Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune and Kristy Robinson of Ohio Valley Athletics (via Twitter) both have some Pirates info:
- Biertempfel cites a trusted source in saying that the Rangers did indeed inquire on closer Joel Hanrahan, but the Pirates "turned aside" the overture and are not shopping him. Since being acquired from the Nationals, Hanrahan has totaled 122 2/3 innings of work in the Pirates' pen with a 2.79 ERA. His typically sky-high strikeout rate is down this year, but he's also displaying the best command of his career.
- In the same piece, Biertempfel writes that GM Neal Huntington refuted a report that top draft candidate Dylan Bundy has cautioned the Pirates not to select him. According to the report, Bundy does not want to give up his long toss routine, which the Pirates frown upon. Huntington, however says his organization avoids blanket approaches and isn't against long toss if used correctly. He says that several players in their minor league system currently use the technique.
- Robinson asked Huntington about Brad Lincoln, the #4 overall selection in the 2006 draft. Huntington says that Lincoln is throwing the ball well in Triple-A, but there's currently no room for him in the Major League rotation. Lincoln has posted a 4.27 ERA through 46 1/3 AAA innings, though his FIP is a much cleaner 3.42. He's struck out 42 and walked only eight (5.25 K/BB).
- Left-hander Donnie Veal has been assigned to High-A Bradenton as he continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery, tweets Biertempfel.
