Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates tonight non-tendered starting right fielder Lastings Milledge, along with pitchers Donnie Veal, Brian Burress and infielder Argenis Diaz.
Milledge, 25, had a disappointing 2009 season and his ultimate downfall in Pittsburgh was his inability to hit for power.
However, the decision to non-tender Milledge will surely come into question, despite GM Neal Huntington saying that the club may explore resigning him.
Milledge hit .277 with 4 home runs and 32 RBI’s in 2009. He had a line of 332/.380/.712. He made a salary of $452,000 in 09.
The Pirates today did reach deals with two players before the midnight deadline.
The Pirates agreed to a one year deal worth around $1.98 million with shortstop Ronny Cedeno. The deal includes a club option for 2012. Cedeno hit .256 last season with 8 home runs and 38 RBI’s.
Cedeno could enter spring training battling for his starting job as the Pirates have been exploring options on the trade market.
Veteran pitcher Jeff Karstens also agreed to a one year deal. The deal is worth $1.1 million.
The Pirates have an interest in resigning 26 year old Donnie Veal.
