With Zach Duke posting a 5.32 ERA and preparing for his third and final year of arbitration, some fans have called for the Pirates to cut ties with the veteran starter after the season. Their position is that he should be traded to the highest bidder or non-tendered if there are no adequate offers, freeing those dollars for a potential free agent pitcher. This would be an unwise decision.
The Pirates officially announced the signings of the following 2010 draft picks: Nick Kingham (4th round), Brandon Cumpton (9th round) and Ryan Hafner (17th round). The Kingham signing had previously been reported as a $480,000 signing bonus. Jim Callis of Baseball America tweets that Cumpton signed for $124,500.
The Pirates fired pitching coach Joe Kerrigan and bench coach Gary Varsho this morning. Ray Searage will replace Kerrigan and Jeff Banister will replace Varsho.
Over the past couple weeks, the Pirates unloaded four veteran relievers who had helped contribute to a solid bullpen in 2010. Yesterday, in an attempt to solidify the disrupted pen, the Bucs claimed Chris Resop and Chan Ho Park off waivers. The Resop addition was applauded, but critics have scoffed at the decision to bring in Park. I have spent parts of the morning wondering why.
Probable Starters
LHP Jeff Francis vs. RHP James McDonald
RHP Jason Hammel vs. LHP Zach Duke
LHP Jorge De La Rosa vs. RHP Ross Ohlendorf
RHP Esmil Rogers vs. LHP Paul Maholm
The Pirates have claimed right-handed pitchers Chris Resop and Chan Ho Park off waivers in an attempt to bolster a depleted bullpen. Steven Jackson was designated for assignment and Steve Pearce was placed on the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster.
Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects reports that the Pirates have signed fourth round draft pick Nick Kingham. No financial details are known at this time, but Kingham will surely receive an above-slot bonus.