The Pirates will likely be very frugal in the free agent market this season not that it’s a surprise. The Pirates will likely be looking at Emil Brown and Eric Hinske to possibly fill one of the starting corner outfield spots. They also could have interest in players like Scott Podsednik, Jay Payton, Jason Michaels, Shannon Stewart, Brad Wilkerson, Kevin Mench and Trot Nixon with the bait of possible at bats. The Pirates would like to bring back Doug Mientkiewicz but he might get a decent offer from another team based on how he played last season. Look for the Pirates to consider giving Richie Sexson, Ben Broussard or Chris Shelton a minor league offer to compete for a bench job. Alex Cintron, Adam Everett and Angel Berroa might be picking up the phone this winter and calling the Pirates for a chance to compete in spring training. The Pirates will be looking for a cheap righty starter to help fill out the starting rotation. Livan Hernandez, Carl Pavano, Orlando Hernandez and Bartolo Colon could be given minor league contracts and a chance to win a spot on the pitching staff in 2009. The Pirates should also be looking at bringing in a couple of righty relievers to teach the kids in the bullpen some new tricks just like Troy Percival did for the Rays. Rudy Seanez, Mike Timlin, Eric Gagne, Julian Tavarez, Al Reyes and Brendan Donnelly will likely be considered for the job.

The Pirates have declined Jason Michaels’ 2009 option worth $2.6 million bucks. He played in 102 games for the Pirates after coming over in a trade during the season from the Indians and he was 52 for 228 (.228 avg, .682 OPS) with 25 runs scored, 8 homers and 44 RBIs. The Pirates might give Michaels a call and see if he will take less than his option season to come back to the team. Michaels has now played in 734 games in his major league career and he is 503 for 1,855 (.271 avg, .754 OPS) with 282 runs scored, 45 homers and 247 RBIs.