Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 1

MLB.com

"The Nationals have traded reliever Joel Hanrahan and outfielder Lastings Milledge to the Pirates for reliever Sean Burnett and outfielder Nyjer Morgan on Tuesday afternoon. Morgan is considered the key to the deal for Washington. He was acquired to improve the team's outfield defense, which is one of the worst in the National League. The Nationals see Morgan as a center fielder/leadoff hitter. Washington also likes his hockey attitude. He once played with the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League during the 1999-2000 season. Morgan was playing left field and batting second for Pittsburgh. Entering Tuesday's action, Morgan is hitting .277 with two home runs, 27 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. ..."

Yankees get Eric Hinske for 2 minor leaguers

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June 30

Bergen Record

"Former AL Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske was acquired by the New York Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday for a pair of minor leaguers. Pittsburgh will receive right-hander Casey Erickson and outfielder Eric Fryer for the utilityman. In addition, the Pirates will give the Yankees cash. The 31-year-old Hinske hit .255 in 106 at-bats this season with nine doubles, one homer and 11 RBIs, playing right field, first base and third base. He was 8 for 24 as a pinch hitter and said to be unhappy with a lack of playing time. Through June 29 last year, he had 13 home runs en route to a 20-home run season with the AL champion Tampa Bay Rays. He won the rookie award with Toronto in 2002, ..."

Yankees add insurance policy, swing deal with Pirates for Eric Hinske

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June 30

New York Daily News

"The Yankees added an insurance policy to their roster Tuesday, acquiring Eric Hinske in a trade with the Pirates. Pittsburgh will receive minor league righthander Casey Erickson and outfielder Eric Fryer. Hinske, who turns 32 in August, can play first base, third base and both corner outfield spots, giving them another versatile player to use in a variety of ways. For the Pirates, the deal represents a dump of Hinske's $1.5 million salary. For the Yankees, the deal adds a bat to their bench after Xavier Nady's expected return took a turn for the worse last week when he reinjured his elbow. Ironically, Nady was acquired by the Yankees last summer in a deal with the Pirates, so they're ..."

Nats, Bucs Closing In On Deal

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June 30

Washington Post

"The Nationals are close to finalizing a deal that would send Lastings Milledge to Pittsburgh in exchange for Nyjer Morgan, a team source said. I'm still trying to uncover the final wrinkle in this trade, though. It probably includes one other player that the Nats will send to Pittsburgh. Morgan, who turns 29 on Thursday, represents that sort of player that Washington previously overlooked. He excels defensively, steals bases, and hits for adequate average but minimal power."

New York Yankees acquire Eric Hinske from Pittsburgh Pirates

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July 1

Newark Star-Ledger

"According to multiple reports, the Yankees traded for Pirates utility man Eric Hinske on Tuesday. The Yankees sent to the Pirates two minor leaguers, outfielder Eric Fryer and right-handed pitcher Casey Erickson, in exchange for Hinske, the 2002 rookie of the year. The 31-year-old Hinske hit .255 in 54 games with the Pirates. He had one home run and had driven in 11 runs. According to mlb.com, the Yankees also received cash considerations along with Hinske."

Pirates get two Yankee minor leaguers for Eric Hinske

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June 30

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The Pirates today traded ultilityman Eric Hinske to the New York Yankees in exchange for two minor leaguers. Outfielder Garrett Jones was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis to replace Hinske, and is expected to be in uniform for tonight's game against the Chicago Cubs. The Pirates acquired catcher/outfielder Eric Fryer and right-hander Casey Erickson. Fryer, 23, hit .250 with 11 doubles, two homers and 24 RBI in 59 games with Class A Tampa. He will be assigned to Class A Lynchburg"

Pirates trade outfielder Hinske to Yankees

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June 30

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates late this morning traded outfielder Eric Hinske to the New York Yankees for catcher/outfielder Eric Freyer and pitcher Casey Erickson. Outfielder Garrett Jones will be recalled from Class AAA Indianapolis."

Snell fans 17 for Indianapolis

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June 29

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Ian Snell found one good way to escape the "negativity:" Strike 'em all out. In a superb return to Class AAA Indianapolis yesterday, he fanned 17 batters over seven innings, including his first 13 outs of a 2-1 victory against visiting Toledo. Snell opened with a walk before the 13 consecutive strikeouts. He finished with a line of one unearned run, two hits and the walk, throwing 70 of 108 pitches for strikes. This came four days after requesting a demotion from the Pirates -- one that management already had been discussing -- because of what he described as "too much negativity" in Pittsburgh. "The guys made me feel welcome here," Snell said yesterday. "It was just fun to see this ..."

