Yahoo! Sports

Pirates Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:49:19 PST

Neal Huntington wanted to keep his options open. Literally.

That is why the Pirates general manager made the surprising move of designating right-hander Jeff Karstens for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Chris Jakubauskaus, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle. The determining factor was that Jakubauskaus has two minor league options left and Karstens is out of options, which means he would have had to clear waivers if the Pirates tried to send him to the minor leagues.

"It's a bit of a risk because we like Jeff," Huntington said. "This gives us more flexibility with our 40-man roster and makes it easier to send players between Pittsburgh and (Class AAA) Indianapolis."

Jakubauskas, 30, made his major league debut with the...

Pirates designate Karstens, add RHP Jakubauskas (AP)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:48:58 PST

The Pittsburgh Pirates designated right-hander Jeff Karstens for assignment and claimed right-hander Chris Jakubauskas off waivers from Seattle. The team made the moves on Friday. Karstens was 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA. He was acquired from the Yankees in 2008. Jakubauskas was 6-7 with a 5.32 ERA in 35 games after unexpectedly making the majors at age 30.

Tracy, Scioscia win Manager of the Year awards (AP)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:10:01 PST

Jim Tracy was out of baseball when Clint Hurdle called last October to talk to him about joining Hurdle's staff in Colorado. Tracy was focused on his duties as bench coach for the Rockies when he came to spring training. Now, he's the NL Manager of the Year -- and has a new contract, too. Talk about a nice season.

Angels' Mike Scioscia, Colorado's Jim Tracy win Manager of the Year awards (The Canadian Press)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:03:00 PST

NEW YORK - The Los Angeles Angels could have crumbled when pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident in April, overcome by waves of grief and sadness.

Ramirez, Darvish named MVPs of Japanese baseball (AP)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:12:49 PST

Venezuelan outfielder Alex Ramirez was named MVP of Japan's Central League for the second straight year on Wednesday while pitcher Yu Darvish took the Pacific League honors. The 35-year-old Ramirez hit .322 in helping the Yomiuri Giants to their first Japan Series championship since 2002. He had 31 homers and drove in 103 runs in 144 games this season, his ninth in Japan.

Pirates may trade catcher Ryan Doumit (Yahoo! Sports)

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:31:11 PST

At the general manager meeting this week, some tams apparently asked if the Pittsburgh Pirates would be willing...

Dock Ellis' no-hitter on acid becomes great animated short film (Yahoo! Sports)

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:31:19 PST

The next time someone compiles a list of the greatest baseball films ever, the work won't be complete until...

2B Iwamura hopes longtime losers can win soon (AP)

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:24:35 PST

Akinori Iwamura apparently didn't check the standings after being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Iwamura, acquired to be the Pirates' starting second baseman, is hoping his new team can be a contender soon. Really. "I know, of course, about Roberto Clemente and that it is a great organization," Iwamura said after being traded from Tampa Bay to Pittsburgh...

Rays trade 2B Iwamura to Pirates (AP)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:19:41 PST

The budget-conscious Tampa Bay Rays saved some money and added some promising bullpen help Tuesday night when they traded infielder Akinori Iwamura to the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-hander Jesse Chavez. The Rays held a $4.85 million option on Iwamura for next season, but did not intend to pick it up because of the depth they have at second base.

Rays close to trading Iwamura to Pirates (SportingNews.com)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:16:43 PST

The Tampa Bay Rays eased their middle infield logjam a bit today by agreeing to trade Akinori Iwamura to the...

Phillies' Hamels can't wait for Series to be over (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:10:09 PST

The Philadelphia Phillies are in a tough spot right about now. Down three games to one the New York Yankees in...