AJ, Non Roster Hopefuls, Still Hunting @ 1B, and stuff...

AJ, Non Roster Hopefuls, Still Hunting @ 1B, and stuff...

• Travis Sawchik of the Trib reports that AJ is planning to pitch again in 2014, but has decided to test the market. (Jenn Menendez of the Post Gazette also has the same story). The Orioles and Phillies have been mentioned as possible landing spots.
• CBS' Jon Heyman was on the MLB Network talking free agents, and said possible moves in the AL could shake a first baseman free for the Bucs.
•  Tom Singer of MLB.com touts LHP Daniel Schlereth, OF Chris Dickerson and 1B Travis Ishikawa as non-roster invitees who have a chance to break camp with the Bucs.
• James Krug of isportsnet thinks the Pirate off season has been an insult to the fans.
• Keith Law of ESPN ranks the Bucco farm system third. (Insiders only)
• C Erick Fernandez, who was released by Nats, was signed by the Bucs as lower-level organizational depth. IF Blake Davis from the Brewer system was also inked and should go to AAA. Both were offered minor league contracts.
• Ex Bucs: Pete Anselmo of Mets-Merized thinks "Getting (Dilson) Herrera as well as Vic Black from the Pirates for a couple months of Marlon Byrd was a steal..." RHP Chris Leroux signed a minor league deal with the Yankees. LHP Ollie Perez is looking kinda good, says Mike Petriello of Fangraphs.
• The MLB has approved a safety cap for pitchers, using a soft foam padding. It's use is optional for the players.