Results tagged ‘ ryan doumit ’
Doumits future after the signing of overbay?
After the signing of Lyle Overbay on Tuesday, Neal Huntington discussed what the future holds for Ryan Doumit in the Steel city.
“We certainly are open to finding a better fit for Ryan, if one is out there for him,” Huntington said. “But if we’re unable to do that, we’re prepared to open the season with Garrett (and Diaz) in right field and Ryan on the bench.”
Pirates announce two-year deal with Diaz, other notes
The Pirates officially announce a two-year deal with outfielder Matt Diaz. The news of the agreement came a week ago, during the winter meetings. The contract is reported to be worth $4.2 million ($2M in 2010 and 2012 plus a $250,000 signing bonus). Diaz has a career .335 batting average and .533 slugging percentage against left-handers over eight major league seasons.
Diaz will platoon in right with Garrett Jones (.282 hitter against right-handers). Ryan Doumit and John Bowker are also back-up options for the Bucs.
Diaz says he is excited to join the Pirates:
On why the Pirates were the right choice:
“Really Clint Hurdle. Met with him at the winter meetings. I talked to him once on the phone before that. He and Neal Huntington came In and gave a great presentation on where the organization is heading. So that was very important for me to go back and ask them for a second year to be a part of it. I think we are going to surprise some people. I really think by 2012, you’re really going to see this young core of players really mesh together and really make a run at this thing.”
Diaz, who has known Andrew McCutchen since he was in 8th grade, said, “He is the most underrated superstar in baseball.”
On what he thinks about playing at PNC Park: “I like hitting the ball to right center and I like the way the ball carries here. Hopefully it will be a friendly park for me to hit in, a friendly park for me to play defense in and hopefully produce some runs so we can win some games.”
On his dream of playing in a world series: “I know people in Pittsburgh nation will laugh, but, hopefully in the next couple of years we can do that.”
Other News and Notes:
- The Pirates two-year deal with pitcher Kevin Correia should be finalized later this week. In order for him to be put on the 40-man roster, the Bucs must remove someone, as it is full.
- Rob Biertempfel of the Trib reports: The Pirates are stepping up efforts to trade Ryan Doumit, who’s bumped down now to a $5.1 M bench player, backup catcher.
- According to Jesse Behr of Baseball Prospectus, he is “Hearing whispers of a Ryan Doumit-for-Marco Scutaro deal”. Scutaro in 2010 with the Red Sox hit 11 home runs, 56 RBI with a .275 average.
Pirates sign a one-year deal with Overbay
The Pirates have reached a one-year deal with free agent Lyle Overbay on Tuesday. The financial terms have not been released yet regarding the first baseman.
Overbay hit .243 with 20 homers and 67 RBIs in 154 games last season. The soon to be 34-year-old hit 37 doubles during the 2010 season. He has spent the past five years in Toronto and is a career .274 hitter.
“Lyle Overbay is a solid Major League player, and we expect him to have a positive impact on our club offensively, defensively and in the clubhouse,” general manager Neal Huntington said in a statement.
Overbay is a solid defensive first baseman. His .996 fielding percentage ranked 2nd in the American League last season. He also led all first baseman with 150 double plays and 101 assists.
With the signing of Overbay, Garrett Jones will spend the 2010 season platooning in both right field and first base. Huntington said Doumit will assume a bench role and as a back up catcher to Chris Snyder (that is, if the Pirates don’t trade Doumit before the season begins. The Bucs have been shopping Ryan).
Update: Overbay signed a one-year deal worth $5M.
He also had lunch on Tuesday afternoon with Manager Clint Hurdle: “(Hurdle) was a big part of my decision,” Overbay said. “I talked to a lot of people about him. I like that way he goes about it — his honesty, his knowledge of the game, his energy. He made me feel comfortable. I’m an easy-going guy, too, but when it’s time to go after it, I know how to turn the switch. He’s the same way.”
Overbay’s deal is only for one season but, “I’m hoping it will last longer than (one season),” he said.
