talks
February 12
ESPN.com
 
"The New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates have a framework in place for a possible A.J. Burnett deal and are working through conditions in that framework, baseball sources said Sunday. The Yankees have been engaged in talks with four teams but the Pirates have emerged as the front-runner, sources said. One of the clubs was among teams Burnett can veto per his contract, a source said, and the right-hander was unwilling to give in on that team. It was uncertain what teams were in the bidding for Burnett beyond Pittsburgh. The Pirates and Yankees began their discussions with lots of common ground because New York wants to move Burnett, who is owed $35 million for the next two seasons, and"
Yankees righthander A.J. Burnett is not angry about trade talks that could send him to Pittsburgh Pirates
February 12
New York Daily News
 
"A.J. Burnett isn't concerned about his inclusion in ongoing trade talks with the Pirates or the prospect of losing his Yankee pinstripes, his agent said Saturday. "He is getting ready to go to spring training, whether it's with the Yankees, Pittsburgh or anyone else," Darek Braunecker said in a brief phone interview. "A.J. understands this is a business and will do what he has to do. He's healthy and he's looking forward to pitching for somebody." A source familiar with the Yankees thinking added that theres a good chance a deal with the Pirates eventually will get done."
Yankees talking to Pittsburgh Pirates in effort to get rid of struggling righty A.J. Burnett
February 11
New York Daily News
 
"In an effort to rid themselves of underperforming pitcher A.J. Burnett, the Yankees are turning to a familiar trading partner. A team source confirmed Friday that the Yankees have held recent discussions with the Pirates about Burnett, with the understanding that the Bombers would have to absorb a "significant" portion of the flighty righty's contract, which has two years and $33 million remaining. Removing even a few million dollars of their obligation to Burnett would free up the Yankees to sign another bat — such as potential designated hitters Raul Ibanez or ex-Yanks Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. They also are considering bringing back infielder Eric Chavez. Burnett has had more"
Pirates, Yankees discuss possible deal for A.J. Burnett
February 11
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Talks between the Pirates and New York Yankees regarding a trade that would bring Yankees starter A.J. Burnett to Pittsburgh were moving forward Friday evening, according to an industry source. First baseman/right fielder Garrett Jones, previously reported as a player the Yankees wanted to acquire in the deal, was not part of the discussions, the source said. It seems the Pirates prefer to assume more of Burnett's salary rather than part with players from their organization. Burnett will earn $33 million over the next two years, the final seasons of a five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed before the 2009 season. The Pirates agreed to pay $10 million of the $33 million owed to"
Yanks, Pirates talking Burnett trade
February 10
CBSSports.com
 
"The Yankees and Pirates are continuing to talk about a possible A.J. Burnett trade that could lead to more activity in the form of a couple free-agent signings by the Yankees. As of Thursday night, the teams were thought to be a few million apart in the Burnett negotiations, but they were still talking and there is some hope for a deal. The Yankees, in a twist, want to clear some money to sign their preferred positional candidates. They are considering Raul Ibanez and Johnny Damon as possible DH candidates and Eric Chavez as a reserve. They appear to be leaning toward Ibanez for the DH role, though Damon and Hideki Matsui, two former Yankees stars, also have been under consideration. In"
Could Pirates land A.J.?
February 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Hear ye, hear ye: The Pittsburgh Pirates are one team that actually might want to trade for New York Yankees right-hander A.J. Burnett. The Pirates clearly want another starting pitcher — they made one-year and three-year offers to Edwin Jackson before the free-agent right-hander signed with the Washington Nationals last week. The Pirates also have spoken with the Yankees about Burnett, though those conversations failed to progress and perhaps qualified only as due diligence, major-league sources said. Burnett, 35, wants to stay with the Yankees and be their fifth starter, according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. But the Yankees have spent the entire offseason trying to move"
Starting pitchers Oswalt, Jackson spurn interest from Pirates
February 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Even a chunk of cash as large as $10 million will not buy the Pirates an upper-tier free agent unless that player wants to play in Pittsburgh. According to multiple industry sources, the Pirates in recent days engaged in serious, detailed discussions with the agents for pitchers Roy Oswalt and Edwin Jackson. In both cases, however, talks were derailed when the player said he'd rather play elsewhere. Jackson accepted a one-year, $10 million contract Thursday from the Washington Nationals. The Pirates had offered the right-hander one- and three-year deals for slightly less money per year. Oswalt is still on the market, and reportedly is seeking a one-year contract for around $10 million. The"
Pirates, Cruz agree to deal
February 2
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"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."
Report: Ryan Ludwick to Reds
January 17
Cincinnati Enquirer
 
