These 5 pitchers are now protected from being taken in the Rule 5 Draft. Crotta had been eligible for drafting a year ago but was not taken. The other four were going to be eligible for the first time this year.
Duke, LaRoche, and Young are expected to become free agents.
Other notes:
OF Brandon Moss, who was also a free agent, and C Eric Kratz (minor league free agent) have both signed contracts with the Philadelphia Phillies, and both are expected to be invited to spring training.
Minor league free agent C Hector Gimenez has signed with the Dodgers.
LHP Justin Thomas, who was removed from the 40-man roster earlier, has signed a minor league contract for 2011. 2B Greg Picart has also signed for 2011.
Others who were in the Pirates’ organization in 2010 who are now minor league free agents:
From the Indy Indians: RHP Jean Machi, RHP Jeremy Powell, LHP Dana Eveland, LHP Corey Hamman, 1B Brian Myrow, SS Doug Bernier, OF Mitch Jones, OF Kevin Melillo, OF Jonathan Van Every
From the Altoona Curve: RHP Derek Hankins, RHP Dustin Moelleken, 2B Yung Chi Chen, 2B Jose De Los Santos
From the Bradenton Marauders: C James Skelton,
From the Disabled List: RHP Tyler Yates, C Milver Reyes, 2B Rodolfo Cardona
Outright released: RHP Chris Jakubauskas
Other players of note:
Bryan Bullington was removed from the Kansas City Royals’ 40-man roster.
More former Pirate free agents: RHP TJ Beam (from the Diamondbacks), C Steve Lerud (Orioles), OF Jeff Salazar (Orioles), C Miguel Perez (Cleveland Indians), 1B Brad Eldred (Rockies), C Robinzon Diaz (Tigers), INF/OF Gookie Dawkins (Marlins), OF Jeff Corsaletti (Marlins), INF/OF Matt Kata (Astros), INF Luis Figueroa (Angels), LHP Juan Perez (Dodgers), INF/OF Alfredo Amezaga (Dodgers), RHP Marty McLeary (Brewers), C JR House (Mets), RHP John VanBenschoten (Yankees), RHP Ty Taubenheim (Phillies), OF Rich Thompson (Phillies), RHP Mike Koplove (Padres), 1B Chris Richard (Rays), C Raul Chavez (Blue Jays), RHP Jimmy Barthmaier (Nationals), SS Pedro Lopez (Nationals),
