Pirates Tender Contracts To Seven Players, Sign Grilli
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Joel Hanrahan, Jeff Karstens, Evan Meek, Garrett Jones, Charlie Morton, Chris Resop and Casey McGehee were all arbitration eligible Monday night and all were tendered contracts.
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.
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