Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Iwamura 'interested' in talking long term

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November 5

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Akinori Iwamura would be "interested" in exploring a long-term contract with the Pirates, he said in a conference call just now from Japan. Some highlights of the call, during which agent Yoshi Hasagawa translated ... > On staying longer than a year: "I'm definitely interested in the long term, but I first have to do what I can do. We'll see what happens. Hopefully, we can go to the playoffs next season." > On going from a talented team to one in last place: "I'm very excited for the new challenge. I spoke to Neal Huntington, and I feel very appreciated." > On his knee: "It feels very good, but not 100 percent. I think I already proved I can play at a high level, and I think I can play ..."

Pirates say they will 'explore' free agents

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October 4

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The current Pirates ownership will likely never have pockets deep enough to sign a superstar free agent. And management will avoid the type of "Band-Aid" imports — Jeromy Burnitz, Derek Bell, George Hendrick — that tend to end up as flops. Yet, that does not mean the Pirates will not spend in the free-agent market this offseason. And general manager Neal Huntington said the team's shopping list might include more than just backups and bit players. "We're going to be a little bit more aggressive in exploring that mid-tier market this year," Huntington said. "Not making any promises, but we'll explore it. Maybe there is a guy who can step in (as an everyday player) and help this club ..."

Bucs believe Capps will be closer in '10

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September 28

MLB.com

"Barring a trade, which does remain a realistic possibility, Matt Capps will return to the Pirates as the team's closer in 2010, said general manager Neal Huntington. Management intends to stand by its closer despite the struggles Capps has had in the role this season. And even though Capps is in line for a raise from the $2.3 million salary he made this season, it's expected that the Pirates will tender him a contract this offseason. "There is a lot of thought that this is just a bad year for Matt Capps and that he had a hard time digging out from underneath it but that he should be fine for next year," Huntington said. "It's been a bad year for him, but we think he can bounce back." Capps ..."

Capps will be tendered

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September 26

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates will tender contracts to all three key players -- starter Zach Duke, closer Matt Capps and shortstop Ronny Cedeno -- who are certain to qualify for salary arbitration this offseason. "Barring some unforeseen circumstance, we will," general manager Neal Huntington said last night in his first firm pronouncement on the subject. Management would prefer, as always, to negotiate settlements before cases reach arbitration. That could be especially true of Capps, who will be second-year eligible after making $2.425 million in a down year. "I don't see a situation in which we non-tender Capps unless we get completely unrealistic financial demands," Huntington said. "From the standpoint ..."

Russell, staff not in trouble

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September 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"A month ago, the Pirates' front office, all the way up to owner Bob Nutting, strongly endorsed the return of manager John Russell and the full coaching staff. And despite the historic losing stretch of late, that stance has stuck. Team president Frank Coonelly and general manager Neal Huntington each affirmed, in unambiguous terms, that they want Russell and his staff back. Within the past week, each simply answered, "No," when asked if there had been any change in how they feel. Neither elaborated because neither sees Russell or the staff as an issue and, moreover, they like what they have seen of the team's motivation and instruction over the full season. Russell is under contract ..."

Pirates will pursue familiar faces in free agency

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September 21

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates plan to be more aggressive in free agency than last year, general manager Neal Huntington said yesterday, and that could include a pursuit of recently traded players. "We will look into the free-agent market, and we have some money to apply to the right situation," Huntington said yesterday. "We go in not feeling that we have a desperate hole to fill but that, if we can find someone who makes us better in the short and hopefully the long term, we can do that." He did not identify any targets -- that would constitute tampering -- but he did acknowledge that some familiar faces will be among them. Among the players traded in the past year who can be free agents are shortstop Jack ..."

Pirates start planning for September call-ups

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August 24

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Because Triple-A Indianapolis does not finish its season until Sept. 7, timing is an issue for determining which players will get September call-ups. Also, the Pirates play a day-night doubleheader Aug. 31 in Cincinnati, and likely will need extra pitching. "We may bring a reinforcement or two on the 1st and then the rest on their 8th," general manager Neal Huntington said. Huntington indicated that Jose Tabata and Pedro Alvarez will not be among the call-ups. Another factor is Team USA, which is considering adding a couple of Pirates prospects to its roster. That squad will begin training Sept. 2 for the World Cup. The roster will be announced Sunday. Minor-league field coordinator Jeff ..."

