Are the Pirates a longshot to sign Pitcher Paul Byrd?

The Pirates have held discussions with free agent Paul Byrd but a formal offer has not been made. Byrd is among the Pirates top targets but they have some hefty competition in their way with Houston, Washington, St.Louis, Atlanta, Colorado already showing some kind of interest in the veteran pitcher. Washington and Colorado may be willing to go three years according to a source. Byrd eyes a return to the national league and Pirates are expected to make an official offer by the end of the month. There is mutual interest form both sides due to Byrd’s connections to Pirates GM Neil Huntington.