Report: Pirates sign Hernandez

12/09/2005
PITTSBURGH -- According to published reports, the Pittsburgh Pirates have reached an agreement with free agent pitcher Roberto Hernandez on a one-year contract.
Hernandez, 41, was 8-6 with four saves and a 2.58 ERA in 67 appearances with the New York Mets in 2005. The veteran right-hander has a record of 64-65 and a 3.33 ERA in 892 games over his 15-year big league career, which has included stops with the Mets, Phillies, Braves, Royals, Devil Rays, Giants and White Sox. He ranks 10th all time in big league history with 324 career saves.
Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield would not confirm the signing, but he did say the team has had contact with Hernandez, a player who would fill the Bucs' need for a veteran right-handed reliever with experience as a closer.
"[Hernandez] is a guy we have been talking to and have interest in," said Littlefield. "As we have said, we'd liked to get some more right-handed help in the 'pen."
Hernandez would be the Pirates' first free agent signing of the offseason. Earlier this week, Pittsburgh acquired first baseman Sean Casey and pitchers Damaso Marte, Jonah Bayliss, Chad Blackwell and Clayton Hamilton in trades. The team also selected pitcher Victor Santos in the Rule 5 Draft.

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