Sources indicate the Pittsburgh Pirates are picking up their pursuit of pitcher Daniel Cabrera. Cabrera, 27, was not tendered a contract by the Orioles on Friday. He was 8-10 with a 5.25 ERA while making $2,875,000 this past season, with 90 walks and 95 strikeouts in 180 innings. Cabrera has received interest from over 10 teams and already has a multi year offer on the table. It’s being speculated that the Rangers are the team that made the early multi year offer.
The Pirates are prepared to make a two year offer with incentives and Cabrera is currently the Pirates top target on the pitching market.
Ty Wigginton may to be out of the Pirates price range. Reports have indicated that Wigginton is seeking more than what Casey Blake received ( three-year, $17.5 million deal). Pirartes are willing to go as high as two years at $5.5 million per season.
The Pirates remain in the hunt for the services of Chris Bootcheck and Derrick Turnbow. Bootcheck 30, posted a 6.04 ERA in 77 appearances, including a 10.13 ERA in 10 appearances this past season. Turnbow posted a 15.63 ERA in 6.1 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers last season.