Notes: Bard Aboard; Best OF; Arb; El Coffee Contract; Osuna RoY; Knudson, Sanchez; Trade Proposal; Mini-Camp

Bits n pieces heading into camp...

• The Pirates signed RHP Daniel Bard. He was a top notch set-up guy from 2009-11, then his career went south. He was converted to a starter, and ended up with thoracic outlet syndrome (nerve damage) surgery in 2014, similar to Clayton Richard and way-back Bucco prospect Craig Hansen. Bard, 30, hasn't thrown in MLB since 2013, and was inked to a minor league deal. He wasn't invited to camp; the FO expects to build him back up at Indy.
•  ESPN's Buster Olney rates the Pirate outfield as baseball's best (Insider column).
• All seven remaining arb eligible Pirates - Fran Cervelli, Jared Hughes, Jeff Locke, Mark Melancon, Jordy Mercer, Chris Stewart and Tony Watson - filed for hearings, a pro forma move. The hearings will be set up for February, and the Pirates have until then to reach an agreement with the players. Friday is when the player and club exchange salary figures, and often deals are hammered out then.
• Rob Biertemfel of The Trib says El Coffee is open to talking a long term deal (altho the Bucs haven't made any new overtures yet). He adds that CBS's Jon Heyman said the last time they talked, the money and length (8years/$75M) was right, but only $25M was guaranteed due to team options, and that was the stumbling block.

Gregory Polanco 2015 Topps Gypsy Queen

• JJ Cooper of Baseball America proposes some prospect-for-prospect trades, and suggests the Bucs move young outfielders for a promising arm...
• RHP Guido Knudson, recently removed from the 40 man roster, cleared waivers and rejoined the Bucs on a minor league deal.
• Casey Sadler, released by the Bucs after TJ surgery, was re-signed to a multi year minor league deal while he works his way back, per Adam Berry of MLB.com in his notes column.
• Jose Osuna, 23, was named the Venezuelan Winter League Rookie of the Year. He hit .330 with nine homers for the Margarita Braves. (s/o to Pirates Prospects)
• Tony Sanchez cleared waivers and was released by the Buccos. Sanchez, 27, was the fourth overall selection in the 2009 draft. He appeared in 51 games for the Pirates over the last three seasons, hitting .259, but his glove never played behind the plate.
• Partial list of guys at mini-camp: Daniel Bard, Josh Bell, Archimedes Caminaro, Juan Diaz, Pedro Florimon, Adam Frazier, Dan Gamache, Willie Garcia, Tyler Glasnow, Jake Goebbert, Alen Hansen, Luis Heredia, Jared Hughes, John Jaso, Guido Knudson, Jeff Locke, Reese McGuire, Max Moroff, Gift Ngoepe, Jon Niese, Gregory Polanco, Harold Ramirez, Jameson Taillon, Tony Watson and Trevor Williams. Jung Ho Kang was also at Pirate City, playing long toss and hitting the iron. It should be noted the camp is optional for members of the 40-man roster and most vets prefer to sit it out and get to work next month, so it's usually a get-to-know-ya for players trying to establish themselves.