Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported yesterday that the Pirates were close to signing both Nate McLouth and Wilson Betemit.
They finalized a one-year, $1.75 million deal with McLouth today, but now Biertempfel says the Pirates are “no longer pursuing” Betemit.
No word on why they changed plans, but Betemit remains a nice low-cost target for a team in need of corner infield production or an excellent bench bat.
He’s a switch-hitter who offers defensive versatility despite not being a standout defender anywhere and has hit .290 with an .838 OPS in 181 games over the past two seasons.