Pirates begin courting De La Rosa

The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially begun their courtship of starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa.
Members of the Pirates baseball operations staff are scheduled to meet with De La Rosa’s representatves around 5:00 p.m. this afternoon in Orlando, Inside Pittsburgh Sports has learned.
The Pirates intend to make what those inside the organization are describing as a serious run at De La Rosa, who is seeking a multi-year deal in the four-to-five year range.
However, today’s meeting could dictate whether the Pirates seriously enter the mix as De La Rosa’s agent Bobby Barad is prepared to begin negotiations with teams this week.
De La Rosa, 29 was 8-7 last season and won 16 games in 2009. He’s a power pitcher that Neal Huntington covets and apparently has the “OK” from ownership to pursue.
What the Pirates hope is an added incentive on their side is the presence of manager Clint Hurdle who managed De La Rosa in 2008 and 2009.
Those close to the situation indicate De La Rosa credits Hurdle as playing a part in his growth as a pitcher and the two had a fairly solid relationship.
It can’t hurt having Hurdle on their side but in the end this is going to be about the Pirates going the distance financially.
The Pirates and Washington Nationals are considered two of the most aggressive suitors for De La Rosa.

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