Monday News and Rumors...

Some Bucco mentions in the news:

• According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Gary Sheffield, Jason Grilli's agent, said “We’ve got eight teams interested right now. We have three offers right now.” He added “We’re not in a hurry (to sign). There are some things we want to look at a little further. We’re not sure the market has fully developed for Jason.” So while Sheffield is still trying to fan a bidding war, the set-up spot looks like one role the Bucs will have to fill in 2013.
• Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic says this about the Pirates and D-Backs making a deal for Justin Upton "...the Pirates were said to be pushing for Upton at this year’s trading deadline. They have a slugging third baseman in Pedro Alvarez – although questions about his defensive ability could dissuade the Diamondbacks – and have a couple of solid starters in A.J. Burnett and James McDonald (to offer)." They're still pretty far down on the list of suitors he's compiled, though.
• John Dreker of Pirates Prospects reported that Jose Tabata was willing, and even eager, to play winter ball, but Bucco management shot down the idea. His agent, Carlos Rios, was quoted as saying “We respect the decision of the Pirates but we totally disagree. Tabata needs to play to mature as a player.” Interesting choice of words, we thought.
• Tom Singer of MLB.com recapped the Arizona Fall League performances. He posted that the three guys eligible for the Rule 5 draft - Vic Black, Kyle Kaminska, and Gift Ngoepe - all made their cases for inclusion, and noted among the younger players, both Brandon Cumpton and Tyler Waldron made smooth transitions from starting to bullpen roles.
• The Negro League Museum gave out its Legacy Awards, and Cutch added some more hardware to his collection. He won the Oscar Charleston Award as the NL's MVP after coming in third in the Baseball Writer's vote. Mike Trout took the AL honor.
• We've questioned the way the Bucs handle their injured players, especially guys that are nicked up, but last week Baseball Prospectus found that the club lost the fewest days to injury according to TAWL - Team Adjusted Wins Lost - that measures lost WAR performance. The squad had 39 players either on the DL or listed as day-to-day, losing 764 games to injury in 2012. Neil Walker's balky back was the major blow during the season.
• Ex-Bucco watch: RHP Octavio Dotel stayed with Detroit, LHP Paul Maholm re-signed with Atlanta, LHP Ollie Perez went to the Mariners, IF Brandon Wood signed with KC and IF Brian Bixler with the Mets.