Ryan Doumit finds himself in quite a different situation than he was at this time a year ago. 

--The Pirates' efforts to negotiate multiyear contracts with LHP Paul Maholm and CF Nate McLouth, both eligible for salary arbitration for the first time, have stalled. 

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. 

TAMPABAYRays 

Ryan Doumit finds himself in quite a different situation than he was at this time a year ago. 

--The Pirates' efforts to negotiate multiyear contracts with LHP Paul Maholm and CF Nate McLouth, both eligible for salary arbitration for the first time, have stalled. 

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. 

The Pirates are one of a half-dozen teams in pursuit of outfielder Rocco Baldelli, one of the most intriguing -- and risky -- players available in Major League Baseball's free agency. 

If the Pirates like what they see of Pedro Alvarez in the spring, he could skip the first three rungs of the professional ladder on his way to Pittsburgh. 

The Pirates completed their multiyear contract with catcher Ryan Doumit with a news conference yesterday at PNC Park, but to hear team president Frank Coonelly tell it, that probably will be it for the winter as far as internal extensions. 

Ramon Vazquez knows what his role will be with the Pirates, but he wants to be more than a utility infielder. 

--RHP Denny Bautista became a free agent after the Pirates decided not to tender him a contract by the Dec. 

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. 

Ramon Vazquez knows what his role will be with the Pirates, but he wants to be more than a utility infielder. 

--RHP Denny Bautista became a free agent after the Pirates decided not to tender him a contract by the Dec.