"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."
Lee declines arbitration, Ohlendorf released
December 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"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
December 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"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"
Pirates acquire Navarro from Kansas City
December 8
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"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
December 7
MLB Trade Rumors
 
"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
December 7
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"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."
Pirates covering their bases with 3B Alvarez
December 7
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"On Tuesday, manager Clint Hurdle said the Pirates must have a "contingency plan," in case third baseman Pedro Alvarez falters again this season. There were indications yesterday at the winter meetings that the role might be filled by either Wilson Betemit or Mark DeRosa. Team and industry sources said the Pirates have made headway in contract talks with both free agent infielders, though no deal was imminent. Only one infielder will be signed. "Pedro knows coming in that it's his job, but he's got to keep his job," Hurdle said. "We'll search for somebody who's a contingency plan if things don't work out.""
McLouth on radar for return to Pirates
December 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates were close to bringing outfielder Nate McLouth back to Pittsburgh on a one-year contract Tuesday night, according to an industry source. The Pirates are seeking depth at their corner outfield positions because Alex Presley and Jose Tabata missed time last season because of injuries. The Pirates selected McLouth, 30, in the 2000 draft. He played for them from 2005-09 before they traded him to the Atlanta Braves for pitchers Charlie Morton and Jeff Locke and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez . McLouth hit .228 with a .344 on-base percentage in 81 games last season. In the past two seasons, he hit .210 with 10 home runs. In parts of five seasons with the Pirates, he hit .261 with a .339"
Looking for a lefty
December 6
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Unless the Pirates pull in a pitcher from outside their organization, they'll open the season with five right-handers in their starting rotation. That's why they'll meet this week with the agent for veteran lefty Jeff Francis. The Pirates tried to get Francis last winter, but he signed a $2 million deal with the Royals and went 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA and 1.437 WHIP. Francis' best season was 2007, when he won 17 games for the Rockies and finished ninth in Cy Young voting. Francis, 30, is a workhorse, having made at least 20 outings in each of the past six seasons. His strikeout/nine innings rate, which was 6.9 in 2007 tumbled to 4.5 last season."
Pirates are banking on Alvarez at third base
December 6
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"General manager Neal Huntington said the Pirates are committed to keeping Pedro Alvarez as their starting third baseman, as long as Alvarez keeps his end of the bargain by staying in shape and producing on the field. Management was not satisfied with Alvarez's conditioning last season, when he hit .191 in 74 games and battled a quadriceps injury. Huntington hoped Alvarez would make up for his lost at-bats by playing winter ball, but Alvarez chose to remain at home and work out on his own. "We've been in contact with him and his trainer," Huntington said Monday. "We're fairly confident that he's doing what he needs to do. Our initial reports are he's in good shape and is ready to show"
Source: Pirates not trading CF McCutchen
November 29
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates have not entertained any trade offers for All-Star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, a high-ranking team source said Monday, and have no intention of doing so. An ESPN report yesterday said the team would listen to offers for McCutchen this offseason. The team source emphatically denied that and added that McCutchen will remain in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future."
Barmes confirms he's headed to Pittsburgh
November 21
MLB.com
 
"The Pirates have filled their hole at shortstop, replacing Ronny Cedeno with Clint Barmes, who confirmed on Monday that he has agreed to a two-year deal with Pittsburgh. The contract is worth $10.5 million. Pittsburgh has been looking for a new shortstop since deciding not to exercise Cedeno's $3 million option for 2012. That pushed Cedeno into a fairly thin free-agent shortstop market, which already included Barmes, who spent the 2011 season in Houston and became a free agent at the end of the year due to service time."
Pirates, Barmes close to deal
November 20
SI.com
 
