The winter league playoffs have finished up.... and catching up with a few other items from the past few days:
Roster moves: � Relievers Anthony Claggett and Steven Jackson, who were put on waivers to clear spots on the 40-man roster, have cleared waivers. �They have both been outrighted to the AAA Indianapolis Indians, and both will be non-roster invitees to the major league spring training camp. �Both still have a chance at making the Pirates out of spring training.
Also invited to major league camp: �Infielders Brian Friday and Doug Bernier, and catcher Hector Gimenez.
Doug Bernier recently signed a minor league contract with the Pirates. �The 29-year old infielder started his pro career in the Rockies' organization as a non-drafted free agent in 2002. �He made it up to the AAA level (Colorado Springs) in 2007, and played there for two season. �He hit .310 in 97 games in 2007, with 15 doubles, 2 homers, and 27 RBI. �In 2008, though, his average dropped to .255, with 10 doubles, 4 triples, 9 homers, and 42 RBI in 110 games. �Bernier made his major league debut with the Rockies in June 2008, but appeared in only 2 games, and went 0-for-4 at the plate. �Bernier spent all of 2009 with the Yankees' 2009 AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre affiliate. �He played in 79 games, hitting just .181, with 9 doubles, 2 triples, and 20 RBI. �Bernier does draw his fair share of walks -- 34 in 2009, and 64 in 2008 -- but struck out in nearly a third of his at-bats in 2009 (71), and nearly a quarter of them in 2008 (79). �Bernier has played several infield positions, primarily shortstop, but also second and third bases. �He will likely be the infield depth at Indianapolis.
Reliever Juan Mateo has signed a minor league contract with the Angels for 2010. �Mateo made one appearance in Altoona in 2009, then 48 relief appearances in Indianapolis. �He finished with a 7-7 record, 4 saves and a 3.79 ERA. �In 71.1 innings, Mateo gave up 69 hits and 33 runs (30 earned), with 16 walks and 45 strikeouts. �He had come to the Pirates' organization in 2008 after 4.5 years in the Chicago Cubs' organization.
OF Jason Delaney has signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins. �Delaney was released by the Pirates back in early November. �He began the 2009 season with Indianapolis, but only played in 2 games for the Indians before being shuffled back to Altoona. �For the Curve, Delaney hit .271 with 25 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home runs, and 65 RBI. �He worked 57 walks but struck out an amazing 90 times in 118 games. �He struggled in the early part of the season, especially in May, when he hit .181. �Things began to turn around in June and July (.286 and .277 respectively). �Delaney poured it on in August and into September, when he hit .320 with 20 RBI.
In case you didn't see this: �a chat with pitcher Tim Alderson on Baseball America -- he's working out, particularly working on lower body strengthening, and excited to be with the Pirates.
