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Winter Meetings Day Three: A Lot of Activity

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The first two days of the 2011 Winter Meetings were very quiet for the Pittsburgh Pirates. We heard a few rumors, and by the end of day two we heard that the Pirates were in agreement to bring back outfielder Nate McLouth. We just didn’t have the stereotypical winter meeting updates, with tons of rumors and multiple transactions in one day. We got that on day three. To recap all of the moves:

Pirates Sign Nate McLouth

This one was expected coming in to the day. The Pirates just had to make it official. They brought back McLouth on a one year deal for $1.75 M.  He will add depth to the outfield in case something happens with either Jose Tabata or Alex Presley.

Pirates Sign Erik Bedard

This one was unexpected. Tuesday night we learned that the Pirates were interested in Bedard, but there was no indication that a deal was close. Then we heard rumors that a deal was close, and those rumors ended up coming true. The Pirates signed Bedard to a one year, $4.5 M deal. Bedard has dealt with a ton of injuries throughout his career, but when healthy he’s better than any other pitcher that the Pirates have. His signing is a high risk/high reward deal.

Brooks Pounders and Diego Goris traded for Yamaico Navarro

At the end of the night the Pirates announced a trade, sending minor leaguers Brooks Pounders and Diego Goris to Kansas City in exchange for infielder Yamaico Navarro. Earlier in the day we heard that the Pirates were no longer interested in Wilson Betemit, and perhaps this deal was the reason. Navarro primarily plays shortstop, but can also play second and third. He’s got a quick swing, and hits for good power for a middle infielder.

Ross Ohlendorf Released

Not a huge surprise here. Ohlendorf was a non-tender candidate in a few days, and the Pirates needed a roster spot opened for the Rule 5 draft.

Derrek Lee Declines Arbitration

No surprise here at all. The Pirates will get a compensation pick if Lee signs elsewhere.

Pirates DFA Pedro Ciriaco and Jason Jaramillo

To make room for McLouth and Bedard, the Pirates designated Pedro Ciriaco and Jason Jaramillo for assignment. Both players were out of options, and the Pirates can retain both in the minors if they clear waivers.

Pirates Sign Jose Morales to a Minor League Deal

Another deal that we first heard about Tuesday night, which was finalized Wednesday morning. Morales adds depth to the catching position, and his addition might have resulted in Jaramillo’s departure.

40-Man Roster Updates

The following pages were updated with the moves from today.

The 2012 40-man roster/payroll page

The Future Payroll Chart

The off-season transaction page

The Rule 5 Draft

The Rule 5 draft takes place today at 10:00 AM EST. The Pirates have an open spot on the 40-man roster, and could make a pick. They pick eighth in the draft. Here is my preview.

After the draft, the San Diego Padres are expected to pick their player to be named later from the Ryan Ludwick trade.

The 2012 Prospect Guide

Also after the draft, I’ll be making the final changes to the 2012 Prospect Guide before sending it off for publishing. Get your orders in today to ensure that they’re shipped out next week.

Tim Williams
Tim Williams
Tim is the owner, producer, editor, and lead writer of PiratesProspects.com. He has been running Pirates Prospects since 2009, becoming the first new media reporter and outlet covering the Pirates at the MLB level in 2011 and 2012. His work can also be found in Baseball America, where he has been a contributor since 2014 and the Pirates' correspondent since 2019.

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