Bucs GM previews September callups

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August 23

MLB.com

"With Sept. 1 just over a week away, general manager Neal Huntington said that the organization anticipates calling up fewer players this season than last year and that some of the additions will happen later than usual. Because the Triple-A season does not end until Sept. 7, Huntington said it's unlikely that all the extra players the Pirates bring to Pittsburgh will come up as soon as rosters expand. Instead, the Pirates will add a handful of players -- most likely extra bullpen arms -- initially, followed by a few others after the Minor League season ends. Last year, the Pirates added 10 extra players for the season's final month, with all of those additions joining the team on Sept. 1. ..."

Are the Pirates done dealing?

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July 31

Foxsports.com

"After a flurry of activity, are the Pirates done dealing? Probably. But not necessarily. General manager Neal Huntington isn't marketing starters Paul Maholm and Zach Duke the same way he did since-traded infielders Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson. Maholm and Duke "are not being shopped," one source said. The Pirates are still listening but would probably have to be overwhelmed in order to make another trade. Of the two, Maholm is less likely to be dealt, one source said. His ERA is up one full run from last year, and Huntington wouldn't want to sell low. Reliever Matt Capps is available, too, but his uneven season (6.15 ERA) has scared away some suitors."

Chicago Cubs trade Kevin Hart for John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny

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July 31

Chicago Tribune

"After winning his third consecutive start and pitching the Cubs into first place in the National League Central, Kevin Hart found himself left out. That would be out of the organization, traded to the last-place Pirates on Thursday in a five-player swap that brings left-handed reliever John Grabow and left-handed starter Tom Gorzelanny to the Cubs. Hart, who has filled in for the injured Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly, has a 3.18 earned-run average in those starts, including the 12-3 win over Houston on Thursday. "But John Grabow is pretty darn good and it got to the point where we weren't going to get John Grabow without Hart in the deal," general manager Jim Hendry said. The Cubs also gave ..."

Pirates talking Grabow, Gorzelanny with Cubs

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July 30

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are discussing a trade that would send pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny to the Chicago Cubs, according to a team source. No deal is in place, and other teams are interested in Grabow, so this might not happen at all."

Rangers looking to Arizona, Toronto and Pittsburgh for deadline help

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July 30

Dallas Morning News

"Rangers brass has a day and some change to find a deal before the non-waiver trade deadline at 3 p.m. Friday to help fortify the Rangers for the stretch run, but Jon Daniels and crew will have to find away to remove the financial shackles that are making their task more difficult. The Phillies will pay the rest of Cliff Lee's salary this season, around $2 million. Philadelphia traded a top prospect whose star had diminished in some circles and a highly regarded pitcher at least three years away. They also tossed in two other prospects. Surely, the Rangers could have matched that prospect package, but was a seemingly paltry $2 million the deal-breaker? It might have been. So, working under ..."

Rangers long shots for Halladay, Washburn

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rangers remain interested in Roy Halladay and Jarrod Washburn but regard them as long shots, one major-league source with knowledge of their plans said this afternoon. The source added that Texas isn't involved in talks about relievers Heath Bell, George Sherrill or Matt Capps."

Cubs talking to Pirates about Grabow

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Cubs continue to talk with the Pirates about a trade for left-hander John Grabow, whom they prefer to the Nationals' Joe Beimel as a lefty complement to Sean Marshall in their bullpen. As for replacing outfielder Reed Johnson, who will be out for about a month with his broken bone in his left foot, the Cubs plan to try internal solutions, starting with the promotion of Sam Fuld from Class AAA. Fuld is a left-handed hitter while Johnson bats right-handed, but the Cubs will face mostly right-handers over the next two weeks."

Rockies prepping for another move?

