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E-mailAstacio could be added to fifth starter mix
Joe Rutter is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review staff writer and can be reached at 412-320-7915 or via e-mail.
Agent Stephen Schneider confirmed Saturday that he has engaged in "preliminary talks" with Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield about signing Astacio to a minor-league contract. Schneider said the two sides spoke Friday and plan to talk again Monday.
The Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies, among others, are interested in adding the 35-year-old Astacio, who missed most of last season after having labrum surgery on his right shoulder in June 2003.
"We've had some extensive discussions with other teams," Schneider said. "We haven't set a deadline, but we expect to get something resolved quickly."
According to one published report, Astacio is seeking a contract worth $2 million, which could be out of the Pirates' price range. The Pirates, like most other clubs, are thought to have offered a deal that is incentive-laden.
Astacio has a 118-109 record and 4.61 ERA in 12 seasons. He won 42 games with the Colorado Rockies from 1998-2000, including a career-high 17 in 1999. Astacio also went 12-11 with the New York Mets in 2002, his last full major-league season.
Astacio was limited to five appearances with the Boston Red Sox last September in his comeback from surgery. His negotiating power received a boost recently with a strong showing in the Dominican Winter League. Astacio went 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA in three playoff appearances for Estrellas, striking out 12 and walking three in 16 innings.
"He pitched three times in 11 days and is healthy," Schneider said. "His performance was remarkably high."
If signed, Astacio would join right-handers Ryan Vogelsong and Todd Ritchie and left-handers Dave Williams and Zach Duke in the competition for the fifth starter's job.
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