Bucs pushing to trade Doumit
The Pirates are pushing hard in order to trade Ryan Doumit according to sources. The club is also willing to pay some of his salary. Doumit is due to make $5.1 million for the 2011 season. He also has options for 2012 ($7.25 M) and 2013 ($8.25 M).
Just days ago General Manager Neal Huntington said Doumit would be the Pirates starting right fielder and back-up catcher for 2011. With the signing of Matt Diaz, who would play the majority of his time playing in right, makes Doumit more expendable.
If traded, Doumit could bring back some prospects in return. If he stays for next season the Pirates would be paying roughly $11 million for two catchers (which is pretty high considering the Bucs payroll projecting at $50 million).
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).
Huntington discusses first day of winter meetings
After day one of the Winter Meetings, General Manager spoke to Pittsburgh Media on busy day:
On progress from day one: “Much like the first day of the Winter Meetings –always a lot of conversations. Some lead to dead ends. Some lead to fruition. A lot of dialogue.”
On whether the Pirates would be open to giving up prospects for a trade: I think we’re open to the right deal. In a perfect world, we’d love to hold every prospect that we have, but we know to get good players that are the right fit, it’s going to take some players in return.”
On trading Joel Hanrahan or Evan Meek: “We like both guys a lot. We think both are capable of closing at the Major League level, and we’re looking for value in return.”
On what Ryan Doumit’s role would be for next season: “As we sit here right now, Ryan will be our right fielder with some time behind homeplate to supplement Chris Snyder. Sitting here right now, Ryan is going to play a lot. It’s up to him to play well and to continue to play, but sitting here, that’s the plan.”
On whether Ryan Doumit could be a part of the platoon situation in right field: “If there is a right-handed complement to be had… we have Steve Pearce internally that we feel comfortable with. But we continue to explore the trade market as well as the free agent market to see what else is out there. Sometimes clubs in our market have to be creative to maximize the roster and maximize the production of the roster. ‘Platoon’ seems to be a negative word. But the reality is that if it helps us put quality production on the field, it’s something that we’ve got be open to.”
On which position has the most options, first base or right field: “There’s options at both. There are some established Major League veterans out there. There are some players that are available in a trade. We’ve got two guys that we feel comfortable with, so it would have to be a situation of trying to find an upgrade if that is possible out there.”
On whether the Pirates have made a decision on who will be the Bucs closer: “The tough part is that it’s not going to be a Spring Training competition. So if we do decide on one – and there have been multiple conversations that Clint [Hurdle] and I have had and we’ve got to continue to have – we have to decide before Spring Training. In early conversations, we’re open to moving both guys depending on situations and how they match up. But it is an ongoing dialogue internally as to whether we’ll settle on one or go with both.”
On whether the Rule 5 draft has good players: “No.”
On whether the players who were non-tendered are still of interest to the Pirates: “Yeah. We’ve made contact on a good number of players and continue to be open to find different ways to help our club continue to move forward.”
Winter meetings updates/rumors/signings: Day one
I will continue to update this post throughout the day on any rumors and signings that happen during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
*5:10 PM-
Ken Rosenthal tweeted this: Pirates looking at free-agent RHP Kevin Correia, among others.
Correia went 10-10 with a 5.40 ERA in 28 games (26 starts) with the San Diego Padres. In eight seasons (combined with the San Francisco Giants and Padres) he has a record of 36-43 with a 4.57 ERA. Correia,30, averages 6.6 strike outs per nine innings.
*4:30 PM-
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington when asked about reports that teams have asked about Andrew McCutchen: “I wouldn’t always believe what you read.”
*4:22 PM-
General Manager Neal Huntington says Ryan Doumit is Pirates starting right fielder for 2011 “as we sit right now”. He also would do some catching.
*3:55 PM-
According to Dejan Kovcevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, the Pirates are “deeply interested” in right hand pitcher Jeremy Accardo.
Accardo, who turns 29 on December 18th, appeared in five games (6.2 innings) with the Toronto Blue Jays during April 2010. He allowed six runs on 12 hits with three strike outs and three walks. Accardo was non-tendered by the Jays on December 3rd and was due to make $1.08 million.
