Pittsburgh Pirates sign Charlie Morton, designate Jeff Karsten for assignment - MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a contract offer to Charlie Morton and all five of the other arbitration eligible players including right-handed pitcher James McDonald, first baseman Gaby Sanchez, closer Joel Hanrahan, second baseman Neil Walker and versatile
Garret Jones.
It was the right move on the part of the Pirates as Morton is likely going to be available in the later part of 2013 season, recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Going into arbitration may not have been the best idea for the Pirates in this case.
The general manager of the Pittsburgh ball club, Neal Huntington, expressed similar sentiments and said that he prefers finding a middle ground.
"You never want to go to arbitration," Huntington said. "I much prefer finding a middle ground, but if we have to [go to a hearing], we have to. We have a pretty good feeling for where [arbitration awards] fall. Before we get to hearings, we'll listen to
the agents' sides and work diligently to find a middle ground."
The 29-year-old, according to sources signed a deal worth $2 million dollars, a touch less than what he earned in 2012. In case of arbitration, he would have gotten a projected $2.6 million. The pitcher believes that he is accomplished enough to be able
to negotiate terms with the ball club outside arbitration.
In the four seasons with the Pirates, Charlie has a 19-37 win-loss record in 73 games as a starting pitcher. His best season so far has been the 2011 season where he posted a 10-10 even record and a 3.83 ERA.
Pirates unexpectedly assigned Jeff Karstens for assignment, clearing a roster spot for the recently signed catcher Russell Martin. Huntington thought it was a tough decision for the club to take and was disappointed that a deal could not take shape. "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," Neal said.
He also wished him well and showed his gratitude for the good work he has done for the team. The 30-year-old was acquired from the New York Yankees in a deal that took place in July of 2008, along with three other players with a 4.31 ERA and had a 23-35
win-loss record in five seasons.
The door is still open though for Jeff’s return through free agency and there is hope that a deal may be salvage after all. "Our hope is that the door is still ajar and he would entertain an opportunity to return to the Pirates,” Huntington said. “We'd still
like to have him back."
The Pirates have made a few tough decisions. There strategy at the Winter Meetings will have to be seen. By the look of things, Jeff Karstens may be on his way back to the Pittsburgh ball club.
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