The first rumors regarded Cleveland and the Yankees working on a deal that would send Travis Hafner to New York for Burnett. However, that deal fell through.

New York has been clear about wanting a left-handed power hitter in its lineup, and Hafner would have been just that.

FOX Sports reported Tuesday that the Anaheim Angels have interest in Burnett as well, but Burnett reportedly has the Angels listed as one of 10 teams on his no-trade list. He reportedly wants to remain on the east coast.

So in the end it looks like the Pirates are still a very realistic place for Burnett to land. Many experts believe he will end up in Pittsburgh because the Pirates have the resources to make the trade happen.

Nothing has been finalized.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

He tells us how the Tigers came from out of nowhere to sign Prince Fielder to a mega-deal, and what the expectations are for Detroit now.

Jim offers his thoughts on where the Pirates stand right now, and has plenty of praise for A.J. Burnett. He also says he’s “hyped up” for next season, and tells us if he has retirement plans anytime soon.

While the deal is not done, Murti says it is “far enough down the road where you would be surprised if it didn’t happen.”

The biggest question and the reason the deal has not been done is because of the money involved with his remaining contract. Also, which (if any) players will be involved from the Pirates side. One name that was rumored was Garrett Jones. Murti tells the fan that the prospect of the Jones trade “died pretty quickly” after rumors surfaced.

Murti gives us the low-down on the potential Pirates-pitcher-to-be. To listen to the interview, click below:

He’s hearing there’s a good chance the deal gets done, and offers why.

Jon tells us what the hold-ups could possibly on both sides, and notes that A.J. Burnett still has the skills despite a disappointing run in New York.

For now, just the gear is headed to Florida. The players will report later this month.

There’s a hush over PNC Park with the start of the regular season still several weeks away, but inside the ballpark there’s anxiousness and readiness as the team prepares for Spring Training.

“I never even went to bed,” said Scott Bonnett, the Pirates equipment manager. “I just stayed up the whole night, anxious.”

It’s the day that everything they need for Spring Training is packed and loaded, heading to sunny Bradenton, Fla.

“Bats, balls, hats, helmets, we have personal luggage, we have fishing poles,” said Bonnett.

But among all the baseball equipment and players luggage, there were also family items, like two pink bikes for Bob Walk’s grandchildren.

“They’ll come down and ride their bikes on the beach,” Bonnett said.

It’ll be no walk on the beach for the players though. With only two days off for next six weeks, they’ll be hard at work preparing for the 2012 season.

“Getting there at six o’clock in the morning, they’ll be doing early work, hitting, fielding, sidlines,” said Bonnett. “Then, after that, we move over to field and start the games in March.”

There’s a lot of anticipation for this season, given how well the Pirates did last year, middle of July and the Pirates were in first place. And that excitement has returned this year.

“I think there’s even more excitement,” Bonnett added. “I think Clint [Hurdle] just scratched the surface. He’s unbelievable with people, personnel. He knows how to ignite people and get things from them. So, I’m excited.”

RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Pirates
More Pirates News

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Pirates have contacted New York regarding Burnett and a possible move could happen, given the Yankees have been trying to move Burnett for a while and spring training is fast approaching.

The Yankees want to clear salary room to sign so they can re-sign both free agent infielder Eric Chavez and a left-handed designated hitter. Burnett is owed $33 million in the final two years of his contract.

The Pirates want another starting pitcher and missed out on signing Edwin Jackson, who signed with the Washington Nationals. Burnett presents another opportunity, and Pittsburgh is not a team on his no-waive list.

If the price is right, a deal could potentially be made.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

Ken tells us what he makes of Edwin Jackson spurning the Pirates for a shorter deal with the Nationals, dives into what Pittsburgh has done so far this offseason, and tells us what Andrew McCutchen’s long-term options may be. Ken tells us that the Marlins, Angels, and Nationals have all improved more than anyone else…and he questions some of the big dollar deals that were handed out to Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

Hurdle believes the Pirates have the tools to compete in the NL Central this year, and he can’t wait to see the improvement from Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen and Charlie Morton.

