Yesterday there were some questions as to whether the Pittsburgh Pirates would still pursue a shortstop upgrade after signing Ronny Cedeno to a one year deal with a 2012 option. Jennifer Langosch mentions today that the team will still look to upgrade the shortstop position, and that if they do find an upgrade, they would be comfortable moving Cedeno to a utility role. Langosch also mentions that Cedeno has been playing the outfield in Winter ball, and reports are that he has been playing the position well.
J.J. Hardy and Jason Bartlett are the two names the Pirates have been linked to. Each player was tendered a contract yesterday by their current team, although both players are still on the block. The shortstop position isn’t as big of a need as a starting pitcher or a power bat for first base or right field, but it’s still an area where the team can upgrade, and an area that they can easily upgrade with the favorable shortstop market.