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"The Rockies still could make one more move before the deadline, according to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports.com. The team is looking for a second left-handed reliever to complement Franklin Morales, and the Orioles' Mark Hendrickson is high on their list. Hendrickson, 35, went 1-4 with a 6.35 ERA as a starter this season, but is 4-0 with a 2.94 ERA as a reliever, holding opponents to a .280 on-base percentage. The Rockies, short on money, said they were finished adding pieces after acquiring Indians right-hander Rafael Betancourt, according to a major-league source. But Hendrickson is owed only about $500,000 for the rest of the season, and the tight wild-card race apparently is compelling ..."

Washington says club ready to buy

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July 30

MLB.com

"Rangers manager Ron Washington said he thinks his club will do something before Friday's Trade Deadline. It won't be Roy Halladay, but the Rangers are still hoping to make a move either for starting pitching or offensive help. "We'll make a deal," Washington said. "I don't know who we'll make a deal with, but we'll probably do something. But if we don't, we're not going to use that as an excuse for not playing well. We're still looking at everything to see what's out there." Washington's preference is to add starting pitching. "That's what every manager sitting at the Trade Deadline is hoping to get unless he has five quality ones," Washington said. "You can always use depth in your ..."

Pirates' Sanchez headed to Giants; Milledge to be called up

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July 30

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Freddy Sanchez found a team that's willing to keep him, no matter the cost. The Pirates traded Sanchez, a three-time All-Star second baseman, to the San Francisco Giants for Double-A pitcher Tim Alderson on Wednesday. The move came about five hours after shortstop Jack Wilson, Sanchez's infield mate and best friend, was dealt to Seattle. "Seeing (Wilson) go made this move a lot less emotional for me," Sanchez said. "It made it a little easier to hear the news about coming here." While Wilson had to catch a plane to join his new team, Sanchez's trip was much shorter. He merely walked about 100 yards down the hallway from the visitors clubhouse to the home team clubhouse at AT"

Pirates land package for Wilson, Snell

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July 29

MLB.com

"Shortstop Jack Wilson, one of the staples of this season's trade market, was dealt by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday as part of a seven-player deal. Going to the Mariners along with Wilson is right-hander Ian Snell. The rebuilding Bucs received a five-player package from Seattle, headlined by top catching/first base prospect Jeff Clement. Also going to Pittsburgh are shortstop Ronny Cedeno and a trio of right-handed pitchers -- Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock. Wilson, 31, a 2004 All-Star, batted .267 in 75 games with the Pirates. Snell had struggled in 15 starts (2-8, 5.36) with the big-league club but has been lights out since being demoted to ..."

Pirates trade Jack Wilson and Ian Snell to Mariners for 5 players

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July 29

Foxsports.com

"The Pirates just announced that they have acquired first baseman Jeff Clement, shortstop Ronny Cedeno and right-handed pitchers Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock from the Mariners for shortstop Jack Wilson and right-handed pitcher Ian Snell."

Giants working hard to try to land Sanchez

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July 29

SI.com

"The Giants are aggressively pursuing Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez, who could aid their limp offense. The acquisition of Ryan Garko certainly didn't solve all the Giants' offensive woes, and with Juan Uribe starting to slip, Sanchez makes perfect sense for them. The Giants took Garko for well-regarded lefthanded pitching prospect Scott Barnes after failing to land Nick Johnson. The Nationals requested Jonathan Sanchez in a package for Johnson, and that might have been a fair request before Sanchez's no-hitter. The Angels and Twins also have been mentioned as Freddy Sanchez suitors, but the Giants look like the favorites."

Pirates, Giants could be close on Sanchez

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July 29

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates' management worked deep into last night on trade proposals involving shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to multiple sources. And a deal in which Sanchez would be sent to the San Francisco Giants seemed the greatest possibility. Neal Huntington, the Pirates' general manager, and Brian Sabean, his San Francisco counterpart, are believed to have had extensive discussions Monday night, possibly to the extent of having the framework of a trade in place. Sanchez has a left knee injury, which might have slowed the process, but it is thought minor. The Minnesota Twins also are interested in Sanchez, as well as reliever John Grabow. The Boston Red Sox are ..."

Pirates: Still open on Wilson, Sanchez

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July 28

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates remain adamant this afternoon that they have no urgency to trade shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez. A report earlier in the day by ESPN's Jayson Stark said the Pirates "intend" to move Wilson and Sanchez by the Friday trading deadline, but that notion was rejected -- emphatically -- by a front-office official, who said within the past hour: "We do not need to move either player, we have not decided that we must move either or both players, and we will not move either player unless we receive appropriate value in return.""

