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

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

The Pirates and catcher Ryan Doumit have agreed to the framework of a three-year contract that includes two options years that will buy out his first two years of free agency. 

Dock Ellis, a right-handed pitcher who won 96 games for the Pirates from 1968-75, died of apparent liver disease on Friday at the USC Medical Center in Los Angeles, according to wife, Hjordis. 

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. 

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. 

The Pirates' near-total overhaul of managers for their minor league affiliates was capped yesterday with the selection of Frank Kremblas for Class AAA Indianapolis. 

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. 

Jack Wilson, sounding convinced he will return as the Pirates' shortstop next year, yesterday urged management to bolster the 2009 roster and heed its own call for accountability. 

--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.