Listen to then entire interview here:

If the two sides can’t agree on a contract by that time, McGehee will see an arbitrator to determine his worth.

McGehee reportedly wants a salary around $2.7 million, but the Pirates are more interested in a lower number. He made $468,000 last year with the Milwaukee Brewers.

McGehee was acquired from the Brewers for relief pitcher Jose Veras. He batted .223 last year with 13 home runs and 67 RBIs.

RELATED LINKS
Pirates news
MLB news
CBS Pirates
Bucs Blog

Cruz, 33, pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011 and went 5-0 with a 3.88 ERA in 56 appearances.

He has pitched for the Chicago Cubs, Atlanta Braves, Oakland A’s, Arizona Diamondbacks and Kansas City Royals along with the Rays in his major league career, which has spanned 11 seasons.

Cruz should compete for one of the final bullpen spots this spring.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

The PG’s Mark Belko reports the bar will be called the Budweiser Bowtie Bar and will be located on the main concourse to the left of the right field grandstand.

You can read the full report here, which breaks down who can access the bar and what will be served.

The Pirates open the season at home April 5.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

The Pirates are a little more than a month away from Spring Training, and McCutchen is geared up for some Spring baseball.

The MLB Network has predicted that the Pirates will break their losing streak, which is music to McCutchen’s ears. But, he says that they will have to prove that on the field with consistency.

The off-season additions to the team excite McCutchen, and he can’t wait to join them in Bradenton for Spring Training. He thinks that both the hitting and pitching departments have improved.

Everyone in Pittsburgh wants to know when the Pirates are going to sign McCutchen to a long-term deal.

To that, he said: “The only thing that I can do for myself is to go out and play, and that stuff will take care of itself.”

The Pirates are looking for power in their lineup, and McCutchen says that it is not a matter of “if,” but “when” Pedro Alvarez will break out and contribute to the Pirates’ power numbers.  

For the entire interview, click below:

Fielder signed a nine-year, $214 million contract with Detroit Tuesday. The Pirates will still see him twice next year in two interleague series, but the tradeoff of having him out of the division is a welcome event.

Fielder played a big part in Milwaukee’s dominance over the Pirates, especially at Miller Park. Fielder is now gone and former teammate Ryan Braun is facing a possible 50-game suspension for the alleged use of steroids.

Add to that the departure of Albert Pujols to Anaheim, and the NL Central just got a lot less powerful.

Again, music to Pittsburgh’s ears.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

Here’s the schedule:

June 9: Pirates vs. Royals, 7:15 p.m., Boyz II Men

July 7: Pirates vs. Giants, 4:05 p.m., Daughtry

Aug. 11: Pirates vs. Padres, 7:05 p.m., Styx

Sept. 29: Pirates vs. Reds, 7:05 p.m., Lifehouse

All performances will take place following each game.

RELATED LINKS
Pirates news
MLB news
CBS Pirates
Bucs Blog

Hurdle gives us an update on Pedro Alvarez, looks at the starting rotation, and tells us where the power may come from in the Pirates’ lineup this year.

He also admits that his players may have been physically and mentally worn down as the season went along last year.

Hurdle also has a message for cynics who say they have heard the positive talk from the Pirates before.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview:

Meek signed a one-year, $875,000 contract with built-in incentives that could pay him an additional $25,000 based on performance. Meek was an All-Star in 2010 but struggled with a shoulder injury in 2011 that held him out of action for a large period of time.

Karstens will reportedly earn $3.1 million in 2012, which is up quite a bit from his $1.1 million salary last season.He went 9-9 with a 3.38 ERA in 2011.

Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee are still arbitration eligible.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

Hanrahan’s contract is reportedly worth $4.1 million, which is up substantially from the $1.4 million he made in 2011. He registered 40 saves and was named to the National League All-Star team last season.

Morton’s deal is reportedly worth approximately $2.445 million, which is also up substantially from 2011 — Morton made $441,000 in 2011. He went 10-10 with a 3.83 ERA last season.