Twins looking for infield, bullpen help

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"The Twins have needs around the infield and in the bullpen. And they'd love to address them with a single move. One major league source said the Twins are targeting teams that have made players available in both areas. For example, they'd love to acquire second baseman Freddy Sanchez and left-hander John Grabow from the Pirates, or shortstop Orlando Cabrera and right-hander Michael Wuertz from the A's. The Twins love Sanchez's defensive versatility; his ability to play third base is especially valuable, with Joe Crede ailing. But Sanchez missed Monday's game in San Francisco and told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his left knee is "sore and tender." Sanchez is 0-for-17 with eight ..."

Wilson/Sanchez talks unlikely until after deadline

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July 28

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have put on hold any attempt to sign shortstop Jack Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez to contract extensions and, instead, are focused on entertaining trade offers for those players. And it does not sound, from the way team president Frank Coonelly described it yesterday, as if there will be any new extension talks until after Major League Baseball's trading deadline Friday. "Positions can always change, and the passing of the deadline on Friday certainly could change a side's position, but the agents for both Jack and Freddy were very clear with us that both the years and the dollars in our offers were not nearly sufficient," Coonelly said. Wilson and Sanchez each was ..."

D-backs starters still not drawing much interest, Pirates not done dealing

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July 27

Foxsports.com

"So far, the trade activity has been light on Diamondbacks starters Doug Davis and Jon Garland, according to major-league sources, but Arizona officials are optimistic that the market will pick up in the final days before the deadline. Davis may have upped his trade value on Saturday, when he pitched six shutout innings in a 7-0 defeat of the Pirates. Davis has a 3.76 ERA despite a 5-10 record. There's still a good chance that the Pirates will move at least one of their middle infielders this week. Minnesota remains the most interested club in the market for second baseman Freddy Sanchez, one source said, although Boston's interest in shortstop Jack Wilson doesn't appear to be as strong as ..."

Trade interest in Pirates' Grabow, Capps

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July 27

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are discussing relievers John Grabow and Matt Capps with several teams in advance of Major League Baseball's trading deadline Friday. Of the two, Grabow is more likely to be moved, though that is far from definite. He can become a free agent for the first time in the upcoming winter, while Capps' rights can be retained two more years through arbitration. With left-handed relief at a premium, interest in Grabow has been consistent if not overwhelming. Among the parties in regular contact with the Pirates are the Chicago Cubs. Teams like what Grabow brings -- a 3.65 ERA, a typically heavy workload with 43 appearances, late-inning resilience and impeccable character -- but there ..."

Yankees scouting Ian Snell

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July 26

MLB.com

"There may not be any biggest discussion/dilemma in the Pirates' front office right now than about what to do with Ian Snell. One month ago, the right-hander asked for a demotion to Triple-A, certainly not something you hear a player asking about every day. He also has expressed little interest in coming back to Pittsburgh. Since going to Triple-A Indianapolis, Snell has been unbelievable. He has allowed just two earned runs in 32 1/3 innings (five starts). He has 43 strikeouts and 12 walks. So it's no surprise that a number of clubs have already contacted the Pirates to see what it would take to land Snell. The Yankees are the latest and have a scout at Indianapolis' Victory Field on ..."

The Relief Market

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July 26

Yahoo! Sports

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"The Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Minnesota Twins are among the clubs who need a lot of help in their bullpens. The asking price has been so high that Bell might as well be unavailable, but just how many wins is Bell going to be asked to protect over the next couple seasons? It's a question general manager Kevin Towers will weigh against whatever arises over the next six days. As one baseball personnel man said Saturday, "There are about eight good arms available out there and 20 teams looking." As the deadline nears, they'll be climbing over one other for the likes of the Baltimore Orioles' George Sherrill, Oakland Athletics' Michael Wuertz, Toronto Blue ..."

