Pirates sign Brewers Kolb

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Report: Pirates sign Sanchez, Kolb

The Pirates and National League batting champ Freddy Sanchez agreed on Saturday to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on its Website. The team also signed free-agent reliever Dan Kolb to a Minor League contract, with an invitation to Spring Training.

Kolb will make $1.25 million if he makes the team out of Spring Training and can earn another $1.3 million in incentives, the Post-Gazette reported. If he is not placed on the 25-man roster, he can become a free agent.

MLB

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The Pirates also agreed to terms with veteran free-agent reliever Dan Kolb on a Minor League deal.

Kolb, 31, enjoyed his best season with Milwaukee in 2004, when he converted 39 out of 44 save opportunities in 64 games while posting a 2.98 ERA. Kolb made the All-Star team that season. The year before that, he had converted 21 of 23 chances with a 1.96 ERA.

Dealt to the Braves before the 2005 season, Kolb's ERA and walk totals nearly doubled and he lost his closer's job. Reunited with the Brewers in '06, Kolb went 2-2 with a save and a 4.84 ERA in 53 games.

"He's had ups and downs, but he did pitch very well the latter part of last year," Littlefield said.

Pirates

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The Pirates, seeking insurance for their late-inning relief, have made a contract offer to free-agent right-hander Dan Kolb.

The team and Kolb's agent, Damon Lapa, have been negotiating since midweek.

"Dan wants to re-establish himself as a setup man or closer, and he feels there is an opportunity in Pittsburgh to show what he can do," Lapa said yesterday. "He's been durable throughout his career, and he's coming off a good second half last season. What he's looking for now is an opportunity."

Post Gazette

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PITTSBURGH (AP) - National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez chose not to go to arbitration and agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract Saturday with the suddenly active Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates, who made almost no player moves for the first 3 1/2 months of their offseason, signed former Brewers All-Star reliever Dan Kolb to a minor-league contract.

Foxsports (AP)