Things remained calm in the Pirates camp for day one of the MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida. Although, that doesn’t mean Neal Huntington hasn’t been busy.
- Huntington told Bill Brink of the Post-Gazette that they remain in talks with A.J. Burnett while he considers retiring or returning to the team for another year. Huntington told them they do not have a timeframe for his decision, but this hasn’t blocked any other moves by the organization.
- He also told brink that they are staying on the same offseason track as set on Oct. 10th. “We’d like to add a bat, said Huntington. “We’d like to resolve the starting pitching situation if it’s AJ. If it’s not we’d like to add a starting pitcher. Continue to look at utility middle and bench help. Continue to look at bullpen options. The outfield market is very shallow so we’re leaning towards maybe staying in-house with that one, but still open to some trades and see if there might be a trade there.”
- He says the Pirates will look inside the organization to solve the question at right field. He could only need a fill-in for part of the year if Gregory Polanco is ready by June.
- Wandy Rodriguez has started his throwing program. “Early stage of throwing program. Feels good. On track for spring training.” – NH
- It was also reported by Rob Biertempfel of the Trib that the Pirates are to meet with Bronson Arroyo’s agent about the Pitcher’s availability.
Source tells me free agent pitcher Bronson Arroyo is very interested in #Pirates. I hear club is interested, too.
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) December 9, 2013
Arroyo went 14 – 12 with a 3.79 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 32 starts last season (202 innings pitched). He would be more of an innings-eater than anything else as he’s thrown at least 199 innings in nine straight seasons.
- I reported last week that Adam Lind was on the Pirates radar as a platoon with Gaby Sanchez. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports adds Logan Morrison to that list.
Pirates discussing multiple trade options for first base vacancy, including Adam Lind and Logan Morrison, sources say. @FOXSports1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 9, 2013
Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel has also reported that the Marlins are looking for a right-handed third basemen and Josh Harrison’s name has popped up.
- An AL official has told Travis Sawchik of the Trib that he believes the Pirates will try to deal from their surplus in the bullpen. Huntington has also mentioned to him that he feels the Pirates have a surpluses with relief pitching, stating pitching and prospect arms. Could this lead to a deal? Stay tuned.
- Finally, all of you that had Masahiro Tanaka on your wish list can scratch him off. He will not be a Pirate.
Stay tuned to PSN all week as we will keep you updated with the Pirates in Orlando at the 2013 MLB Winter Meetings.
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(Photo Credit: Konrad Krawczyk)