Nutting will not 'handcuff' GM

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July 26

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Only one thing seems certain to emerge from the Pirates' bid to keep -- or trade -- Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez: The focal point of the public's reaction, in one direction or the other, will not be general manager Neal Huntington or even team president Frank Coonelly. It will be, as always after a major move, the man at the top. And how does owner Bob Nutting feel about all that? "It is certainly premature to simply assume Jack or Freddy will be traded or to speculate on what the fan reaction will be," Nutting said in an interview Friday. "We all recognize that Jack and Freddy are popular players. However, I cannot handcuff Neal's ability to make what he feels are the right baseball ..."

Deals could be on Bucs' horizon

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July 23

MLB.com

"Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington says there are no untouchable players on his team and that belief could bode well for clubs seeking help with the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaching next week.Just ask the Red Sox. On Wednesday, the Pirates traded first baseman Adam LaRoche to Boston for Minor League pitcher Hunter Strickland and shortstop Argenis Diaz. Last season, LaRoche's younger brother Adam was traded from the Red Sox to Pirates as part of the deal that sent Jason Bay to Boston. The Pirates have been busy and they might not be done dealing. Earlier this summer, the club sent Nate McLouth to Atlanta and Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett to Washington. Recently, the ..."

Pirates fielding offers for Sanchez and Wilson

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"The Pirates continue to listen to offers for second baseman Freddy Sanchez, shortstop Jack Wilson, left-handed reliever John Grabow and right-handed closer Matt Capps. Moving left-hander Paul Maholm or Zach Duke would be "very tough" for the club, one source says, unless the Pirates acquired a major-league ready starting pitcher plus additional prospects in return. The Pirates like the foundation of their future rotation — Maholm, Duke and right-handers Ross Ohlendorf and Charlie Morton. The Giants are less willing to move left-hander Jonathan Sanchez due to the uncertainty surrounding lefty Randy Johnson, who is on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. Johnson, who turns 46 on Sept. ..."

Twins looking for infield help

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July 23

Foxsports.com

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"With the news that Joe Crede's right shoulder will be examined Thursday by Dr. Lewis Yocum, the Twins' search for infield help could become more intense. In theory, Minnesota GM Bill Smith could pursue upgrades at third base, second base or shortstop. The Twins have already discussed shortstop Orlando Cabrera with the A's, sources said Wednesday, and he might be the best fit of all. He's hitting .304 over his last 60 games, according to Retrosheet.org. His right-handed bat would fit nicely in the No. 2 hole, behind Denard Span and ahead of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, all of whom are left-handed. And let's not forget the most important statistic involving Cabrera: He has been on a playoff ..."

Red Sox trade for Adam LaRoche

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July 22

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox today added some pop and some offensive insurance by obtaining first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates in return for two minor leaguers. LaRoche, 29, is a left-handed hittter who is currently batting .247 with 12 homers and 40 RBI. He has an on-base percentage of .329 and an OPS of .770. The official announcement is expected later today. The Sox are giving up shortstop Argenis Diaz, a slick fielding infielder who is currently playing at Double-A Portland, and Hunter Strickland, who is playing at Single-A Greenville. LaRoche has shown power in the past. His best season was 2006 for the Braves when he hit .285 with 32 homers, 90 RBI and a .915 OPS. He had 25 homers ..."

Pirates' Wilson: What is he worth?

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July 22

Foxsports.com

"The Pirates' offer to shortstop Jack Wilson was for two years, $8.6 million, including a buyout on an option year, according to a major-league source. Pirates GM Neal Huntington might be correct that Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez will get less than the team offered on the free-agent market. But Wilson cannot be certain that is the case, and he would have a better chance to win with another club. The baseline for Wilson is Orlando Cabrera, who signed a one-year, $4 million free-agent deal with the A's last offseason. Wilson, who turns 32 on Dec. 29, is nearly three years younger than Cabrera and a much better defender. Cabrera is a slightly better hitter — his career OPS is .718, ..."

Report: Sox acquire LaRoche

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July 22

Boston Globe

"The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Red Sox have acquired lefthanded-hitting first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The report, written by Dejan Kovacevic, does not indicate who the Red Sox are sending to Pittsburgh in return. If the report is accurate, the 29-year-old six-year veteran is an intriguing pickup for the Red Sox, who have surprisingly struggled against righthanded hitting this season. LaRoche is batting .247 with 12 homers and 40 RBIs this season, but he has never had a full-season adjusted OPS below 100, and he's one of the most notorious second-half hitters in baseball. His career OPS after the All-Star break is .901."