"The Pirates are in serious talks with Clint Barmes on a two-year, $10.5 million deal. Barmes, 32, hit .244 with 12 homers and 39 RBI for the Astros last season. The Pirates have an opening at shortstop after declining Ronny Cedeno's option."
Pirates claim Jays' catcher
November 19
Toronto Sun
 
"The Blue Jays added four top prospects to their 40-man roster Friday, but lost catcher Brian Jerolman on a waiver claim by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The four prospects — catcher Travis d'Arnaud, pitcher Nestor Molina, first baseman Mike McDade and reliever Evan Crawford — all would have been vulnerable to the Rule 5 draft held in early December had the Jays not added them to the roster."
Pirates will try new start time for five games
November 17
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates announced the starting times for all home games in 2012 Wednesday, and five of them will begin at 4:05 p.m. Three of the games with the unusual start time will be played Thursdays, two will be played Saturdays. The opening pitch for the 2012 home season will take place at 1:35 p.m. April 5 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Other weeknight and Saturday games will start at 7:05 p.m., and Sunday games at 1:35."
Paul involved in identity hoax with Aussie league
November 15
MLB.com
 
"Pirates outfielder Xavier Paul has become caught in the middle of an identity hoax that had officials with the Australian Baseball League expecting Paul's arrival at the start of their season, which began earlier this month. Problem was, Paul had never actually agreed to go. Multiple sources have confirmed that Paul's participation was promised by another player, determined to be Minor League outfielder Breland Brown, who most recently played in the D-backs' farm system. According to one source, who described the scheme as so intricate that it was "like a movie," Brown created fake IDs and misrepresented himself to the ABL and Major League Baseball."
Ryan Doumit may sign contract within next few days
November 13
Hardball Talk
 
"According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, Ryan Doumit's agent Paul Cobbe said his client received two new offers today and could sign a contract in the next few days. The Pirates declined 2012 and 2013 options on Doumit late last month totaling $15.5 million. Crasnick reported earlier this week that the 30-year-old has already received multiple contract offers and expects to sign by the end of the month."
Pirates sign veteran catcher Rod Barajas
November 11
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates moved fast to find a starting catcher and today signed veteran Rod Barajas to a one-year, $4 million contract. The deal includes a $3.5 million club option for 2013 with no buyout. "They were very aggressive and definitely showed they wanted me to be part of their team," Barajas said. The Pirates needed to find a new starting catcher after declining the contract options for Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit. "There's no question there was a limited market, free agent-wise," general manager Neal Huntington said. "We determined our best course of action was to be aggressive with a guy we wanted. Rod likes the fit, we like the fit, and we were able to get it done.""
Pirates sign catcher Barajas
November 10
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates filled their hole at catcher, signing Rod Barajas to a one-year deal for 2012 with a club option for 2013, the club announced Thursday. Barajas, 36, hit .230 with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs last season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. "They were aggressive," Barajas said on a conference call from the Pittsburgh airport, where he awaited a flight back to California. "They definitely showed that they wanted me to be a part of their team." According to an industry source, Barajas will make $4 million in 2012 with a $3.5 million club option in 2013 and no buyout."
Moyer primed for comeback at 49
November 4
Foxsports.com
 
