Jorge De La Rosa Pirates top target

The Pirates main focus this off season is pitching and their top target? Left-handed pitcher Jorge de la Rosa.

De La Rosa, 29, went 8-7 with a 4.22 ERA in 20 starts for the Colorado Rockies during the 2010 season.

The Pirates will have to fight for the lefty as The Rockies, Washington Nationals, New York Yankees, and Milwaukee Brewers are reportably interested in him as well.

In six seasons pitching in the National League, De La Rosa is 38-31 with a 4.80 ERA. He does average 8.7 strike outs per nine innings but the downside is his innings pitched per year. In 2009 De la rosa threw 185 innings but his second highest is just 130.

He will also come with a hefty price tag. De La Rosa has said he wants at least a four-year contract at 11 million per year.

According to Troy Kenck of the Denver Post:

“Teams are expected to begin meeting with De La Rosa’s reps today. Washington, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Rockies, Yankees among those with interest.”