Source: Pirates reach out to Jeremy Bonderman’s agent in early stages of FA

Pirates aggressive in early stages

Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman reported on Sunday that the Pittsburgh Pirates are being aggressive in going for players in free agency.

The Pirates top target early on appears to be Detroit Tigers pitcher Jeremy Bonderman.

An industry source confirmed to Inside Pittsburgh Sports late Sunday night that Pirates reached out to agent Greg Genske early Sunday morning to express their interest in the 28 year right hander.

Bonderman went 8-10 in 2010 with a 5.53 ERA. He had a salary of $12.5 million.

Bonderman has lost velocity off of his fastball after arterial surgery in 2008, which has been a concern from evaluators.

Bonderman was limited to just 13 starts combined in 2008 and 2009 and has not posted double digits wins since the 2007 season.

However, Pirates scouts apparently feel he is ready to turn his career around. He’s the guy the Pirates really want on a free agent market for pitchers that is sparse after the likes of Cliff Lee.

The Pirates are in the trade and free agent market for at least two starting pitchers.

Inside the industry, the Pirates are considered the most likely landing spot for Scott Boras client….

,veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood. Millwood is eyeing a return to the national league and despite leading the American League is losses (4-16, 5.10 ERA), the Pirates and others feel his stats were more of a byproduct of playing for a bad team.

The Pirates feel Millwood could be a back of the rotation innings eater. Millwood made $12 million in 2010.

Like Bonderman, Millwood is believed to be an early target of the Pirates. Boras and Pirates GM Neal Huntington have a good relationship.