Trade rumor catches Bucs' Morgan off-guard

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June 28

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"One way to tell a player has reached household-name status is when his name starts popping up in trade rumors. Welcome to the show, Nyjer Morgan. Friday night, a report surfaced that the Pirates might send Morgan to the Washington Nationals for outfielder Lastings Milledge. Talks hit a snag when the Pirates asked for right-hander Craig Stammen. The Pirates would prefer to add a starting pitcher or middle infielder rather than another outfielder. Pitcher Ian Snell's future with the club is murky, at best, after his demotion last week to Triple-A. Second baseman Freddy Sanchez and/or shortstop Jack Wilson could be moved by the July 31 trade deadline. Morgan first heard the trade talk on ..."

10 most likely to be traded - Infielders

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June 25

NBC Sports

"Mark DeRosa (Indians) - With Grady Sizemore back, the Indians aren't likely to sell just yet. Still, at least as big of a problem as being 10 games behind is that they have four teams ahead of them in the AL Central. DeRosa has been talked about as trade bait for close to two months now, and the Indians have soured on him as a third baseman after originally acquiring him to play the position. Given that he's on pace for about 30 homers and 110 RBI, it shouldn't be a problem getting more for him in trade than they would by letting him walk for draft picks at season's end. Garrett Atkins (Rockies) - It certainly doesn't bode well for Atkins' future in Colorado that he's been given a total of ..."

Snell's status is tenuous

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June 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Ian Snell will remain in the Pirates' rotation ... for now. That was the initial message from general manager Neal Huntington yesterday afternoon, in the aftermath of Snell's 2 2/3-inning loss Tuesday, one that dropped him to 2-8 with a 5.36 ERA. "He shows you flashes of what he can be, but it's a matter of how we draw that out consistently, can we draw that out consistently?" Huntington said. "At some point in time, the 'can we' becomes the question that becomes unanswerable. Not that we ever give up on a player, but maybe there's a different role, a different way we reach him. We may get to a point in time where it's, 'Do we put him in the bullpen? Do we option him to Triple-A?'" ..."

LaRoche trade not close

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June 22

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

(scroll down)

"Huntington said that first baseman/outfielder Steve Pearce's promotion should not be taken as a sign that first baseman Adam LaRoche is about to be traded. "If we were close on something with Adam, we'd leave Pearce in the minors to play every day and develop to prepare for Adam being gone, but that's not the case," Huntington said. Pearce took the place of outfielder Craig Monroe, cut loose Friday in part because of a lack of hustle. Huntington expanded on the Monroe matter yesterday. "We've talked repeatedly about how we want to play the game," he said. "I don't like criticizing any player in public, but there are certain expectations, certain things that are not negotiable. No single ..."

Boston Red Sox look for stability at shortstop

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June 21

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"No position is more important than the one in the middle of the infield. Yet shortstop has been a revolving door for the Boston Red Sox during their six-year run as baseball's strongest team. They have more pitchers than they need this season, and Jason Bay, Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell are providing the run production that for so long came from David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. But manager Terry Francona continues to tinker at shortstop. He has used 18 players there since the 2004 season, when Nomar Garciaparra was traded to the Cubs. Orlando Cabrera, Edgar Renteria, Alex Gonzalez and Julio Lugo have taken turns as the primary shortstop, with the homegrown Jed Lowrie flashing the potential ..."

Could Doumit switch positions?

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June 19

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"It is difficult to imagine, given several pointed circumstances, that the Pirates have not discussed the possibility of moving Ryan Doumit from catcher to another position once he returns to the lineup. When general manager Neal Huntington was asked yesterday if that were the case, this was his emailed reply: "While we are pleased with the production of Jason Jaramillo and Robinzon Diaz, our intention at this point in time is to return a healthy Ryan Doumit to our lineup as our catcher." Huntington did not elaborate, nor acknowledge if there had been such a discussion."

