Pirates to target OF Hermida again?

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The 2008 season is over for the Pirates and just like the last 16 years it is a season they would like to forget. The Pirates won their season finale today 6-1 to finish the season 67-95. Now it is time to look ahead to the off-season and some quick hits on a few players the Pirates may target.

According to a source one of the Pirates top targets this winter will be Marlins outfielder Jeremy Hermida again. The Pirates nearly acquired Hermida at the trade deadline. The Marlins have been shopping Hermida since the deadline and will look to do the same this winter. Hermida is arbitration eligible but will only net between $2.5 – $4 million. After an impressive 2007 season Hermida struggled in 08 hitting 17 homeruns and 61 RBI’s. During the trade deadline the Pirates scouting department believed Hermida had the talent to be a consistent 25-30 home run player due to the Pirates short porch in right. The Marlins will be selling low and the Pirates will be among the interested parties

The Pirates will be in the market for a starting pitcher

Expect to hear a lot of Nate McLouth trade rumors this winter. The Yankees are likely to make a big play for McLouth according to CNNSI’s Jon Heyman

The Pirates will receive calls regarding the availability of Ian Snell. The Pirates will have to receive an offer they can’t refuse for them to trade Snell.

The Pirates are interested in signing Adam Laroche to a long-term extension but it wouldn’t surprise me to see them explore the trade market for LaRoche just to see what kind of interest would be out there.

Baltimore and Toronto are expected to make a pitch for Jack Wilson this winter

Keep an eye on Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson. The Braves may look to move him and he’s a young player the Pirates could target.