The Pittsburgh Pirates may be close to a deal with free agent left hander Erik Bedard, according to Marc Brassard (h/t to Blitzburgh Blog for the find).
The report is written in French, as is an article translated from a news site in Canada. The translation is a bit rough, but both seem to say that Bedard will sign for $4.5 M plus incentives, and that a deal could be reached today. I only took one year of French, and I remember none of it, so maybe someone can do a better job of translating the above than what Google Translate can provide.
I wouldn’t assume a deal is close until there’s better confirmation.
UPDATE 1:51 PM: MLBTR confirms. Great deal for Bedard. I had him as my #3 option out of the realistic free agent targets back in October. I figured the Pirates would need to give him two years to get him to come to Pittsburgh. It’s surprising that there was so little interest, especially following a year where he was in demand at the trade deadline.
December 7, 2011 at 1:30 pm
what what what! I really like that if it happens. LETS GO BUCS!
December 7, 2011 at 1:35 pm
will be great to have a pitcher that can be at least 2 or 3 starter. if he can stay resonably health will be best free agent signing in the past only knows how many years. now if we can make a trade for young first baseman and left handed reliever.
December 7, 2011 at 4:06 pm
LOL, too bad he is a #1 on our team…
December 7, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Sac le bleu!!!
December 7, 2011 at 1:41 pm
If he were a boxer on Mike Tyson’s punch out, he would be Glass Joe. Having said that, he’s capable when healthy. If it’s true, I think he’ll like being out of the lime light in the hinterlands of Pgh. This could be a great signing (if true – no jinx).
December 7, 2011 at 1:44 pm
This would be an absolutely awesome sign and gives us added strength in our rotation. I appreciate the effort the FO is making to upgrade our Buccos
December 7, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Awesome indeed. The FO does seem to be making an extra large push this off-season. Who was the last legitimate pitcher the PBC had?
December 7, 2011 at 1:52 pm
MLB Trade Rumors just reported that the Pirates signed Bedard. This is one I totally agree with even though it carries considerable risk.
December 7, 2011 at 1:58 pm
I love this signing. I see Bedard as our #1 starter. Only questions is total innings even if not injured during the year.
December 7, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Hope there’s an option year.
December 7, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Love this signing. I would offer the same type contract to Rich Harden. We could heve both for the same price if we would have kept Maholm. Chances are at least one of them will be on the shelf at some point but the upside would be awsome. Finally a pitcher with some K potential.
December 8, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Bet wherever Maholm signs it won’t be for more than Bedard got. Excellent signing!