Wilson trade discussed with Boston

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June 15

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates and Boston have had trade talks regarding shortstop Jack Wilson, but no move in that direction seems imminent or even likely based on how talks have gone to this point. The Red Sox, without a shortstop while Jed Lowrie recovers from a wrist injury, have taken the step of asking some of their players -- including former Pirates outfielder Jason Bay -- for their views on Wilson in an attempt to gauge his value. But their talks to date have not come close to the baseball return the Pirates would seek in a trade for their most popular player. This is doubly true, perhaps, in the aftermath of the highly unpopular Nate McLouth trade last week. The Pirates also have talked to other ..."

O's getting serious about 16-year-old shortstop

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June 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles will attend a three-day workout for top Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano this month, another sign that the organization is considering making a serious run at signing the coveted international free agent. Sano, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound 16-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Florida Marlins star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, worked out for the Orioles at their Dominican baseball academy June 5. Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said he was very impressed but the club wants to get a more extended look at the player who is reportedly seeking a signing bonus of about $5 million or $6 million. International free agents cannot sign with clubs until July ..."

Pirates agree to terms with first-round draft pick

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June 14

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates today agreed to terms with their first-round draft pick, Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez, on a signing bonus believed to be in the range of $2.5 million. Sanchez, as he had assured the team before his selection at No. 4 overall, was not difficult to sign. The three-day draft ended yesterday, and the signing deadline is Aug. 17. He will report to the team's extended spring training program in Bradenton, Fla., immediately, then report to Class A West Virginia in 10 days."

Indians have Miguel Angel Sano, a 16-year-old Dominican high on their signing-priority list

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June 13

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Highly touted Dominican Republic teenager Miguel Angel Sano will work out at the Indians' academy in the Dominican Republic on Monday and Tuesday. Among those representing the Indians will be John Mirabelli, assistant general manager/scouting operations, and Lino Diaz, director of Latin American operations. "We're very interested in signing him," Mirabelli said. "I think he'll be one of the first guys teams extend offers to. I can tell you he'll be close to the top of our list." Sano, who turned 16 in May, plays shortstop. As is the case with any age-eligible international player, he can be signed beginning July 2. Sano's agent, Rob Plummer, confirmed that Cleveland is among 8-10 ..."

On the Pirates: How soon is now?

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June 7

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"In the aftermath of the Nate McLouth trade, one that will reverberate with the Pirates for years, here are three significant lessons that could be learned by Frank Coonelly and Neal Huntington, the two men running the franchise, from the overwhelmingly negative reaction of the players and public: 1. Players do not see themselves as interchangeable pieces. Although management has made clear -- and acted upon -- its willingness to keep anyone available via trade, sending away McLouth was, as reliever John Grabow described it, "very different" because, as he put it, "you saw the Jason Bay and other ones coming, but Nate was supposed to be part of the core, the future." That "core" message was ..."

Pirates Notebook: Snell's start could be pivotal

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June 7

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Today could mark a pivotal, if not do-or-die, start for Ian Snell. He is 1-6 with a 5.64 ERA, has not won since April 18 and, in what might be heightening the urgency the most, the Pirates acquired Class AAA starter Charlie Morton as part of the Nate McLouth trade and plan to promote him within the month. Any added pressure? "Not really, because it's really not in my hands," Snell said yesterday. "I'm just going out there to help this team win a game. That's it." But it is in his hands to an extent, right? "Well, yeah, but say I got out and go six innings and give up three runs. What's everybody going to say? Or two runs? Or one? Who knows what happens then? They could still easily do ..."

Draft preview: Can Gibson, Pirates connect?

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June 7

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"A few vital details about 6-foot-6 pitcher Kyle Gibson: He played his teen summers on Pirate City's fields in Bradenton, Fla. He and his family live in Greenfield, Ind., 25 miles east of the home of the Pirates' Class AAA farm team in Indianapolis, and he keenly awaits the chance to play on Indianapolis' Victory Field. His dad, Harold, once wrote a high school term paper on the greatness of Roberto Clemente. Perhaps most important, he plans to sign speedily. No holdouts or protracted negotiations as two University of Missouri pitchers before him -- Arizona's Max Scherzer (No. 11 in 2006 and signed hours before re-entering the 2007 draft) and Aaron Crow (No. 9 in 2008 by Washington but ..."

