The Pirates have completed their annual CARE-a-van and PirateFest and now set their sights to pitchers and catchers reporting in mid-February. While it seems that the roster is mostly set acquisition-wise, there could still be a few minor moves made over the winter.
Volquez to sign with Royals
There have been reports that Edinson Volquez has signed a 2-year/$20 million contract with the Kansas City Royals (pending physical).
The chances of Volquez re-signing with the Pirates to a contract like that were slim-to-none after the team was able to lock up Francisco Liriano during the Winter Meetings.
Volquez had a solid year last season going 13-7 with a 3.04 ERA in 32 games (31 starts) with the Pirates while striking out 140 batters and walking 71 in 192 2/3 innings.
He finished last season by going 7-1 in his final 15 starts with a 2.02 ERA and one complete game while striking out 77 batters in 97 2/3 innings.
It would have been likely that the Pirates would have signed Volquez to a contract similar to the one Kansas City gave him had Liriano signed elsewhere.
Morton expects to be ready for Opening Day
Right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton told Bill Brink of the PG that he expects to be ready by Opening Day after having successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right hip on September 26th of this year.
Morton had the same surgery done to his left hip in October of 2011 and only missed one start.
If Morton is able to be ready by Opening Day, the Pirates will have a starting rotation of Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano, A.J. Burnett, Charlie Morton and Vance Worley or Jeff Locke.
Jameson Taillon could be another name in the rotation around the middle of the season if his rehab from Tommy John surgery goes well and he has not shown any setbacks.
Pirates unveil new Thursday jerseys
The Pirates unveiled new alternate jerseys and cap for this upcoming season at PirateFest that will be worn during home Thursday games.
“Supporting our military members and their families is one of the main areas of focus for Pirates Charities and our community outreach programs,” said Pirates President Frank Coonelly. “This is a way for the organization to publicly honor those who served our country and to help support our military families for the sacrifices they have made.”
The team will keep their Sunday 1970’s inspired throwbacks to go along with their regular home white, home grey and black alternate jerseys.
In addition to wearing the jersey and cap, the Pirates will partner with military-focused community organizations during those games by hosting groups at PNC Park, holding special on-field recognitions and raising needed funds in support of these military programs.
Below is a picture of the Pirates new alternate uniforms via Tom Singer of MLB.com:
A.J.Burnett and Charlie Morton first to model #pirates new alternate camo uniforms. pic.twitter.com/p0TSvT4ZGe
— Tom Singer (@Tom_Singer) December 13, 2014
