Bucco Bits...Baseball Meeting Rumors

Let the hot stove fire up...

• Per Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times: "I’ve been told that the Mariners have had talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates concerning first baseman/right fielder Garrett Jones. This is just one of many conversations the Mariners have had with various teams, but I’m told that some actual names were bandied about between the squads. One proposal went something along the lines of the left-handed hitting Jones and Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan going to the Mariners with potentially one other throw-in, in exchange for first baseman Justin Smoak, catcher John Jaso and starting pitcher Hector Noesi. Again, I don’t know that this was the only set of names tossed about and you can be pretty certain that it wasn’t." He's right there; the rumor may be a bit dated, given the Russell Martin signing.
• Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune Review adds that the Orioles, who have some excess pitching, may be interested in Jones, and that the Bucs are kicking the tires of non-tendered LHP John Lannan.
• Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports: "R.A. Dickey is under contract for 2013 for $5 million, the sides are negotiating an extension, and if they can't come to an agreement, Dickey likely will be traded...I like him in Pittsburgh best." Of course, a half dozen or so other teams are said to be in the hunt, too, even if the FO agrees with Brown, which is debateable.
• Lots of Hanny action. Tom Singer of MLB.com writes that "Teams are intrigued by the perceived availability of closer Joel Hanrahan. Even though they are without two other key relievers from this past season -- Jason Grilli is a free agent and Chris Resop was dealt to Oakland -- the Bucs feel better equipped to restock the bullpen and may be interested in turning Hanrahan into a needed starting pitcher." We don't expect the FO to address the bullpen at the meetings, though. Their MO has been to wait out the market to optimize value at the cost of reduced options.
• Buster Olney of ESPN (via MLB Trade Rumors) reiterates a popular theme: "The Pirates have let other teams know that closer Joel Hanrahan is available and they are looking for starting pitching."
• Danny Knobler of CBS Sports reinforces that point, tweeting that the "Pirates are definitely trying to add a starting pitcher, but balking so far at prices on both FA and trade market." 
• Jeff Moore of Rant Sports with a bit of speculation: "I’ve suggested before that Minnesota Twins outfielder Josh Willingham would be a good fit. He’s not a good outfielder, but he’s consistently been a 2-3 win player, and the majority of that production comes from hitting left-handed pitchers, something the Pirates routinely struggled with in 2012."
• If the Bucs go Rule 5 again, Tom Smith at Rumbunter identifies some likely targets. Tim Williams at Pirates Prospects adds RHP Kyle Heckathorn to the wish list.