The Latest Pirates Buzz; Prospect Report; Pirates reach out to Jones?

Adam Laroche ($7.05 million per season) making more money than Xavier Nady ($6.65 million per season) in 09 won’t sit well with Pirates fans. The good news is the Pirates will not open contract talks with Laroche about an long-term extension this winter. Last off-season the Pirates entertained the idea. Baseball’s salary system is truly rigged when Zach Duke made $400,000 last season while going 5-14 with a 4.82 ERA and signs a one year deal worth $2.2 million, the following season. Nate McLouth has submitted $3.8 million which is a fair submission. The Pirates are offering $2.75 million. The Pirates are offering a player who hit 26 home runs and won a gold glove, only 555,000 more than the

The Latest Pirates Buzz

The Daniel Cabrera sweepstakes came down to the Pirates, Mets and Nationals. The Pirates and Mets made offers that were very competitive to the Nationals offer (1yr Р$2.6 million). Geography played a factor in Cabrera signing with the Nationals. The Mets not the Pirates were Cabrera’s second choice.

Braves among teams interested in Nate McLouth

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Atlanta Braves are interested in Pirates centerfielder Nate McLouth. Sources told me a few days ago that the Yankees have also checked in with the Pirates about Nate McLouth. A third team has also shown interest. It should not come as any surprise that the Braves are showing interest in pitcher Ian Snell. The Braves have been linked to Snell since the end of the season. John Perrotto of the Beaver County Times reports the Braves have also inquired about Paul Maholm. Pittsburgh is very high on Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson but it would take lot more than Johnson for the Pirates to move McLouth. The Pirates have recently held talks with the

MLB Free Agent Chart

1. LAD LF Manny Ramirez 37 HR – 121 RBI .332AVG Interested: LAD, NYY, SF, WAS TOR, BAL, NYM For the Short term there is not a better hitter on the market than Manny Ramirez. At age 36 Ramirez is going to find it difficult to get the 4-5 year contract he wants. The Dodgers have currently made a 2 year offer worth 45 million. They are willing to go three years but it remains to be seen whether they will go four years. Sleeper Team:Washington Nationals 2. MIL P C.C. Sabathia 17-10 2.70 Interested: NYY, LAD, NYM, LAA, SF, MIL, BOS The Yankees are expected to make a 6-7 year offer worth $150 million. No one will match that.

MLB: Yankees to pursue Nate McLouth?

Expect to hear a lot Nate McLouth trade rumors this summer. The Pirates will listen to offers for every player on their roster including McLouth. Jon Heyman of CNNSI reports the Yankees are likely to make a big play for McLouth this winter Source: CNNSI