Two bullpen moves coming

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June 1

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates, after placing reliever Donnie Veal on the 15-day disabled list yesterday because of a strained right groin, are set to make two bullpen moves in the next few days. The first will come today, and it likely will be a promotion of Steven Jackson from Class AAA Indianapolis, Jackson, a 27-year-old right-hander acquired from the New York Yankees in a waiver claim May 18, has a 3.10 ERA in 11 appearances, 15 strikeouts and four walks. He would assume a middle-relief role. The next move is expected later in the week, and it likely will be Tom Gorzelanny being returned to Indianapolis to resume his starter's role there. He would be replaced by an experienced reliever capable of ..."

Infielder deals have yet to be made, but here's one to consider

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May 30

SI.com

"It's interesting to see that none of the major infield injuries by contenders has been filled by a trade yet: Cardinals third base (Troy Glaus), Brewers second base (Rickie Weeks), Mets first base (Carlos Delgado) and Rays second base (Akinori Iwamura). The Rays have hit a crisis point because of injuries, a decline in starting pitching and another awful trip to Cleveland. If they do decide to make a trade, one scout suggested that they ought to pry away Freddy Sanchez from the Pirates. Sanchez is exactly the kind of player who fits well in the way Tampa stresses defense and grinding out at-bats. Dan Uggla of Florida, another second baseman who could be available, is not nearly as good a ..."

Trade winds begin as a breeze

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May 27

Yahoo! Sports

"Last week's Jake Peavy(notes) near-trade demonstrated that not only will the Padres' ace dictate his relocation terms, but that the annual swapping season will heat up well before the July 31 trading deadline. Here are some developments to watch in the coming days and weeks: • The New York Mets retain keen interest in Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson(notes), to the point where the Nationals have scouts watching the Mets' Triple-A team in Buffalo, N.Y., and Double-A team in Binghamton, N.Y., evaluating pitchers Jon Niese, Mike Antonini and Eddie Kunz(notes) among others. The Mets need a first baseman because Carlos Delgado(notes) could be out for two months after hip surgery. ..."

Still no offers for veterans

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May 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have not approached any of their three players likely to be eligible for free agency after this season -- shortstop Jack Wilson, first baseman Adam LaRoche and reliever John Grabow -- about contract extensions, and that makes all three possibilities to be traded by Major League Baseball's July 31 deadline. Wilson, 31, is making a team-high $7.4 million. He has an $8.4 million club option for 2010 and has offered to renegotiate it at a lower rate in exchange for a long-term deal, but there has been no formal response. LaRoche, 29, is making $7.05 million, and Grabow, 30, is making $2.3 million. General manager Neal Huntington yesterday said trade talks have been limited to this ..."

On the Pirates: No hill too high for Cats

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May 24

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"There has been little to like in the Pirates' minor league system to date, with few individuals rising to fresh levels and three of the top four affiliates owning losing records. The lone exception to the latter, though, has made for quite the story in Lynchburg. The high Class A Hillcats are 27-15, best record in the Carolina League, and they have done it with the sort of chemistry that leads to championships: A remarkable 18 of those 27 victories -- including another last night in which a four-run deficit against Potomac turned into 8-5 in the Hillcats' favor -- have been come-from-behind. Three have involved walkoff hits, and the record in extra innings is 4-1. Cardiac Cats, they are ..."

Betancourt headed to Pittsburgh?

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May 19

Seattle Times

"According to sources, Seattle has been sniffing around potential deals to bolster their middle infield. One scenario would see the Mariners send Yuniesky Betancourt to Pittsburgh for shortstop Jack Wilson. The Pirates were rumored to be looking to move Wilson over the winter. He is 31, making him four years older than Betancourt (at least, upside-wise as opposed to results-wise). Offensively, the pair appear quite similar, with a slight nod to Betancourt. Defensively, Wilson would be a serious upgrade over what Betancourt has offered of late, and that appears to be the driving force between even looking at such a deal."

Detwiler to Be Recalled To Pitch Against Pirates

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May 17

Washington Post

"Ross Detwiler, Washington's 2007 first-round pick, was supposed to pitch tonight's Class AA Harrisburg game against the Reading Phillies. Instead, he started making travel arrangements. The Nationals scratched Detwiler from his minor league start, and plan to recall the left-hander for a spot start in the big leagues tomorrow, two sources said. Detwiler has had an up-and-down career since being drafted sixth overall two years ago, but this year, in six starts for the Class AA Senators, Detwiler is 0-3 with a 2.96 ERA. Only once has he allowed more than two earned runs. The Nationals need a starter for tomorrow's game against Pittsburgh because of yesterday's doubleheader. Detwiler, 23, ..."