In 41 games with the Blue Jay’s Triple-A team, Accardo went 2-2 with a 3.64 ERA and had 24 saves. In 42 innings pitched he allowed just one home run, walked 14 and struck out two.
*3:08 PM-
According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, A couple of teams have approached the Pirates about Andrew McCutchen (not the Red Sox) Bucs would have to be “overwhelmed” in order to trade the center fielder.
*2:01 PM-
Agent for Scott Olsen told MLB Trade Rumors that “nothing is done yet” on one-year deal with the Pirates.
*1:45 PM-
According to Jen Langosch of MLB.com, The Pirates have tentatively agreed to a one-year contract with Scott Olsen. The deal is pending a physical (which would happen later this week) and is incentive-laden.
Olsen, 26, became a free-agent in November after being out righted off the Washington Nationals roster.
In 17 games (15 starts) with the Nats in 2010, he went 4-8 with a 5.56 ERA.
Olsen is coming off two injury plagued seasons with Washington. In his previous three seasons with the Florida Marlins he had at least 31 starts and pitched at least 176.2 innings.
His career stats (six seasons) is 37-49 with a 4.85 ERA in 130 games (127 starts).
An official announcement could come by Friday.
*1:03 PM-
According to Jen Langosch of MLB.com, the Pirates have shown interest in Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves right hander is set to make $6.667 million in 2011, but Atlanta are interested in parting ways with the starter, covering most of the salary. It’s possible the Bucs could pay $1-2 million and not have to trade any player in the deal.
Kawakami, 35, went 1-10 with a 5.15 ERA in 18 games (16 starts) with the Braves in 2010.
The Pirates are also rumored to be eyeing shortstop (he can also play second and third base) Brendan Ryan of the Cardinals. Ryan hit .223 with two homers and 36 RBI in 139 games.
*12:17 PM-
The Pirates talks with starting pitcher Brandon Webb have gone cold according to sources. The Bucs have not contacted Webb since November 22nd. Justin Duchscherer, Jeff Francis and Scott Olsen are still on the Pirates radar.
The Pirates are willing to trade Evan Meek or Joel Hanrahan for a “significant offer” but they are not shopping them around.
*11:40 AM-
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, an informed source told him the Pirates “would love” to trade Ryan Doumit.
Inbox: future of Doumit, Alvarez to first base?, Marte on 40-man
Pirates beat reporter Jenifer Langosch answered fans question’s in this months inbox. There are a few below, but you can read the entire chat here.
My question involves the Pirates’ catching situation. Is Ryan Doumit more likely to be traded or kept? If he is traded, who do the Pirates look to? Tony Sanchez is a couple of years away, and Chris Snyder does tend to struggle with the bat. Will the team just try to develop Snyder into a better hitter and stick with him, or look to free agent or trade options?
I know I’ve mentioned this in this forum before, but the Pirates will be willing to listen to offers for Doumit this offseason. The club has the luxury to do so after acquiring Snyder in July, and Doumit is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract. As we’ve seen time and time again, the Pirates aren’t shy in trying to get something for players nearing free agency.
Now, let’s take a look at the two scenarios. If Doumit is gone by the start of the 2011 season, Snyder will get the majority of playing time behind the plate. The Pirates didn’t acquire Snyder for his bat (though they expected a little more production than he showed late in the season), so any lack of offense from ’10 isn’t going to cut into his playing time next season. Jason Jaramillo could serve as Snyder’s backup, or the Pirates could go get a backup catcher pretty easily this offseason.
If Doumit stays, Snyder will still receive most of the playing time. Again, the Pirates acquired Snyder because of his reputation for being an above-average defender and for his ability to work well with pitching staffs. Doumit would get the catching duties on Snyder’s periodic days off and would likely play a lot in right field.
According to Pirates president Frank Coonelly, Pedro Alvarez will stay at third base. Does that rule out the team drafting third baseman Anthony Rendon from Rice and instead going after a pitcher with the No. 1 pick next year?
