Results tagged ‘ pittsburgh-post gazette ’
Doumit still possible trade bait
Ryan Doumit’s role for the 2011 season is a significant down grade compared to the years past. If he remains a Pirate for opening day, he will be seeing limited plate appearances, as a back-up catcher and a pinch hit/bench guy. And dare I say it? First baseman and right fielder on occasion.
There is still a chance Doumit could be moved before the season starts, however, according to Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette.
“There have been feelers, both ways. I remember Neal Huntington quoted (I think it was in a Hot Stove piece) about “the right fit” for Doumit. And Neal went on to say that “right fit” could be some different roles in Pittsburgh or, perhaps, in another city. Logic yields that Doumit is being shopped. I would say there is a good chance other teams want to see him in Spring Training; want to see him healthy and in-person and then might be a bit more aggressive with a play for him. I said it before, though: I really wonder how much the head-injury stuff is holding some teams back.”
Day two of the Winter Meetings: Rumors/signings
- The Pirates are rumored to be interested in Aaron Heilman.
- Rob Biertepfel: Pirates General Manager says “door is open” to free agent Right hand pitcher Chan Ho Park returning, but adds there’s been no contact so nothing is immenent
- General Manager Neal Huntington: “We feel good about the direction the club is headed. We continue to be aggressive in regards to improving our team. We hope to have things finalized (either) this week or next.”
- Phillies and Marlins appear to be interested in Ex-Bucco Delwyn Young.
- According to MLB Trade Rumors, the Pirates have showed lukewarm interest in reliever Hiroyuki Kobayashi, only on a minor league deal.
- Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports: Pirates showing interest – and making offers – on a number of Free-agent relievers. Were in on Putz. Also looking at guys like Gregg.
- Dejan Kovacevic updates on on Orlando Cabrera: Pirates did make inquiry on free-agent Shortstop Orlando Cabrera but are NOT interested. Mentioned earlier I was unsure of interest level.
- According to Dejan Kovacevic, the Pirates may be keeping ex-bullpen coach Luis Dorante to be the Latin American field Cordinator.
- Has the interest between Braves Kenshin Kawakami and the Bucs cooled? The Pirates were rumored to be interested in the starter but since then have signed Kevin Correia and Scott Olsen.
The Pirates are not the only teams in the mix for Kawakami. Rob Biertempfel of the Trib is reporting that: There is buzz in the lobby that the Orioles and Braves have discussed a possible trade.
- Jerry Crasnick of ESPN said this via Twitter: Kevin Correia’s wife just had a baby, so it might be a few days before he has his physical & deal with Pirates becomes official
- The Pirates have acquired on Free-agent Shortstop Orlando Cabrera. With the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, Cabrera batted .263 with four home runs and 42 RBI. He committed 11 errors in 121 games.
- Pittsburgh-Post Gazette’s Dejan Kovacevic said: Scout for NL team (Not the Pirates) said “great signing” regarding Kevin Correia. “He will be a one or two there.”
- The Nationals will be meeting soon with Brandon Webb’s agent according to MLB Trade Rumors. (10:25 AM)
- According to Jesse Behr of Baseball Prospectus, the Pirates aren’t asking much for Ryan Doumit.
- Ed Price of Fan House said the Texas Rangers met with Brandon Webb’s agents Monday night (The Pirates talks with the Cy Young award winner have cooled off).
Pirates to name Searage, Ritchie, Banister and Leyva as coaching staff
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, The Pirates are set to make the following four moves to Clint Hurdle’s coaching staff: Ray Searage as pitching coach, Gregg Ritchie as hitting coach, Jeff Banister as third base coach and Nick Leyva as bench coach.
Searage took over as the Bucs pitching coach when Joe Kerrigan was fired. Since then, players have made improvements and spoken out on how they enjoy his “old school technique” where he focuses on things one pitch at a time. (Brad Lincoln and Charlie Morton made huge strides while working with Searage)
Ritchie has spent the past three years as the Pirates minor league hitting coordinator. He has worked with the teams young players and according to sources was important to management. This will be Ritchies first job in the major leagues.
Banister has spent the past 25 years in the Pirates system and took over as bench coach after Gary Varsho was fired. Banister was also the other finalist for the Manager position.
Leyva served under Cito Gaston in Toronto since 2008. He is a former minor league player and has spent over a decade as a major league baseball coach.
The Pirates still need to fill positions for first base coach and bullpen coach, as well as the titles for infield and outfield instructors.
Kristy Robinson
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