MLB: Pirates picking up pursuit of Bobby Crosby; Dodgers interested in Duke

One of the Pirates top priorities at the winter meetings is to solidify their short-stop situation for the short-term and the long-term.

The team offered veteran Adam Everrett a one year deal this afternoon and now that Everrett will return to Detroit, the Pirates have picked up their pursuit of shortstop Bobby Crosby. Crosby has been a target of the Pirates since October when the Pirates conducted their organization meetings.

Crosby appeared in 97 games with the Oakland A's last season, batting .223 in a dissapointing season and hasn't matched the hype since hitting 22 home runs in his rookie season.

However, as first reported by John Perrotto, the Pirates top target at the Winter Meetings is Rays shortstop prospect Reid Brignac.

The LA Dodgers are among two teams showing strong interest in pitcher Zach Duke. The two teams have discussed a possible swap of prospects and relievers going the Pirates way. Up to four teams have made inquiries on Duke today.

Team officials are denying interest in Dodgers outfielder Juan Pierre who has been linked to the Pirates from some members of the national media.

Pirates GM Neal Huntington confirmed today that he has received a number of inquires on Ryan Doumit, Matt Capps, Zach Duke and Paul Maholm.

The Pirates prefer to move Duke over Maholm. Huntington also indicated today that he's not necessarily seeking Major League ready talent in return for Duke or Maholm, if he were to move one of them.

When asked if the team is planning to tender Matt Capps, Roger Cedeno, Zach Duke, Huntington said, "That's a good question."