Source: Pirates looking to add to major league club, targeting Indians Carmona

According to multiple team sources, Pittsburgh Pirates president Frank Coonelly has given Pirates GM Neal Huntington the “OK” to add salary for an established veteran under team control for 2011 and beyond.

In what is a rare scene, the Pirates are looking to “add” to their major league club moving forward.

With their eye on building a competitive team for 2011 and 2012, the Pirates are actively targeting starting pitching, Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned.

Industry sources indicate, Pirates GM Neal Huntington has expressed significant interest in Cleveland Indians 26 year old starter Fausto Carmona.

Carmona, 26, is is 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA for the Indians in 2010. The former 19 game winner in 2007 is under team control through 2014.

Carmona is due $6.1 million in 2011, with a $7 million club option in 2012, followed by club options in 2013 and 2014.

Huntington who has close ties to the Indians organization, has expressed clear interest. This could be a deal I’m told that may not materialize until the winter but Cleveland is currently listening to offers for the right hander due to their financial situation.

The Pirates have major issues in their starting rotation for the short-term and long-term. Solidifying their rotation with a young productive starter under team control is a top priority for the team going into the 2011 season.

Carmona’s salary breakdown

2010: $4.9 million, 2011: $6.1 million, 2012: $7 million club option, 2013: $9 million club option, 2014: $12 million club option, 2015: Free Agent