Pirates in hunt for elite Dominican SS

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May 15

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have an inside track on signing one of Latin America's top amateur prospects, Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano, but the cost of the signing bonus could top $4 million and become the highest in Major League Baseball history for that region. "The Pirates are one of many teams interested, and they've got as good a shot as any team as long as the money is there," Sano's agent, Rob Plummer, said yesterday. "There's no question they're interested, just as there's no question this is a special talent." The Pirates assess Sano the same way, privately raving about Sano's body -- already 6 feet 3, 189 pounds -- and remarkable right-handed power to go with an arm rated as superb. ..."

Pirates shortstop Wilson flabbergasted at Rodriguez allegations

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May 3

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson was astounded to read that Alex Rodriguez allegedly tipped pitches to opposing batters late in blowouts while playing shortstop for the Texas Rangers, as reported in a book about the N.Y. Yankees star, "A-Rod," by Sports Illustrated's Selena Roberts. "I've never heard of it. When I read it, I was kind of blown away that that could even happen," Wilson said. "Other than Bobby Thomson's 'Shot Heard Round the World' - they say he got his pitch tipped - this is the only other time I ever heard about it." The controversy surrounding Thomson's game-winning homer for the N.Y. Giants to beat the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1951 National League playoff surfaced in 2001, when ..."

Wilson wants to renegotiate contract

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March 29

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"In a bid to remain in Pittsburgh, Jack Wilson has approached the Pirates about renegotiating the option year on his contract. Early this morning, Wilson confirmed that he asked his agent to open talks with the Pirates about his contract. Before the 2006 season, Wilson signed a four-year, $24.4 million deal. The team option for 2010 is worth $8.4 million or a $500,000 buyout. Wilson said he would be willing to accept a lower salary in order to remain with the Pirates. "What we have going here ... this is probably the best team I've been around," said Wilson, who will make $7.25 million this season. "There's a future here." Before spring training began, management indicated to Wilson it is ..."

Pirates' talks with Ohman heat up

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March 27

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have aggressively ramped up their pursuit of free-agent reliever Will Ohman, to the point the parties have exchanged offers in the past week. "They've definitely put themselves in the mix this week," Page Odle, Ohman's agent, said tonight. "We've been in touch for a couple months, but nothing like this." The Pirates' most recent offer, delivered Saturday, was for one year plus an option. Ohman's asking price for a salary is believed to be in the $2 million range. Previously, the Pirates had made only minor league offers. Ohman countered with his own offer Wednesday The San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins, Washington Nationals and Cleveland Indians also ..."

Talented trio ticketed for minors

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March 15

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"Pedro Alvarez will not begin the season with the Pirates. But the consensus in the front office is that Alvarez is probably not that far away. The same also can be said about outfielders Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata. Alvarez, 22, was the second overall pick in last year's draft. Farm director Kyle Stark said starting Alvarez at Class A "makes the most sense." Stark compared Alvarez's situation to that of Matt Weiters, who was Baltimore's first-round pick in 2007. Weiters began his pro career in A ball and this spring is a candidate to be the O's starting catcher. The Pirates want to find out this season whether Andy LaRoche can be a long-term answer at third base. That will buy Alvarez ..."

Simon says he'd like another chance

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March 4

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

"The burly first baseman for the Netherlands team looked familiar to the fans at Manatee Community College. Randall Simon heard them call to him the other day as he walked to the plate during a tuneup game before the World Baseball Classic. "They were screaming at me, 'Oh, that's the sausage guy! Randall, we haven't forgotten you,' " Simon said. "That was cool. As long as people don't take it the wrong way, I don't have any problem with it. It's good for baseball and for me too, because they keep remembering me." Then again, it's hard for anyone to forget the sight of a Pirates player whacking a giant, jogging sausage on the head with a bat. Footage of the incident is immortalized on ..."

Hot Stove: Andy LaRoche 'starting fresh'

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February 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"That torn right thumb is finally, fully healed, Andy LaRoche will insist. But the confidence that clearly crumbled in those two mercilessly cruel months that followed his trade to Pittsburgh last summer? Might take a while. "I won't lie to you: I was down on myself. I really was," the Pirates' third baseman was recalling the other day. "Nothing was going my way, and it felt like I was putting all my energy just into fighting through it." So, once the season ended on that September afternoon in San Diego and yet another awful slump -- 5 for 33 -- and that .152 average had been buried with it, LaRoche and hitting coach Don Long worked out a plan: They would meet regularly through the ..."