"Forget comeback player of the year. Jamie Moyer might become the comeback player of the half-century. Moyer, who turns 49 later this month, is a free agent and has thrown for scouts twice recently, including Thursday in San Diego. So far, the left-hander is getting rave reviews. "Same as he's been for the past 15 years — as incredible as that may sound," one veteran scout said. "He has a chance to pitch in the big leagues as a fifth starter and win 10 or 12 games. He's throwing 81 to 83 miles an hour, but he still knows how to make you look like an idiot. He doesn't need the money. But I think he has that fire burning in his belly." Another scout observed: "It was amazing. He looked as"
Pirates decline options on Snyder, Doumit, Maholm, Cedeno
November 1
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates announced today that they declined the club options on catchers Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit, shortstop Ronny Cedeno and pitcher Paul Maholm. The club was not expected to pick up the options on Snyder, Maholm or Doumit, though Cedeno had remained a possibility. The Pirates must now fill holes at catcher, shortstop and in the starting rotation. Snyder's option was for $6.75 million, and he will earn a $750,000 buyout. Cedeno had a $3 million option and will get a $200,000 buyout. Maholm's option was for $9.75 million and he will get a $750,000 buyout. Doumit had two options worth $15.5 million for 2012-13 that triggered simultaneously, and he will get a $500,000 buyout."
Quiet offseason likely looms for Bucs
October 30
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates will have plenty of roster holes to fill this offseason, but they're not likely to come up with any high-impact solutions in the free-agent market. Eligible players who do not have contract options for 2012 became free agents overnight. All club, player and mutual contract options must be decided by 11:59 p.m. Monday. Free agents can begin signing with teams at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. Pirates general manager Neal Huntington's shopping list will be affected by which contract options, if any, the team picks up. The pricey options of Ryan Doumit ($7.25 million for 2012 and $8.25 million for 2013) and Chris Snyder ($6.75 million) will not be exercised, which would seem to make finding"
Two Pirates option decisions due soon
October 23
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Saturday the team had not reached a decision on the club options of catchers Ryan Doumit and Chris Snyder but indicated it is unlikely they will be exercised. "Given the dollars that it would take to pick up those options, it may not be the best choice," Huntington said. But, Huntington said, the team might consider signing Doumit or Snyder to a long-term deal. "We hate closing doors," he said. Doumit and Snyder -- both 30 -- missed considerable time last season because of injuries. Doumit hit .303 in 77 games, but spent two months on the disabled list with an injured left ankle. Snyder hit .271 in 34 games, but was inactive after back surgery"
Clint Hurdle's 'yinzer' life suits him fine
October 19
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"For the final home game of the 2011 season, each Pirates player taped a message that played between innings on the video screen in the outfield. They thanked the fans and informed the lucky ones sitting in certain seats that they were welcome on the field after the game. Late in the game, manager Clint Hurdle's message of thanks began, and the crowd rose to its feet to return the gesture. "That completely ambushed me," Hurdle said later. "As I told my folks, if there was any part of me that wasn't in after that seventh inning, it was all in. How can you not live where you work when the fans at least show that kind of appreciation?""
Pirates cut ties with veteran pitcher Maholm
October 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates and pitcher Paul Maholm are poised to part ways. The Pirates have decided against picking up Maholm's $9.75 million contract option for 2012. That will trigger a $750,000 buyout and allow the left-hander to become a free agent for the first time. "There are no guarantees, but I'm going to test (free agency) and see where it goes," Maholm said Wednesday. He said the team told his agent it wouldn't pick up the option. "I'm not going to close any doors, but I want to see what's out there," Maholm said. "I owe that to my family to do what's best for them.""
Pirates to search for identity during offseason
October 3
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"One hundred games into the 1987 season, things seemed bleak for the Pirates. They were in the midst of a weeklong losing streak and stuck in last place in the NL East. But over the final 62 games, the Pirates were eight games over .500, including a 19-8 finish. That was the launching pad for a second-place finish in 1988, followed by three consecutive division titles from 1990-92. One hundred games into the 1997 season, things looked good for the Pirates. Despite a $9 million payroll, the "Freak Show" team spent 32 days in first place, went 30-32 down the stretch and finished five games behind Houston for the NL Central crown. The unexpected success fueled hopes for another pennant chase"
Doumit, Ohlendorf look to be out with Bucs
September 29
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Once considered building blocks for the Pirates' future, catcher Ryan Doumit and pitcher Ross Ohlendorf likely won't be with the team next season. Doumit, 30, will become a free agent if the team declines to pick up contract options for 2012 and '13 worth a combined $15.5 million. The Pirates also are not expected to tender a contract to Ohlendorf, 29, who is in his second year of arbitration eligibility. Doumit was not in the lineup Wednesday for the Pirates' regular-season finale. His last game behind the plate was Friday, when he was injured when struck on the mask by a foul tip. "It's not the way I wanted to go out," Doumit said. "The last couple of days, I've just tried to enjoy it"
Weekend series may be Doumit's farewell
September 25
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Ryan Doumit, the club's longest-tenured player, could be playing his final home game with the Pirates today. Doumit was originally scheduled to start in front of last night's packed house, but he was given "a breather" after being struck by numerous foul balls behind the plate. "I wanted to at least give him the honor of going out and playing in front of the last largest crowd of the season," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. The Pirates have a $7.25 million club option on Doumit for 2012, which they are not expected to exercise."
Alvarez will rest, at least for while
September 21
