Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
PIRATES EXPLORING DEAL FOR HANRAHAN; LOOKING TO MAKE GRILLI SHORT-TERM CLOSER?
Pirates GM Neal Huntington is not a believer in paying big money to relievers and with closer Joel Hanrahan set to cash in on $7 to $8 million per season in 2013, Huntington has made Hanrahan available over the past couple weeks.
One scenario the Pirates are exploring if they are able to get a good enough return on Hanrahan is trying to resign Jason Grilli on a 2 year deal and making him the short-term closer, sources confirm.
What kind of market is out there for Hanrahan?
The Pirates, according to team sources, are seeking two Major League players in return for Hanrahan and are not seeking a package of prospects.
The hot rumor out there is that the Dodgers have expressed the most interest in Hanrahan and are discussing a package centered around Dodgers starter Chris Capuano, according to Buster Olney of ESPN.
The Pirates pursued Capuano last off-season but the Pirates pulling the trigger on a straight swap of Hanrahan – Capuono is not ideal. The Dodgers are likely going to need to add another piece.
Capuano went 12-12 with a 3.72 ERA but is 34 years old and more of a No. 4 type starter. Hanrahan, 31, tallied 36 saves in 2012, posting a 2.72 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings. The right hander made $4.1 million.
