Pirates Sign Jason Cooper, Wyatt Toregas, And Others

The Pirates have signed a few minor-leaguers, Jenifer Langosch notes. Apparently this news is a day or two old, but I'm just now hearing about it.

C Milver Reyes - He's primarily a coach at this point, it appears, as he didn't play anywhere in 2011. He'll probably be used as a catcher in Spring Training, and that sort of thing.

C Wyatt Toregas - Ah, I swore I'd never mention him again, and here he is. He's back, and hopefully he'll stay in the minors this year.

2B Keoni De Renne - He last appeared as a player in 2010 and spent three years in independent ball before that. He'll coach somewhere.

3B Vince Harrison - Another coach. Got to Class AA with the Rays, Marlins and Mets, then spent four years playing for Schaumburg, Joliet, Winnipeg and York, all with independent league teams. That's how you know you know a guy just loves to play baseball. He's Josh Harrison's brother.

OF Jason Cooper - Was drafted by Neal Huntington's Indians in the third round in 2002 and became a top hitting prospect for them, but appeared to be maxed out in Class AAA. Has spent most of the past few years playing independent ball, which means he either has to love baseball or be kicking himself for not finishing that last year at Stanford. Assuming he's a player, he'll likely be a bench guy at Altoona or Indianapolis. 

OF Michael Ryan - He's spent most of his pro career with the Twins, but he was with Indianapolis in 2007. He's from Indiana, PA. I'm not sure if he played professionally at all last year.

UPDATE: Apparently they'll all be player-coaches.

Langosch notes that Steve Pearce is now officially a minor-league free agent.