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.

Thing 1

On December 21st, the Pirates signed former Twins and White Sox starting pitcher Francisco Liriano.  This article is not a reaction to that signing - that's already been done here by my colleague Jimmy - but the signing now seems to be one of the dominoes that led to the shipping of closer Joel Hanrahan to the Red Sox. It must be noted that the Liriano signing was not the only reason for trading Hanrahan, but it did reduce the Pirates need to trade the closer for a starting pitcher.  Ultimately, Hanrahan was shipped due to his high cost as a closer who had a mediocre year last year when viewed under the surface.

#25 Pirates Prospect - Bryan Morris

Buried Treasure Top 30 Prospects   
#25 - Bryan Morris

Measurables: 6'3, 200
Bats: L, Throws: R
Position: P
Acquired: Trade (for Jason Bay from the Dodgers)
Bonus: $1,350,000
DOB: 03/28/1987
Buried Treasure 2012 Top 20: Not Ranked