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.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Pirates would like to add a veteran starting pitcher to stabilize a young rotation and a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder with power. Above all else, the Pirates want to accumulate as many talented young players as possible as general manager Neal Huntington tries to rebuild a franchise that hasn't had a winning season since 1992. ARRIVALS: C Jason Jaramillo (trade with Phillies), LHP Donnie Veal (Rule 5 selection from Cubs), INF Ramon Vazquez (free agent from Rangers).
DEPARTURES: C Ronny Paulino (traded to Phillies), OF Jason Michaels (free agent, signed with Astros).
FREE AGENTS: INF Chris Gomez, INF/OF Doug Mientkiewicz, INF Luis Rivas, RHP Denny Bautista (non-tendered).
Mientkiewicz is the only one the Pirates are attempting to re-sign, but he would prefer to go to a team where he could play regularly rather than fill a bench role as a reserve on the infield and outfield corners.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: C Ryan Doumit, LHP Zach Duke, LHP John Grabow, 1B Adam LaRoche, LHP Paul Maholm, CF Nate McLouth, RHP Tyler Yates.
Doumit, Maholm and McLouth have all been offered multiyear deals.
IN LIMBO: SS Jack Wilson is on the trading block, as the Pirates want to keep advancing their youth movement. The Pirates will also listen to trade offers for 1B Adam LaRoche and 2B Freddy Sanchez.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LHP Phil Dumatrait (arthroscopic shoulder surgery in August 2008) has been slowed in his recovery. He had yet to begin a throwing program as of early December, though the Pirates are optimistic he will be ready for the start of next season.
OF Brandon Moss (arthroscopic left knee surgery in October 2008) should be ready for the start of the season, though he may not be fully recovered by the beginning of spring training.
