For $5M per for 2 years.

"In acquiring Iwamura, we opened the door to getting Japanese players. We gave up a middle reliever to get Iwamura, so he [Igarashi] is a player we have interest in."

UPDATE by Charlie: Here are some stats.

Former MLB player Jose Castillo was attacked by armed men on motorcycles as he left his luxury hotel in a taxi on Tuesday.

"They stopped the car and those accompanying them entered with two guns, and pointed them at me so that I'd give them my gold chain and wedding ring," Castillo said. Castillo, who played in MLB from 2004-08, plays for the Caracas Lions. -Associated Press

Fortunately, he wasn't hurt. It's unfortunate, but if I were a ballplayer from Venezuela, there's no way I'd be willing to live there over the offseason. The risks are just too high these days.

Somewhat inspiring to me. Thoughts?

"The 10 managers and umpires eligible for election consideration to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010: managers Charlie Grimm, Whitey Herzog, Davey Johnson, Tom Kelly, Billy Martin, Gene Mauch, Danny Murtaugh and Steve O’Neill; umpires Doug Harvey and Hank O’Day."

Murtaugh was, of course, our manager during the '60 and '71 championship years. Keep your fingers crossed for him.

O'Day also has an interesting Pittsburgh connection, in that he was the umpire during the 1903 World Series, the first of its kind, in which we were defeated by Boston.

"Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cites "an American League source" that says the Pirates offered Matt Capps to the Brewers in exchange for J.J. Hardy.
With Trevor Hoffman already signed for next season and Mike Cameron about to walk in free agency, the Brewers opted for the Twins offer of Carlos Gomez. Capps struggled in 2009, posting a 5.80 ERA and 1.66 WHIP in 57 appearances, but general manager Neal Huntington has indicated that he plans to tender Capps a contract for 2010." November 10 - 1:00 p.m. ET
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With Veterans Day coming up, this is a nice piece by ex-Buc Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner about his time as a Naval Aviator during WWII.

Down to 36 with Meek and Ascanio needig to be added...

The former Pirates shortstop is being inducted into his high school's Hall of Fame.