Pirates say signing Mientkiewicz now unlikely

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January 31

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said today he is unlikely to bring back popular utilityman Doug Mientkiewicz because of the signing today of free-agent outfielder Eric Hinske. "The signing of Eric would realistically . . . I don't want to say eliminate, because we told Doug going into spring training last year that he wasn't going to make the team . . . but it certainly decreases the chances of Doug making our major league team," Huntington said this afternoon at the news conference to announce the signings of pitcher Paul Maholm and Hinske. Asked if it was difficult for management to part with Mientkiewicz, Huntington replied: "Oh, absolutely. What Doug brings in the clubhouse, ..."

Pirates wrap up Maholm, Hinske contracts

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January 31

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates yesterday swung two of their most significant moves of the offseason, the expected signings of starter Paul Maholm to a $14.5 million extension that retains his rights through 2012, and outfielder Eric Hinske to a one-year, $1.5 million contract out of free agency. In the process, they made another significant call: Doug Mientkiewicz, the fiery and popular utilityman, almost surely will not be back. General manager Neal Huntington conceded as much for the first time. "The signing of Eric would realistically ... I don't want to say eliminate, because we told Doug going into spring training last year that he wasn't going to make the team ... but it certainly decreases the chances ..."

Pirates set to sign Maholm, Hinske

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January 30

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are expected to turn a double play of signings today, with pitcher Paul Maholm on a three-year contract extension and free-agent outfielder Eric Hinske on a one-year contract, each having agreed to terms yesterday. The bigger deal, in many ways, will be the first. Maholm and the team early yesterday morning agreed to a term that guarantees his salary through all three of his arbitration-eligible years and comes with a club option for a fourth year, 2012, that would have been his first after becoming eligible for free agency. Salary figures were not available, but the total guaranteed money is estimated to be in the range of $13 million-$14 million. All that was needed for ..."

Pirates, Hinske close to contract

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January 29

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates and free-agent outfielder Eric Hinske are close to agreement on a one-year contract, multiple sources indicated last night, though it is not yet complete. Hinske, 31, is a .254 career hitter with 105 home runs over seven seasons with three American League teams. Last season, he batted .247 with 20 home runs and 60 RBIs in 381 at-bats for the Tampa Bay Rays, with appearances in right and left field, as well as first and third base. His best season came as a rookie with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002, when he batted .279 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs. A financial settlement, once reached, must be followed by a physical. That could take place tomorrow or Friday, after which a ..."

Pirates talking to outfielders Hinske, Gonzalez

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January 29

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have had contract discussions with free-agent outfielder Eric Hinske and could be close to an agreement, though none has been reached yet. Other free-agent outfielders, including Luis Gonzalez, remain in the mix, though that surely would change if Hinske were signed. Hinske, 31, is a .254 career hitter with 105 home runs over seven seasons with three American League teams. Last season, he batted .247 with 20 home runs and 60 RBIs in 381 at-bats for the Tampa Bay Rays, with appearances in right and left field, first base and third base. His best season came as a rookie with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002, when he batted .279 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs. He never matched the ..."

Pirates talking to outfielders Hinske, Gonzalez

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January 28

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have had contract discussions with free-agent outfielder Eric Hinske and could be close to an agreement, though none has been reached yet. Other free-agent outfielders, including Luis Gonzalez, remain in the mix, though that surely would change if Hinske were signed. Hinske, 31, is a .254 career hitter with 105 home runs over seven seasons with three American League teams. Last season, he batted .247 with 20 home runs and 60 RBIs in 381 at-bats for the Tampa Bay Rays, with appearances in right and left field, first base and third base. His best season came as a rookie with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002, when he batted .279 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs. He never matched the ..."

Pirates pursuing free agent Luis Gonzalez

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January 27

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates are pursuing free-agent outfielder Luis Gonzalez, with their most recent discussion having occurred late last week. Gonzalez, 41, a career .283 hitter with 354 home runs and impeccable leadership credentials, batted .261 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs in 341 at-bats with the Florida Marlins last season and is looking for a similar, bench-type role this year. Two other teams are interested, though those are not known."

