Minor League Moves

Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects reported that 1B Miles Durham, C/OF Eric Fryer, and 2B Shelby Ford were promoted to AAA from Altoona. 1B Matt Curry (West Virginia), 2B Greg Picart (Indy) and C Travis Scott (Bradenton) join the Altoona Curve as replacements.

Fryer, 25, (.345/5/16) and Curry, 22, (.361/9/34) are prospects; we'll see if their mojo carries over to the next level. Fryer is a solid defensive catcher with a good stick and is fairly athletic, but as noted by Williams, he's been blocked everywhere he's gone: by Tony Sanchez in Pittsburgh, Jonathan Lucroy in Milwaukee and Austin Romine/Jesus Montero while with the Yankees. He came to Pittsburgh from NY for Eric Hinske.

Both Doumit and Snyder are in option years. Dewey has a two-year option worth $7.25M in 2012 and $8.25M in 2013 with a $500K buyout; Snyder has a $6.75M option for 2012 with a $750K buyout. Those figures presage big league jobs behind the plate opening up as soon as next season. Fryer's versatility - he's started 14 games at catcher and 15 in the outfield - could merit him a look as the Bucco back-up.

Curry, a 2010 draft pick (16th round) from TCU, has some power and a good eye; his OBP is .446 during his minor-league career and he has an almost even split between K's and Ws. He hit .299/7/29 at State College last year, and could be a fast mover; the Bucs are thin at first base, with Matt Hague of Indy ahead of him.