- The Pirates have signed 3B/RF Lonnie Chisenhall, 30, to a one-year/$2.75M deal w/bonuses based on at bats, per The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal (Jason Rollison of Bucs Dugout had the first radar sighting). Lonnie, who bats left and throws right, put in eight years at Cleveland; the Bucs are betting on him staying in one piece for a campaign. He looked like he was breaking out in 2017 (.288/12 HR/.233 ISO/236 AB's) but he strained his calf during the season, limiting him to 111 games. Lonnie only played 29 games last year while still on the mend (he's also had a concussion and shoulder sprain), though he did hit .321 w/.394 OBP in 95 PA's. Chisenhall is a solid signing for the Bucco needs if the docs can keep him on the field. RHP Alex McRae was DFA'ed to clear a roster spot for Chisenhall.
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| Lonnie Chisenhall 2018 (photo Tony DeJak/AP) |
- Tough year for pitchers. Chris Archer had hernia surgery on Tuesday; he should be out for six weeks. They expect him to be ready for the season. He joins Joe Musgrove (October ab wall surgery; he's expected to be ready for camp) and Edgar Santana/Chad Kuhl, both gone for the year after TJ surgery.
- Bucs playing winter ball: Utilitymen Pablo Reyes & Erik Gonzalez, with pitching prospects Tyler Eppler and Gage Hinsz. Expected to join for the second half are C Elias Diaz, RHP Michael Feliz and perhaps 1B/3B/OF Joey Osuna. Add in the AFL guys - Cole Tucker, Will Craig, Bryan Reynolds, Blake Weiman, Matt Eckelman and Geoff Hartlieb - and it's been a long year for some of the gang.
- The FO is beginning its sweep through the heap: The Pirates reportedly signed righty Roberto Gomez, 29, to a minor league deal. A depth move, Gomez has played parts of the last two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, slashing 1-0/7.98 in 14-2/3 IP (nine outings) per John Dreker of Pirates Prospects. A converted starter who missed two years after TJ surgery, he sits at 97 but doesn't have much movement. He did have a strong second half in the PCL last year, so he's worth the look.
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| Roberto Gomez (photo Jennifer Stewart/Getty) |
- It was leaked out of Chicago last week, and the Pirates finally made it official on Monday - Jacob Cruz is signed, sealed and delivered as the Bucco ass't hitting coach.
- BTW, pitchers and catchers report on February 13th; the team is due in camp on the 18th. The first spring game is February 23rd, the Opener is on March 28th at Cincy, and the first home game of the season is on April 1st against the Cards. Not quite there, but she's comin' 'round the corner... The year's schedule is here.
- RHP Jesse Chavez, 35, has reportedly left da Cubs and joined Texas on a 2-year/$8M deal. Raise your hand if you thought Jesse was gonna be embarking on his 12th big league campaign back in 2007...
- C Erik Kratz signed a one-year, majors/minors deal with the Brewers to avoid arb. He's guaranteed $300K, with a $1.2M salary while on the active roster.
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