Bucs Make Minor Trade; Lose Out on Ohman

The Pirates today acquired minor-league left-handed reliever Shawn Nottingham from the Indians for a minor league player to be named later, reports the PBC Blog. Nottingham is 24 years old and has no experience above AA. In his minor league career, dating back to 2003, Nottingham has compiled a 4.48 ERA in 576 1/3 innings. Nothing special there. I don't really know anything about him, but I would guess that this move only improves the Pirates' depth in the minors, and maybe adds some balance to the AA roster. I don't see Nottingham having much, if any, impact in the majors, if he should ever reach that level.

Also today, the Pirates lost out on the Will Ohman sweepstakes, as Ohman agreed to a one-year minor league deal, plus an option for 2010, with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the Bucs had offered Ohman a major league contract, it appears that the West Coast location played into his decision, so says Dejan Kovacevic. This move is good news for Sean Burnett and Donnie Veal.

In game action, the Pirates defeated the Reds today 3-2, thanks to two out RBI singles in the 9th by Jeff Salazar and Jason Jaramillo. Ross Ohlendorf made the start and pitched well once again. In 5 1/3 innings, he allowed 1 run, 3 hits and 2 walks with 3 strike outs, raising his Spring ERA to 0.87.

Also, GM Neal Huntington shocked no one by announcing that left-hander Phil Dumatrait will start the year on the Disabled List. The estimate for his possible return to Pittsburgh is in 4 to 6 weeks.