Evan Meek, Jeff Karstens, Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee are all still arbitration eligible and have yet to sign new deals.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

ESPN’s Keith Law announced on Twitter that the Pirates and Joel Hanrahan have agreed to a one-year deal.

The deal avoids arbitration and is believed to be worth $4.1 million, but that number has not been confirmed by the team.

In 68 2-3 innings pitched, Hanrahan had 40 saves to go along with a 1.83 ERA, 61 strikeouts and only 16 walks.

Hanrahan made $1.4 million last season.

According to our news partners at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee are still eligible for arbitration.

RELATED LINKS

More Sports News
More Pirates News
Pittsburgh Pirates

Maholm with receive $4.25 million in 2012 with an option for 2013 and a $500,000 buyout.

Maholm, as most athletes do nowadays, took to Twitter to vent his thoughts on the signing. He thanked Pirates fans and then expressed his excitement to become a Cub.

“Just wanna say thank u to everyone that has cheered for me during my career as a Pirate. I loved my last six plus years in the city,” Maholm tweeted.

“I hope to get to continue some things when I visit during the year and start some great things as I start my Cubs career. #GodBless“

“Looking forward to seeing the fans at Cubs convention this weekend and getting to know all the guys. It’s gonna be fun.”

Maholm is 6-2 in his career playing at Wrigley Field. He was a large part of the Pirates’ surprisingly strong rotation in 2011 with a 3.66 ERA in 26 starts.

–

Chris Gates | Bucs Blog
Twitter.com/Chris_Gates
Chris.Gates@cbsradio.com

Hernandez is a switch-hitting infielder and has 240 games of major league experience. He spent all of last year with Houston’s Class-AAA affiliate Oklahoma City, batting .300 with six home runs.

Hernandez has a career .241 average in the big leagues.

His contract includes an invitation to spring training.

RELATED LINKS
Pirates news
MLB news
CBS Pirates
Bucs Blog

Both contracts include invitations to spring training.

Clement, 28, hit .271 with five home runs last season in the Pirates organization. He spent a considerable amount of the year rehabbing from surgery on his left knee.

Igarashi, 32, made 45 appearances with the New York Mets last season and recorded a 4-1 record with a 4.66 ERA.

RELATED LINKS
Pirates news
MLB news
CBS Pirates
Bucs Blog

Owners voted unanimously to approve the deal during a telephone conference call Thursday. The players’ association announced Dec. 1 that its executive board had ratified the agreement, which was signed Nov. 22.

Lawyers for the sides are drafting the full labor contract from the memorandum of understanding.

The deal starts blood testing for human growth hormone and institutes restraints on signing bonuses for amateur draft picks and international players coming to the big leagues.

McGehee, 29, will back up Pedro Alvarez at third base and provide the Pirates with depth in case Alvarez suffers through more struggles in his third season in the big leagues.

McGehee hit .233 in 546 at bats last season with the Brewers, hitting 13 home runs and registering a .280 on-base percentage. He drove in 104 runs in 2010.

McGehee could also start at third base and provide Pittsburgh with the much-debated option of moving Alvarez to first base.

The Pirates traded Veras away before the Monday arbitration deadline. He was in jeopardy of not being tendered.

RELATED LINKS
Pirates news
MLB news
CBS Pirates
Bucs Blog

That means all seven will receive contract offers from the Pirates for 2012.

Infielder Pedro Ciriaco and catcher Jason Jaramillo were not tendered contracts. Both are now free agents.

Additionally, relief pitcher Jason Grilli was signed to a one-year, $1.1 million contract Monday.

Hanrahan is the team’s main cog in the bullpen as closer, while Karstens and Morton had surprisingly productive seasons in the starting rotation. Meek was injured for much of 2011, but returns as a candidate to be Hanrahan’s set-up man and should serve a valuable role as a late reliever.

Resop had an up and down year but was dominant at times.

Many have speculated on whether or not Jones would be brought back by the Pirates. He hit .243 with 16 homers last season.

McGehee was acquired via trade with Malwaukee Monday evening.

If any player is unable to agree on a contract with the team he will go to an arbitration hearing. Arbitration hearings are scheduled in the month February.

