Kovacevic Surprised By The Diaz Signing
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pirates beat reporter Dejan Kovacevic called in from the Major League Baseball Winter Meeting in Orlando, Fla. to give us an update on the Pirates.
The Pirates signed former Atlanta Braves OF Matt Diaz to a two-year contract and Kovacevic thinks he will be more suited for a platoon role in the outfield with Garrett Jones. He is a little surprised by the signing of Diaz who is no major upgrade over Lastings Milldege, who the Pirates let go this offseason.
The Pirates are hoping Diaz will perform up to his numbers before his thumb injury and be that above .300 hitter with .290 OBP. They also like Diaz for his ability to hit left-handers really hard.
The signing of Diaz means there is no room at any position for Ryan Doumit and the Pirates continue to shop Doumit in possible trades.
He also is hearing that if the Pirates are able to add another veteran pitcher in free agency they would be willing to deal someone like Paul Maholm, who may help them get something they need such as a shortstop like J.J. Hardy.
Kovacevic does not expect the Pirates to be active in the Rule 5 Draft.
