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One name we haven't heard but could start hearing about soon is Michael Cuddyer. He and the Twins were in talks throughout the beginning of the offseason, but there's a good chance they won't reach an agreement now that the Twins have signed Josh Willingham to a three-year deal. That puts Cuddyer on the market, and the Pirates could be interested in taking a shot with him.
Cuddyer is 32 years old with a .451 career slugging percentage. His 2011 season was actually better than his career average season as he hit .284/.346/.459. Cuddyer is mainly an outfielder but has played 210 games at first base in his 12 year career.
The Pirates haven't exactly done anything this offseason to make us think they are serious about bringing in a legitimate big league first baseman. While there are still some pretty good names on the market, the Pirates haven't been rumored to have connections to any of them. That combined with the fact that they tendered Garrett Jones and traded for Casey McGehee doesn't make it seem like they are going to add anything else at the first base position. However, that shouldn't stop us from considering it.
Cuddyer isn't going to come to Pittsburgh and light the world on fire while he hits 30 home runs and helps the Pirates win the division, but he would certainly be an upgrade from Jones and that would allow McGehee to play third if Pedro Alvarez struggles again. The move would only help the Pirates, but it might not be worth the cash at this point (looks like Cuddyer is looking for a three year deal worth around $30 million).
Again, this probably isn't going to happen, but now at least it's in your head.
For more, read this post from Analysis Around The Horn.
Photo courtesy of ESPN.com