Pirates GM Meetings Buzz: Former Rockies at the top of “wishlist”

The Latest Pirates Buzz

*The Pirates mindset this off-season is that the team will not be able to trade catcher Ryan Doumit but the team is hopeful to find a match in the American League.

There has been luke warm interest to this point for the Pirates backup catcher. A team or two though could come through the woodwork at the December Winter Meetings.

Doumit enters 2011 without a starting job as the Pirates are committed to Chris Snyder behind the plate.

*The Pirates are taking the right approach in that they are adamant that they won’t overspend for a bottom of the rotation stater.

Early in free agency, the Pirates kicked the tires on on free agent pitchers Jeremy Bonderman and Kevin Millwood.

I’m told agent Greg Genske is taking a hard line for Bonderman, which at this point has cooled the Pirates interest. Scott Boras is taking the same approach for Millwood. Neither are officially off the Pirates radar but neither player appears to be a fit at this time.

The Pirates pursuit of Rockies lefty Jorge De La Rosa remains very much alive.

The are prepared to become a serious suitor for the 29 year old lefty who won 16 games in 2009. However, in the end, they are likely to strikeout on De La Rosa who is projected to land a 5 year deal in the $50 million range.

De La Rosa though isn’t the only former Colorado Rockie who is at the top of the Pirates wish list.

The team is said to have strong interest in 29 year old lefty Jeff Francis. Francis went 4-6, with a 5.00 ERA in 19 starts last season.

He’s a more realistic option than De La Rosa due to the much lower commitment but several teams are pursuing him.

*The Adrian Beltre talk in Pittsburgh has come to a halt. Agent Scott Boras leaked that the Pirates made an inquiry and that was it.

Beltre is reportedly the most sought out player on the market with the Baltimore Orioles making a strong run for his services.