Pirates Sign Catcher Lucas May

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a minor move, signing catcher Lucas May to a minor league contract. May - who turned 28 this past October - started out in the Dodgers Organization back in 2006. He received his first major league action in the Royals organization in 2010, finding his way to Kansas via a trade for Scott Podsednik.

May appears to have very limited upside. He's also had plate discipline issues, striking out at a high rate while walking at a moderate but not impressive rate.  He's always hit for solid power, but that's the only moderately attractively aspect of his game.  In addition, defensive scouting reports are not kind.  In 2010, when May reached the major leagues, he received a total 39 plate appearances, his career total to date.  Bottom line, May is upper minor league catching depth and the move was likely made with the trade of Roman Cabrera to Detroit to ensure the Pirates would be prepared in the event of a rash of injuries similar to those that happened during the 2010 season, when an emergency trade brought in Michael McKenry.