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 are in dire need of good, young arms to continue their rebuilding, as they finished last in the National League in ERA. They also could use a run producer, preferably a right-handed hitter, for the middle of the order, as the offense struggled mightily following the trades of Bay and Nady. 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), INF Chris Gomez (free agent, signed minor league deal with Orioles).
FREE AGENTS: INF Luis Rivas, INF/OF Doug Mientkiewicz.
The Pirates have interest in bringing back Mientkiewicz on a one-year deal but will not retain Rivas.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: LHP Zach Duke, LHP John Grabow, LHP Paul Maholm, RHP Tyler Yates, 1B Adam LaRoche, CF Nate McLouth.
The Pirates had little success in trying to sign Grabow and McLouth to three-year contracts that would also include club options, similar to the deal C Ryan Doumit agreed to on Dec. 22.
IN LIMBO: The Pirates want to continue to get younger, which means veterans such as 1B Adam LaRoche, 2B Freddy Sanchez and SS Jack Wilson could be traded.
MEDICAL WATCH:
LHP Phil Dumatrait (arthroscopic shoulder surgery in August 2008) has experienced some setbacks in his rehab and is not expected to be ready at the start of spring training.
OF Brandon Moss (arthroscopic left knee surgery in October 2008) is expected to be ready for the start of spring training.