Without a quote from Coonelly in front of me, I assume you are referencing something he wrote in a recent chat on this website. That said, I can say that the Pirates are still somewhat unsure of whether Alvarez will stick at third base for the entirety of his Major League career. The plans are for him to be the Opening Day third baseman in 2011. But from there, it will be largely dictated by Alvarez’s conditioning habits as to whether he’ll stay there or not.
If the Pirates determine that Rendon is the best available player in the 2011 Draft, the club will take him. Alvarez’s presence won’t stop the Pirates’ chance at getting another impact bat. If Rendon does turn out to be the Pirates’ pick, expect Alvarez to transition to first base when Rendon is Major League-ready.
Do you think that Starling Marte will be on the Pirates’ 40-man roster on Opening Day 2011?
I don’t foresee any reason for the Pirates to use a spot on their 40-man roster for Marte before Opening Day. Yes, the outfielder is one of the top position-player prospects in Pittsburgh’s system. However, he is not eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft this December, and he isn’t going to be ready for the Majors in 2011. Those would be the only two reasons to put Marte on the roster.
Marte was signed in 2007 when he was 18 years old, which means he will be eligible for the Rule 5 Draft after the ’11 season. So at this time next year, yes, you can expect Marte’s name to be put on that roster.
Francoeur in a Pirates uni?
Jeff Francoeur became a free-agent on Wednesday after he cleared waivers and refused an assignment to the minors. The 26-year-old batted .249 with 13 home runs and 65 RBI during the 2010 season with both the Mets and Rangers.
Although there has been no reports as of yet, I think Francoeur would make a good fit in Pittsburgh. The Pirates are in need of an everyday right fielder with some power. He is a great defender, great arm (he leads the majors in outfield assists since his major league debut) as well as a good bat –a career .268 hitter. Francouer made $5 million during the 2010 season.
Francouer has made it known he wants to be an everyday player despite crushing lefties (.300) better than righties (.231) in 2010. The Pirates –if they decided to sit him against right handed pitchers on occasions– could use John Bowker or Garrett Jones who both hit better against righties.
If the Pirates could trade Ryan Doumit (owed $5.1 million for 2011) to free up some payroll I think they should sign him. A huge upgrade over Lastings Milledge, Dewlyn Young, and/or any of the others who played there during the 2010 season.
Cutch battles bug, at-bat to score on Cedeno’s walk-off hit
Andrew McCutchen was a late scratch on Friday’s game against the Dbacks due to a stomach bug. Nothing a little nap and food can’t fix right?
“I told JR I was ready,” McCutchen recalled.
Cutch was brought into the bottom of the ninth inning of a tied ball game to pinch-hit for John Bowker. He fell quickly 0-2 against Vasquez but worked the count and drew a six pitch walk.
“I said ‘Just bear down and battle,’” McCutchen said. “I was able to do that.”
Ryan Doumit came up to the plate next. Vasquez’s command was off, and Doumit drew a walk.
Ronny Cedeno was the next Pirate to step to the plate. With runners on first and second, Cedeno hit the ball into short center delivering in the walk-off run.
“I’m trying to put the ball in play because I know ‘Cutch can run,” Cedeno said. “I knew they were going to throw me inside. I was very excited because we didn’t play real good in the road trip. I think we’re fighting, and we’ve been competing the last seven days.”
It was a well deserved win that the team deserved after battling on the road, losing four of the six games by just one run.
“You guys all knew we were going to come and play hard [Friday],” said Hanrahan, who logged 1 1/3 scoreless innings. “The way those guys worked those ABs was great.”
Brian Burres pitched seven innings allowing three runs –two earned– on seven hits. He didn’t walk a single batter, he has only issued one free pass in his last 20 innings pitched.
“It’s really a lot of just focusing on one pitch at a time when you’re out there,” Burres said. “Don’t try to get ahead of yourself. Usually when you do that, the pitch goes where you want it to.”
Kristy Robinson
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