I was hoping the Jays might take a stab at him. Oh well.

At that price, the Cubs might've been well-served to make him an offer.

First instinct is to assume that Bedard is done.

The Pirates have trained me well.

Pirates designated Jaramillo and Ciriaco for assignment to make room, also apparently have terminated their pursuit of Wilson Betemit.

Bedard's a good risk on a one-year deal.

-- MWE

Pronuncation tip for the media guide: it's Bedarrrrrgh, matey.

He pitched ok for the Red Sox down the stretch, although it always seemed like he was on the verge of missing his next start with some kind of injury. Seems like he's a decent 5-inning pitcher in the AL. Maybe he'll find more success in the NL.

This seems like a good value to me. I'm surprised a contender didn't step up to this deal. The Yankees couldn't use him? The Marlins? The Angels?

This seems like a good value to me. I'm surprised a contender didn't step up to this deal. The Yankees couldn't use him? The Marlins? The Angels?

It's possible he didn't want to pitch for a contender, with the Pirates he is guaranteed to be given preferential favoritism to make the team and pitch every five days, with a contender, he'll be the fifth starter and might not even make the team as a starter. If he's trying to reestablish himself as an average or better pitcher, he should go for the option that will pretty much guarantee him starts as long as he is healthy.

Pirates also get IF Yamaico Navarro from the Royals for minor leaguers Brooks Pounder and Diego Goris. I liked Navarro in the few weeks we had him, wish they hadn't given up on him so quickly. Pounder and Goris look like nothing special.

although it always seemed like he was on the verge of missing his next start with some kind of injury. Seems like he's a decent 5-inning pitcher in the AL.

Hasn't that more or less been the book on Bedard since the Mariners traded half of their farm system to get him?