UPDATE 3:16 PM: Kovacevic notes that Brendan Donnelly will be the primary set-up man. That would make Hanrahan and Meek the middle relievers. That makes for a strong bullpen, and a low pressure role for the two long term relievers. Also in that link, Neal Huntington says the roster is pretty much set. That makes sense. Looking at the Spring Training tracker, you’ve got four spots still open. Those spots would be the fifth starter job, the last spot in the bullpen, the first base/right field situation (I don’t think Clement has the job locked down), and the final bench spot. All of these spots have plenty of internal options. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pirates tried to make a few waiver claims or sign a few more non-roster invitees, but I would be surprised if we see any more major league signings.
UPDATE 2:31 PM: The chance to close was the key for Dotel in signing with the Pirates, according to an interview done with Dotel just now by DK.
UPDATE 2:11 PM: According to Dejan Kovacevic, Neal Huntington confirms that Dotel will be the closer to start the 2010 season. This is reflected on the updated 25-man roster projection. With Dotel, Brendan Donnelly, and D.J. Carrasco joining Evan Meek, Joel Hanrahan, and Javier Lopez, it looks like there will only be one spot available in Spring Training.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have officially signed relief pitcher Octavio Dotel today, and to make room for him on the 40-man roster, designated Anthony Claggett for assignment. Claggett was claimed via waivers at the end of the 2009 season, and surprisingly has survived a lot of roster cuts up until this point. There’s a good chance he could clear waivers, since every American League team passed on him back in September.
No financial details are available for Dotel’s deal, although it is known to be a one year deal with an option for the 2011 season. I’ll update this post when the financial information is released.