Bucs' Wilson waits for Sanchez resolution

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July 21

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson said Monday night that the idea of him remaining in Pittsburgh is not out of the question. "I don't think this is dead by any means," Wilson said. "Both sides are still going to be talking and, hopefully, we can get something out of it." The Tribune-Review reported Monday that the Pirates pulled their contract proposals to Wilson and second baseman Freddy Sanchez after talks with their agents did not result in a counteroffer. Wilson said he is still interested in negotiating. "At no point are any of us (Wilson or Sanchez) interested in shutting this thing down," Wilson said. "We're both very interested in being Pirates. It's a negotiation." Wilson said his ..."

Wilson-Sanchez scenario gloomy

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July 21

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

columnist Gene Collier

"Put me down as an atheist when it comes to the baseball gods, as the existence of baseball gods would by logical extension confirm the existence of the Division I-AAA women's field hockey gods, but somebody somewhere certainly seemed to be sending a supernatural baseball message to the psychic address of Messrs. Sanchez and Wilson as twilight fell last night. Padding around a clubhouse in a stadium that probably had fewer people in it than when it was under construction 10 years ago, Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez likely peeked out enough to see The House Untruth Built enduring a drenching summer storm so dark, so dense, that it turned the cityscape soot-gray, the exact color of the ..."

Pirates pull back offers from Wilson, Sanchez

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July 19

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have pulled back their contract extension offers to Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez and though they remain open to new negotiations, there was no indication that any are forthcoming. "That time has come and gone," general manager Neal Huntington said this afternoon of the offers' life span. "They feel like we're awfully light both in years and dollars. In our minds, the conversations are at a standstill." Neither of the player's agents, Page Odle for Wilson and Paul Cobbe for Sanchez, responded formally to initial offers, though Wilson's rejection was not believed to be nearly as emphatic as Sanchez's. Wilson's was for two years and $8 million, plus a club option for 2012. ..."

Pirates GM grim on contract talks

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July 19

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Contract negotiations between the Pirates and infielders Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson are at a standstill - and might be over. The Pirates made Sanchez an offer of $10 million for 2010-11, provided he give up his $8.5 million vested option for next season. Wilson was offered a two-year, $8 million deal with a club option for 2012. A firm "No" was the only response from both players. "We've not received a counteroffer, so in our minds, they're not interested in even the foundation that we've laid," general manager Neal Huntington said Sunday. "Typically in a negotiation, you get a counteroffer. That's how conversations continue.""

Sanchez, Wilson reject contract offers

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July 19

MLB.com

"Both Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson have rejected the Pirates' contract offers, and as of Sunday, neither has come back to present a counter-offer. The absence of any sort of counter-offer, general manager Neal Huntington said, does not leave the organization optimistic that a deal will be reached with either player in the coming days. Just days ago, the Pirates approached both Sanchez and Wilson about signing extensions with the club. The idea was that if both players accepted, the Pirates would take them off the trading block in advance of the July 31 Trade Deadline. If both rejected -- currently the case -- then the Pirates would move forward and entertain offers for the two middle ..."

Offers for Wilson, Sanchez pulled back

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July 19

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have pulled back their contract extension offers for Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez, but the team remains open to discussing the process anew. Wilson was offered two years and $8 million, Sanchez two years and $10 million, with the understanding that there would be little flexibility on their part. Wilson was not emphatic in his rejection of his offer, but Sanchez was. Neither agent responded with a counter-offer to the team."

Halladay open for trade

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July 13

Philadelphia Inquirer

"American League All Star starting pitcher Roy Halladay says he is open to the idea of being traded. "There's a point in your career where you need to just take a chance and win," Halladay said Monday at an All Star press conference. "I think at this point, I'm ready to take the chance and try to win.""

