Pittsburgh Pirates' pitcher Jeff Karstens left non-tendered – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday kept pitcher Jeff Karstens non-tendered as he was offered assignment on Friday. The vacated spot, predictably, was to be filled by Russell Martin, the pitcher the Pirates had recently signed.
Pirates were unable to reach a new deal with the pitcher as negotiations did not produce the desired result. Speaking on the matter, general manager Neal Huntington stated that the club tried to work out a trade but it did not work out.
"It was a tough decision," said Pirates' general manager Neal Huntington. "We worked hard to come to a pre-tender agreement with Jeff and his agent and also attempted to work out a trade for him but were unsuccessful. We're grateful for what Jeff has done, and wish him well."
He was acquired from the New York Yankees back in 2008 and had a record of 23-35, posting 4.31 ERA as he represented the Pittsburgh Pirates for five seasons.
After a season that could have ended well for the Pirates, but never did so, some moves were highly expected. This was one of them. Karstens – who had remained part of the Pirates rotation for two years, had a 14-13 record, posting 3.59 ERA.
This past season, however, the pitcher was to be taken out of the line-up after he could only pitch just over 90 innings due to hip-flexor injuries. For many Pirates' fans, Karstens came across as a battler. Expected or unexpected, the Pirates are looking for more pitching depth.
Other than the move made on Friday, the Pittsburgh Pirates dealt the arbitration-eligible Chris Resop to the Oakland Athletics.
While with the Pirates since August 2010, after he was acquired from Atlanta Braves, he appeared in 159 games in which he had 3.88 ERA. This past season, Resop had 3.91 ERA in 61 games that he appeared in.
The Pittsburgh Pirates received 24-year-old Zach Thornton in exchange who had his 2012 season in Class A.
With the recent moves, after a season wherein the Pirates finished fourth in the National League Central, to be seen is how will it impact the Pirates performance in the upcoming season.
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