Pirates Sign Dan Kolb

UPDATE: And the Pirates won the Kolb derby.  It’s a minor-league deal but he will make $1.25MM if he makes the 25 man roster out of spring training.

Did I just write that?  A couple of clubs are bidding for the services of 32 year-old reliever Dan Kolb.  Last year, Kolb rejoined the Brewers and continued his low-strikeout, high groundballing ways.  It resulted in a 4.84 ERA.  Kolb’s agent is talking up his durability and second half (2.75 ERA in 19 innings).

The Rockies, perhaps intrigued by Kolb’s home run prevention, have made an offer.  Dan O’Dowd is trying to play it cool.  The Pirates have an offer out as well, and Dejan Kovacevic says Kolb wants a Major League deal.  Kolb hopes to be the setup man in Pittsburgh.