Rumors - Everett, Crosby, Maholm, Duke

It seems every day we get a lead about a new player the Pirates are showing interest in. In the last few days, the following has happened:

• The Pirates have expressed interest in shortstops Bobby Crosby and Adam Everett. This furthers the idea that the Pirates are not happy with Ronny Cedeno being their only option at shortstop, which is a relief to here. The last thing any Pirates fan wants to see in 2010 is Brian Bixler's face in Pittsburgh again. Bobby Crosby won the rookie of the year award in 2004, but has not done much since then. In his 7 seasons with the Athletics, he has hit .238 with 61 home runs (22 of which coming in that 2004 season) and 34 stolen bases. His defense is above average but nothing to get too excited about. Those '04 numbers show some upside, but I don't think anyone expects him to do anything like that again. As for Adam Everett, he will be 33 at the seasons beginning. Age does not really matter here, if the Pirates sign a shortstop, it will almost certain be to a 1 or 2 year deal. Everett is a defensive specialist who is very experienced and a great locker room presence. Like Crosby, he hits for a very low average (.238 last year and .245 lifetime). Unlike Crosby, he has very little power. He has hit less than 4 home runs each season since 2006. He would basically be a Jack Wilson who hits for a slightly lower average. I would definitely be happy with signing one of these guys, as the competition could create some motivation for Ronny Cedeno (who showed us all what he is capable of last year), and get some good veteran leadership in the clubhouse.


• The Pirates have gotten some other teams expressing interest in Paul Maholm and Zach Duke. However, the Pirates have said they are not looking to deal either player, but they would make a trade if the return is good enough. Teams that have shown interest are the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers. I don't expect either pitcher to be traded, but if the return is good enough and the Pirates can sign someone like Justin Duscherer, I think the trade could be extremely beneficial.


• In other news, the Pirates signed right hander Vinnie Chulk off of waivers from the Cleveland Indians. Chulk only pitched 12 major league innings last year, and 21.2 in AAA. Nothing to take note of here, just adding to the minor league arsenal, I wouldn't expect to see Chulk in the majors for anything other than to fill a gap left by a trade or an injury.