Pirates Express Interest in Baker, Ohman

With no one stepping up to earn the Pirates' coveted second reserve infielder spot on the Opening Day roster, the team has turned its attention to Colorado's Jeff Baker. The Rockies might not have a spot for the versatile Baker and could be looking to trade him. The Pirates are one of at least three teams, along with the Astros and Phillies, that has expressed interest. Baker could be a decent fit since he hits right-handed, has some pop (22 home runs in 538 career at bats) and can play a number of positions. He is only 27 and has not yet reached his first year of arbitration, which is why this move, if it comes to pass, would not upset me. I would actually prefer to see Brian Bixler or Luis Cruz make the team as a reserve infielder, but at least Baker is relatively young and the Pirates could keep him around for a few years, if he's useful. However, Baker does not have any major league experience at shortstop, leaving Ramon Vazquez as the only reserve who has played that position, assuming of course that Baker is acquired. But with Bixler and Cruz both on the 40-man roster, there are options available should an injury (or Jack Wilson trade) occur.

As for the bullpen, the Pirates continue to be in discussions with free agent lefty Will Ohman, who pitched very well for Atlanta last year. The PBC Blog today reported that the Pirates have even exchanged dollar figures with Ohman. With only Matt Capps, John Grabow and Tyler Yates assured jobs, and bullpen hopefuls Sean Burnett, Donnie Veal, Evan Meek and Craig Hansen struggling of late, the bullpen could use some help. If Ohman is signed, it may mean that the Pirates will go without a traditional long reliever, since they risk losing Burnett, Veal and Hansen if they do not make the Opening Day roster. Provided the starting pitching performs better than last year (with no Matt Morris or John Van Benschoten around, that seems likely), a long reliever might not be as crucial.