Astros Sign Chris Snyder, Rays Sign Carlos Pena

Another former Pirate has found a new team, and that is Chris Snyder. The Astros gave Snyder a one-year deal with an option for 2013.

Also, Carlos Pena is officially off the market. He is heading back to Tampa Bay to play his former team once again for $7.25 million. Last season and at the beginning of this offseason, I really wanted the Pirates to sign Pena, but I think it's for the best that they have not done so. It's also interesting to think about what the Pirates would have had to pay to get Pena in Pittsburgh, my guess is more than what the Rays paid.

You can all but write-off the Pirates chances of signing a first baseman this offseason, as Derrek Lee is definitely not returning, and the Pirates have no expressed any interest in other options. I'm not writing off the possibility of the Pirates trading for another high-upside guy like Brandon Allen, but I wouldn't bet on it.

There's going to be a lot more signings in the next few days as the whole arbitration process is winding down.