Pirates Interested In Duchscherer

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates are "one of several teams" interested in Justin Duchscherer, who missed all of the 2009 season, first due to hip and elbow surgery, then as a result of clinical depression.

Duchscherer, 32, pitched to a 2.54 ERA in 22 starts with Oakland in 2008. He was described by his agent as "a happier and healthier person", suggesting that he can resume his effectiveness in 2010.

This kind of low-cost, high-reward signing is exactly what teams like the Pirates need to do to contend. It would also be a heartwarming story to see Duchscherer succeed.