There are strong indications that the Pittsburgh Pirates will make a multi-year offer to pitcher Zach Duke following the World Series.
Duke, 26, was 11-16 with a 4.06 ERA last season and was named to the National League All-Star team.
Duke made a salary of $2.2 million in 2009 and is arbitration-eligible. Duke is eligible for free agency in 2012.
The Pirates would like to lock up Duke into his free agency years. It remains to be seen whether that interest is mutual.
Carlos Garcia to replace Perry Hill?
According to John Perrotto, minor-league infield coordinator Carlos Garcia is the leading candidate to become Pirates new first base coach.
Former first base coach Perry Hill, decided not to return to the team.
Garcia, a former second baseman, was the Pirates 1994 All-Star representative.

Quick Hits
*The Pirates top scout Marc DelPiano made plenty of scouting trips to Seattle and Tacoma last summer. The Pirates have now acquired 6 players from the Mariners system since July with the waiver claim of pitcher Justin Thomas today.
*Jose Tabata is batting .308 in 52 at bats for the Scottsdale Scorpions. Tabata has added 1 home run and 11 RBI’s.