Rob Biertempfel has an update on Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kenshin Kawakami, suggesting that the Pittsburgh Pirates interest may have cooled now that the team has agreed to deals with Kevin Correia and Scott Olsen.
We heard yesterday that the Pirates had some interest in trading for Kawakami, and that the Atlanta Braves were willing to pick up all but $1-2 M of his salary, and weren’t looking for much in return. Shortly after the announcement, the Pirates agreed to a deal with Olsen, and last night they agreed to a two year, $8 M deal with Correia.
There would really be no need for Kawakami now, even if he does come cheap. The Pirates rotation for the 2011 season will include James McDonald, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, and Kevin Correia. They also have Charlie Morton, Brad Lincoln, Scott Olsen, and Jeff Karstens competing for the fifth spot, with the last two making around $1 M each.
Biertempfel mentions the Orioles as another team that is in on Atlanta’s right hander.