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pedro Alvarez will not play winter ball at the start of the season. Whether he plays there at all this offseason is to be determined. Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Tuesday the team felt it best to give Alvarez some time off to clear his head after a disappointing season. "We've talked about it from a number of different angles and we've ultimately decided it's better for Pedro not to start the season in winter ball," Huntington said. "As we talked about it internally, we felt like it's best to just let him press the reset button. Let him get home. Let him get working on his strength and conditioning offseason program.""
Bucs shut down pitcher Karstens for season
September 20
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Pirates pitcher Jeff Karstens, who started Monday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, will be shut down for the rest of the season. Karstens, who was bothered last month by shoulder fatigue, has reached career highs in innings, pitches and starts. The starter for the final game of the season Sept. 28 in Milwaukee has not yet been determined. It could go to either Jeff Locke, Aaron Thompson or Brian Burres, or manager Clint Hurdle might use a by-committee approach with relievers."
Pirates' Alvarez uncertain about winter ball
September 20
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Despite recently expressing a desire to have third baseman Pedro Alvarez play winter ball in Latin America, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Monday he would understand and respect a contrary decision. "We see both perspectives," Huntington said. "One perspective, which is a genuine and a legitimate one, is that he might be better to clear his head, should take a deep breath and come into spring training ready to go. There's the other perspective that it would be good for him to go down and get at-bats and try to salvage what has been a difficult year for him. "We honestly do see it from both sides.""
Pirates kick tires on another catcher
September 16
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"The Pirates did not snatch Matt Pagnozzi off the waiver wire Wednesday expecting him to be their everyday catcher next season. Pagnozzi's limited offensive upside makes him better suited for a reserve role. Pirates management loves his defensive skills, though, and believes he has value as a backup. Pagnozzi, 28, will become a free agent in two weeks. He knows the Pirates will be shopping for a catcher this offseason -- the team is not expected to pick up the pricey contract options of Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit -- but he doesn't know whether the brief audition will lead to a permanent stay. "I'm just looking at these next two weeks and taking it from there," he said. "I want to show"
Now it's wait 'til next year
September 15
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"They traveled to the same destination for the 19th year in a row, but this season, the Pirates took the scenic route. They spent some time in first place on the way and energized their fan base during an out-of-character June and July, and they did so with a batch of young players. But they eventually extended their record losing streak to 19 seasons, the longest in history among the four major North American sports, with a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. "It's kind of hard to swallow," starter Jeff Karstens said. "Where we were sitting at after the All-Star break is where we wanted to be at." The Pirates gave life to the daydream of what winning baseball could -- and"
Pirates' loss marks 19th losing season
September 15
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"They fought it all game. Charlie Morton put runners on base, but left them there, with the help of diving catches. The Pirates doubled their way onto the basepaths but found themselves stranded as well. In the end, the 12,520 in attendance at PNC Park today watched the Pirates reach a 19th consecutive losing season, extending a record in North American professional sports. The 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals today was the clincher. Morton returned from skipping a start and pitched seven innings of three-run ball, but lost his 10th game of the season. The Pirates doubled four times and had multi-hit days from Alex Presley and Derrek Lee, but only scored twice. Ryan Ludwick and Neil"
Alvarez won't be given a string of starts
September 13
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Pedro Alvarez started Monday against right-hander Kyle Lohse, but Manager Clint Hurdle said the struggling third baseman will not be given a string of starts down the stretch to work on his new approach at the plate. "I don't see that happening," Hurdle said. Hurdle said Alvarez (.192) hasn't earned the nod over rookie Josh Harrison (.266). "I understand the importance of getting Pedro on track," Hurdle said. "Some other guys have earned playing time in his absence, and I just don't want to turn my back on them. "Pedro's got these games -- as everybody else does -- and an opportunity, I believe, in winter ball and then next spring training.""
Huntington gets 3-year extension
September 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pirates general manager Neal Huntington, the architect of the organization's rebuilding process but also of unpopular moves at the major league level, agreed to a three-year contract extension Sunday with a club option for 2015, the team announced. Huntington's contract would have expired after this season. "I'm very excited to be able to continue to build on what we've been working so hard on the last four years, and to continue to move forward," Huntington said. Huntington, who previously was the special assistant to the general manager for the Cleveland Indians, joined the Pirates in September 2007. The Pirates extended his contract for a year after the 2010 season but did not disclose"
Pirates extend Huntington's contract for three years
September 12
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Pirates general manager Neal Huntington, the architect of the organization's rebuilding process but also of unpopular moves at the major league level, agreed to a three-year contract extension with a club option for 2015, the team announced Sunday. Huntington's contract would have expired after the season. "I'm very excited," Huntington said, "to be able to continue to build on what we've been working so hard on the last four years, and to continue to move forward." Huntington, who previously was the special assistant to the general manager for the Cleveland Indians, joined the Pirates in September 2007. The Pirates extended his contract for a year after the 2010 season but did not"
Former Pirates president Prine passes away
September 8
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
 