RELATED LINKS
Pirates news
MLB news
CBS Pirates
Bucs Blog

Since he joined the Milwaukee Brewers in 2007, Braun has belted big home runs not with cartoonishly large muscles, but with a sweet swing and an ultra-quick bat. Last season, he helped drive the Brewers to the playoffs and was voted the NL’s Most Valuable Player.

Now Braun finds himself fighting a 50-game suspension after news leaked that he has tested positive for a banned substance. He steadfastly maintains his innocence.

A spokesman for Braun said in a statement issued to ESPN and The Associated Press that there are “highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan’s complete innocence.”

ESPN cited two sources Saturday in first reporting the result, saying Braun tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone, adding that a later test by the World Anti-Doping Agency lab in Montreal determined the testosterone was synthetic. Braun is appealing, according to people familiar with the case.

And fans may be inclined to believe Braun, given his clean-cut image and that he hasn’t tested positive or even been suspected of using banned substances in the past. And, perhaps above all, the fact that he doesn’t look like a human science experiment.

But there is a long history of athletes accused of taking banned drugs insisting they did so to recover from injuries. Sports medicine experts acknowledge the drugs may help, raising the possibility Braun might have been doing just that.

Norman Fost, a professor of pediatrics and director of the bioethics program at the University of Wisconsin, said vigorous exercise breaks down microscopic muscle fibers.

“One theory is that anabolic steroids hasten the repair of those muscle fibers, and allow you to work out harder,” Fost said.

Dr. Susannah Briskin, a primary care sports medicine physician with Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, says the potential injury recovery benefits associated with anabolic steroids have been tested on a limited basis but only on animals.

“This stuff will never end up being studied with humans,” Briskin said. “Any medical study must start with, ‘Do no harm.’ The problem is, there’s been a lot of harm proven in studying anabolic steroids.”

According to a document on the Mayo Clinic’s website, the potential injury recovery benefits of performance-enhancing drugs are part of their appeal to athletes.

“Besides making muscles bigger, anabolic steroids may help athletes recover from a hard workout more quickly by reducing the muscle damage that occurs during the session,” the document says. “This enables athletes to workout harder and more frequently without overtraining. In addition, some athletes may like the aggressive feelings they get when they take the drugs.”

Braun has dealt with nagging injuries in recent years, and other players have acknowledged they used performance enhancers to help them recover from injury.

One of the most well-known is pitcher Andy Pettitte, who said he used human growth hormone to recover from an injury, not to enhance his performance. Given the generally positive public reception to Pettitte’s admission, Fost wonders why more athletes accused of using banned substances don’t just follow his lead.

“What amazes me and mystifies me is that every athlete hasn’t figured out that’s a correct answer – and an answer that seems to be deemed acceptable,” Fost said.

And Fost doesn’t necessarily see anything wrong with athletes taking a substance that helps them recover from their injuries. He believes health concerns about steroids haven’t been sufficiently proved, and blames the media and Congress for creating an atmosphere he likens to the Salem witch trials.

“That’s the big question – why is it ‘cheating?”’ Fost said.

Braun did not respond to a request for comment from the AP.

“We are dealing with an incomplete set of facts and speculation,” Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio said in a statement. “Before there is a rush to judgment, Ryan deserves the right to be heard. We are committed to supporting Ryan to get to the truth of what happened in this unfortunate situation.”

As Braun awaits his appeal, doctors continue to promote awareness of the potentially harmful effects of performance-enhancing drugs in youth and high school sports.

And despite ongoing education efforts, Briskin has suspected some of her patients were using them – especially those who have “unrealistic weight goals,” like football players whose coaches have asked them to bulk up and switch positions.

One patient actually asked her for them.

“I’m like, ‘Are you aware that’s an illegal substance, and I can go to jail for prescribing it, and you can go to jail for taking it?’,” she said.

Still, she says, performance-enhancing drugs remain remarkably easy to get, whether it’s through somebody at a gym or online.

“You can pretty much buy anything on the Internet,” she said.