Pirates Winter Meetings checklist

12/02/2005
This year's Winter Meetings in Dallas move from a weekend to a weekday schedule, beginning on Monday, Dec. 5 and ending on Thursday, Dec. 8. While there were very few fireworks at last year's event, there could be more wheeling and dealing this year due to the relatively thin group of free agents.
Look for general manager Dave Littlefield to attempt to use the team's abundance of young starting pitchers and his additional financial resources to land the big bat the Pirates need in the middle of their lineup. And be sure to check back at MLB.com and pittsburghpirates.com regularly to find out the latest about the Bucs as we bring you the news as it happens from Dallas.
2004 Finish: 67-95, sixth place, NL Central
Deals so far: Traded OF Tike Redman to the New York Mets for cash; traded INF Bobby Hill to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named later; released OF Michael Restovich; signed LHP Dave Williams to a one-year deal; bought out the contract of RHP Jose Mesa for 2006.
Players eligible for arbitration: RHPs Kip Wells, Josh Fogg and Ryan Vogelsong, LHP Oliver Perez, 3B Ty Wigginton, OF Jody Gerut and INF/OF Rob Mackowiak and Craig Wilson.
Free agents: RHPs Mesa, Brian Meadows and Rick White and 1B Daryle Ward
Needs: The Pirates are seeking to add at least one legitimate run producer to the lineup, preferably a corner infielder or right fielder. The free agent losses of Mesa, Meadows and White have created the need for additional right-handed arms in the bullpen.
Dealing strengths: The Pirates are loaded with young, left-handed starting pitchers. Perez, Zach Duke and Paul Maholm will all likely be high on the wish list of many potential suitors. While it is highly improbable that Duke would be included in any deal, Perez, Maholm, Williams and prospect Tom Gorzelanny could be used as bargaining chips in a trade for a power hitter.

Source: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/