• The Pirates are rumored to be interested in free agent veteran starter Carl Pavano. It is reported that he is seeking a three year/$30 million contract. The twins, Nationals and Royals are the other teams interested in the right-hander.
• The Pirates are still interested in signing a starter and several relievers which include a pair of left-handers.

Rob Biertempfel of the Trib points out that left-hander Brian Fuentes is still on the market. Although, he prefers to close games (the Pirates have not yet appointed Evan Meek and/or Joel Hanrahan for the job).

• General Manager Neal Huntington flies out to Bradenton, FL. On Thursday night to begin preparations for the mini camp that starts on Monday. Manager Clint Hurdle and players will report on Sunday.

Those invited to the mini-camp include:

Pitchers – Michael Crotta, Joel Hanrahan, Kevin Hart, Jeff Karstens, Brad Lincoln, Jeff Locke, Daniel McCutchen, James McDonald, Kyle McPherson, Evan Meek, Bryan Morris, Charlie Morton, Daniel Moskos, Ross Ohlendorf, Chris Resop, Aaron Thompson, Tony Watson

Catchers – Jason Jaramillo

Infielders – Pedro Ciriaco, Lyle Overbay, Steve Pearce, Josh Rodriguez, Neil Walker

Outfielders – Matt Diaz, Gorkys Hernandez, Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, Alex Presley, Jose Tabata

Non Roster invites – Dusty Brown, Brian Burres, Josh Fields, Fernando Nieve, Justin Thomas, Cesar Valdez, Corey Wimberly

Note: Neither Paul Maholm or Ryan Doumit are participating.

 

• The Indians designated outfielder/first baseman Jordan Brown for assignment on Thursday.

Sports time Ohio is reporting the Pirates could be interested. General Manager Neal Huntington is familiar with Brown (He spent 10 seasons with the Indians organization from 1998-2007).

Brown, 27, is a career .306 hitter with an .840 OPS hitter through six minor league seasons.

Through 83 games at Triple-A Columbus during the 2010 season, he hit .298 with 28 doubles, eight homers and 67 RBI.