Pirates won't pursue a veteran starter
Photo: David Hague - Inside Pittsburgh Sports
The Pirates were somewhat active last off-season searching for a veteran starting pitcher. The team reached out to a number of veterans including Pedro Martinez, Odalis Perez, Braden Looper and even Paul Byrd.
This off-season, the organization won't be looking to sign a veteran starter.
The team is prepared to move forward with their current staff that includes 11 game winner Ross Ohlendorf, Kevin Hart and Charlie Morton.
Paul Maholm (7-7) had had a disappointing season but Neal Huntington & Co are believers in him and blame his struggles on his health.
Maholm has been battling some minor injuries since early June.
Zach Duke is the wild card in the off-season. Duke's salary will double ($2.2 million) after the season via arbitration.
The Pirates received a number of inquiries on Duke during the trade deadline. If the Pirares receive the right offer, Duke will be a strong candidate to be moved in the off-season as the Pirates would be selling high.
The Pirates may also look to sign Duke to an extension to cover his remaining arbitration years this off-season. Even if they do, it won't less his chances of getting moved.
Two pitchers waiting in the wings to crack the starting rotation in 2010 are
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