Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pirates News and Notes
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been hopeful to avoid arbitration with pitcher Zach Duke but sources indicate that both sides are $750,000 apart.
Pittsburgh is believed to have offered a one year deal worth $3.75 million while Duke is seeking $4.5 million.
Duke, 26, was 11-16 in 2009 with a 4.06 era and was named to the National League All-Star team.
Duke made $2.2 million in 09 and is projected to get around $4.25 million in arbitration.
Pirates still looking to add
Pirates GM Neal Huntington has rebuilt his bullpen bringing in a number of veterans and is close to adding a closer in Octavio Dotel as both sides are on the verge of an agreement.
However, Huntington is not done.
The Pirates have made a one year offer to reliever Tyler Walker, a major league source confirms. Walker, 33, appeared in 32 games with the Philadelphia Phillies last season, posting a 2-1 record and 3.06 era.