"Malcolm "Mac" Prine learned to love baseball in the 1950s and '60s, when he was a fast-pitch softball player in Columbus, Ohio. Decades later, he reconnected with the game as president of the Pirates and helped launch the franchise toward three straight division titles. Prine, 83, who earlier this year was diagnosed with lung cancer, died Tuesday in hospice care. Prine became the Pirates' president in 1985 when Ryan Homes, of which he was chief executive, became part of the team's ownership group. In November 1985, Prine hired Leyland as the club's 33rd manager. Leyland guided the Pirates to National League East crowns from 1990-92."
Ex-Pirates president, Prine, dies at 83
September 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"Malcolm "Mac" Prine, a former president of the Pirates and chief executive at Ryan Homes, died in hospice care early Tuesday morning. He was 83. Prine oversaw the hiring of former manager Jim Leyland in 1985, but resigned after two years as team president after an internal power struggle with general manager Syd Thrift. He was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier this year -- 37 years after he quit smoking, said his daughter, Peggy Joy. He became Pirates president in 1985 when Ryan Homes joined several other companies in an ownership group. "He absolutely loved that job," Joy said."
Pirates Alvarez part of 6-man addition
September 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"After spending the better part of a month in the minor leagues to right whatever went wrong this season, Pedro Alvarez is back in Pittsburgh. The Pirates recalled Alvarez -- one of six roster additions Tuesday -- a day after Class AAA Indianapolis' season finale. Alvarez hit .145 in 17 games with Indianapolis after being optioned there Aug. 16. "Very happy to be back and get another opportunity to get some chances to play up here," Alvarez said. After struggling with the Pirates, he worked on developing a consistent approach at the plate. He was in the starting lineup Tuesday, hitting No. 7."
Pirates recall Alvarez
September 7
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
 
"The Pirates have recalled third baseman Pedro Alvarez from Class AAA Indianapolis, one day after the Indians' season ended. Alvarez is one of six players who will join the Pirates from Indianapolis today. The Pirates also recalled left-handed pitchers Jeff Locke, Aaron Thompson and LHP Daniel Moskos and activated right-handed pitcher Evan Meek (right shoulder tendinitis) from the 60-day disabled list."