The roster underwent major surgery in late July when RF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte were traded to the Yankees and LF Jason Bay was dealt to the Red Sox with the net return being eight young players of varying experience levels. 

When the free agent market is slow as it is this winter, it often means good things for low-revenue clubs like the Pirates. 

--SS Anderson Machado and SS Pedro Lopez, neither of whom played in the majors last season, signed minor league deals with the Pirates and were invited to spring training. 

Kevin McClatchy, the Pirates' controlling owner from 1996 to 2007, has cut his ties with the franchise by selling his minority share of ownership. 

Kevin McClatchy, the Pirates' controlling owner from 1996 to 2007, has cut his ties with the franchise by selling his minority share of ownership. 

--SS Anderson Machado and SS Pedro Lopez, neither of whom played in the majors last season, signed minor league deals with the Pirates and were invited to spring training. 

The roster underwent major surgery in late July when RF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte were traded to the Yankees and LF Jason Bay was dealt to the Red Sox with the net return being eight young players of varying experience levels. 

When the free agent market is slow as it is this winter, it often means good things for low-revenue clubs like the Pirates. 

Former Pirates managing general partner Kevin McClatchy has sold his remaining shares in the team, ending a 13-year relationship that began with the newspaper heir ensuring that the club remained in Pittsburgh. 

Former Pirates managing general partner Kevin McClatchy has sold his remaining shares in the team, ending a 13-year relationship that began with the newspaper heir likely preventing the club from leaving Pittsburgh. 

Former Pirates managing general partner Kevin McClatchy has sold his remaining shares in the team, ending a 13-year relationship that began with the newspaper heir likely preventing the club from leaving Pittsburgh. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed shortstops Anderson Machado and Pedro Lopez to minor league contracts Tuesday with invitations to spring training. 

When the free agent market is slow as it is this winter, it often means good things for low-revenue clubs like the Pirates. 

--RHP Ian Snell has agreed to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in March. 

The roster underwent major surgery in late July when RF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte were traded to the Yankees and LF Jason Bay was dealt to the Red Sox with the net return being eight young players of varying experience levels.