James Harrison to attend off-season workouts

Steelers LB James Harrison is having difficulty getting a new deal with the Steelers. The 2008 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is due to make a measly 1.4 million dollars (base salary) in 2009. He is largely underpaid and nobody disputes that.

The problem: In May, James Harrison will be 31 years old. Many could argue that he is simply a product of Dick LeBeau's 3-4 system and may fail in a different environment. Given that Harrison is on the wrong side of 30, I do not think a blockbuster deal is in the future. The two sides are said to be pretty far apart.

When Harrison's agent was asked if James would be attending the "voluntary" off season workouts, he replied, "Yep, James will be there."

Harrison seems to be handling the situation with class right now, but I wonder if his mindset will change as training camp nears.

I could see Harrison holding out for a new deal if a deal cannot be reached.

On the other side, it may be in Harrison's best interest to not be greedy and accept what the Steelers are offering. If he holds out the 2009 season, he will be a 32 year old free agent LB next year. How many teams are going to break the bank for that?

Pirates curious about Pedro Martinez

Free agent pitcher, Pedro Martinez is still looking for a place to call home. A few teams are said to be "curious" about his services.

The problem seems to be that Martinez is looking for a 1 year, 5-8 million dollar deal.

Advice to the Pirates: Aggressively pursue Pedro. Though Pedro is up in age and significantly less effective than in his hay-day, he will put butts in seats. With the roller-coaster seasons we have experienced from guys like Zach Duke, Tom Gorzelanny, and Ian Snell, Pedro could potentially be a nice change up.

Pedro will sell tickets and hopefully be a good mentor for our young pitching staff. Offer him a low base salary, incentive laden contract that could potentially pay him 5-8 million....and if he achieves his contract ceiling, then he was well worth the signing. Seems simple to me.

Pirates Pitcher, Craig Hansen, gets "mmm Bopped" by the Yankees

Though the Pirates lost to the Yankees 13-10 today in Grapefruit League action, the Pirates are able to take away several positives. First, and foremost, Ross Ohlendorf pitched 4 "perfect" innings against his former power-packed club. Ohlendorf is fighting for one of the 5 rotation spots and today's performance alone may be enought for him to lock up a spot.

A few other takeaways from today's game:

Jose Tabata is continuing to hit the crap out of major league pitching. Tabata went 2 for 3 with a run scored...improving his Grapefruit League batting average to .429.

Pedro Alvarez went 2 for 2 with a run scored and a RBI. Alvrez roped a pair of doubles. His batting average is currently .438....the team leader.

Alverez sis proving that he is already a mature hitter coming out of college. Look for his journey in the minor leagues to be short-lived.

On a sour note, Pirates pitcher, Craig Hansen was "mmm bopped" by the Yankees lineup as he allowed 5 ER in only 1/3 of an inning.

Buccos beat world champion Phillies

The Pirates beat the Phillies 6-5 today in Grapefruit League play. Zach Duke led the way with 3.2 scoreless innings pitched. The Pirates would have won easily if pitcher Daniel McCutchen would not have been roughed up in the tune of 5 runs in only 1.1 innings pitched.

Steve Pearce and Jeff Salazar led the way offensively. Pearce was 3 for 4 with a run scored and Jeff Salazar hit a 3 run homer.

Ryan Howard hit is 5th home run of the spring for Philadelphia.

Monroe powers Pirates past Twins

Pirates outfielder Craig Monroe reminded the Minnesota Twins what they let go in the 6-4 Pirates victory today. Monroe belted 3 home runs, giving him 6 for spring training, to beat the Twins.

Today's win gives the Pirates the second best record in the National League at 9-4. Only 2 teams in all of baseball have more wins than Pittsburgh...The Braves and Angels both have 10 wins.

I know its only spring training...but I got a feeling...The Bucco Stops Here!