More News And Notes: Arb Figures, Catching Market

While we're waiting for the World Series to get going and the Baseball Meetings to convene...

• Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors has Matt Swartz's arbitration salary projections for the Pirates. They range from $7.5M for Hanny to $1.3M for Chris Resop. He also discusses who's likely to stay and who may not be tendered.
• Just a couple of possible catching scenarios: On the trade market: The Blue Jays have J.P. Arencibia behind the dish now, but Travis d'Arnaud's time is about due. Toronto is looking for pitching, so there may be a match up. Overpriced and underproductive Geovany Soto of the Rangers and Nick Hundley of the Padres should be available, too. Potential FAs: Mike Napoli, Russell Martin, Miguel Olivo (who has an option) David Ross (who was a Bucco briefly in 2005) and Kelly Shoppach.
• Tom Singer of mlb.com has a feature on prospect Victor Black, a power closer drafted in 2009. Singer writes that "Black is hoping to use his time in Arizona to build off a dominant season with Double-A Altoona. The 24-year-old appeared in 51 games out of the bullpen, boasting a 1.65 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 60 innings." 
• Here's the Pirate's Top Twenty Prospects.
• Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune Review wrote that "Neil Walker also hopes the club will add some established impact players this offseason. 'I think there needs be a good balance,' Walker said. 'We’ve brought in guys like A.J. (Burnett) and Wandy (Rodriguez). Adding a couple more pieces like that could really benefit us.'" And Casey McGehee told Tom Singer that "...truth be told, I think the time to look at things to build on is starting to run out. I think it's starting to get time to do it instead of having building blocks." Should stir the pot for an interesting hot stove season.
• Old Bucco lefty reliever Sean Burnett, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, will turn down his option with the Nats and look for a multi-year payday.
• State College Spikes GM Jason Dambach was named NY-Penn League Executive of the Year.  Wonder if that has anything to do with swapping out the Bucs for the Cards?