Did some reading on Rivals pay sites this morning. Von Rosenberg turned down the Pirates offer and stated he was offered more when the draft was in progress but told teams no. As I stated during draft week he told the Rockies it would take $2m if taken by them. He did not say what the Pirate offer was but seems it will have to dramatically increase as he really wants to be a Bengal Tiger. The inside writer on the Texas site stated he thinks Cain will sign with the Pirates and did not include him in next year's preview. He did believe Urban will be in Austin. I could not find anything recent on Dodson, Stevenson or Schoenfeld. The Florida writer says Den Dekker is probably going back to school thinking if he has a better year he will go higher but will sign if blown away, but does not indicate what that means.

Just read this so not sure if it is common knowledge but the Pirates have signed a 16 year old pitcher from the Dominican Republic. Jean Carlos Ozoria a RHP with a 88-91 mph fastball with some sink, curve and change. Baseball America says he shows clean actions and good arm strength. They are sticking to their promise of continuing to sign promising players. He will be 17 on March 16 of 2009. His signing bonus was not noted.

I see him as a viable option for our 4th OF and would much rather have him than Jason Michaels. Oakland may non-tender him or could be had for cheap return. His work for the Cubs leads me to believe he would at least give us a platoon option for Moss if he struggles versus LHP and would be a better option than most as a RH hitter off of the bench. He is decent defensively and for the money would be a good pickup.

Nice to see him turn it around for the Cubs. Always a favorite of mine as he played hard every time I watched. He ran out every batted ball with abandon which of course led to the unfortunate accident he had lunging at 1B.  Wish that would happen with our catchers now. I would say he would be a very good coach if he chose to go that way.Maybe he could hook back up with us after he retires.

Anyone know if he went to play college football as I have not seen his name this year? He was of course considered to be a prospect as late as last year. He was a top HS football QB prospect and he almost committed to Ohio State until he was drafted in the 4th round by the Pirates in 2004. I remember reading last winter he was thinking about leaving baseball to play football but had forgotton about him until looking through minor league rosters this week.

Any 2006 players signed as D&F?

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Who in the hell decided to change from KDKA as the flagship station?

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He is solid defensively and has power. His contact rate is low but would be cheaper than most options. I know Tracy does not like strikeouts but with no takers for a decent 1B I think he could be the answer.Nady could play RF and McLouth could get some time in RF with Nady at 1B if needed. Pena is only 28 and is a definite upgrade defensively.