PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates announced prior to the midnight deadline that the club tendered a contract to the all the seven Pirates arbitration eligible players. Those players included Joel Hanrahan, Garrett Jones, Jeff Karstens, Casey McGehee, Evan Meek, Charlie Morton and Chris Resop.
Hanrahan, 30, was named to the National League All-Star game in his first full season as the Pirates closer. Hanrahan was one of six pitchers to notch at least 40 saves in 2011, and only the third in bucco history to accomplish that feat. Hanrahan finished with a 1.83 ERA over 70 appearances.
Jones, 30, was in the Pirates opening day lineup for the second straight season, where he finished with a .243 avg, 30 doubles, 16 home runs and 58 RBI over 148 games in 2011. Jones’ 58 home runs since 2009 ranks first among all Pirates players.
Karstens, 29, had a team-leading 3.38 ERA while spending his first full season in Pittsburgh. Karstens begun the season in the bullpen, but established himself in the rotation by career-highs in wins (nine), starts (26), innings pitched (162.1) and strikeouts (96).
Meek, 28, landed on the disabled list twice and missed a lot of the season with shoulder tendonitis. Coming off an All-Star season in 2010, Meek had a 3.48 ERA over 24 appearances in Pittsburgh this season.
McGehee, 29, was traded to Pittsburgh earlier today from the Milwaukee Brewers for right-hander Jose Veras. McGehee batted .223 with 13 home runs, 24 doubles and knocked in 67 runs during the 2011 season. He homered three times vs. St. Louis on August 3, becoming the 11th player in Brewers franchise history to hit three home runs in one game.
Morton, 28, led the staff with 171.2 innings pitched and his 10 wins finished second on the team, trailing only Kevin Correia (12). Morton surrendered just six home runs over the 2011 season –which was the fewest among all Major League pitchers with at least 110.0 innings pitched. Morton finished the season with a 3.83 ERA.
Resop, 29, established career-highs in games and innings pitched with Pittsburgh in 2011. He ranked ninth among all NL relief pitchers in innings pitched (69.2) and eighth in strikeouts (79). Resop posted a 4.39 ERA over 76 appearences.
Right-hander Jason Grilli was also arbitration eligible but the club agreed to a one-year contract prior to the deadline today.
The Pirates also announced that infielder Pedro Ciriaco and catcher Jason Jaramillo, who were designated for assignment last week, were non-tendered and will become free agents after midnight.
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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