Pittsburgh Pirates Notebook: Bucs on Verge With Clint Barmes
After signing their catcher for the 2012 season inRod Barajas, Neal Huntingtonand thePittsburgh Piratesappear to be at it again as they are on the verge of signing their shortstop inClint Barmes.
Jon Heyman of SI.com tweetedthat the deal is a two-year contract worth $10.5 million and is a lock for Barmes to sign.
Barmes, 33 in March, hit just .244/.312/.386 with a dozen homers for the Astros last season, but his primary value comes from his defensive skills. Thevarious advanced metricshave rated his glovework at short as well above-average in recent years.
Make no mistake though, Barmes can handle the bat and reunited with former managerClint Hurdle, he can hopefully have an average to above average offensive season in 2012.
I like the signing. It’s an upgrade all the way around.
Other Notes:
– Former Pirates catcherRyan Doumitsigned a one-year, $3 million deal with Minnesota. It’s a day worth celebrating in Pittsburgh.
– The Bucs have added some prospects to the 40-man roster, meaning it’s now full and any more signings will result in someone being taken off the 40-man. Added to the roster are:Starling Marte, Matt Hague, Jordy Mercer, Rudy Owens, Justin Wilson, and Duke Welker.That protects all of these guys from potentially being selected in this season’s Rule 5 Draft.
– In the processXaxier Paul and Eric Fryerwere removed from the 40-man and designated for assignment.
– In smaller news, the Bucs outrighted catcherMatt Pagnozzito Triple-A.
– Huntington also claimed a couple players off waivers this week, including right-handerJeremy Hefnerfrom the Padres and catcherBrian Jerolomanfrom the Blue Jays.
– As for other potential free agents landing in Pittsburgh, I would expect attention to turn to resigningDerek Leevery soon.MLBTR reportedthat there could be some interest in bothJosh Willingham and Kevin Kouzmanoffwhich could serve as two quality depth pieces.
There also could be a need for another starting pitcher. One name I have heard that could be a fit for the Bucs isJason Marquis.
I will keep you posted on all off-season activity here at City of Champions Sports.
Follow City of Champions Sports onTwitter