The Pirates officially signed right-hander Masumi Kuwata to a minor-league contract Tuesday.
Kuwata, 38, spent the past 21 years with the Yomiuri Giants of the Japanese Central League. He has 173 career victories, which ranks 37th in league history. He also has thrown 118 complete games, including 21 shutouts, in 442 appearances.
Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield made a scouting trip to Japan in October, but he did not see Kuwata pitch.
"He's been banged up a little the past couple of years, but we think he's somebody interesting to take a look at," Littlefield said. "He's got good command and always has had a good feel for pitches."
Kuwata appeared in just three games for Yomiuri last year and was sent to the minors after sustaining an ankle injury.
Kuwata likely will begin the 2007 season at Class AAA Indianapolis, "but we're always open to possibilities," Littlefield said.
Kuwata chose the Pirates over offers from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox.
"The Pirates are the team of Roberto Clemente, who I admire, and that gave me the itch to join them," Kuwata told the Kyodo News. "Contract terms don't mean much to me. I just want to take the mound in a major-league game as soon as possible."
In other news, chances for a possible trade of closer Mike Gonzalez to the Atlanta Braves for power-hitting first baseman Adam LaRoche appear to be fading.
Foxsports.com reported Atlanta could deal LaRoche to the Baltimore Orioles for closer Chris Ray. Ray is a better fit for the Braves because he has five years to go before free agency (Gonzalez has three) and does not have a history of injuries.
However, the Red Sox and New York Yankees remain interested in dealing for Gonzalez.
"There aren't many guys out there who compare" to Gonzalez, Littlefield said.