Bucs lend cautious support to salary cap

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January 25

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

columnist Rob Biertempfel

"With momentum building for a salary cap in Major League Baseball, the Pirates are willing to get behind it. But they are not willing to lead the charge. After seeing the New York Yankees spend nearly as much this offseason on free agents as the other 29 teams combined, the owners of the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros said it's time for the game to adopt a salary cap. The Pirates' payroll is consistently among the bottom half-dozen teams in the majors. In recent years, ownership has blamed its status as a "small-market" team for the lack of on-field success. "We are not using the economic system as a crutch anymore," president Frank Coonelly said Saturday. "Is the system completely ..."

Why should Pirates' pitching improve?

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January 25

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"It might seem strange that much of the optimism being offered this weekend at PirateFest is related to the Pirates' pitching. The same pitching that ranked last in the National League in ERA, gave up the most hits and walks and was next-to-last in strikeouts. Still, there easily can be found three realistic reasons for that optimism: 1. It hardly could get worse. 2. There is a new, experienced pitching coach in Joe Kerrigan. 3. The four principals in the rotation -- Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny -- each has had at least one quality season at age 26 or younger. When Jim Tracy was managing in Pittsburgh, he often used to say, "If it's in there, it's in there," a Yogi ..."

Phillies looking at ex-batting champion

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January 21

Philadelphia Inquirer

"There has been so much focus in recent days on money and the Phillies' efforts to sign core talent to new contracts that it's easy to forget the team still is looking for a piece or two as it prepares to defend its World Series title.Tops on general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.'s list is a righthanded bat to come off the bench.Amaro would like to sign veteran infielder Nomar Garciaparra, but the former two-time American League batting champion has not decided whether he wants to continue his career or retire."We'd like to bring him to camp," Amaro said during a media availability at Citizens Bank Park yesterday. "It's a matter of whether he's interested."Agent Arn Tellem said Garciaparra still ..."

Pirates reach out to Martinez

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January 17

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Pirates have had contact with Pedro Martinez, one of the most prominent names among free-agent pitchers, and would be interested if the price is right. But talks solely have been exploratory to this point. Martinez, 37, has been limited to 48 starts the past three seasons because of injury. He went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA for the New York Mets last season. He is believed to be seeking a $7 million salary, a figure above what the Pirates would be willing to pay, and has told reporters that he would prefer to return to the Mets -- who first will seek other options -- but is open to signing anywhere. Other teams known to have expressed interest are the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins. ..."

GM: Mientkiewicz still has 'door open'

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January 15

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Pirates general manager Neal Huntington reiterated that free-agent utilityman Doug Mientkiewicz still could be re-signed, insisting that all lines of communication remain open despite Mientkiewicz's expressed concerns to the contrary. "We've been in touch with Doug's side from the beginning," Huntington said. Mientkiewicz had been represented by Greg Landry, but he dismissed Landry this week and soon is expected to replace him with Steve Hilliard. Huntington estimated that he spoke with Landry a half-dozen times through December and, in an interview yesterday afternoon, called it standard procedure to deal with the agent rather than the player. "It's very rare for a GM to talk directly to ..."

Pirates GM: Mientkiewicz's door still open

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January 14

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Pirates general manager Neal Huntington was adamant this afternoon that the door is open for free-agent utilityman Doug Mientkiewicz to return, and he blamed Mientkiewicz's lingering frustration with the team's lack of communication on Mientkiewicz's now-former agent. Mientkiewicz had been represented by Greg Landry, but he quietly replaced Landry with Steve Hilliard two weeks ago. "It's very rare for a GM to talk directly to a player during the offseason. That's why they have agents," Huntington said. "Doug and I have had and continue to have a good relationship. When his agent [Landry] contacted me, I made the dangerous assumption that that was all I needed to do, just talk with the ..."

Romero, do homework before popping pills

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January 11

Camden Courier-Post

"J.C. Romero's mother is a Pentecostal preacher in Puerto Rico, and she is strict. Last August, she scolded her son for his expletive-laced shriek, audible on national television, after he recorded a pivotal late-inning strikeout during a game at Wrigley Field. Imagine, then, the explanation she required from him last week. Romero, the Phillies' top lefty reliever, was suspended without pay for 50 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a banned substance. He insists he didn't know an over-the-counter supplement that he ingested last summer contained traces of the steroid androstenedione, and he claims the suspension is unfair. That may be true. Romero, 33, is a 10-year ..."

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