PITTSBURGH — While the first two days of the winter meetings were slow, the Pirates were busy improving their ball club on day three and added some depth in the Rule 5 draft on the final day of the meetings, which were held in Dallas, Texas.
The Pirates may not have made any “big splashes” in the free agent market. But they they did, however, fill some voids needed this offseason.
Deals — The Pirates signed three players on Wednesday, catcher Jose Morales to a minor league contract with a non-roster spring training invite, left-hander Erik Bedard and outfielder Nate McLouth.
Cut ties — The Pirates designated catcher Jason Jaramillo and infielder Pedro Ciriaco for assignment in order to make room for Bedard and McLouth on the roster. They also released right-hander Ross Ohlendorf.
Trade — The Pirates acquired infielder Yamaico Navarro from the Kansas City Royals for minor league right-hander Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris.
Rule 5 — The Pirates used their eighth pick in the draft and selected infielder Gustavo Nunez. They did lose right-hander Brett Lorin to the Arizona Diamondbacks. In the minor league rounds, the Pirates selected left-hander Aaron Poreda and catchers Charles Cutler and Francisco Diaz.
Below is a breakdown of what the club has addressed heading into the 2012 season and what can still be improved upon.
Starting rotation — The starting rotation is set heading into next season. After signing free agent lefty Erik Bedard, the starting five (in no particular order) is as follows: Bedard, Kevin Correia, Jeff Karstens, James McDonald and Charlie Morton. Morton is coming had offseason hip surgery and could possibly miss the month of April. If so, the Pirates have right-hander Brad Lincoln and lefty Jeff Locke as internal options.
Bullpen — The bullpen will become a lot clearer after the club decides on who they will bring back of those arbitration eligible’s. Of the remaining eight, five of them are relievers. The Pirates have until Monday to decide whether to offer arbitration to Jason Grilli, Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Chris Resop and Jose Veras. Both Hanrahan, Meek and Resop are expected back next season. The club also has a lot of internal options for the ‘pen next season. Right-hander Chris Leroux, Jared Hughes, Daniel McCutchen, and lefties Daniel Moskos and Tony Watson all had solid seasons with Pittsburgh in 2011.
Catcher — The Pirates signed veteran catcher Rod Barajas to a one-year deal prior to the winter meetings. Back up options include Michael McKenry and Jose Morales.
Infield — As expected, first baseman Derrek Lee declined arbitration. The club has said they will still actively peruse bringing back the veteran for next season if there is interest on his side. If Lee signs elsewhere, the Pirates will receive a compensation draft pick between the first and second round in the 2012 draft. If Lee does not return, the Pirates will go with a platoon at first base of Garrett Jones with Matt Hague, Jake Fox or Nick Evans.
There was no need to upgrade at second base, as Neil Walker will remain at second.
The Pirates signed veteran Clint Barmes to a two-year deal, replacing Ronny Cedeno at shortstop.
Pedro Alvarez is expected to be the starting third baseman in 2012. Despite a disappointing season last year where he struggled with injuries and was demoted, Alvarez has been on a strict off-season workout regimen and will be looking to bounce back. The Pirates have a contingency plan in place if Alvarez continues to struggle. Internal options include Matt Hague, Josh Harrison and Yamaico Navarro. The club could still look for a veteran option at third in a backup role.
Outfield — The outfield for next season with consist of Alex Presley in left, Andrew McCutchen in center and Jose Tabata in right. The Pirates signed Nate McLouth to a one-year deal to serve as the teams fourth outfielder.
Bench/utility — Depending on the first base situation, the bench will become a bit clearer. The Pirates have plenty of options to come off the bench and be used for an utility role. They include: Garrett Jones (outfield, first), Matt Hague (corner infield), Nick Evans (outfield, first) Jake Fox (first, outfield), Josh Harrison (third, second, short), Gustavo Nunez (short, second), Chase d’Arnaud (third, short) and Yamaico Navvaro (third, short, second).
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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