No urgency to Sanchez trade

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July 13

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There are no active talks regarding a Freddy Sanchez trade that are close to fruition, a Pirates official said yesterday, nor has any deal been imminent at any point. Rather, the official said, teams have approached the Pirates about Sanchez, as they have approached about several players, something that is common in advance of Major League Baseball's July 31 trading deadline. The Post-Gazette reported last week that no Sanchez trade was imminent but that a National League executive described the Pirates as "pushing hard" to move him. That "pushing hard" notion was rejected by the team official. Rather, the official said, the Pirates have no urgency to move any player. Read more: ..."

Duke involved in potential deal to Giants?

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July 13

San Francisco Chronicle

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"As for not pitching in the All-Star Game, he said, "It's disappointing not being able to throw, but we've got other stuff going on here we'd like to take care of. It worked out all right. I get to go and enjoy it and Zach deserved it. It's good for him to be able to go do this." There is a little coincidence in the decision to take Duke. I keep hearing one version of a possible Giants deal for Pirates second baseman Fred Sanchez expanded to include Duke, too. I really don't know how serious that is, but it brings up a larger point. I would not be surprised to learn that GM Brian Sabean is looking for pitching, not because of Cain, but because of the injury to Randy Johnson, uncertainty of ..."

Pirates and trade winds: Freddy Sanchez

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July 11

Yahoo! Sports

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"Freddy Sanchez was in the Pittsburgh Pirates' lineup Friday night, putting to rest any thought that the second baseman would be traded in the next 24 hours. The Giants remain the team showing the most interest, according to one source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, while the Twins appear to be more of a long shot. There's a third team involved from the National League Central, the source said (the Cubs?), although Sanchez's contract, which calls for his $8 million option in 2010 to kick in automatically if he reaches 635 plate appearances this season, is giving pause to his suitors. Pirates closer Matt Capps is almost certain to be dealt, though that trade may come closer to ..."

Pirates' Sanchez trade speculation heats up

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July 11

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"When catcher Ryan Doumit came off the disabled list Friday, the Pirates finally had their full complement of position players in place. For the moment, at least. "We have a lot of good pieces here," second baseman Freddy Sanchez said. "We have the lineup now that we were looking for all year, with (Doumit) back, so we'll see what happens. "We're just as curious as anyone to see how things are going to shake out, how we're going to mesh as a group, where everyone fits in." Sanchez might not be around long enough to find out. With the non-waiver trade deadline looming in 20 days, the Pirates are listening to offers for several players -- including Sanchez, shortstop Jack Wilson and closer ..."

Pirates Notebook: Mariners, Twins in Sanchez mix

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July 11

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There were scant signs of activity on the trade front regarding Freddy Sanchez, with sources last night reiterating that nothing was imminent but that talks between the Pirates and several teams were ongoing. Seattle yesterday traded shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt to the Kansas City Royals for prospects, leaving the Mariners with a need at that position and second base. Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik, a New Castle native intimately familiar with the Pirates, had inquired about shortstop Jack Wilson in the spring. The Mariners also are known to have interest in Sanchez. Marc DelPiano, one of Pirates general manager Neal Huntington's special assistants, is in Seattle scouting the ..."

Sanchez trade not imminent

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July 10

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are "pushing hard" to trade All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to a National League executive yesterday, but no deal with any team looked imminent as of last night, according to multiple other sources. San Francisco and Colorado are two teams with which the Pirates have spoken, the source said, but there are as many as four or five more. The Giants apparently would be willing to move left-handed starter Jonathan Sanchez, currently a reliever. He alone could not complete a deal for Freddy Sanchez, but the Giants' system has plenty of pitching prospects. The Rockies are harder to figure, as their infield already is set. Also, the Pirates last night had one of ..."

Pirates 'pushing' trade of All-Star Sanchez

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July 9

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are "pushing hard" to trade All-Star second baseman Freddy Sanchez, according to a National League executive this morning. The San Francisco Giants and Colorado Rockies are two of the teams with which the Pirates have spoken, the source said, but there are as many as four or five more. Sanchez, 31, again is the Pirates' leading hitter with a .313 average and last week was selected for his third All-Star Game in four years. That selection meant that he now needs to accumulate 600 plate appearances to trigger an $8 million option for 2010. He has 329 appearances."

Pirates Trade Rumors