Kolb, Sanchez sign with Pirates

The Pirates have signed free agent relief pitcher Dan Kolb to a minor league deal. He will make $1.25 million if he makes the team out of spring training and can earn up to $1.3 million in performance bonuses. This move adds depth to the bullpen, which will be somewhat young this season.

Dan Kolb reacts to signing with the Pirates

The Pirates also signed Freddy Sanchez to a one-year deal at $2.75 million, avoiding arbitration with the 2006 batting champ.

Freddy Sanchez celebrates his new contract

Tony Armas Jr.

The Pirates have reportedly signed Tony Armas Jr. Financial terms have not been disclosed. He will likely be the Pirates' 5th starter in 2007.




Link via Bucs Dugout



UPDATE (02/03/2007, 12:45 AM): This contract will be worth $3 million in 2007 with a mutual option for 2008 at $5 million. If either the Pirates or Armas do not agree to the option, the Bucs must pay a $500,000 buyout.

Also the Pirates have avoided arbitration with Adam LaRoche and John Grabow by signing them to one-year deals. This leaves only Freddy Sanchez and Jose Castillo as unsigned players eligible for arbitration. Dejan reports that the team is unlikely to get as far as arbitration for either.

Finally, Dejan is reporting that the Pirates have made a contract offer to relief pitcher Dan Kolb. Kolb was an All-Star closer in 2004 with the Brewers before failing as the Braves closer in 2005. He returned to the Brewers in 2006 and, after struggling early in the year, had a strong second half. The Pirates could add some experienced depth to the bullpen by signing Kolb. We all know how much DL loves bullpen depth.