Bucco Blurb: Latest Pirates' News & Rumors

The busy month of November continues for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as more roster moves and rumors of others have been made less than a month following the end of the 2011 postseason.  While it’s obvious that the Pirates will not make offers to the top tier of free agents, there are a number of other talented players that they could certainly benefit from signing.

Pirates Interested In Ramon Santiago? 

One of the biggest stories of the Bucs’ offseason thus far is the rumored interest in the Tigers’ Ramon Santiago.  Now that Ronny Cedeno is out of the picture, shortstop is a wide open position that the Pirates need to fill, and internal names like Chase d’Arnaud, Pedro Ciriaco, and Josh Harrison don’t seem to be at the level of an everyday player. 

Santiago isn’t exactly what is referred to as an “established everyday player,” which, in turn, could actually work to the Pirates’ advantage.  The price shouldn’t be too high, and all in all, he’s probably a better player than Cedeno.  He has the reputation as a strong defender, but he’s definitely better than Ronny with the bat.  The big question is whether or not the Tigers will want to re-sign him.  But even if they do, the Pirates may actually hold a higher card here because they would be offering an everyday position as opposed to a reserve/platoon spot with Detroit.

If Not Santiago, Why Not Barmes?

The Astros’ Clint Barmes is another shortstop that may be targeted by the Bucs this offseason.  Clint Hurdle managed Barmes while they were both in Colorado, so he may be willing to come to Pittsburgh.  Like many other shortstops, Barmes is definitely known for his defense more than his offense.  Again, Cedeno was much better with the glove than with the bat, so this wouldn’t exactly be devastating for the Bucs.  Barmes will be 33 years old by Opening Day 2012, older than both Cedeno and Ramon Santiago.  That, accompanied by salary issues and availability of other players, will determine if the Pirates seriously pursue Barmes.

Pirates Sign Minor Leaguers

The Pirates signed several minor league players last week, all of which are considered to be player-coaches.  Catchers Milver Reyes and Wyatt Toregas, as well as second baseman Keoni De Renne and third baseman Vince Harrison, were signed, as were outfielders Jason Cooper and Michael Ryan.  In other news, Steve Pearce is now officially a minor-league free agent.  Hopefully, not a single one of these players will ever see Major League time.  Of course, Toregas was up with the big club for a limited amount of time earlier this past season following injuries to Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit. 

Former Bucs In Contact With Other Clubs

Ryan Doumit has reportedly rejected a deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers.  The offer was in the $3 million range, and with his reaction, it appears as though Doumit won’t be signing with anyone in the near future.  The Dodgers are rumored to be very close to a deal with Matt Kemp, worth a reported 8 year, $160 million.  As for Doumit, the Cleveland Indians are also apparently interested in making a deal…but as of yet, no offer has been made.

Also, former Pirates Rule 5 Draft Pick Donnie Veal signed a minor-league contract with the Chicago White Sox last week, and has been added to the team’s 40-man roster.  Veal’s time in Pittsburgh was mauled by injuries, and never really developed into a player the Pirates were interested in keeping in their bullpen.

Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for reactions to the latest news and rumors surrounding our Battlin’ Buccos.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Pirates' First Round Of Cuts Sends Four To Minor League Camp

Photo Credit: Christopher Horner (Tribune Review)

The Pittsburgh Pirates made their first round of Spring Training cuts.  The announcement was made this morning, reassigning four players to Minor League camp, including Tony Sanchez, Eric Fryer, Cesar Valdez and Donnie Veal.

The most notable name on this list is Sanchez, who will begin the year in Double-A presumably.  Tony was the team’s first-round pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, and so far this spring, he has been tagging along behind Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit at the catcher position.

The reason given for sending Sanchez down in the first wave of cuts was so he could begin getting consistent playing time to prepare for the season.  It doesn’t make sense for a young talent like Sanchez to sit on the bench throughout the Pirates’ Spring Training when he could further develop at the minor league level.

“This was an opportunity for him to get to experience a Major League clubhouse environment,” Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle said. “As we put this new group together, we wanted him in here for a few weeks to embrace him, to encourage him on the heels of last season.”

Fryer played in Class A last year with Sanchez, but missed a lot of time due to injury.  It is unknown whether he will begin the season in Bradenton or if he will move to Altoona to be Sanchez’s backup with the Curve.

Obviously, Veal is in a much different situation than the rest of his teammates sent to Minor League camp today.  Donnie, of course, is working through his rehab program following Tommy John surgery, and while he wasn’t expected to be fully recovered at this point, the Pirates aren’t ruling out a May or June return.

Finally, Valdez’s spot on the Pirates’ roster is still in discussion.  Acquired when the Pirates traded Zach Duke to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Valdez will most likely be starting the season in Triple-A Indianapolis, at least until the Pirates decide on whether he is best suited for a starting or relieving role.

The Pirates now have 58 players remaining in Major League camp.  As more cuts and moves are made, we will keep you updated the moment the word comes in. 

Comments on the cuts?  Send us an email at comments@fansfromthestands.com or fansfromthestands@yahoo.com

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

***Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com, and Pirates.com contributed to this article***