Pittsburgh Pirates Notebook: Bucs on Verge With Clint Barmes
By Matt Shetler
After signing their catcher for the 2012 season in Rod Barajas, Neal Huntington and the Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be at it again as they are on the verge of signing their shortstop in Clint Barmes.
Jon Heyman of SI.com tweeted that 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. The various advanced metrics have 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 manager Clint 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 catcher Ryan Doumit signed 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 process Xaxier Paul and Eric Fryer were removed from the 40-man and designated for assignment.
– In smaller news, the Bucs outrighted catcher Matt Pagnozzi to Triple-A.
– Huntington also claimed a couple players off waivers this week, including right-hander Jeremy Hefner from the Padres and catcher Brian Jeroloman from the Blue Jays.
– As for other potential free agents landing in Pittsburgh, I would expect attention to turn to resigning Derek Lee very soon. MLBTR reported that there could be some interest in both Josh Willingham and Kevin Kouzmanoff which 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 is Jason Marquis.
I will keep you posted on all off-season activity here at City of Champions Sports.
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